Too much press: is it crippling our fighting ability?

[chrisms]

Let me just say from the start that I am anti-war and anti-Bush. This isn't meant to support the war.

This abuse scandal is evidence that, through our many outlets of criticism and information, the United States is unable to fight a long-term war. Take a look at Vietnam. We had an objective, we went to accomplish it, and when troubles came our way, criticism, protests, and stories of war crimes killed the effort.

Now in Iraq, we go in there with the idea of setting up a democracy. Conspiracy theories are everywhere, and stories of unfair oil deals and administration benefits from the war run daily. Death is reported daily, gruesome photos and statistics fill our television screens nightly. As the toll rises, so does public support. And without public support, the war eventually fails.

A war is not a war without atrocities. It is not possible to have a perfect war in which under 1,000 soldiers die, no civilians are killed, and the country is stable after only a few years. It's hard to realize this when we are constantly bombarded with stories of death and destruction, and how unnecessary it all is.

Are we unable to fight a long-term war? No matter how righteous the reason is, do the critics, vast amount of instantly-available information, and conspiracy theories crush our military power?

Look at the civil war. It was horrible, the entire nation suffered greatly, but at least the job was done. At least we know those men died to save the union that lives on today. If they had the communication technology we have today back in 1860, along with the same standard of political correctness, there is a good chance that support would have died, scandals would abound, and the union would have split after Lincoln either pulled out to save his ass or wasn't re-elected.

War is worst when nothing good comes of it. I am strongly opposed to the war, but now that we are in it the job must be done. Free speech prevents us from shutting up the media, and rightly so, but it is unfortunate that our new technology has made it impossible to fight a war if one is necessary.

 

[rickn]

they need to get every iraqi addicted to the internet. they should have had a concrete plan for that scenario from the beginning. interenet access above everything else. instead they go after all that silly oil

 

[charrison]

Originally posted by: rickn
they need to get every iraqi addicted to the internet. they should have had a concrete plan for that scenario from the beginning. interenet access above everything else. instead they go after all that silly oil

Maybe the press should report on number internet cafes that are now available in Iraq. Oh wait, that might show progress and good news.

 

[JackStorm]

Originally posted by: charrison

Originally posted by: rickn
they need to get every iraqi addicted to the internet. they should have had a concrete plan for that scenario from the beginning. interenet access above everything else. instead they go after all that silly oil

Maybe the press should report on number internet cafes that are now available in Iraq. Oh wait, that might show progress and good news.

heh...once enough internet cafes are up and they get the chance to download some porn, things will slowly start to change. Maybe they'll finally be able to relieve all that pent up frustration and will finally be able to tell the stuffy anti-porn religious fanatics (not to be confused with religious people in general) bastards to shove it.

 

[Zebo]

You know you've fusked up when things get out in the open and are embarrsed by it.

"Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. "

It's really simple ever since WWII we have been doing these optional wars mostly which have many modivations but are always contriversial. If we got attacked, really attacked, by a country you can bet the war would have full support. The press is simply there to report history and happenings and no doubt is damning to this autocratic and dangerous regime we have running this country which makes all americans look bad just like veitnam.

 

[arsbanned]

I think the U.S could fight an effective long term war against just about any adversary, PROVIDED, it is a JUST war based on sound, accurate intelligence AND all other diplomatic means are exhausted.
I would still support the Iraq war IF they had found the WMDs, you know, the reason we attacked them. (don't even start with this humanitarian crap, take a look at what we've done over there in the name of FREEDOM)
So I don't think it's a function of too much information, it's simply that the truth is absolutely damning to the Bush Admin and to our country in general.