after when it becomes absolutely clear to everyone that we've fucked up.
According to Miss Manners, it will not be appropriate to use the term 'civil war' until several years after we have driven Pakistan into a civil war. Also, avoid the use of the noun 'Vietnam' in any conversation involving U.S. incursions.
It is appropriate to initially wear red, white and blue for the first few months, yellow ribbons for several years after, black is appropriate at all times for the fashion-allergic and reality-addicted.