Which way to the exit?

Which way to the exit in Afghanistan? The President, having recently been awarded the Nobel Prize for peace, saw fit to follow the recommendations of General McChrystal and ordered 30,000 extra troops on the ground, with a stipulation that they be withdrawn in about 18 months. At that time they will have accomplished their mission and will be brought home. Yeah, right! (What mission?)

One recalls the fiasco of Viet Nam, which drew the blood of a generation and did little, if anything to show for such losses in life and treasure. We remember also the ambitions of a General Westmoreland, who kept on requesting "boots on the ground" time after time for his own aggrandizement. We find it somewhat less than credible that many of these were wasted to effect American security, all to glorify some pompous commander.

There was Korea, with its tragic course played out in too many funeral services, to accomplish WHAT? Other land wars in Asia have included tragic outcomes --- notably, Iraq, and our teetering course vs. Iran and Pakistan. Add Somalia from another warring continent. Do these plotters and planners ever learn from past errors in judgment and activity?

It is a wry duty, without pleasure, to wish the first contingent of Marines to be sent in this upgraded conflict a Merry Christmas. (Ironic while we celebrate the feast of the Prince of Peace?) Every veteran of combat, including this one, deplores the idea that his excursion into death and destruction is all concerned with our own security. Tell that one to every grieving mother that ever gave up a son or daughter to their country.