To tell you the truth, I don't think the conservatives who spout it believe it either - They're throwing red meat.  One of the things my High School civics teacher stressed was to always look to the motive and agenda of the speaker - whether conservative or liberal, what is this person Really trying to accomplish by this statement?  It's just another variation of bait and switch - While the liberals are defending themselvs, real debate about the administrations policies gets shunted to the side.
Now, the Ted Rall piece - I find nothing wrong with that.  By assuming a character, he's showing us what we are up against.  Like it or not, this is what the Bush administration has created in Iraq.  The real lesson of Vietnam is exactly what was stated - they don't have to "win" they just have to last.  As long as we fight them militarily, as a military force, as opposed to a guerilla force, we're screwed.  Not that we had any right to invade in the first place.
And Michael Moore, well, I've never heard him disparage America - American policy and the administrations who impliment them - Oh, hell yes.  If voicing an opinion against policy he disagrees with makes him a "Hater of America"  Then I'll proudly stand with him, along with the rest of the Libruls.