November 8, 2006 - The deadline for this column was before election results were known. Many still won't be when it appears. Early voting often translates into late returns. While we tread water in that great political trough, it's time to discuss the issue that may have transcended others throughout this campaign - the war in Iraq.

The following isn't about persuasion but clarity. Everyone has their own view. Most aren't aware of how many other divergent ones exist. By my count, they fall into at least six basic categories. From left to right:

They're the good guys

While not held by many Americans, this extremist position is present more than anti-war types care to admit, particularly in Europe where many consider President Bush worse than al Qaeda, and find the terrorists to have both legitimate concerns and methods.

America is bad

This view is held by many non-interventionists and pacifists including the anti-war portion of the libertarian movement, fundamental anarchists who see all government action as evil. They are here ironically allied with the socialist and Marxist left who despise American capitalism and support massive government. Both groups tend to believe all wars are shams to increase the power of those holding it and nobody is the good guy. Many even include WW2 , partly because to exclude it would totally destroy their fundamental premise. They are a minority view but common in both western Europe and letters to the editor.

America is wrong

This view doesn't condone terrorist actions, but believes they were provoked by those in the West. They consider America an empire who's actions throughout the world are the root cause of almost all conflicts. They believe those conflicts can be resolved by pulling back American influence and power, particularly strong support for Israel. They also believe that conflicts can only be resolved by international organizations such as the UN. Lack of sufficient international support is one of the main reasons they oppose this, and other, wars. They do not consider Western civilization to be in any real danger from militant Islam. Many of them don't place that high of a value on Western civilization to begin with. They not only oppose the War in Iraq but also the invasion of Afghanistan. Quite common on the left and within the Democratic Party.

America is good, but wrong

This category includes those who do believe there's a threat from militant Islam and are willing to take military action against it. Some disagree about the need to include the invasion of Iraq in the equation. That ranges from opposing any pre-emptive action to simply believing Iraq was a bad target. It also includes some who originally supported the Iraq War but now oppose it. Ironically this group includes several leading neo-conservatives, a group that has been blamed for designing the policy on Iraq. It is the dominant train of thought among Democrats and some Republicans.

America is good and right

These are the folks who both support the administration's decision to invade Iraq and its handling of it, as well as those who consider the administration to be less than proficient or even incompetent. They differ over tactics. Think Joe Leiberman and great hunks of the American military as well as most Republicans.

America is good but too wimpy

These folks are wondering why we still belong to the UN and why we don't take out Syria while we're there because that's where the WMDs went. Many also believe America should be an empire. Not an uncommon view in GOP and conservative circles.

As always when pigeon-holing, there'll be a few surplus pigeons who don't fit anywhere. What is important is to realize that there are views other than your own. That doesn't make your position invalid or invoke toleration of ideas you consider dangerous or even insane. It is hoped it simply clarifies the debate which is the first step to resolving it.

Listen to Inside Track with Emil Franzi and Tom Danehy on KVOI-690 AM Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Franzi is starting a new radio show Nov. 11, "Voices of the West" featuring discussions of Western history, lore, movies and music. KVOI-690 AM from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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EMIL FRANZI

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About Emil Franzi

Emil Franzi is the owner and host of "Inside Track" on KVOI - 690AM and KAPR - 930AM in Douglas. The program airs on Saturdays from 12 pm till 5 pm.

Franzi currently writes a weekly column for the EXPLORER (formerly the NORTHWEST EXPLORER). He filled the TUCSON WEEKLY with close to a million relevant words from 1993 to 2004 and was an OpEd regular with the Az Daily Star from 1994 to 1998. His writing has also appeared in PHOENIX Magazine, ARIZONA HIGHWAYS, and the late CITY MAGAZINE in Tucson.

But then, Franzi is an iconoclast.

This website is Franzi's baby, put together with work, faith, and a little help from his friends, like Tom Danehy, Joyce Downey and Mike Tully. The concept -- politics, books, humor, the Old West, movies, "Pet Talk" and letters -- is Emil's. This unique brew seems to work. This website averages more than a thousand "hits" a day and keeps growing.

You can read Emil Franzi's views on all things political and cultural, as well as opposing views, on our "Politics and More" page.