WHY DON'T WE EVER HEAR THE GOOD NEWS

The Multi National Force - Iraq (MNFI) has a story about Iraqi citizens and Iraqi police standing up to an Al Qaeda attack.

ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE IN THE VICTORY CAUCUS

The Victory Caucus has a great article by Richard S. Lowry about the operation at the heart of the surge: Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, also known as the Baghdad Security Plan

SENATOR WARNER - HE'S JUST WRONG

Senator John Warner has called for President Bush to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq - 5,000 by Christmas. Why would he say this when he admits that the surge has made a noticeable difference? Well, Warner says we need to send a message to the Iraqi government - that our patience is wearing out and we won't stay forever. Senator Warner, I have news for you - if we leave Iraq, Al Queda will fill the void as will Iran and Syria. Prime Minister Maliki has already said Iraq can find other friends. And so they can - but they sure won't be our friends.

BUSH SATISFIED WITH SURGE - IT'S JUST BEGINNING

President Bush, during his weekly radio address said that he is satisfied with the progress of the surge and said that offensive operations were just beginning.

IRAQ - ALL SHADES OF GRAY

Major General Rick Lynch, the commander of Multinational Division Center and Task Force Marne, points out something that a lot of us have been thinking for a long time. Iraq is in the middle of a struggle for "power and influence." As General Lynch said "It's not black and white here. It's all shades of gray." The violence inside of Iraq is not just Sunni v Shiia, or another sect. Instead its intra-Shiia, intra-Sunni, etc. General Lynch pointed out that the Americans have to have great precision when talking about the enemy. It isn't easy to figure out who the enemy is.

TIGERHAWK AND THE CIA INVESTIGATION

TigerHawk has a great commentary about the internal investigation at the CIA. It is really a thought provoking piece.

WHAT COUNTRY DOES HILLARY LIVE IN?

GOP USA has a terrific article about Hillary Clinton. The article is a column written by Christopher G. Adamo. He talks about Hillary's latest ad, where she says that as she travels around America she meets many people who feel like they are invisible to their government. It is laughable to hear Hillary talking about the plight of the American people. When she was in the White House (remember she was First Lady - much to our regret) she insisted on being treated like royalty. Stories of her tirades are legion. Mr. Adamo reminds us of the Marines who were required to service the Clinton White House as waiters and bellhops. Hillary needs to find a new message because that one is not going to work.

A REMARKABLE YOUNG MAN - JOHN PEHR

I had a chance to meet John Pehr at a recent Republican meeting. What a remarkable young man he is and what a future he has. Jim Coffield, Volusia County Republican Chairman is a big supporter of teens like John getting involved in the political process. As Jim said "The teen group sure is a big help with canvassing neighborhoods with their strong legs and their enthusiastic spirits."

GO AHEAD - REFUSE TO LET OUR DELEGATES VOTE!!!

Good for Jim Greer, the Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida for making the decision that the Florida Republican Party will send all of its delegates to the 2008 National Convention, despite the National Republican Party's warning that Florida may lose half of its delegates because of our January 29 primary. I salute Jim Greer!!!

MORE PROGRESS FROM IRAQ

There is a report from Victory Caucus quoting a former top official of the now banned Baath party. According to this former official, the leader of the banned Baath Party, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, has decided to join the Iraqi fight against al-Qaeda.

GENERAL PETRAEUS' INTERVIEW WITH THE NEW YORK POST

Ralph Peters of The New York Post recently sat down with General David Petraeus. It's a fascinating story about the best qualified General we have had in Iraq and how he handles his job.

OPERATION PHANTOM STRIKE

Multi National Force - Iraq reports on Operation Phantom Strike.

IF YOU LOOK HARD ENOUGH FOR THE GOOD NEWS, YOU WILL FIND IT

The Nashville City Paper reports that Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, just back from a trip to Iraq report that military successes are being made but political progress is slow. Funny how hard it is to find good news.

MRAP'S ON THEIR WAY TO IRAQ

Secretary of Defense Thomas Gates has been pushing for the delivery of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles to our troops in Iraq. Thankfully that is now happening. These vehicles, called MRAP'S, have bullet shaped bottoms, and are much more able to withstand the IEDS that the terrorists are so fond of. Good for Secretary Gates.

A STORY FROM FALLUJAH

Victory Caucus has a story from the front lines in Fallujah. Again I have to ask where is the MSM?

THE STORY OF A REAL AMERICAN HERO

I have always believed that all of our military people, past and present, are American heroes. Here is the story of one who gave his life to protect us all.

GENERAL PETRAEUS WILL LIKELY TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS ON 9/11

The White House has announced that General Petraeus will likely testify before Congress on 9/11.

FRED THOMPSON'S TIMING MAY BE PERFECT

According to an article in the Boston Herald, Fred Thompson's decision to enter the race for President right after labor day may be perfect timing.

JUST ANOTHER REASON TO BE PROUD OF OUR MILITARY

If you needed another reason, here is a terrific story about our young soldiers in Iraq reaching out to help the people of Iraq. I have never needed a reason to be proud of our young soldiers, but in case you do, here's a good one.

JOHN MCCAIN TALKS ABOUT MILITARY EXPERIENCE

Senator John McCain recently delivered a speech in which he talked about what it means to fight in a war, and the special bond that those veterans share. Although I am not a veteran, I have often thought that such experience must create a very special bond.

ODIERNO HIGHLIGHTS IRAQ OPERATIONS

Lt. General Raymond T. Odierno highlights the operations that the Multi National Forces in Iraq have undertaken under his directions.