20644: your germany and japan comparisons are not relevant to Iraq, which is made of three major factions that do not like each other, plus an uneven split in resources. Remember, Iraq was artificially created by Britain circa 1920. Germany and Japan have been more homogenous culturally, with a stable land area for many, many more generations.

You also make the error of assuming that someone pointing out negatives hates the whole thing. America fucking rocks. I love this place. However I believe it is patriotic to have a clear grasp on the situation, and be willing to point out uncomfortable truths. With better information, Americans can make better decisions on how to run our country.

Unfortunately Bush W. has been classifying more documents that any other president.. so it's harder to get the facts now.

The government, on the other hand, has a crap track record of damaging other countries far more than helping. I can cite you 15 nations that the US has damaged considerably, and illegally.

Learn to differentiate between "country" and "government action"... it will serve you well.