You are correct Eric, the two examples are poor comparisons (IMO) but I know your intentions with this. The prime difference is that many elected officials voted to go to war in Iraq & for the other two examples that was not the case. The president AND the elected officials made their decisions on the intel available at the time. Intel is a constantly changing tool used to make decisions.

Now, for your question I believe the patriotic thing to do is to use the voting process to voice your desires. But, to constantly criticize our commander in chief is not the proper thing to do in the time of war against such a persistent & dangerous enemy. It really does embolden the enemy. Eric, I am truly sincere when I say that the negative voice coming from those against this war is demoralizing to us. It's as if those Americans are cheering for the enemy instead of us. It's hard enough battling the enemy and the fact our loved ones are so far away but when our fellow Americans we serve for don't believe in our mission it is devastating. Sure, part of what we fight for is the "freedom of speech" but while at war our fellow Americans back home should be more thoughtful about what they say and do. Can you not see the terrorists thinking this: "See how Americans are speaking out against their president? This is a sign from Allah that we must continue and strengthen our cause to kill the American infidels." But, if most if not all Americans were with us in this war could you not see how demoralizing that would be to the terrorists? You are all part of our team as fellow Americans. Most of you have played organized sports and imagine trying to win if many on your team believed you couldn't win or should even be battling on the field. Those of us on the team that are giving all of our heart and soul to the fight want the rest of the team to believe we can win. We can then draw the support and willpower from them too in helping the cause.

Thanks for understanding my thoughts.