Tom Walker wrote:
>
>
> I regret to say this, but it's entirely possible that the hegemonic
> power of the US received a shot in the arm as a result of strategically
> abandoning its adventure in Vietnam and the aftermath of that
> abandonment. Perhaps on the basis of historical parallels, the left
> should surrepticiously seek to prolong the US occupation of the Iraq
> tarbaby.
"Tarbaby" is the correct metaphor, I believe. And while I doubt that the left could do anything to prolong it, I think it is correct that the longer it lasts, the better the chance that an actual coherent left will emerge from the anti-war movement. If that movement grows large enough it might energize all the different local struggles, plus such national struggles, such as those for health care, disabled benefits, etc.
Nebulous, but there's nothing better in sight just now.
And I do think that Iraq is a different prize from Vietnam, not so easily 'surrendered.'
Carrol
P.S. When Laird spoke at a Republican dinner here back in '71 or so, they had to sneak him in through the kitchen because we had the front entrance to the Masonic Temple blocked with people plus a lot of garbage. That was one of the fun demos.