Taoist wisdom for the Iraq war

Lao Tzu understood patriotism and honor:

A great nation is like a great man: 

When he makes a mistake, he realizes it.
Having realized it, he admits it.
Having admitted it, he corrects it.
He considers those who point out his faults
as his most benevolent teachers.
(Tao Te Ching, 66)

Another profound proverb to ponder as zealots in Washington call for another unnecessary war:

He [the decent man] enters a battle gravely,
with sorrow and with great compassion,
as if he were attending a funeral. 
(Tao Te Ching, 31)