Perspective in Iraq

The criticism of Iraq continues. This is from fellow UPC member Cernig:

Chuck Hagel may be wrong when he describes this administration’s policy as “disconnected from reality”, which would mean they are criminally incompetent.

Criminally incompetent? Iraq and Afghanistan, two countries halfway around the world, have been liberated from Saddam Hussein and Islamofascists, respectively. They are on their way to becoming functioning democracies, something unthinkable 10 years ago. There hasn't been a major terrorist attack in the US since 9/11. (Knock on wood.)

The liberal response is to call the Bush administration "Criminally incompetent."
It is like saying the Patriots suck because they only won the Super Bowl 3 out of 4 years.
It is like saying Cindy Crawford is ugly because she has a mole.
It is like saying Saint Theresa was selfish because she ate food that could have fed others.
It is like saying Jimi Hendrix was a bad guitar player because he didn't play with his toes.
It is like saying Mike Myers isn't funny because he was in So I Married an Axe Murderer.

Smart, educated, wonderful people, honest believe the "Criminally Incompetent" theme. How can you argue with someone who finds the almost unbelievable success in Iraq and Afghanistan an indicator of incompetence? You can't. I mean you would point to Iraq and Afghanistan as indicators of hyper-competence. Saying they are indicators of incompetence is ridiculous.

It is like saying Reagan almost threw away victory in the Cold War.
It is like saying Bush Sr. was a wimp.
It is like saying being a fighter jockey is for cowards.
It is like saying Harvard graduates are dumb.
It is like saying Gitmo is a gulag.

Well... I guess we shouldn't be surprised. Weary, yes. Surprised... Nah.