(WARNING - This post requires a reasonable attention span.)

There are a couple of things which ALWAYS ought to be kept in mind by thoughtful people.

First - NEVER believe your own propaganda. NEVER. You'll get burned. For instance, Cheney was saying that things were so bad in Iraq that the people would welcome the American troops and GWB would be regarded as a genius. Neither has happened.

Second - Obviously a very large majority of the Iraqi population has to support the resistance, or it would collapse. That's just common sense. It seems to me the Iraqis, except for "collateral damage", who are targeted are regarded by the majority of folks as Quislings or collaborators. Or else the resistance would be turned in. (And every time there is a large attack, the generals announce in one way or another, "We've got 'em on the run - they're desparate!")

Third - T. B. "Any attempt to try and attach any form of "patriotic" motivations to these people is idiotic. Any attempt to justify their actions by labeling over twenty million Iraqis as "traitors" is idiotic. I can't believe you haven't learned anything since the last time you were here."

That doesn't make any sense to me at all. If I were Iraqi I'd want foreign troops OUT, especially the troops of the country which imposed sanctions on the people while leaving Saddam unharmed. (The sanctions, that is.) I don't know how collaborating with an invading and occupational power would be considered "patriotic".

Fourth - T. B. "If you want to join the group burning effigies of Cheney over in Lindyland, feel free. But you know, this board is getting a bit short of sensible liberals. We have more than enough of the other kind."

I am surprised Cheney has any credibility left even with conservatives. Really. However, ad hominem attacks seem a last resort when there is a weakness of reasoning. (For an interesting evening your could check this site, especially #s 7 and 9 to understand why some people have a hard time understanding why others may disagree with them in good faith. And not be "idiotic". Really. It can be done, and done in good faith.

Last - NEVER believe your own propaganda.

Regards. Truly. Regards.

Arf