As you stated in your diatribe, Tillman's input is but just one of a chorus of voices in this debate. However, let me remind you of the tactics your side (and you've clearly aligned yourself on this issue) has used repeatedly, that of falsely implying that the overwhelming view of the military on the ground is in favor of the Bush administration's policies. My posting of this is simply an attempt to balance that argument by showing the alternative viewpoint from an obviously qualified debate participant.

As is always the case though, those words "leftist" emerge quickly in your reply somehow implying that Tillman's views are only those of the left. If you'll notice, Tillman doesn't mention left or right in his piece. He aims his anger towards individuals in power in the government. That a majority is held by the right seems to bring this defensiveness where it's once more an "us against them" thing.

Wanting to hold your government accountable for idiotic foreign policy decisions that bring death and destruction around the world is not a left/right issue. I can come up with a myriad of past conservative and libertarian leaders that are likely rolling in their graves right now over the sheer stupidity of our chicken-hawk leaders and the brazenness of our foreign entanglements.

Your polarizing rants are getting old and highly predictable Techie and I'm surprised I even read through it all. Usually you lose me in one of the first paragraphs. It's a shame too. You're obviously eloquent and well-studied. What's missing is compassion and common sense. Let's see, now who would I rather share a beer with, you or Kevin Tillman?

Art