The American Spectator

p> DON’T THEY KNOW? br> Re: Ben Stein’s As Thanksgiving Approaches : /p> p>This thoughtful essay by Mr. Stein states clearly what has and continues to trouble me about this opposition to President Bush. Don’t these people (from those like Fitzgerald who apparently feels he is just doing his job to those in the Kennedy-Kerry camp who will say and do anything to maintain political power) understand they are undermining the most exemplary nation in the history of the world? Are they so deluded or do they just don’t care? After their ilk’s disgraceful actions in the Vietnam War (which don’t forget was initially and largely a Kennedy-Johnson affair) it should be obvious to all thinking people that they are either venal or stupid or as is more likely both. Whatever it is just downright scary. br> — Jack Wheatley /p>

I disagree with Ben about the Libby indictment. I am inclined to believe that Libby did nothing wrong and I consider him innocent until proven guilty. At the same time, I am inclined to give the special prosecutor the benefit of the doubt. I believe he did not act out of political or other base considerations, but out of his desire to see justice done. Let him present his case to a jury. If Libby lied to a grand jury, that is a serious crime. If Libby did not lie, Fitzgerald is not the man he appears to be.

I agree with Ben on everything else he said. Ben’s article caused me to reflect on things that I am thankful for. I am thankful to be an American and live in the United States. I am thankful for my family and our good health. I am thankful for the brave men and women who volunteered to put their lives in danger and defend my freedom. I am thankful for President Bush and his iron determination to crush the incipient tide of Islamofascism and all the odious ramifications of that vile theology.

Victory is ours if we will it. Stand firm in your commitment to victory in Iraq and the fight against Islamic terror. Take heart in the bedrock knowledge that free and representative government is better than authoritarian government. Resist the temptation to criticize the administration at every down turn. Let not your estimate of the situation in Iraq roller coaster with each media report. We owe this much to our men and women in harm’s way.

p>To the men and women of the American military I send you my heart felt thanks and my unyielding support. Your fight is my fight. We will be victorious. To the more than 2000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of my freedom I say: Hail heroes. Rest with God. You are not forgotten. br> —