Allowing myself my one Christmas Eve indulgence of the dark side, I note: you're a cynical prick, XO.
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And a Merry, Merry Christmas to you, counselor
I simply stated what should be as obvious to all as a head of flaming hair: NO AMOUNT OF BRAVERY will save this godawful mess. Not even the bravery of your beloved friends. The enterprise was devised by cynics more cynical than I, who would willingly trade the lives of your brave buddies for fuel they can sell to you for $4.00 a gallon. They will fight for profits to the man, provided that said man is not one of their fellow Bonesmen.
If democracy comes to Iraq, it will be an Iraqi democracy, and Iraqis will deserve credit for it.
Corrupting it, however, in the somewhat unlikely scenario that it should come to exist, will be a chore for the heirs of James Baker and other whores of the 'awl bidness'.
Pricking the bubble of your delusions was an unpleasant task, but someone has to do it.