My life's been a bit hectic lately, with virtually no time for chipping or this board. But a work-related conversation got me thinking recenlty, and it touches on issues we've discussed here so I figured I'd take the time to ponder it here as well.

I got a phone call from a co-worker who was seeking my help in putting together a package for troops overseas. One of the media outlets I work for is putting together entertainment packages for the troops, and he is putting it together. What he was looking for was tape of celebrities I interview expressing their best wishes for the men and women fighting in Iraq. What struck me, however, was that he prefaced this request by saying "Well I don't know how you feel about the war, but ..." and then pitching the idea.

Now this is very strange to me. Yes I'm against this war. But that does not mean that I wish any harm on any American soldier. They're very brave men and women, doing what they believe is right. And I am thrilled to gather good wishes for them that might make their days one iota easier.

But the issue here is that so many people toss around the phrase "no matter how you felt about the war before fighting began, now it's time to support our troops," when what they really mean is that anyone anti-war is against our troops. That idea is absurd to me. Many of the celebrities I'm interviewing for this project are against the war, but all they express to me is their desire to see our men come home safely, and to let them know that their country appreciates their sacrifice." They, like myself, believe that the griping about the war should be launched at politicians who make those decision, and not at American soldiers.

I guess what I want to point out is that there are some of us who will continue to vocally oppose this war, but who will also try to do whatever small task we can to lend moral support to the Americans who are bravely following the orders given to them by their Commander In Chief simply because they love their country. You can, in fact, hat the war and love the soldiers. And those who say you can't are as out of touch as Jack Nicholson's character in "A Few Good Men," when he ranted that Tom Cruise should either pick up a gun and stand a post or simply say "Thank You" and get out of his way.

Just my thoughts. As always, opposing opinions are appreciated.