The Washington Monthly

The Washington Monthly: "THE NEW PROGRESSIVISM"



It is an odd aspect of the nation's current state of being, that up to two-thirds of the population agrees that things are seriously out of whack with the country, that the country is headed in the wrong direction, etc, BUT there is no agreement whatsoever on what should be done. We have a consensus on problems, but no consensus that any of our problems should be addressed with an actual solution.



Iraq is exhibit 1: more than 60% of the population appears to agree that Iraq was a bad idea from the get-go, and/or that our present policy there is a waste of blood and treasure. Iraq is a problem.



But, do we agree on a solution to our Iraq problem, or even agree that a solution might be desirable or feasible?



There are two obvious possibilities. We cut our losses by getting out. The other is, we summon whatever resources are necessary to achieving some worthy goals.



People fear to embrace withdrawal, because it might make things even worse.



People are unwilling to make the additional sacrifices and effort, which would be necessary to achieve much of anything in Iraq.



Futility appears to be the order of the day.