But, I thought, is there any way Iraq is a win for us whether we leave now or later? Am I so jaded against Bush that I can't see anything positive about his actions?

A few more moments of reflection and I concluded that a win-win picture could be painted though it's a stretch, and, yes, I am jaded against Bush because he deserves no less for what he and his cronies have done and are doing to our great country.

We win in Iraq by pulling out now because we save American lives, and cut our costs and losses. We went in to remove Hussein and install a new government. Both are done and done. If the new government has a few rough edges, that's their problem not ours. Get out now!

We win if we pull out later because we'll help stabilize the country, saving more lives overall, plus we can help fine-tune their government. Sure, it's an investment on our part but that's what it is - an investment. Get out later!

No matter which path we choose, Bush and his Boyz will paint the cheeriest picture possible. With the trial of Hussein coming up, rest assured the propaganda machines will be running in full force. But keep an eye out for major events sneaking by and being conveniently covered over by "pressing news" from the trial.

Which brings me to my final thought of this entry. Bush had us invade Iraq because supposedly Hussein was an immediate threat to the security of the U.S. so...why is Hussein being brought up on charges completely unrelated to the invasion? If Hussein posed such a threat that we invaded and toppled him, if Hussein is going to be brought to trial, it should be on charges that he (Hussein) posed a threat with WMDs to U.S. security - plain and simple. But, we know, that won't happen because - smoke and mirrors - we'd lose and then what? - put Hussein back in power with a back slap and a "My bad!" Not in the Bush League. Bush wants a trial to make it look like Justice is being served but he can't put Hussein on trial for the reasons put above. Can' t and won't.

It used to be "lies, damn lies, and statistics", now it's "lies, damn lies, and Bush lies".