YOUR COMMENTS

Dear Alex's Mom:

Hi, this is my son Connor. He's 11.Yes, he's big for his age, fits into size 13 cowboy boots, and just a hair shorter than his dad! He likes chasing his horses around, playing with his friends, and drawing cartoons. He has been raised knowing his dad was a U.S. Marine, and that it's not a glamorous life, but one of service. He also has been raised with the understanding gleaned from Dad's travels that there are worse things than death. Yes, Alex's mom, it's true. A life lived in fear is a thousand deaths daily. Should my son choose to serve as I did, my sleep will be troubled until the day he returns. If he does not return, my heart will break into a million pieces. Yet I will let him get on the plane, nonetheless.
- Bill, New River, AZ

A recent quote from Obama about MoveOn:

"All too often our politics still seems trapped in these old, threadbare arguments – a fact most evident during our recent debates about the war in Iraq, when those who opposed administration policy were tagged by some as unpatriotic, and a general providing his best counsel on how to move forward in Iraq was accused of betrayal," Obama said.
- DM, Hampton

This add is a true insult to anyone currently serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it is a disgrace to veterans of former conflicts. I proudly chose to serve my country, no one convinced me, no one recruited me, I took action to enlist, and start seeking a recruiter. I was 17 at the time.
The idea that children are taken from their parents is absurd.
Come to this country (Iraq), speak with the troops and you would be hard pressed to find any one of us that are #1 Liberal, or #2 feeling betrayed by our country. The truth is that while we are tired (my huband is on his 3rd deployment here, so yeah tired can be an understatement), we are still strong and united behind our Commander in Chief. We knew the risks of enlisting in the service, and we did it anyway.
Moveon.org is portraying an invalid argument and whether intentional or not, the add takes a swipe at the military for being uneducated pawns that aren't "smart enough" to make a life-decision and that we were somehow tricked or fooled into serving the country. Statically the military forces are more educated, physically, and mentally sound than average American's in our age bracket. To portray us as anything but is false. The add has implications eerily reminiscent to Sen. Kerry's remark about the military being uneducated. Last time I checked I had a Bachelors degree and several classes toward my Masters degree. But I'm not educated enough to make the decision to serve and I'm a pawn, right?
Since the blog went this direction I'll address Jr.ROTC and recruiting at high schools as well. What is so wrong with either of these options when colleges recruit high-schoolers, companies often hold job fairs for students...why is the military doing the same thing considered wrong? The military is in essence another company recruiting workers. And absolutely no one is forced to be in Jr. ROTC. What would be wrong if I wanted my children to grow up and serve our country anyhow? Some kids want to be fireman, some want to be lawyers, and believe it or not, some of us want to be Soldiers, Marines, Seamen, or Airman. Its a choice we make, and we are not forced into making it. And once your 18, your parents can't stop you from doing what is in your heart.
Believe in the war or not, it is impossible to deny the progress America's young men and women have made in Iraq. I am proud each and everyday of the men and women with whom I serve. I am pained when we lose life over here, but I know that that service member did not die for some political agenda. They died with honor and dignity, something moveon.org and the Liberal media will never comprehend because they have none.
- Karen, U.S.A.F. veteran, Government Civilian, volu, Baghdad Iraq

Hey Ted - yes, that's a good start. That's exactly the type of proof I would expect The Union Leader to offer to back up their claim. Thanks for doing their job!
- DM, Hampton

I dont see what the fuss is all about.

It has been common knowledge for a long time that Obama's moveon.org supporters would not touch a military uniform even if their own mother's life depended on it. With their clever little add they have simply admitted that fact to the whole country. What courageous people!

It is also common knowledge that these same people will also be the first in line to receive their rewards when their messiah takes office. You know, their free health care, their free college education and who knows what else they'll demand in return for their vote?
- gui, Manchester

DM in Hampton--It DOES imply that MoveOn is speaking on behalf of Obama; they are now mailing out 1 million free Obama bumper stickers. Is that not enough explicit endorsement for you?
- Ted, Merrimack

If only Paul Harvey were alive today. He would offer this interesting story.

When General Diapp (the military minister of North Viet Nam during the Viet Nam War) wrote his memoirs, he offered interesting insight about the end of the war. He stated that the North Viet Nam Army (NVA) was in sad shape at the end of 1967. They had not won any battles against the better trained and equipped US forces. The NVA was poorly supplied and equipped. Morale was very low. It was decided that there would be one last attempt to encourage massive uprisings in the south. It was the Tet Offensive. Initially it was thought there might be success, especially when the US embassy was attacked. Then determined US forces beat back the initial gains the NVA made and nearly destroyed the NVA. Diapp went on to say that the North Viet Nam’s leadership had gathered to draw up surrender conditions; that since they had nothing left to fight with, the ‘expected’ US counter offensive would be able to capture Hanoi without any opposition. To their overwhelming surprise, the US did not. Additional intelligence they obtained included a declaration from a prominent news personality (Walter Cronkite) that the US had actually ‘lost’ the war. Further reports indicated that American cities were in flames over the issue. With this new intelligence, the leadership decided to hold on for an additional day, week, and month, to try to rebuild and rearm the NVA.

As a result, they spent four years debating the size, make and shape of the negotiation table. Until Richard Nixon launched an extensive bombing campaign that forced the North Viet Nam leadership to the first table it could find.

During that time frame, an additional 35,000 ‘Alex’s’ were killed in action. John McCain spent an additional five years of imprisonment and torture. John Kerry was able to go home and support the North Viet Nam war effort.

And now you know the rest of the story……
- Gene, Hooksett

Something disingenuous about this editorial...here is the transcript of the TV ad, according to this newspaper.

"Hi, John McCain. This is Alex. And he's my first. So far his talents include trying any new food and chasing after our dog. That, and making my heart pound every time I look at him. And so, John McCain, when you say you would stay in Iraq for 100 years, were you counting on Alex? Because if you were, you can't have him."

In the very next paragraph, The Union Leader says the ad was made on behalf of Barack Obama. I do not see anything in that transcript or any other proof that the ad was made on behalf of Barack Obama.

Just because something is anti-someone, doesn't mean it was made on behalf of someone else. I'm sure MoveOn would say they made it on behalf of all Americans, not that I'd believe them.

It just seems to me that if the largest newspaper in our state is going to make an accusation such as that, they would offer some evidence other than conjecture such as the candidates are in opposite political parties, so by proxy the ad must have been made "on behalf" of Barack Obama.
- DM, Hamtpon

Both. MoveOn despises our military and thinks Americans are stupid. MoveOn also despises America and thinks our military personnel are stupid. I hope MoveOn keeps shooting themselves and Barack Hussein Obama in the foot.
- Tom, Campton

This editorial is the height of silliness. The "if you speak out against the war you aren't supporting the troops" line is designed to stifle discussion about the Iraq war. It's a sad fact that the service men and women in Iraq are not defending America in any way at all. The rest of the world is appalled by you all.
- Paul, Brisbane

The subject is IRAQ, not Afghanistan. Going into Iraq was wrong.

If anyone thinks we can stay in an Arab country like we have in Germany, Japan and Korea. They have no idea of history. The crusades gave them their opinions of us that has lasted this long and we made sure it lasted. Remember we tried to keep a base for less than a decade in Saudi Arabia and look what it brought us.

The colonial mentality of coveting anothers oil for ours and coveting their land for our fights is counter-productive. The blood of the innocents who have died for those causes are on our hands while Bin Laden who has our blood on his hands is free to roam the badlands with impunity.
- Charles, Tulsa

I thought the ad was downright silly. The mother acted ridicules and the first thing I thought was "don't we have a volunteer military?" I am not for the Iraq war but having a military spouse who served for 28 years I know when people are knowledgable about the military or not. Moveon. Org showed they definately are not.
- elly, Alexandria, VA

Moveon, please move on to something else. I served my country proudly, joining right after Vietnam and leaving right before the first Gulf War.

My son was a Marine. He's now a civilian defending his company against hackers and other mean-spirited people who want to bring down others. He would defend -with his life- YOUR right to be ignorant, as I also would.

I am proud that I defended YOUR right to say what you wish. I was nearly fired in a job for defending a co-worker for having a "sh-- happens" sticker on his bumper. I didn't agree with the vulgarity of the sticker, but I did understand his expression of FREE speech.

I joined voluntarily. No one twisted my arm. I would join again without compunction. If YOU were threatened by Fascists or religious extremists that wanted to enslave and silence YOU, I would die trying to stop them from harming you, because you are an American, regardless of how I felt about you personally. Five words that may not be in your dictionary: selflessness; sacrifice; honor; patriotism (the real stuff - not saber-rattling, jingoism, etc.), and respect.

There are real mean people in the world that want to kill our babies, destroy our culture, and take away our freedoms. Intellectuals, academics, writers, artists, dreamers, scientists, journalists, and the religious will be the first people they kill and jail.

It's okay if YOU don't want to shoot a gun or don't think you can kill someone to defend your family and property. Be thankful there are volunteers who are looking out for you and your family.

You and your kind are welcome to express your opinions and peacefully try to change the system, at least in the U.S. Just don't go thinking you OWN my mind or can change it in any way without my permission. There are millions more like me. We are called Americans.
- Jim In GA, Hogansville, GA

I am the proud mom of a Lance Corporal in the US Marine Corps. I am totally insulted by MoveOn and the other lefties that keep talking about John McCain's desire for a 100 year war.

Most of all I am livid because of the insinuation that he would risk the lives of America's children while his stay safe. For the information of all that have this ill conceived notion. He has one son currently serving as a Lance Corporal in the USMC in an infantry position. His son has already done a tour in Iraq and another son is currently at Anapolis and will be serving in the military once his education is completed.

McCain has his kids protectingus now!

Semper Fi
- Connie -Very Proud Marine Mom, River Ridge, LA

Little Alex need not worry about mean old Senator Mccain sending him off to war, but since she's so concerned obout childrens futures, I have to assume she's against abortion and is in the wrong party
- Don L, Torrington Ct

DFM - which radical leftist posts would those be? I didn't realize that opposing militarism was a 'leftist' thing to do. I always have just thought it was the, um, 'right' thing to do.

Was Ike a secret radical leftist? Was Jesus? Was George Washington? How shocking. I never realized that about these guys.

I'll try to remember so I don't fall into this error again - working for peace is leftist, and that is bad. Supporting militarism is right, and that is good. Left, right, left right, I think I've got it and can march forward now, thanks!
- tom, candia

Oh come on give Alex and his mother a break...

She's not going to breast feed him until he's 11 just to see him go into the Armed forces

Heaven forbid her little precisous do something only THOSE people do.

That's the move-on message. Our precious little liberal babies are toooo good for military service
- Manchu, Valrico Fl

Amazing all these screen berets claiming military service. No one is fooled except those with half their brains blown out by IED's in Iraq. Go back to playing your video games and let our actual military heroes come home to protect the homeland not the oil profiteering of the wealthy.
- Robert, Deerfield

It's a political ad to be sure. Takes comments and pushes them to the extreme (remember Willie Horton people) playing to fears.

I wish the mother had raised the prospect of what her baby would be fighting for.

67 years to defend WW peace and against direct aggression from Japan seems reasonable.

100 years in Iraq to...uh...defend against a possible terror threat? - seems iffy and not justified.
- Garfield Heredia, Los Angeles, CA

MoveOn.org just doesn’t get it; Iraq is a second front in the War on Terror. The minute Bin Laden and his Taliban buddies escaped in 2002 from Tora Bora and into Pakistan we were in the same exact same hole the Soviets were in when they invaded Afghanistan. It is too rugged and its people too hardened and they would have bled the international ‘occupiers’ just like they defeated the Russians.

Iraq was picked to be our battlefield because it stood the most to gain from and American led coalition invasion by having the worst government out of any Muslim country (with the exception of Sudan). We are fighting in Iraq for three main reasons, to remove Saddam as a (conventional weapons based) threat to regional stability, to re-build Iraq as a strategic ally in the region, and to drain Al-Quieda’s (a fight by the US in any Muslim country in the world would draw in Bin Laden’s cronies) resources away from the Afghanistan/Pakistan front. As a result of our investment blood and treasure in rebuilding Iraq, for the first time in Al-Quieda’s history we are recruiting moderates allies both in Europe and the Middle East much faster than they are recruiting extremists.

Our superior fire power and superior numbers are more effective on two fronts than they could be on one. Our superior wealth and ideology are winning us more allies in our fight against Al-Quieda, in Iraq than in Afghanistan because Iraqis are more educated to be interested in democracy, more tolerant of various faiths than Afghans, and less zealous about Islam to want to kill ‘infidels.’ Our superior wealth and ideology are rebuilding two countries to be allies instead of enemies, instead of one.

Yes Bush lied to the world about why we were attacking Iraq. So what? This ain’t the boy scouts. If Bush had gone to Kofi Anan and said “’Scuse me, do you mind if we borrow Iraq for a couple decades as a battlefield to fight with Al-Quieda in” do you think Anan would have said “sure no problem.” ? So he framed the question as “can we help you enforce UN writ regarding WMD proliferation.”

The two front strategy is working and Obama want to screw all that up. If we abandon the Sunni awakening councils they will go back to working for Bin Laden, If we abandon the moderates Shiites in the Iraqi government they will have to capitulate to Iran’s extremist leaders. Is that what MoveOn.org wants?
- Jim Dane, Manchester NH

Found a great response to this ad with the following text:

"Hello Senator McCain, these are my precious boys Noah and Daniel. Their daddy served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I grew up under communism. So, when you say we have to protect freedom in Iraq, I understand. And, someday, I would be proud if they volunteered to serve this great country. Senator, thank you for your leadership."

http://www.620wtmj.com/shows/charliesykes/21559924.html?blog=y
- cedarsands, saratoga springs, ny

As a foreign, non military, observer I thought the ad did a good job of highlighting a point of view vis-a-vis McCains perceived stance on Iraq. This column therefore came as quite a surprise. I had made no connection between the ad's commentary and service personnel. How one reads into the content a dis of the military is still beyond my meager facilities.

I've always found it unfortunate that many find it difficult to accept the fact that one may disagree with the use of military force in a given situation while at the same time being wholeheartedly in support of the personnel involved and fervently praying for their success and safe return home.
- Bruce, Canada

I grow weary of themisrepresentation of McCain's 100-years-in-Iraq statement.

I served in the military for 20 years, 5 of those in Tokyo, Japan, and never once heard any of you say anything about us 'being in a 67-year war with Japan'. Why not? because WWII ended in 1945 yet we still have troops there, in Korea, in Germany, etc.

This is exactly what McCain said about Iraq. He anticipated that we would have a military presence there and that it was acceptable provided they were not in danger. Yet his words are purposefully misconstrued. Just like this ad, the people here who have posted the same words are LIARS, plain and simple. It isn't spin, it's BLATANT, DECEITFUL misrepresentation.

Oh, but wait, I forgot, Obama is not about the politics of old. Evidently not all of his supporters got the message.
- VGW, Little Rock, AR

I'm a firm believer that everyone should have to serve a tour in our military - men and women, those who perfectly fit the criteria, i.e. height and weight, and those who do not. For the latter, there are plenty of support positions that are held by civilians. We are all responsible to support and serve our nation - as it IS our nation. It is NOT another country's to support and defend - which is what will happen if we can't be bothered. And before you ask if I have had a child serve, the answer is YES, as did I.
- R, Raymond

Rant if you wish to - this ad is targeted to those who preferred Clinton.
- Sabugosa, Lincoln, NH

First, to all the military members out there reading this, thanks, and congratulations on a job welldone.

Let's see, we have been in Germany since 1944 (64 years), Japan since 1945 (63 years), Korea since at least 1951 (57 years), with no immediate prospect of pulling out. Think any of those might break the 100-year mark?

McCain, of course, was right when he said as long as our troops are not in harm's way, why should we not maintain a presence in that area, as long as the Iraqi government wants us there?

MoveOn does not outright lie in their ad, but they leave out pertinent facts. The oath in court is to "tell the truth, the WHOLE truth, and nothing but the truth". MoveOn misses out on the second phrase, and as such could be convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in a criminal trial (just ask Scooter Libby).

To all the lefties that support MoveOn, I hope you use Sweet & Low. With all the Democratic kool-aid you guys are drinking, if you use real sugar in it you will be looking like Rosie O'Donnell in 2 months.
- Nick, Alexandria, Va

Moveon.org is so out of touch with reality, that's its not surprising that they are oblivious to how this ad will help their declared opponents, and not make their case. They are so tone-deaf that they will continue to embarrass themselves while slapping themselves on the back as they do it. That's ok, the majority of Americans are not fooled.
- Daniel, Point Pleasant, NJ

Can someone who supports the 'real' effort in Afghanistan as opposed to the war for 'Bush's huge ego and tiny brain' in Iraq answer something for me?

If al-Qaeda's number 2 man has repeatedly said that Iraq is the formost battle against the great satan and the most important place to fight for the 'jihad', why do you insist on retreating and handing them a military and public relations victory?

Do you honestly think that the number of jihadies would decrease if we turned tail and left Iraq to the Islamists? Really?
- Tigger, Rochester, NY

I happen to BE in the military...and I found this ad disgraceful and totally inaccurate. NO ONE is in the military unless they VOLUNTEERED...that's why it's called an All-Volunteer Army. Next, the war in Iraq is going well from all accounts. Finally, the ad doesn't just question McCain's judgment, it questions our military leadership's judgment, as most of our military leaders are saying we are doing well there.

No, this ad is SPECIFICALLY meant to make people fear that John McCain will try to institute a draft...which is the LAST thing he would do.
- chiefpayne, Nashville, TN

First, a big THANK YOU to our service members. I appreciate you and your families very much. Thank you, thank you!

When I first saw this ad, I thought it had real impact. Now that I read this editorial, I know it did.
- DM, Hampton

The ad doesn't insult our troops. It questions Sen. McCain's judgment -- he's the one who said the US could remain in Iraq for 100 years -- and that's fair to challenge which this ad does.

McCain has made a career out of working for the government. In fact, you could say that without McCain's employment in the military and in Congress, he would have had to look for jobs in the private sector, like the rest of us. Has McCain ever held a job outside the government?

I respect that McCain had it worse than rough in Vietnam. No one should have to endure torture, something McCain appears to be willing to compromise on of late, if you have been paying attention. I don't respect that he (or you) uses that to proffer that he (better than Obama) understands the horror of war and how to extricate us from the current quagmire in Iraq and take on those who actually attacked us on 9/11.

Do you recall McCain's "stroll" through the market in Baghdad a little over a year ago, protected by about 100 gun-toting troops and overhead helicopter gunships? That was proof if any were needed that McCain is not only out of touch, he has become a shill for W and the fiction that we're "winning."

Would he (you) please give me your most recent definition of what "winning" is since all the earlier ones (the removal of Saddam, the eliminatiaon of WMDs, cheap oil, the flowering of democracy in the Middle East, et al) have all proven not to be the reasons why we went to Iraq. So just what is this "victory" that McCain claims we are winning, in perhaps a hundred years or so?

No thanks, I'll take someone who is able to think clearly and make tough decisions, who has a history of opposing this war in Iraq when it wasn't fashionable to do so, and who understands that America is strongest when it works with our allies and builds coalitions to thwart common enemies. Kind of like W's father.

I think the Alex ad had a remarkable impact because the Union Leader and people like Bill Kristol have been consumed trying to demean and diminish it. But it won't work--not this time.
- Bob, Sudbury, MA

The 100 year quote is soooooo out of date, and taken so out of context.

Troops from the surge are already being withdrawn with more brigades scheduled for withdrawal.

But I am sure the ad will have lots of emotional appeal, to those who write emotional, non-substantive comments.

Instead of this kind of trash, the energy would be better spent in getting Obama to go toe to toe in townhall meetings against McCain. Lets hear issues addressed there, not in poorly done commercials.
- anotherview, Santa Fe, NM

From a 22-year Marine:

The ad only reflects what all Mommy's wish for: their babies to remain babies. My mother threw a fit, too, so I had to wait until my 18th birthday. Mothers in the 1950's were protesting the manners and brutishness that they thought the Marines were teaching their sons. Same as it ever was.

And yes, the military is solely designed to "enforce diplomatic and political goals through the threatened or actual use of violent force."
- Jeff Dinsmore, Murrieta, CA

Since Eil Pariser, Head of Moveon.org, publicly announced on MSNBC that he is supporting Sheehan and would use his own resources for negative campaigning against any Repubican in NH and Maine.

I don’t agree with Eil Pariser political agenda nor do I support Moveon.org motives and effort to impact a State election.
- Peter, stratham, nh

So, burtnor, you believe that, "Throughout US history, until the Bush administrations, the military has been used for DEFENSIVE purposes only."? Well, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but you need to read a little history (pre-2003, that is). Let's review:

1776-1783: US fights for independence from Great Britain. Voluntary, not defensive war.

1812-1815: US declares highly debated and controversial war on Great Britain. England was already engaged in a war with France and had not attacked US soil. They were guilty of intercepting US vessels that were trading with France and impressing a small number of our merchant seamen into service -- something that both France and England were doing in roughly equal amounts. Voluntary, not defensive war.

1846: Mexican / American War: Voluntary, not defensive war. But we did pick up California from it (at least for the time being).

1861-1865: Civil War: Depends on whom you ask, but it's hard to argue this was a purely defensive war. 95% of the combat happened in the South (although as a Northerner, I fully support Lincoln's decision to go to war -- despite the strong opposition from Democrats who organized consistent opposition and protests to the war throughout it's duration -- sound familiar?).

1870-1890: Indian Wars. 'Nough said. Voluntary, hardly defensive, war. If you disagree, I suggest you spend a few days on our reservations here in Minnesota arguing the opposite point. Good luck getting home.

1898: Spanish / American War. US declares war on Spain after accidental sinking of US battleship in Cuba. No evidence Spain had anything to do with it. We proceed to attack Spanish forces in Cuba and the Phillipines. Voluntary, not defensive war.

1917-1917: WWI: US rightly declares War on Germany, although German diplomats sought to avoid direct conflict with US. Germany did attack US ships that were providing direct support to their enemy, England. But what nation wouldn't attack vessels that were directly supporting their enemy? Voluntary, not defensive, war.

1941-1945. WWII: Japan attacks us: Defensive war, although Germany and Italy did not attack us. Nonetheless, I'll give this one to you -- it was defensive and Germany had it coming. No regrets there.

1950-1953: US voluntarily sends forces to Korea to drive North Koreans out of South Korea. No direct threat to US homeland. Voluntary, not defensive war. Courageous and correct decision to act against Communist aggression.

1964-1973: US sends forces to support South Vietnamese government against internal (Vietcong) and external (North Vietnamese) forces. No direct threat to US homeland, indirect threat to US interests. Voluntary, not defensive war.

More recently:

1983: Grenada
1989: Panama
1991: Persian Gulf I
1993: Somalia
1998: Kosovo

Which of those wars was purely defensive?
That's what I thought. In every case, we confronted a danger BEFORE it could become a broader, more direct threat. That's the definition of pre-emption.

Read a history book when you get a chance. It may do you some good.
- Eric, Owatonna, MN

Bill of Manchester wants to send all the troops to Afghanistand to fight real terrorists. Does he want to do as Obama says and also send them to invade Pakistan to go after these real terrorists. And how about going into Darfur to stop the genocide there. How about the slaughter of the innocents in Zimbabwe. Should we go after into these countries. Or are you only against wars for strategic interests of the USA, e.g. oil.
- Joe Conway, Charlestown, NH

I realize that those who give aid and comfort to al-Qaeda with their support of the occupation of Iraq, a God send for al-Qaeda as that they now settled down comfortably in the tribal regions of Pakistan and are getting stronger, want to pretend this Ad is anti-troop. But it is not, it is anti giving aid and comfort to al-Qaeda via the occupation of Iraq.
- Kuni, Boonville, MO

Eric(Owatonna),Amen Brother.
Flagwaver better put some ice on that!
- Mike P., Manchester

Bill: Yes, the museums were protected, you fool.

And yes, the pipelines were protected most of all. I am sure that if the fleeing henchmen under Saddam's control blew up the pipelines (like the DID in Kuwait) and created an environmental disaster, you would have complained that we didn't protect them enough. Yes, yes you would.

And lookup the museum 'story'. It was false.
- ster, denver, co

We didn't go into Iraq to get free oil, you rube! We will pay for it like everybody else.

I bet you were complaining that this war was all about Bush getting his free oil for his buddies. Now that you know it isn't about free oil, you're complaining again?
Make up your freaking mind!
- Ster, Denver, CO

I can't tell you how much I like that ad.
- judy seward, candia

We're at war people. It's a long drawn out conflict against fanatics who are religiously motivated, uneducated, and often times, poverty stricken. The foci are Afghanistan (because they chose it) and Iraq (because we chose it), but is not limited to these locales. It started with the Balfour Agreement Ratification by the League of Nations (we all know how successful that organization was in preventing WWII (or maybe you don't)), and has continued and will continue into the foreseeable future. This fight has occurred in Bali, London, Madrid, Pakistan, Turkey, and in many jungle villages in the southern Philippines.

It may take 100 years, it might not, but we must be prepared (notice I didn't use the word 'resigned') to fight these radicals until generations living in oppression gain relative prosperity turn over and force these radicals out of power and out of their schools.

Last time I checked, we still have soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines in Germany (May 1945), Japan (August 1945), Korea (July 1953), and Sinai (June 1974).

MoveOn.org does serve a purpose in this country. It proves that those unwilling to defend our country because of whatever motivation still have a voice no matter how ill-conceived or uninformed it may be.

We have heroes overseas right now who receive little credit from those ostensibly reporting on the war (usually safely tucked deep inside the Green Zone) and a Presidential candidate who refuses to go talk to them man to man or man to woman because he's afraid to discover this truth.
- F15E Moose, Boise, ID

Joe -- There is nothing enlightening about defining the purpose of a military as "to blow up stuff and kill the enemy." I suppose if you annihilate enough people you might think you have achieved peace, but sooner or later that just leads to a new cycle of violence. The purpose of a military is to keep the peace. Throughout US history, until the Bush administrations, the military has been used for DEFENSIVE purposes only. Iraq is NOT our enemy. Neither that country nor its people attacked us. I live not far from the former World Trade Center. 14 of the 19 terrorists of 9/11 were from Saudi Arabia, the country Bush repeatedly describes as "our good friends." Bin Laden was in Afghanistan and is now presumed to be in Pakistan, another of our "good friends." Why are we in Iraq?

Oil is $130 a barrel because the billions of profit from Iraqi oil that were supposed to "fund" the war disappeared from Iraq along with the US sponsored "Iraqi leaders." because current stolen oil profits virtually fund the insurgency (see: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/world/middleeast/16insurgent.html), and because US oil companies are raking in record profits AGAIN ($40 billion of profit last year for Exxon Mobile alone -- see http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/01/business/01cnd-exxon.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin). Think about that the next time you fill up your SUV.
- burtnor, New York, NY

God Bless Our Troops.

NOT A WAR FOR OIL?

Perhaps you didn't read the recent awarding of no-bid oil development contracts to America's four largest petroleum companies, rather than Russia or China, who arguably have a much greater need and much greater right to it considering their historical and geographical proximity.

Would those contacts have been handed out had we NOT invaded Iraq? I doubt it.

Let us also remember that the ONLY places protected after the invasion after Baghdad was the Oil Ministry and the pipelines. Not the history and art museums, not the libraries, not the governmental offices, nothing.

Take them out of mediating a civil war and put our troops where they belong, in Afghanistan fighting REAL terrorists.
- Bill, Manchester

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our military men and women and their families as well. You are shining examples of what makes this country good. I wish you all well and pray that you may come home safe and sound.

Thank You for your service to our nation.
- David, Warrington, PA

Hey Flagwaver,

Let me "enlighten" you for a moment -- the purpose of the militiary is EXACTLY to FIGHT and to WIN wars. That's why it's called the "profession of arms". The ability of the US military to WIN an engagement with our enemies is precicely what LEADS to "the peace" (to use your term). "The peace" doesn't just happen and then need to be maintained. It's up to the politicians to use the unmatched fighting capability of the US military to ESTABLISH and then maintain "the peace" that you so value.

The notion that the military's primary mission is "keeping the peace" is simple post-modern liberal naivete' rooted in the false assumption that "the peace" is the natural state of human existance. That belief may make you feel good, but it doesn't preserve your freedoms, nor does it make our world a safer place. Like it or not, there are evil people in this world, who if left unchecked, would commit unspeakable atrocities against our country (ever hear of 9/11?).

Having the best trained warfighters in the voluntary service of our nation keeps those nations/terrorists at bay -- or roots them out and destroys them when they do strike out at us. This is what permits you to live the warm, comfortable, sacrifice-free lifestyle that leads to your very ignorance.
- Eric, Owatonna, Minnesota

A conservative 527 should fire back, showing Alex twenty or so years later, as some transgendered cross-dresser with all the psychological issues that most children of parents like that have.
- craig, DC

Allow me to enlighten Flagwaver from Chicago and Burtnor from New York.

Flagwaver, the purpose of an army is to blow up stuff and kill the enemy through overwhelming force - which, in the end, does provide peace. Please don't confuse the great US Military with UN peacekeepers.

Burtnor, if this is a "war for oil," why is the price over $130/barrel? Shouldn't a war for oil have already provided us with ample supply and below market prices? Pleeezzze!!
- Joe, Ohio

(white?)Flagwaver,
Perhaps you could enlighten me.
How,exactly,does an army "ensure the peace"?
- Mike P., Manchester

I saw the ad last night and applauded it. As a mother, I feel exactly the same way. It's not anti-military nor is it against our troops. All of you who are upset about this and want to support our troops should channel your energies into make sure our veterans are being cared for. I don't hear any conservative ranting and raving about that. McCain cannot have my son either, not for some BS war that does nothing to preserve American Security.
- LAL, Richmond, Va

In years past Americans flocked to the colors when war was declared. Alas, our martial spirit has been sapped by almost continuous low-level warfare since the end of World War II. Whereas a subset of our population still rallies to our defense, Stockholm syndrome has overtaken a significant number of our citizens, prompting them to side with our enemies in the (vain) hope of being left alone. Rome perished when its citizen-soldiers refused to fight, and the same fate may yet overtake this great nation. Freedom really isn't free, as many of our pacifist, socialist, and politically correct neighbors will be shocked to learn.
- Ken Puck, Bensalem PA

MoveOn.org is despicable; First with the Gen Petraeus ad and now this. This commercial felt to me like a slap and a spit in the face.
Those who have never served in the military see us as victims and that we are only in the military because we are either poor, too stupid to do anything else or both. This commercial simply highlights the liberal narrative of the all volunteer military.
- Jim, Fayetteville, NC

Pete, thanks for your service to our great country. People like you are the backbone of this fine Nation. The socialists that make up moveon.org are not representative of the people that make up this great nation.

Good luck and God speed.
- Tango Golf Sierra, Fenton, MO

Folks are negative toward the military because it has been a popular trend since the 60's. Remember...troops being spit on in airports?
Regarding the 'majority' being against occupying Iraq...if pollsters were seeking honest opinon they would phrase their question - 'Would you be willing to remove all combat troops from Iraq if it would destabilize the region?"
- Coach, Issaquah, WA

The left wont wake up to reality until they become a victim of jihad. By then it may be too late.
- Mickey, GBWI

The ad insults the military the country and motherhood in general. Poor Alex. Mommy is going to make his adult decisions for him, well since Mom will do her best to make sure he never becomes an adult so he'll become a narcississtic crybaby - the military probably isn't the place for him anyway.
- Bandit, Boston, MA

It's always good to see some things never change -- the Union Leader once again missed the point! Caring about our troops enough to keep them alive is a long ways north of insulting them. When a soldier dies in Afghanistan, it was for a cause worth fighting for; when one dies (as 4 did yesterday) in Iraq, it was for the gigantic ego and tiny brain of George Bush. NO more please. Not 100 more years -- NO more. Moveon.org just has the stones to speak truth to power. Let the chicken hawks on the UL who support our troops dying in Iraq volunteer or encourage their children to volunteer.
- Dolph T, Albuquerque NM

Tom of Candia, Dave from Geneva, & Burtnor;

Flagwaver repeats a truth known from ancient times and repeated elequently by Sir Winston Churchill, one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century:

"Eternal vigilence is the price of freedom."

To secure the peace, be prepared for war. Your enemies will not attack if they know you are ready, willing & able to respond & defeat them.

John McCain never said he wanted endless war--in Iraq or anywhere. What he said (and meant) was that America must be prepared to secure the peace; and if that meant maintaining a presence in Iraq--or Korea--for a hundred years, then so be it. Wake up & smell the coffee.
- Paul, Concord

Oh, Pleeezzze!! MoveOn is not anti-military or anti-troops. The ad, while not especially effective at highlighting the insanity of this WAR FOR OIL does not disparage military personnel in any way. Nor are people "anti-military" who want the $340 million per day, more than $531 BILLION to date (borrowed from China and spent in Iraq) to be redirected to REAL security (fighting al Queda, domestic security and infrastructure) for this country that we love. Do your readers a service (despite their ridiculous name calling) and talk about the actual issues of the campaign.
- Burtnor, New York, NY

Those who think this ad offends our troops do not understand the difference between an anti-warmongering ad and an anti-troops ad. The purpose of an army is not to fight a war but to ensure the peace and those who don't know the difference need enlightenment.

Flagwaver
- Flagwaver, Chicago, IL

It is sad MoveOn.org does so much to defame brave men and women. What is even more sad is that they probably do not even realize what they are doing. Unfortunately, MoveOn.org will help get Jeanne Shaheen elected to the US Senate. Then she will be beholdent to these liberal nit wits.
- Dan, Hooksett

I say let the fools from MoveOn.org keep identifying themselves as the military hating marxists they are. It lets the whole world know that even idiots are free to say what they like in our country. OUR fighting men and women know better anyway. They are not diminished by the likes of these kids from MoveOn.org. I hope Obama gives them a front row seat next to him at the DNC Convention. Much like Kerry gave Mikey Moore a front row seat at the convention identifying him as a military hater and propaganda lover.
- Mark, Cincinnati, OH

I agree that Americans should honor the dedication, patriotism, and sacrifices of those who serve in the military. That would include benefits including medical care and education for veterans--oddly not a strong suit of McCain or Bush.

Despite the shrieks of dismay in this editorial, the ad is pitched at John McCain and his support for endless war. It is not aimed at those whose steadfast loyalty endures the judgments, no matter how misguided, of the political leadership. I think this ad will strike a responsive chord in the parents of many kids who are "coming of age."
- Dave, Geneva, IL

Well its pretty safe to say that Tom from Candia is a moveon.org contributer.

Tom, its people like Peter and other military personnel over the years who allow you to write your radical left posts on the UL.
- DFM, Salem, NH

There was a time in this country when citizens looked upon their men and women in uniform with pride and envy by those who were unable to serve. There was a time in this country when citizens did everything they could to support their warriors, no matter what or where the mission was.

Our warriors have not changed, except that they are more dedicated, better trained and better armed than ever before.

What has changed is the attitude toward our men and women who sacrifice so much to defend so many lazy, whining and anti-American people. Our children are bombarded daily in the leftist media with stories of alleged atrocities by American soldiers with no mention of the violent combat conditions they face, and the so called atrocities never really pan out like the media depicts them.

Our children are bombarded daily in a liberal school system that has gone out of its way over the last 20 years to do everything possible to destroy the military as well as our government. Very little is mentioned about the good that this country has done over the last 200 years, and most of it accomplished by the military first.

June 6th passed just over 2 weeks ago and I didn't hear a single story on the news or see an article in our local socialist newspaper about the anniversary. Most kids in our schools have no idea of the sacrifice made on that one day, and veterans of that battle as well as the others that followed in Europe and the Pacific are still with us today.

It is no wonder that our military recruiters now have to wage a well organized marketing campaign to draw good men and women to their ranks. And they have to start while the kids are young in order to be able to offset the complete negativity that is a daily influence on our children. And they have to have laws passed to allow them access to schools because the school administrators and teacher unions refuse to allow them on school property because of their personal leftist opinions.

We don't seem to have a problem finding enough American men and women to join the ranks, because the recruiting numbers have been at 100% over the last few months, thanks to some parents and communities who still see the honor in serving this great country and sacrificing for others in this nasty world.

Our leftist media and socialist schools should spend a little more time teaching about the dictators and tyrants in the world who have made it necessary for the US to keep a standing military force and use it so much to save others.

Organizations like Moveon.org and the other anti-American outfits that seem to cater to the Democrats could be put out of business in about a month, if Americans stopped giving them money and stopped supporting them.

It appears that politics trumps common sense in America now.
- Pete, B Troop 7/17 Air Cavalry RVN

I don't know why folks are so negative towards military service these days. Is it just because the US is in an occupation that the majority of folks disagree with? I have, and have had family members in the service, and there is no one I respect more than someone willing to serve and protect the country that affords him or her their rights.

MoveOn.org is a despicable organization who uses the benefits of servicemembers sacrifice for slander against the military. On a day to day basis we should be aware of the sacrifices of veterans and the honor of both them and those currently in the service.

These leftists do not deserve the rights they are priviledged to have.
- Nick, Manchester

It would be nice, on the other hand, if the recruiters stayed out of the schools - or at least waited until the kids get to high school...

Things like junior ROTC, the recent 8th-grade baseball trip sponsored by the army, the provision in No Child Left Behind that gives recruiters contact information for students and army-marketed video games make it clear that military marketing is not targeted exclusively at adults.
- tom, candia

Moron.org, like thier mouth pieces Nancy Pelosi and that box-of-rocks Shea-Porter, has thier own agenda, and protecting America is not on the list. Are they stupid or just think we are? I suspect the later and since their candidates actually get elected we keep giving them reason to believe as they do. I hope both districts in NH smarten up and put NH and the best interests of America first and throw out the two "representaives" that currentlly occupy NH house seats, as well as send Shaheen packing.
- jeff, Goffstown