I like how Mr Conason insists on calling the US military presence in Iraq an "occupation" even though that ended in 2004 when the Coalitional Provisional Authority ceased to exist. Iraq has had an independent government ever since and the Coalition forces are there are its behest.
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Second, I am always amused when the war's detractors whine about the cost, but don't seem to mind when the federal government spends many times this on social programs ranging from Medicaid to education. It all comes down to priorities, but somehow the war's detractors never seem to mention this. I happen to think that securing Iraq, whatever the cost in dollars and lives, is worth it. It's very tiresome to still be hearing these objections five years on, especially now that we are finally seeing real progress in that country's security. Even the New York Times admits "the surge" is working. Why is there still whining about how long it's taking or what it's costing? Finishing the job is essential to stability in the Middle East and ultimately to American interests around the world, including on our own soil.
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My favorite line was "He (McCain) supports the war, even at the price of his own career or the life of a child he loves." Mr Conason seems not to understand that there are things in this world that are bigger than one's career, life, or family. Things worth dying for, worth staking a reputation on. I feel sorry for this columnist; his failure to understand this (as McCain does) makes him a sad, pathetic little creature indeed.