First off . . Iraq does not hold the prisoners. it is a small sect of yahoos. they are just the ones getting the press du jour. (They are also the scum of the Earth given their lack of respect for human life in the furtherance of a political cause - I doubt anyone would disagree with that.) War is always ugly. And I wish we had not embarked on this war in Iraq. But pulling out now without ensuring a safe progression to a stable government that enjoys the support of the Iraqi people would be a bigger disaster than going was in the first place.

One thing about this war I have learned about myself: I have found it is possible to support the men and women in uniform without supporting the administration that has called them into dangerous service. I very much support the brave men and women who don the uniform and answer the call to duty. They are the salt of the Earth and among the finest this country has to offer.

However, the day it becomes forbidden to question the administration for putting our fine young men and women in harm's way is the day this ceases to be a country worth fighting for. It is freedom of expression that ensures our liberties and makes this a wonderful country worthy of the sacrifices of our fine men and women in uniform that protect our ideals and us.

I wish all of the troops Godspeed and safe home.