Using Mercenaries Is A Key Reason for Failure in Iraq

I saw an OpEd in my local paper yesterday that was appalling for its insights into the writer’s ignorance. The letter was in reply to someone else’s letter that had criticized the use of “Contractors” (I prefer to call them mercenaries) in Iraq and Afghanistan. The letter yesterday made several points, but two stood out to me.

 The use of mercenaries is expensive, but well worth it.
 One of the reasons its worth it is it keeps us from going back to conscription.

I disagree with both those points.

I invite you to read the article at the link and the comments afterwards. A couple of the comments are mine. Remember that one of the reasons listed in the Declaration of Independence for our break with England was King George’s use of mercenaries to subjugate the colonists.  Here’s the link. Your comments are welcome and encouraged.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/18/2618/#comment-56232