“I hate with a murderous hatred those men who, having lived their youth, would send into war other youth, not lived, unfulfilled, to fight and die for them; the pride and cowardice of those old men, making their wars that boys must die.” – Mary Roberts Rinehart, novelist (12 Aug 1876-1958)

I do not and cannot blame her for this sentiment.  In my eyes, this is certainly a sentiment all decision makers in government should keep in mind prior to going to war.  War is a barbarous thing.  But, sometimes, there are worse things than going to war.  In those cases, we should wade in cautiously and with the intent and purpose of winning with the least loss to our side.