The tape has finally been released — the one of the desecration of the bodies of PVT Menchaca and PVT Tucker.  We knew the opposition would not be able to resist.  The best guess of informed observers is that they were killed in the firefight, not afterward.  We pray that is the case.

Vocabulary is important.  Let's be sure we have the vocabulary here correct.  The two Soldiers represented the best we have, men who put themselves in harm's way to defend the Republic and what it stands for.  We honor them.

The opposition figures in the tape, cutting away at flesh, lopping off one head, they represent their side, who they are, their politics, their culture, what they are fighting for.  They represent what the opposition is, although I hesitate to characterize it is in this venue. 

Let's remember that these are not Hannibal Lecters carrying out their depravities in shamed and furtive privacy.  No, they expect to be lauded and admired for their work, and they will be. 

So, we have representatives of the two sides — our Soldiers and their...what should we call them?  Grease spots on the road of history, which is most certainly their destiny.

Greg Richards   7 12 06