Please excuse typos I have not the time to check my post for them..

^Very logical and well thought out post, this is how you get your point across for serious disscusion. I appluad your ability to combine concious thought with just a hint of personel emotion. You make clear pooints, I respect that greatly.
(even for a lefty j/k)

IN response to the WMD portion of your post. I think I have made it clear that the UN resolution left open the opt for War based on many circumstances one of which the WMD's. The resolution it's self states any hesitation on the part of Iraq to comply, is grounds enough for an offensive. We as a nation, had been hit in our homeland, not by Iraq but by terrorist. We have prior knowledge of Iraq's WMD programs, plus the huge amount of non compliance on thier part to reopen her country for inspection. This equates to speculation, which equates to reasonable cause, which is just idiotic on the part of Saddam. He knew were we hit, and he knew we would be looking to protect ourself from even the most remote possibility of such an attack using non conventionla means. He should have imediatly opened his country up for inspection without hesitation. I know first had we have unearthed several violations of international sanctions and non compliance with the UN resolution drafted after the first gulf war. No jumping of the gun, Clinton was advised in the same manner as Bush, except Clinton decided to leave the problem to the next administration. Enough said, no jumping of the gun, it's more like why so late in the game. Either way that point was crushed...

Now about the results, no one said the conflict was resolved ever, the statment was that 'major conflict was over'. Once again a civilians misconception fueled by the radicle left and the media.
So another point decimated. I too hate to see our people being killed, I happen to work side by side with them in evey hostile arena they enter. I give them sight when they can't see and I give them targets they otherwise could not touch. One thing I know is that they are doing this for you and I. I respect their sacrifice and charecter. Removing a regime has never been as easy operation, but to do it as tactically as we have is unheard of. It's a major victory in the hearts and minds of those sworn to protect our freedom. Our death toll is a huge price to pay, one we are paying for daily, but in comparison to other campains we are doing what no ohter nation before us has been able to do without gross loss of life.
Once again with the circumstances and the fact that we are doing a job, that europe should be doing, again I think your point has been weakened. ( no beef, I really enjoy your debate)

We have captured or killed many of those infamous faces on the deck of cards, plus shut down the future Saddams. Sure Sadaam may have evaded us for now, as well as Osama, but that does not take away from the fact that we have him themon the run. While the las administration let them get away with murder. I can refer you to some good reading on the subject of Mr. Clinton allowing several most wanted to escape time and time again. I assure you this administration will not allow that to happen.

The distrust and resentment you mention is once again fueled by misconception and lack of awareness from the general population. It's not that the information is not out there in the public domain. It's more to do with how lazy we have become in this country, we rather be force feed our information than go to the trouble of searching it out ourself. Of course we would never suspect our papers and tv news to be less than accurate now would we?

The UN has proved itself useless and spinless in the face of international threats. It has become a utopia of liberal ideologies and world conformity. I do not stand for that, the majority of Americans who understand just how dangerous that is to our everyday life here in America, do not stand for that. Hence the overwhelming support for the War. Like I have mentioned Congress voted to wage war prior to any of the staements made by the President in that address. Now there is an election comming up, and guess what the left has changed face, a 180 degree turn around prior to the days leading up to the war.
Points nullified...

On another note, I can agree with you on the health care issue as you brought them up. Reform of current policy is great, but nationalized health care is not the answer here in America. I think you understand my reasoning behind that, since you parrelled my thoughts to a point. Lets skip that for now because I am currently writting an essay on this topic to be posted on the health care debate forum of a nationally syndicated talk show. Conflict of interest, since I am trying to push an agenda there.

I can also understand your preference to larger government in the sense of guiding a wayward state. I just do not believe governemnt should be in every aspect of our life. Social issues are not the sole function of governemnt, private sector and people need to make contributions in this area. I am against higher taxes, unlike you as a leftist. I would like to keep the money in the private sector, with big governemnt comes higher taxes and more government dollars to squander. Can you tell me why you call yourself a leftist? It is the agenda to the left, that is propelling our country into a socialist republic. Big government that has to regulate everyday life, from food to work, to health care, not only harms induviualism, but resemble's that of communisim. If you have ever opended a history book, you should know where that path leads, to total destruction of state. Look at how many socialist societies have crumbled to date. I care about the future of this country enough to look at the domino affect liberal socialism will have on my Daughters United Sates of America. I say my daughters because most of these issues will not be appearent to the general population until the near future. One which I amy or may not see. If I only cared about myself I would not be so passionate about this issue, or even allow myself to be blinded. I do care, about our children and thier right to grow up in a free nation, not one flung into socialisim. I do not expect everyone to understand my position or even care, but it one you should concern yourself with. When you look into the eye's of an innocent child and feel what I feel for my daughter you will understand. The left is on a crusade to destroy family values, which will destroy our country and it's founding principles.

Until next time, respectfully submitted by Bounce...