At a labor event last night in Iowa

All our local Democratic candidates and office holders were brought to the front for applause and energy.

The next Congressman to Iowa's Second District made yet another *amazing* speech -- http://www.loebsackforcongress.org

One of three Democratic candidates for governor made a pitch to the crowd. And, to be honest, how lucky are we that we have THREE wonderful individuals who want to carry on the Democratic legacy of current Gov. Tom Vilsack?

Finally, the keynote speaker took to the stage: Gen. Wesley Clark. He was brilliant and brought tears to my eyes more than once as he validated so many of my own feelings toward this war, this administration and the overall state of our nation.

You'll never guess, then, who received the largest and longest applause for the night. Go ahead... take a guess...

Nope.

Nope.

It was an Army soldier, recently back from Iraq. The entire hall was up on its feet and banging its hands together. Smiles were on all the faces around me.

Never... NEVER... let anyone say that Democrats don't appreciate and support our men and women in uniform. Hell, WE ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM!! It is our fathers, sons, daughters, mothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins who make up the bulk of the armed forces.

Grieving for those who died does not make us less patriotic. Requiring adequate post-war benefits for those who served does not make us 'sissies.' Believing that our men and women -- our most precious resource -- should only be sent into to combat as a last resort does NOT make us soft on terrorism. Realizing that our armed forces are fighting a battle they should have never entered (and saying so) does not make us less American.

...thanks for the report.

Republicans "Support" the troops the same way I support The Boston Red Sox-- I put a bumper sticker on my car and watch them on TV.