Inspired by Rummsfeld's recent testimony to the House and Senate, I imagine what I would say to Mr Rumsfeld.
Q. Mr Rumfeld Are you a gambler? Is Iraq a bet?
A. Now you know that's a question I can't answer. Of course going to war means taking risks, risks we cannot avoid and we rely on our generals in the field to determine those risks.
Q. Mr Secretary, what is worst case scenario?
A. Well I've never really thought about it. It's kind of absurd to plan for failure. I suppose that would be if we don't obtain our objectives. Perhaps the worst case would be if the US lost the will to win and withdrew.
Q. What would that lead to?
A. Well utter chaos, civil war. A breeding ground for terrorists.
Q. Sir, how do you know that that will not happen if we stay? What make you so certain we can install a US style democracy by force? What are the odds of failure if we stay?
A. Well it can't fail. I won't allow it. I don't belive that!
Q. So you have faith in our ultimate success, Is that correct?
A. yes.
Q. But what are the risks of failure both if we stay or if we withdraw? What is you best estimate of the chance of worstcase failure? How many Iraqis will die in this scenario? How many terrorists will be trained and ultimately turned on the US? How many decades will it take to recover from such a blunder?
A. I don't have that analysis with me but it is irrelevant because we are going to win.
Q. So don't know the odds and you move forward anyway because you have faith that you will win no matter what the odds are. Is that a 'Faith Based' war effort?
A. Damm right, and I'm sick of you whiny liberals talking about failure, it's a self fullfilling prophecy.
Q And what responsibility will you bear Mr. Secretary of United States Defense if your policy fails to install a peaceful America loving democracy in Iraq and the region.
A. None because it will all be the fault of people like you.
.... and so it goes