Unfortunately that isn't how it works. There are two vectors in magnitude driving the direction of public interest at least. The first vector is the tight media control by the pentagon on reporting from OIF/OEF and the stories that are allowed to percolate beyond that control. The second vector is the choice-reporting by that national news media which drives awareness in the public.
There is a third vector which over rides the other two nearly instantly as it is a personal versus national politics. That is the current state of the individual and their economic status. As that degrades (as it has the last four years) the pain threshold will be met and things will become "different" in their perspective.
I really doubt most people are going to look any Iraq war veteran in the eye and say you suck to their face. If the awareness and perceptions are changed by the media by sensationalizing largesse of the military in Iraq they will vote and actively pursue the replacement of decision makers. Unfortunately most of the patriotic drivel engaged in by the general public stops at their wallet.
I have to disagree while agreeing with Ken though. These things do run in cycles and I am sure he can remember the 70s and what Vietnam did to the military. Tipping points in the public can be tripped by a few key key things. Graft, failure, conspiracy, entitlement, and corruption all can lead to rejection of the current path and good or bad changing the course. Regardless of the pandering of the current media the American way is to hold the do'er accountable and replace the decider.
Please don't get me wrong here. I am not advocating that this happen, or that it reflects the reality (luxurious largesse in combat). However, I am surprised to see anybody argue that reality and the media, let alone the American public, have ever let reality intrude on perception. I am especially surprised to see anybody arguing against, "in all things public", anything but perception drives politics.
Didn't say I liked it but it will have to be dealt with sooner or later.
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