"But it is it any less kneejerk-partisan to make these conveniently-simplistic critiques without full exploring the tradeoff implicit in the decisions?"

Hast hit the mark and followed through to the hilt.

Unfortunately, the Left is not bothered by hypocrisy. Not.One.Bit.

Missing also is the awareness that Tommy Franks had to adjust, on the fly, to Turkey's refusal to allow Fourth Mech to go through and attack from the north. A delay to bring the 4th Infantry Division around would have put the rest of the plan in jepardy because of deteriorating weather, not to mention the problems of supplying another engaged division over the same roads the others were using.

Ace--

I thought we discussed this before, but *please* do not use the word "bear" in any piece about Andrew Sullivan.

It oogs me out.

Cheers,
Dave

Y'know, when I first started reading your site, I was fairly defensive about Andrew Sullivan and believed that he was justified in being peeved enough about gay marriage to not endorse Bush. I still believe that to an extent, seeing that the Log Cabin Republicans are also refusing to endorse him on the basis of that truly unconservative amendment.

But now, and perhaps it's always been this way, his blog amounts to a series of gob-smackingly vile adjectives and superficial criticisms to criticize President Bush. I find myself going to his site and holding my breath until I find some intellectually honest commentary. I can't wait until Nov. 1 or Nov. 2 when he finally lets the dam burst and endorses Kerry for his fiscal conservativeness, cautiousness in international affairs, willingness to criticize himself and Edwards's optimistic outlook and ability to bring America out of the doom and gloom of the past three year's with his sunny - and sexy! - demeanor.

For me, what really got me was his over the top criticisms of Jonah and his accusations of "kool-aid" drinking with Jay Nordlinger. Seriously dude, get over yourself.

Time for a reality check. Mistakes were made in Iraq. No fooling! Guess what, mistakes were made in every single war America has fought. That doesn't make a war wrong. Should FDR/Eisenhower have been fired for failing to be prepared for the hedge rows in Normandy? Does it mean that D-Day was illegitimate? NO!!! The reason why the Democrats can't win the election is simple. They are only capable of being back seat drivers. They are followers, not leaders!!!

Starting to feel like Michael Corleone in Godfather 3? You try to ignore him until he gets so shrill, well, go get him Ace. It looks like Jonah Goldberg is sparing no words for Sullivan either (although he doesn't point him out by name).

I found Sullivan's attacks on Belmont Club especially vitriolic and distasteful. But then again, I've noticed that before =\. Wretchard is being such a class act in spite of it though.

Course I spent 5 pages ripping on him and calling Sullivan a box turtle. I'm proud to say I have no such class :)

I'm sure Sully's sore T-cells are to blame and as soon as they perk up he'll be able to see the error of his ways.... That or he is an intellectually dishonest one issue hack...

Elric well said. i have been following that debate as well. How dare Andrew Sullivan go after someone as brilliant Wretchard. Sullivan actually called wretchard a "partisan republican spinning the facts" Funny I believe I found the belmont club via the daily dish. has anyone else noticed that AS refers to the Belmont Club as "they". What is that about?

I dont want to defend Sullivan (he's more than capable) but I do share many of his views on Iraq. I simply havent come to the same conclusions about dumping Bush being productive. Anyway, I dont think the issue is whether we properly hit the ground running in Iraq. Anyone serious agrees that there was simply no way to anticipate how things would look, and obviously war never goes according to plan (ie the 4th ID). What pisses me off is the lack of flexibility and adaptation in the last year and a half. Bremer was a fiasco and Bush should have been on top of him. There should not have been _any_ squabbling in the occupation, it was a military occupation and the only way for it to be effective was to have undivided command. If Bremer had that authority, he never used it. The military carried their end brilliantly and the civilians totally failed. There was never the appreciation for how critical reconstruction was and how time was of the essence. Instead Iraq was treated like a highway project, and the administration bears that blame ultimately. For that I may never forgive Bush, but he's still the better man for the job.

Hey, Ace. Get over Sullivan. He's an intellectualy dishonest hack at this point.

Yes, I used to read him religiously too. He alternately eloquently re-enforced my thinking or challenged me to examine it in a different light. But them days is over.

I have NO sympathy for any supporters of Kerry. The contortions in reason required to argue for any of his policies without breaking into hysterical laughter is beyond the ability of anyone with a triple digit IQ. Has there ever been a worse candidate for President in the history of the United States? It says something scary about our country that he remains in serious contention.

Kerry has one idea to which he cleaves to the exclusion of all else. To get elected. Period.

Sullivan clutchs one idea above all other considerations. Sex with whom he pleases, however he pleases.

Both of them will perform any necessary mental gymnastics to support whatever policy appears most likely to achieve their goals - at this moment. If it becomes desirable to do a quick 180 to lend a voice to totally different ideas, they are fine with that. Like little children who only care about getting their way. And throwing tantrums when they don't.

Thinking people quit reading Sullivan long ago. Why keep him in the public eye any longer? He is a lost cause. And you risk appearing fixiated on him. If you MUST read his superior little screeds, do so in private. I'm here because I enjoy your take on things, not Sullivan's. (Or Willis, Marshall, or any of the other usual suspects.) Let his blog die a graceful death, as reasonable people realize he has nothing useful left to say.

What no one is mentioning is that HIV, as well as the anti-retroviral drugs, have deleterious effects on the central nervous system. Sullivan is on a downhill spiral, very much like someone with Alzheimer's. From now until the inevitable end, everything he says will be suspect.

Ace,

Don't know if you've seen this, but Wretchard took Sullivan out back and gave him a spanking again.

Hey Ace, DON'T "get over" Sullivan.

Better angels are NOT prevailing in this war of ideas, and you have to patiently slice like a fuckin' hammer until you've rendered that sore-ass hypocrite's blog into a greasy spot in the blogosphere.

Today's payday. Where's that PayPal button....

Sullivan is one sick puppy folks.

http://milkyloads.tripod.com/