Michael Kinsley, in Friday’s Washington Post:

The longer the war goes on, the more Americans, “allies” and Iraqis will die. That is not a slam-dunk argument for ending this foreign entanglement. But it is worth keeping in mind while you try to decide whether American credibility or Iraqi prosperity or Middle East stability can justify the cost in blood and treasure. And don’t forget to factor in the likelihood that the war will actually produce these fine things.

The last man or woman to die in any war almost surely dies in vain: The outcome has been determined, if not certified. And he or she might die happier thinking that death came in a noble cause that will not be abandoned. But if it is not a noble cause, he or she might prefer not to die at all. Stifling criticism that might shorten the war is no favor to American soldiers. They can live without that kind of “respect.”

Instead of focusing on this important question — whether the goals of “American credibility or Iraqi prosperity or Middle East stability” are worth the war’s financial and human cost — our nation’s leaders seem obsessed with appearances. Does criticism of the war in Iraq hurt the morale of American soldiers? Does photographing the coffins of soldiers killed in action undermine public support for the war? Do revelations of prisoner abuse damage the popularity of the U.S. military abroad? Does voting for the war back then and voting for a withdrawal now endanger my reelection chances in 2006?

Does pulling the soldiers out now disrespect the sacrifice of those who have already died in Iraq?

Our leaders tend to dwell on superficial problems. The release of damaging reports, and not the reported situation. The appearance of flip-flopping, and not the circumstances that have changed. The deference paid to sacrifice, and not the sacrifice itself.

Rather than spending so much time on symbols and slogans, we might find it more helpful to deal with realities. Respect, after all, tends to last longer when it is rooted in the real world and not artful illusions. A good leader knows that the best way to show respect for those under his or her charge is making fair, honest, and informed decisions — not pandering to them, not savaging critics, not wishing bad news away.

The decision to stay or leave Iraq cannot be made lightly, pushed along by either the inertia of poll numbers or the incitement of insults like “coward.” It deserves a fair, honest, and informed debate in Congress.

That would be the best way to honor the sacrifice of those who have died.

Victor Tan Chen Victor Tan Chen is In The Fray's editor in chief and the author of Cut Loose: Jobless and Hopeless in an Unfair Economy. Site: victortanchen.com | Facebook | Twitter: @victortanchen