Better to Be Children - by Charley Reese:

"We would do better if, instead of being sheep and complacently accepting the words of politicians as edicts from God, we were like children who always ask that innocent question, 'Why?'

Over and over we hear the statement 'The United States cannot afford to fail in Iraq.' Even John Kerry says that.

Well, why?

It's true that if we withdraw there might be a civil war. On the other hand, there might not be.

...to suppose that the Iraqis cannot govern themselves unless we set up their government for them is, of course, racist and patronizing.

It's also claimed that if we leave prematurely, Iraq will become a haven for terrorists. That's not likely. The Sunnis and the Kurds have no great love for al-Qaida, and al-Qaida hates the Shiites. Once we exit, I predict that life spans will grow exceedingly short for any leftover terrorists.

But, the politicians say, we have to establish security. Well, my grandmother's doily – we've been there a year and have failed miserably to establish security. What makes the gods on the Potomac believe that we will suddenly be successful in the future? The fact is, the Iraqis, if left to themselves, can probably establish security much more quickly than we ever could. They have had zilch experience with democracy but lots and lots of experience with security.

The American people ought to wake up and realize that maintaining a world empire with the dopes and nerds we have elected is impossible and can lead only to national ruin. Running our own country is job enough."