Nothing could be further from the truth.  While pointing out that in all wars innocent people are killed, I emphasized that American troops were actually going out of their ways to avoid harming non-combatants. This places our soldiers in even greater danger because, in Iraq, they don't know who the enemy is--whether uniformed soldiers are really surrendering or whether men and women in street clothes are suicide bombers. 

No matter how "smart" our high-tech weaponry may be, bombs and missiles can go astray and accidentally strike non-combatants.  Such was the case reported in the press last week when more than 50 civilians were killed by an errant missile that exploded in a crowded market in Baghdad.
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What Sean Hannity does not know, because he did not serve in the armed forces,  is that soldiers obey the orders of the Commander-in-Chief. Our troops are doing that.  But if we were not in this war, there would be no bombing at all, and it would not be necessary to consider the issue of "collateral damage." Hannity also refuses to accept the fact that we started this war and, in rejecting the will of the international community, interjected ourselves in a dispute between the United Nations and Iraq.

Nothing is more precious to Americans than our freedom to speak out, to disagree.  It's frightening that, in their passion for this war, some people are accusing anyone who opposes it of being unpatriotic.  If members of Congress are going to be attacked for fulfilling their responsibility to their constituents to speak out on matters of war and peace, then we might as well tear up the Constitution. 

I do not support the war, but I revere the troops, and I am drafting legislation  that will show, in a tangible way, the country's appreciation for their sacrifice. The program will provide generous higher education and health care benefits, for the troops after their discharge, their spouses and children.  For those who wish to go into business, it will provide the necessary resources.  I hope that supporters of the war who are questioning the loyalty of its opponents will support this initiative so we can provide a meanful welcome when the troops come home.

Demonizing dissenters has become the favorite tactic of the most vociferous supporters of the war in Iraq. At the same time, they are stifling debate, manipulating public opinion, distorting the facts about the loss of lives, betraying our troops, and defiling the Constitution. 

Those who oppose the war will continue to be vilified by some for their principled beliefs. I will continue speaking out for peace and on behalf of my constituents in name  of the U.S. Constitution.  I will not be intimidated.