dear Counsellor,

by this reply, I don't wish to detract from the kind sentiments you expressed in your interesting post. (I actually would have prefered to post after some more standard replies had appeared, but I am not online for long) I am glad to hear about stories like this, and I find it very heartwarming that strangers would reach out to returning troops in this way and am happy to see it happen.

But I have to disagree with one thing you've said: "... [these acts of kindness] also told me why we will win this war."

I do not believe that kindness of heart or good intentions mean that we will win a war. To believe these things is to deceive onesself about the seriousness of the situation and leads to a blindness of the true cost of war.

A belief in the righteousness of a cause alone does not guarantee success. In fact, even military superiority does not guarantee that you will win a war. I think we have learned this before.
In the current situation, it is becoming increasingly clear that the obstacles faced by the US (and its military) are going to require significant re-evaluation by this administration. The admininistration's unwavering belief that success will be gained by "staying the course" and having an unquestioning American people is going to cost more lives and cause us all to see more honorable soldiers traveling home in our airports -- not fewer, which is what we'd all like to see.