Good site

No president or political party should glory in an unjustified and undeclared war. Too many human sacrifices have defiled the stated many reasons for the Iraq war. Seems like we've moved from advancing freedom to crushing opposition only. We can't simply "cut and run" but we can reach a point to exhale and come home.

Two points: Biff, regarding your proposed defection, exactly where would this supposed disillusioned majority of the Democratic base go? The "neo-cons" to whom you refer (I'm guessing Wolfowitz, Kirkpatrick et al) moved to the Republicans precisely because they saw a viable alternative to the Democrats that seemed to better represent their positions. How about your pacifist Dems? Green Party? Have fun with that. And "war-mongering" is a bit of a stretch.

Carl, your point is well taken and the sentiment is one shared by most thoughtful liberals, centrists, and not a few Republicans, if they were pressed. FDR led us to war, Truman dropped the bomb, and JFK was a bigger hawk than any in recent memory (see the phantom "missile gap" platform) But such a characterization, however apt (and colorful), doesn't get us elected. There are a lot of ignorant voters out there (so I'm told), and we need an appropriate response. Clinton did wonders for us on many fronts, but the "Third Way" left this one with the Repubs (unsurpising, perhaps, given the context). I say godspeed to this thing. Let's hope it works so that we Dems can reassert ourselves as strong on security. Defense and liberalism aren't mutually exclusive -- now if we can just convince the rest of the country.

Dems are 'sissies' on defense while the GOP are, what? Bullies? Real Men? Macho? Tough Guys?

Good grief, are we back on the primary school playground? They'll always out-macho you, even if they have to drive around on camo-painted hummers with their dicks hanging out.

Why not frame it smart vs dumb defense instead?

National Security Dems recognize the difference between a just war (Afghanistan) and an unjust war (Iraq). I am not a pacifist, I believe our soldiers should be used for wars that are just. Afghanistan was justified because we were attacked by Osama bin Ladin and the government of Afghanistan would not turn him over to us. Now, what are the ever shifting reasons for the war in Iraq? Let's talk about changing reasons for a war as it goes on. Didn't the Republicans have a word for it? Oh yeah, it was mission creep.

What a joke, more war mongering? Disenfranchise more of their base. How much of the anti-war crowd do you think went out and voted for Kerry?

How come they haven't defected the party yet like the neo-cons did 30 years ago?

Nick D., I agree with your thoughts.

I also think it would be worthwhile to create a homeland security-related PAC for the Dems to help gain the advantage on that very important issue, too.

This is great for the Democrats. A woman Representative stepping up to the plate for liberals in a normally conservative controlled issue is pretty risque, but warranted on the issue. I believe it will not turn heads like a Christian Coalition group does, but provide that needed firepower to Democrats to not look like sissy fools when it comes to US Security.

However will it be too late? That's the real question.