Like I said, Stephen, it's an interesting philosophical question.

Is any means justified to ensure the survival of the nation? And if the principles on which the nation are founded are violated to ensure that end, is it still the same nation afterwards? Is a leader's first duty to protect the lives of the citizens, or to let citizens die in order to preserve the founding principles?

How would history judge a president who failed to take any and all measures to preserve his country? Do we expect a president to be a moral icon, or do we expect him to do whatever it takes to defend the nation? Is a president, who adheres strictly to the law and the Constitution, but loses the war and allows the country to be destroyed, a patriot or a traitor?

Sorry, all I have are questions on this subject. I served my country in war and peace for 32 years, but absolute answers to these fundamental questions still elude me.

Things are going well on the Arkansas board, Stephen. We've been having a very interesting and informative discussion on Price's 1864 Missouri Campaign. Stop by and say hey to your many friends on the Arkie-board.