Victors and Vanquished

"He conquers who endures." Persius

It's become cliche' to tell kids "You only lose if you quit." Well, not quiite. You can struggle, strive and fight to a bitter end and still lose the game, the day, the war. Bummer.

Still, Yogi Berra had it right when he observed, "It ain't over, til it's over." Useful words to keep in mind when there's still 1 minute, 1 second left on the clock. When there's still life, breath and opportunity for just one more effort.

Case in point, I'm thinking there's 20+ million people in Iraq who are glad we surged when many fainthearts called for retreat. Good news and great progress there is going largely unreported. Consider this a late Memorial Day post. Thank goodness for stout hearts and "finishers" who refused (and still refuse) to quit.

"Iraq violence falls to four-year low" Link
Mookie's militia is pretty much toast too. 4 years later than he shoulda been put down but still... "Iraqi army seizes Sadr's Baghdad bastion" Link

"He conquers who endures." Persius Indeed.