I'm going to piss a lot of people off here, but who cares. My freedom is not being protected by setting up a haphazard infrastructure in a land where the camel reigns supreme. This did not win me the right to think, write, or say anything. I understand the sacrifice, and respect each soldier... But it's time we stop trying the blanket statement that this is the reason there is freedom. We don't have the money to make Mosul up in our own image, and freedom is not created by building a waterpark in Baghdad (US taxpayer funded, mind you...). The bravery of our soldiers is being sold out, and we're given the bill for a parochial mission. I support our soldiers, and by saying that I mean I want them all home with those that they love. Cut military spending by refining the usage of our troops. Have them ready to do what is really in our interest, which might mean showing some Mexican crimelords the business. Protect US interests....