This is the mindset of a liberal columnist. Our armed forces are not seen as defensive but offensive (in more ways than one). They are, of course, defending America, not making war for war's sake. Derrick Jackson of the Boston Globe would undoubtedly have all the money going into the military diverted to social programs.

But Jackson is to be commended for illuminating the hypocrisy behind so many Democrats' posturing. The only way Democrats support the military is when they can bash Bush and the Republicans at the same time.

Ed Lasky  8 31 05