*** We know what will happen. More mayhem. If we stay? More mayhem. If we go? More mayhem.***

Yes, there will be mayhem in either case. But isn't it better if we stay and and help train their military and help protect their innocent? Wouldn't this minimize the mayhem? What'll happen to the women and children if we just up and leave? Hundreds of civilians are currently being targeted and killed while we're there. How many will die if we leave? Doesn't that worry you? These same murders want to kill every American, Brit and Jew they can find. Do you think we'll be safer at home if we leave? Spain had no troops in Iraq. Look what happened to them. Thailand has no troops in Iraq. Boom. India has no troops in Iraq. Boom. Will we really be safer if we leave? No. We will only be re-enforcing Bin Laden's description of the US being a "paper tiger" with no will to fight. Will that keep us from being attacked?

*** We've already ruined two generations of lives in Iraq. ***

I disagree. With the exception of Baghdad, the rest of Iraq is quite calm. Schools have been rebuilt. Water now flows freely to the Shia in the south. Communication infrastructure is far superior than under Saddam. Millions turned out to vote, even under the threat of attack or death. You say we've ruined their lives, I say we're giving hope to the hopeless.

*** We've already ruined our international reputation in Iraq.***

You're right, but for this we should thank the NYT's, LA Times, the Washington Post, the BBC, al Jazerra, the UN and the rabid, "Bush is Satan" democrats.

*** We've already ruined tens of thousands of American lives in Iraq. ***

War is hell. Most feel their mission is a noble one. I have two cousins over there now. One was struck in the head with shrapnel and was sent home to recuperate. He has since volunteered to go back. He wants to fight those who want to kill us, he wants to fight those who are killing Iraqi women and children and he's fighting to give "those poor people a chance to live a life they're never known."

*** We've already come close to ruining our national economy. ***

Unemployment is about 4%, the stock market (the indicator regarding the health of our economy) is at an all time high and millions of people have been able to purchase a new home since the start of this war. All have occured while NYC was attacked, two wars rage, Iran rattles it's nuclear sabre and al Qaida blows up civilians in trains. I'd like to see examples of this ruined economy.

*** ...and with it, our chances of combatting any of the very real problems we're facing. ***

You don't consider terrorism and the rising tide of Islamo-facism a threat? Well, if you think we've got problems now, wait until we turn tail and run, I'm sorry, "reploy" in Iraq, leaving it in the capable and honorable hands of al Qaida and Iran.