why someone doesn’t want their child to die in vain, then you are a complete and utter moron.

I guess you think that soldiers that fought during WW2 died in vain to? War is ugly but sometimes needed. I guess maybe we should of let Hitler kill all the Jews in Europe?? Or have the kurds in Iraq keep getting gassed by Sadaam and keep letting him, rape, kill, and mame his people. If what we did was in vain in those wars then you have your liberal blinders on and need them taken off to see the REAL world. Talking to these to dictators would of NEVER worked. So open your eyes to what is REALLY happening around the world. Tell a dead soldiers mother her son or daughter died in vain and watch the response you will get!!

Thank you for not judging someone you do not know. I do know Tom, and I beleive that he is a good man with good moral character. I do not pretend to know what is in his heart, or exactly why he has agreed to run for office, but I do believe that the comment of “using his son as a stepping stone” is way off base, and heartless. I believe that Tom Manion is a Patriot and a man who is willing to sacrifice to serve his country. If anything, our incumbent Congressman, Patrick Murphy, has used his very limited military “experience” as the stepping stone to his office. Perhaps Tom believes that our mission in Iraq is correct, even if entry was made without all of the facts. Saddam was a terrorist, a mass murderer and vowed to attack the U.S.A. So did we do wrong to stop his killings against Iraqi citizens? Did we do wrong to take the first action against an avowed terrorist? Or should we have waited until we actually had another 9-1-1? I think not.

It would be an absolute disservice to the many young Americans who served with honor – to now cut and run, because it is politically popular to do so. Not because many have already died there. But because their mission was right, and it still is, and to leave it half finished WOULD mean they died in vain.

I for one respect Tom Manion, not for his political work, but for his lifes work. I also believe that with his combination of public and private sector service and experience, he is considerably more qualified than our incumbent congressman.

I hope he represents me in congress after teh next election.

Bob Bender
Chalfont, PA.

To question this man’s honor, that has served his country for so many years and has lost his son in service to his country…How can you explain HONOR or service to someone like that? I am a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to the Balkans, Kuwait, and the Cold War. The current war in Iraq is just an extension of Operation Desert Storm. Saddam signed a Cease Fire Agreement with the Coalition Forces that he continuously violated. If we did not stand by our word that we would enforce that agreement, we would have bigger problems. Matter of fact, this war would have never happened, if the UN and the Clinton Administration took a stronger stance. In the end, Saddam thought the U.S. was a paper tiger. If terrorists think of us as paper tigers or cowards that are quick to cut and run, then we will forever be victims of terrorism because it WORKS. When we cease being the Home of the Brave, we will soon cease to be AMERICA.

Iraq is a complex situation. AQI or Al Queda in Iraq has basically lost the war. They had control of Al Anbar in western Iraq a couple years ago. The Marines and some U.S. Army units fought hard there, but AQI basically caused their own defeat by using tactics that pissed off the locals. Now the LNs or Local Nationals have stopped fighting the Americans and turned their guns on AQI. AQI is still fighting, but they are almost defeated. Iraqi forces will require some support to continue operations. Iraq is still forming an air force. We will need to provide airpower for some time, but it does not cost us much in lives and is costing us less than enforcing the old No Fly zones in Iraq. AQ forces will fight us in Iraq or Afghanistan. Iraq is an .easier logistical target. When Iraq winds down…Afghanistan will heat up. But, a defeat of AQ in Iraq will hurt their cause. A victory will embolden them. This might be a war that some americans may want to run from, but AQ won’t quit. Terrorism will continue, but state sponsored terrorism can not be tolerated. Well funded terrorism will result in large U.S. casualties here at home. I would rather fight over there. We are not suffering the casualties that we suffered in WWI, WWII, Korea, or Vietnam. There is no draft. But, again…terrorism works against people that are easily terrified.
JW