I'm on the right side this time.

[More Than A Feeling]

When the 2nd Iraq War officially began in 2003, I supported it. I realized a long time ago that this was wrong, and I moved from criticizing the way the war was being run, to my current position which can generally be described as "pull out as soon as humanly possible."

Not this time. Not Iran. Not this president, not if John Kerry were president, not if Al Gore was wrapping up his second term. Above all, no "tactical" nukes. God, I can't believe we're even discussing that.

None of this sixteen days bullshit. I'm not buying, but I will be writing, and calling, and protesting, if necessary.

[FatDave]

1. Just out of curiosity

How would you have described your political leanings back when you supported the war? Moderate democrat? Independent? Liberal republican? And what would you consider yourself now? Just wondering what kind of changes in your thinking have gone on between then and now and what led to them.

[nonconformist]

2. Good for you!

I was always against the Iraq war, but I initially supported the Afghan war... until we bungled it royally, that is. Now I know it was all a ploy.

[TomInTib]

3. And... just out of curiosity..

wht did you initially support "the Afghan war"?

I am not asking from a flamer knee-jerk viewpoint, but just out of curiosity.

Tom

[nonconformist]

4. Because we need to catch bin Laden

And though I was skeptical that it was our only goal there, I mistakenly believed that it was the main one and that it would be successful.

[TomInTib]

5. Really?..

Was that because of your own inherent belief(s) at that time, or did you believe what you were hearing from the gov?

I am serious and not poking fun at you.

Thanks,
Tom

[nonconformist]

6. My own belief, mostly

I've never trusted these fools, and I've always been a democrat. I wasn't as well informed then, but I did follow the news. Mostly, I had faith in the international support and in the military to do what needed to be done - I thought that in light of 9/11, everyone involved was quite serious with their intentions. I couldn't fathom that they would end up to be THIS corrupt.

Hell, they still manage to surprise me.

[TomInTib]

7. Don't the flying come easy?

The hardest part is when we fall.

Too late at night and too much music (is there ever enough?).

Did the dishonesty shake you, or did you just grow to understand it?

I, too, had faith at one time, And I had the fortune (good and bad) to spend 27 months in combat (S Vietnam).

I am more well informed these days.

[nonconformist]

8. It shook me to the core

I think it still does. It's hard to wrap your brain around.

It's been kind of a phased in process, but there were significant epiphanies I've had along the way. I think the most earth shattering moment was when I learned of the PNAC.