This is a general observation, and certainly not restricted to the people on this board.

I think it is obvious that the Iraq situation is not turning out the way the Left thought it would.

A large part of the Leftist movement, for whatever reason, went "Vietnam" on us in the past year, and invested a tremendous amount of themselves in their opposition to the war, to a far greater extent than for almost any other recent issue. Massive protests, organized opposition in the media, and much (not all) of the Democratic Party aligning itself against the war. This phenomenon extended far past American borders.

The Left, across the planet, put almost all their political eggs into this basket. It's going to be rough for them.

While only an idiot would say we have finished the job in Iraq, it is obvious that many--in fact most--of the dire predictions made by the anti-war movement didn't pan out. It was the same in Afghanistan, and the first Gulf War.

Some sadness, frustration and anger are to be expected.

It doesn't help matters when the pro-war faction gloats about it.

Our military and leaders did a damn good job under damn difficult circumstances, and with many people, nations, and groups lined up in opposition.

And I'm proud of our country today.

If that's gloating, sue me. I got tears in my eyes today watching that statue come down. Especially when the American flag was replaced by the Iraqi one to thundering cheers. We have done a good thing here, and even a lot of liberals agree. 62 percent of California Democrats support using military action to remove Saddam from power. There are a lot of Democrats out there who are workers, family people and farmers, and don't consider the major influence on their lives a university political science teacher.

We moved the ball a long way down the field in three weeks. There is some tough work ahead, even after the guns are put away. But even when the goal line is reached, I don't think dancing in the end zone will be called for.

There's a lot of players lying very still on the field, on all sides.