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The only thing that matters

In a post that starts well but unfortunately gets a wee bit inchoate at the end, the author at Bloggledygook (sorry, I don't know the name of the blogger...) writes:

The Outcomes-Based War.

I must admit to a certain confusion as to the administration's strategy in Iraq at the current time. Even as more evidence mounts that the war--which I support-- has been a brilliant success in its initial execution and a qualified failure in its aftermath, a stay-the-course mentality appears to have gripped the White House.

There is still time for things to improve, and I am cautiously optimistic that the outcome will be worth the cost. But then again, so far my own personal cost has been nil. I have not fought, I have not seen the battlefield first-hand. I have not lost a friend or loved one. So that means that I have no stake in this fight, right? Well... wrong. The stakes are for all high and real, whether soldier, reporter, demonstrator or supporter.

The war itself has been thrown into the background as supporters and opponents each vie for position as to what would constitute victory or defeat. This war has become, in the parlance of mid-nineties education policy, an outcomes-based war. Simply put: the only thing that matters to many partisans is who ends up being right. If Iraq ends up democratic and at peace, the pro-war side will have their day. If the country descends into chaos, civil war and Shari'a, the anti-war crowd will bring out the I-told-you-sos.

I am focusing on what I feel is the most important point made: "Simply put: the only thing that matters to many partisans is who ends up being right."

This is a topic I have addressed repeatedly here, but which bears emphasizing yet again.

Is "being right" more important than what is right for the country?

For far too many, it appears that "being right" or "winning" or "scoring points" is indeed the most important thing, beyond everything else, and I fear it will cost us all.

What is more important for you?

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