I had to write this article because the writer of the article that inspired it made it clear that no debate or elaboration on the responses was allowed, just a simple "yes" or "no" answer.

For one thing, the question wasn't about whether the Iraq war is/was morally justified, but whether we should have troops stationed there right now. ANd, as opposed as I am to the concept of war, I have to say that, FOR THE MOMENT, my answer would have to be a reluctant "yes".

You see, I also believe firmly in the rights of so many Iraqis who had nothing to do with this damn war, who are simply trying to live their lives and raise their children as best they can in a crazy world where a whole lot of people with whom they are firmly disconnected are making decisions about their lives. It is all too easy to forget, from the perspectives of those who live in a nation where guns and ammunition can be purchased at the nearest Wal-Mart, that there are those who do not have the opportunity to procure weapons for the defense of their own home, let alone their nation, against the rogue elements who would control and divide. And, while I remain staunchly Libertarian in almost every way, I believe that our withdrawal from Iraq should be planned, calculated and controlled, and not a sudden massive withdrawal that will destabilize the nation and rapidly lead the same monsters back to the throne as the one we ousted in the first place.

To sum up my beliefs and my feelings with a simple "yes" or "no" would not be responsible, or fair. This is not a "poll" question that can be answered as simply as, say, industrialm hemp legalization. My feelings on the issue are far too complex for that.

You might want to consider that next time you make a poll question a blog subject.