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These remarkably heroic and highly skilled troops think that they are winning -- and by any definition of victory -- they are. U.S. and coalition efforts have rid Iraq of a brutal dictator. The Iraqi people have taken part in three democratic elections in less than a year. They drafted and ratified their own pluralistic constitution -- an unprecedented act in an Islamic country. In last month's nationwide legislative elections, the turnout was a stunning 70 percent -- about ten points higher than our own most recent presidential election.

A new government is being formed -- to hunt down, with our help, the very terrorists who would otherwise be killing us here at home. In the former terrorist-stronghold of Ramadi, capital of Al Anbar Province and the heart of the "Sunni Triangle," Iraqi troops are now taking charge. This week, reflecting the growing strength and capabilities of Iraqi security forces, President Bush and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld announced that U.S. troop levels in Iraq will drop by more than 7,000 this year.

None of these things would have been accomplished without the force of American arms borne by the bravest of the current generation. Regrettably, these measures of success have failed to placate those in the media and Washington more interested in winning partisan political victories than winning a war. Those, like Murtha, who now recommend that young Americans ignore the call to serve in uniform in order to "get" this president, would do well to recall the words of one of his predecessors:

"What you have chosen to do for your country by devoting your life to the service of your nation is the greatest contribution any man could make."

Those are the words of President John F. Kennedy -- spoken at my alma mater -- the U.S. Naval Academy. Too bad there aren't more people in his party who feel that way today.

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COPYRIGHT 2005 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.

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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.

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