The war in Iraq has been a war of words:

Insurgents. Enemy Combatants. Sectarian Violence. Civil War.

It’s as if calling it something else will make it something else.

The latest from the Pentagon Lexicon: The War in Baghdad.

In a statement to the press earlier this year, the President claimed that the violence was really limited to Baghdad, and the rest of the country was “relatively peaceful.”

That’s not setting the bar very high. The inner city streets of Baltimore are relatively peaceful, compared to Baghdad. But that isn’t the point.
The point is that Mr. Bush would like us to believe that instead of an entire country in turmoil, it’s only a city. And cities in turmoil are much easier to dismiss – just ask the folks down in New Orleans.

For all of the bluster the Bush administration delivers over publicly supporting the troops, it is unconscionable to demean their sacrifices by trying to downplay the conflict in which they gave their last full measure of devotion.

Don’t let him get away with it! But what can you do? Plenty, I say; and in less than an hour.
First, call your Congressperson, Senator and the White House (in that order). It’s easy to do, and while you won’t actually get to speak with your representative, your concern will be noted.

Second, call your local news media outlets. Tell the news desk editors not to give the President a pass on this issue.

Finally, write a letter to the editor of your paper. Also post it on blogs, news websites and email it to your friends, family and colleagues (especially those that voted for him).

It’s clear now that nothing will change the way this President handles or discusses the war, but at least our soldiers – as well as the rest of the world – will know that he doesn’t speak for you.