Wednesday, January 26, 2005

The worst kind of record setting

We've lost 36 U.S. soldiers in Iraq today, a new one-day record high death toll in this war that the Bush administration doesn't seem to know how to end. Thirty-one died in a helicopter crash and five died from hostile fire, sending the total number of U.S. fatalities in Iraq above 1,400.

Argue, if you want, about the justification, or the lack thereof, for this war. Argue, if you want, about how to measure progress, or the lack thereof, in this war. Argue, if you want, about the exit strategy, or the lack thereof, for this war.

But never forget that this war destroys lives -- American, Iraqi, and beyond -- every day. Never forget that 36 more American families will go to bed tonight, and every night, without someone who meant the world to them. Never forget that every brave soldier who puts his or her life on the line for this country is a hero worthy of our respect and admiration.

And never forget that we owe it to our troops, now and forever, to ensure they're only put in danger when absolutely necessary.