Eerie Alternate Universe

As I listen to news reports about the "final push" today into Fallujah, I can't help but think, "Jesus Christ, does anyone remember how many 'final push' efforts we heard about between, say, 1964 and 1975?" As I read credible estimates that we've killed somewhere in the neighborhood of 100,000 people in Iraq, I feel like I'm in some eerie alternate universe where indeed we have not learned from the past and we are condemned to repeat it.

Civilians who are indistinguishable combatants.

A disastrously miscalculated campaign to win 'hearts and minds.'

American politicians sending troops overseas to fight and die for a war we started under false pretexts.

Will we be in Iraq for 11 or 12 years? Longer? England was in Iraq for almost four decades after WWII...

Ever after

In 2000, I was disgusted by the notion that George Bush had lost the popular vote but won the election.

In 2004, I am horrified by the notion that George Bush won the popular vote. And the election.

There's a knot in my stomach that won't go away. I feel like a dad who is watching his kid go wrong. I know this feeling is hideous paternalism. I know America has to be allowed its legitimate decisions. But to continue on a course of immorality? Murderous aggression? Indifference to the poor?

When should Dad take away the car keys and ground his delinquent kid?

I am morally and intellectually certain of my position. But so what? The people who voted for Bush must be certain of theirs. Mustn't they?

Kerry's concession speech called for "healing" and the "need to find common ground." But how can I reach out to other Americans who are saying they're okay with a thousand dead American soldiers and 100,000 dead Iraqi civilians?