From the "Good Points by Good Democrats" file...

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Upper Left), as told by David Postman…

He said that while he hates historic military metaphors, he had one himself for Iraq and what he says is a global war on terror: The U.S. left Vietnam, lost Vietnam to the Communists, but eventually won the Cold War.

I'd argue further that war with Vietnam was, in fact, a detriment to victory in the Cold War, and that Iraq is similarly detrimental to meaningful pursuit of, let alone victory in, the Global War on Terror. I think Smith's formulation, though, can be a valuable way for Democrats to project strength against the threats faced by our nation and other pluralistic democracies while opposing escalation and demanding a conclusion to Bush's war.

Of course, it's important to remember that the victory in the Cold War had more to do with the strength of ideas like market economies, representative government and individual liberty - liberal ideas all - than with Ronald Reagan's defense deficits. We won because we inspired the people, not because we frightened their government.

We can only defeat the enemy by being better than the enemy.