Monday, February 17, 2003

Instapundit reports that supporters of war against Iraq are taking a lot of hate mail for their position. Unfortunately, that kind of hateful spewing gives those against the war -- and anyone on the left -- a bad reputation. I remain ambivalent about getting our people possibly killed and potentially opening up a pandora's box with military action against Iraq. But I respect the opinions of those who favor it, just as I respect those who oppose it.

My beef is with the Administration's incredibly botched effort over the last, what, 8 or 9 months, to manage its PR campaign. Frankly, I think people are tired with the constant back and forth with no discernable action by the U.S. If we're going to do it, let's do it, already. There's been so much sabre-rattling, my ears hurt. I can live with a green light decision on Iraq; I have problems with the interminable waiting. At this point, no one believes (1) that Saddam will voluntarily disarm or quit, or that (2) the UN will take effective action. It's long past time to fish or cut bait.

Having said that, I remain convinced that this Administration, with a president as big a figurehead as Reagan, has no idea how to handle our domestic economy-related problems. Sure, I'm upset that Bush won in 2000; I am sorry that so many of those who feel as I do resort to the same tactics that the Repubs used in 1993 and 1997 [i.e., "Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Bush"]. Regardless of what's happened since 9/11/01, this Administration has to take responsibility for erasing our surpluses and returning us to the bad old days of incredible deficit spending. It's only fair; if the economy turns around, they get to take credit for it, just as the Clinton Administration did.

Just my 2 cents. Let's play nice with the other kids, OK?

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