Iraq, Vietnam and public perception

Yes, Reb, I was answering within the context of the original post.

My high school campus, 1972...a large group of crying girls and stone-faced boys have gathered under a small oak tree. The latest draft lottery numbers are in. The school has already lost three boys in Vietnam.

"Oh, God no! Jimmy! Tommy!"

"It's gonna be OK."

"No it's not! No it's not!"

"Don't go. I wouldn't."

"We have to put a stop to this!"

The annual high school Talent Show contest is won by a girl who sings "Where Have All the Flowers Gone." She finished the song by taking off her MIA bracelet, reading off the name and date missing and tearfully sobbing, "I've worn this bracelet for three years. They've finally found his body. He's coming home." She placed it on a spotlighted stool and walked offstage, leaving the audience stunned.

We have nothing like this going on now.

- I see what you're saying, Dads, but don't you think the best comparison would be Iraq 2007 vs. Vietnam 1967 or 68?? I wasn't around back then, but I would guess that this is how it felt in the early stages of Vietnam and that- if we continue on Bush's plan of "no end in sight"- then Iraq circa 2010 or 2011 might more closely resemble the Vietnam 1972 you experienced... Let's save this thread and review in another 3 or 4 yrs to see what's up. Of course, in all likelihood, a member of another party will capture the White House in the meantime and end the charade, but there are no guarantees.