that a person such as Petraeus or anyone representing the administration must establish credibility prior to anyone reading something they say as gospel. A distinguished military record isn't enough Tom when you're dealing in war because everything a commander in the field says has an element of politics associated with it. A leader in battle knows that they must keep up the illusion of winning no matter what the truth on the ground is.

And for you to keep up with this smug insistence that your links just have to be taken seriously without debate is beneath the dignity of this forum.

And just who the hell are you to be preaching about somebody using talking points?

What's weird is that I'm actually enjoying Steve Smyth's posts more than yours and he's a complete and utter loon.

Art