Apparently, you have absolutely no idea WHY we still have troops in Germany, Japan and Kosovo (or any other locations in the world.) I’m guessing that is the reason why you don’t understand why your comparison is so ridiculous.

In addition to Iraq and Afghanistan, the US military has a significant troop presence in the following countries/regions: Europe (100,000), Japan (35,000), South Korea (32,000) and Kosovo (1,500). http://politicalinquirer.com/2008/03/07/100-years-in-japan-germany-and-iraq-long-occupation-is-not-the-answer/ We keep these troops stationed there for specific strategic purposes, not because its customary to keep thousands of troops in countries we have defeated in war long-term just for kicks.

The US maintained troops in Germany (and other European countries) and Japan since the end of WWII primarily as a deterrant against the former Soviet Union and now Russia. Ever heard of the Cold War? We keep our troops in these countries as part of our NATO obligations to deter Soviet/Russian aggression.

The US maintained troops in South Korea since the Korean war as a deterrant against North Korea. These troops are there as a direct result of the fact that we did not win the Korean war, and therefore now have to keep a permanent troop presence there to deter North Korea from taking over our ally South Korea.

The US maintains troops as part of the NATO contingency in Kosovo to serve as peace-keepers because there is still ethnic tensions. In other words, the troops are still there because the underlying problems that led to the conflict have not been resolved.

Let’s compare to Iraq, where we have more than 140,000 troops plus 10′s of thousands of private security contractors. Bush’s official reason for the surge and keeping a large military force in Iraq was/is to provide security so the Iraqis can get there act together and take over. If we achieved “victory”, then there is no reason to maintain our troop levels. Unlike Germany, Japan and North Korean, there is no external threat that requires us to keep our troops there to serve as a deterrent. Moreover, we are maintaining this huge troop presence in Iraq notwithstanding the fact that our military commanders in Afghanistan are publically demanding more troops because of the deteriorating military situation in Iraq.

I suggest you go back and read General Petraus’ most recent testimony before Congress to educate yourself. While he testified about significant security improvements, he never used the word victory because he is smart enough to realize we haven’t achieved victory in Iraq yet. In fact, he described our security gains as “tenuous” and “reversible”, recognizing that the security situation will not be sustainable without the necessary political and economic achievements.

One would think that you people would be more careful about declaring victory in Iraq after prematurely doing so in 2003.

In case you did not guess I am being sarcastic.”

Really? Gosh – hadn’t noticed.

I ignore people on any portion of the political spectrum who insist on using made-up names – it’s just childish. I thought “McSame” was mildly amusing, but only to use once mockingly, not as a replacement for the man’s actual name. That’s no better than the GOP’s insistence on using “Democrat” as adjective instead of “Democratic” – it’s petty, and just reflects poorly on the person saying it.

Is anybody shooting at them or setting off suicide bombs in Germany or Japan or Kosovo?

I’d say that’s one thing that’s just a little different.

Oh, and here’s another – I don’t recall the elected leader of any of those countries recently calling for a timeline of when our troops will leave.

But other than that, you’re right – those situations are EXACTLY the same.

breschau

davem: “I have tried to get “serious” pollsters to discuss why this poll is so different from MSM polls.” Try acting like you’re out of junior high school, and see if you get any better results.

breschau

“For the 15% that makes up the hard left, things ARE much worse in Iraq – the US has won!” ZOMG – AWESOME!!!!1111!!eleventy-one!! So – when can the soldiers come home?

So when is your junior high graduation?

Victory in a war has nothing to do with bringing troops home.  They’re still in Germany and Japan and Kosovo, why would Iraq be any different?

Bayh was a popular Governor here in Indiana. I really can’t imagine Obama carrying this state, Hillary beat him here in the primaries, but Bayh might help Obama here. When Bayh was here he was a moderate politician, he has gone left since he went to Washington. But he and his father are popular here.

I have not seen any Obama stickers or signs, but I have seen a few McCain. But this is Indiana, people around here play this stuff pretty close to the vest.

Where as people who use the term Chimpy Bushitler and McShame deserve to be treated like the serious political commentators that they are.

In case you did not guess I am being sarcastic.

Obama takes Evan Bayh from Indiana. Safe and dull, the hope is for an edge in the midwest. Nutroots will be mad, but does Obama care? Who else will the left vote for?

McCain takes Tim Pawlenty, to counter Bayh’s selection. (midwesterner to counter a midwesterner)

If those do turn out to be the picks, then we are looking at Landslide McCain!!!

You left out what a peach Edwards has turned out to be….no wonder women don’t trust us. And he has such nice hair and is a man of the people.

By Contrast, Obama stuff is everywhere!
And I must caution you on your love of Mass Immigration from the Third World. Where I work, the Immigrants from The Middle East, Africa, India, Pakistan, are 100% for Obama. The only immigrants for McCain are the Asians.
So, through most immigration, we are importing Demacrate Voters. This was true where I work in 2004 as well. At least the Asians don’t all vote Dem. but the rest, I can’t even get through to them! I’ve tried! I tell them ANYONE BUT OBAMA. But they are under his spell.

Mark Krikorian covers this very well in his new book. We are turning our Country into a Demacrate Majority through Immigration, the terrible Public School System, and of course, the Media.

He has hundreds of his ‘Obama fellows’ college kid volunteers working the area to garner support and it still is not really paying off as much as that kind of effort should.

I have seen media sites saying Obama has placed over 9000 tv and radio spots versus almost none for McCain and most of the polls still show McCain leading in Florida.

Sounds like with all the full court press they still are not able to close the deal here just like all the problems he had with Hill in the primary.

The big loud and proud hype may be wearing out it’s welcome and some are really starting to ask ‘where’s the beef’.

The only looser is this Country. But it will be slightly better with Juan than Barry.

Like in the song:

Obama ?
Osama ?
Oh Lama !
Oh Mama !

What’s with you libs? Have ye no sense of humor at all?

Anyways, musical interlude over,
the poll is the poll. With an average weekly sample size of 300,000 to
500,000 votes, it is not to be sniffed at. Your run of the mill Zogby poll
has about 3000 respondents – two orders of magnitude less.