Learning seventh grade civics My student Alex Asks why we went to Iraq. I shrug my shoulders, We thought they had nuclear Weapons, or might soon. He asks, "Did they?" No, I say. "Then why do we stay?" Terrorists did bomb New York, They proved that they can. "The terrorists from Iraq?" No, Afghanistan; They are two different places. "You mean we based this War on a mistake?" Yes, I say. "Then why do we stay?" After Nine-One-One’s events, We need to prevent Terrorists from bombing us. He asks, "Did Iraq bomb us?" No, but they might. Well, They did pay to bomb Israel. "Did we stop that?" No, I say. "Then why do we stay?" To capture Saddam Hussein, End his bloody reign, Free the people of those lands To seek their own ends. Alex asks, "Is Iraq free? Can they decide their own destiny?" Yes, I say. "Then why do we stay?" Terrorists have gone to war. "Were they there before we came?" No, they came later They plan to follow Us home and attack us here. "The war stopped them?" No, They are coming anyway. "Then why do we stay? "Soldiers fighting over there Can’t protect us here." Alex, you’re Conservative, Why change your view? "The war ended years ago And we hate Bush too. If he’s not dumb or crazy Then why do we stay?" Maybe for petrol, money, Political sway, Religious conviction or Just to get his way, But shouldn’t Conservatives Guard their leader? "No," Alex huffs, "He is not my Leader anymore."