Bush Contends Partisan Critics Hurt War Effort

Say what you want about the war in Iraq. Really, say what you want. The administration's contention that public debate over the pros and cons of the war is in itself unpatriotic and "deeply irresponsible" is absurd and insulting. Among the freedoms that are at stake in Iraq and elsewhere is the freedom of expression. Thomas Jefferson is often quoted as saying that dissent is the highest form of patriotism. We can hardly be expected to defend freedom abroad by compromising it at home. Truth is more important than partisan politics. The insinuation that open political debate is somehow dangerous to our country or harmful to our troops appears to be nothing more than a shameful and cowardly attempt to hide questionable policy behind the unquestionable honor of those who serve our country. So say what you want about the war. It is important that you do.