Historical Perspective On Defeatism

Donald Kagan writes a fantastic piece on NRO about the history of defeatism during time of war in America. Ranging from ancient Greece to today's war in Iraq, Kagan reveals that defeatists have been present in every conflict. He finishes with a warning:

[T]oday’s defeatists have a huge investment in defeat and live in dread of success in the field, which could turn into disaster at the polls. In this, they would do well to understand that they are at odds with most of the American people, who are tired of the war and deplore the casualties and expense that goes with it. They want peace, but not one that is an illusion and will not last. Nor do they want a peace at any price that will bring fearful consequences and disgrace. If the defeatists have their way that is the kind of peace we will get; the American people will know whom to blame and will not quickly forget.

This is a great explanation; take a few minutes and go read it.

There's my two cents.