Something hopeful

By Ray Van Dune

I want to say something hopeful in this discouraging time, when there so many are eager to proclaim that America has failed in Iraq.

I believe that win or lose in Iraq, and long after the political curs that would faithlessly run away from reality are forgotten, Iraqis will remember when American fighters who were veritable giants of courage and honor walked among them. Those giants... they are our sons and our daughters.

I hope they will be remembered by Iraqi families during parades and festivals.

Regrettably, it may be that they are mainly recalled in some puzzlement and awe by hardened fighters around campfires in mountain hideaways.

But regardless they will be remembered as young people who came there from their homes in another world to face danger and even death, so that others who had never known safety and freedom might taste the sweetness of it for a time, and try to hold onto it for their own.

Americans here and in Iraq can be proud of attempting to give the people of Iraq that chance. Contrary to what some among us say, American men and women of honor are still committed to make it a good chance.