I never got to see Bob Hope in person, but remember well the shows on TV and all the support he gave the troops, while never engaging in bashing the war effort of the administration, whoever was in. He did make light hearted jokes at them all, but it was in jest, not malicious.

Just this weekend, departing Secretary of Defense made a surprise visit to Iraq where he was asked by a convoy commander on his second tour in Iraq, “Why do I have more patience than someone sitting at home in Fort ‘Livingroom’?” Our media that claims to support the troops, will not air that question to show the public how our troops feel about the job they are doing.

Instead, we will hear our terrible it is these brave, wonderful people have to be away from home during Christmas, yet these same media will go out of their way to eleminate Christmas altogether in the community.

Many in the nation may have lost hope, or never had it, but there are many of us who go unheard that do have hope yet. On that, I send our troops and their families Godspeed for a safe return and Merry Christmas to all.