[Ziroc]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: I disagree, Z, because I think your average man-on-the-street incapable of making this decision. Further, I think even those of us who care enough to read the papers/watch the news everyday are incapable of making this decision - because all of the pertinent information is held secret for national security. But, even if we had perfect knowledge of everything, I still think it should be done through the Representative Republic that is our elected leaders. Now, I know that reality leaves something to be desired in our leaders. But, in theory we elect them to run the country because they have an expertise we don't. If I want to build a bridge I call an architect, a specialized one at that. I don't put it to a vote amongst the population, because they simply don't understand bridges. Plus, the decision of whether or not to go to war has ramifications - immediate and future. IMHO, our leaders are supposed to do what is best for the Nation-State, in the long run, which will sometimes be an unpopular decision at present.

I agree 100%. The normal 'joe' does have all the facts, and the intel that the US Gov. has. I just saw people talking about this on a newsgroup, and wanted to see what you guys though.