A Question of Competence
Why withdrawal is the only option – whether you're antiwar or not
by Steve Breyman, Antiwar.com

Leave aside the war's preface of lies. Forget about Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. Pretend not to care about international law and organizations. Ignore the chutzpah of the Coalition Provisional Authority, the increase in terrorism around the world, and the awesome pigishness of Halliburton. Think not about the international reputation of the United States. Don't wonder whether a rushed constitution may be a disaster. Cover your ears when President Bush argues more American servicemen and women must die in Iraq because many of their brothers and sisters already have. Banish even Cindy Sheehan and the nearly 2,000 other Gold Star mothers from your mind.

Think only, citizens and elected officials still unable to accept the antiwar movement's call for immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, about whether you trust this administration to competently conduct the war, to "complete the mission," in the president's phrase. The same president who declared "mission accomplished" long ago. Because if you don't believe it competent – and you ought not – then you can no longer permit it to wage war in your name. At that point, "troops out now" becomes your only possible position.

To criticize the administration's incompetence is not to chime in with calls for perseverance, further sacrifice, or more troops. Like 140 million other Americans, I opposed the war before it started. Like tens of millions of other Americans, I believe the U.S. military is long overdue for departure. Staying the course is not an option because the course is charted by the functional equivalent of drunk drivers.

Full story here.