Iraq

I won't debate whether the U.S. should have gone and invaded Iraq or not. The U.S. military did however demonstrate how a well trained, well equipped small force could defeat a larger, less well trained and equipped force even if the latter is fighting on its home ground.

It is one thing however if you plan on just defeating the enemy and moving on, it is another if you plan on staying and rebuilding. It took a large force to stay and rebuild and occupy Germany after WWII. It took a long time also. Note that Germany didn't have insurgents or other countries like Iran supplying weapons to fight the occupation forces and also note that Germany didn't have a population that was vastly divided in religion, ethnic background etc.

Though I don't agree with McCain on many issues I think he is right that we need to expect to stay a long time.

Celtics Parade

I was in downtown Boston today doing a bit of research and almost decided to watch the "rolling rally" parade for the Boston Celtics (for those of you who don't know, they just beat the LA Lakers for the NBA championship). It was way too crowded. Good for the home team. I saw alot of Celtics jerseys being worn. I am sure as the Celtics parade past there will be many who will be saying "thank you Celtics." I personally think it should be the other way, the Celtics should be thanking US for our hard spent money spent on tickets and merchandise (often marked up 1000s of percents). It's an interesting trend, to have a jobs like the athletes and management do - not only do you get worshipped, you get paid millions to be worshipped. All I need to do is find a business of similar way - where people will shell out big time for the privilege of being associated with you in some way. (Well I never refer to the hometown teams as "we"...if it were "we" then I should be sharing in their money too). Go Celtics, Go Patriots, Go Red Sox, Go Bruins, Go Revolution!