Body-Bag Politics

Hats off to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Boylan for calling the "2000th death in Iraq milestone" for what it really is:

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Boylan, director of the force's combined press center, described the number as an "artificial mark on the wall."

"I ask that when you report on the events, take a moment to think about the effects on the families and those serving in Iraq," Boylan said in an e-mail. "The 2,000 service members killed in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom is not a milestone. It is an artificial mark on the wall set by individuals or groups with specific agendas and ulterior motives."

"The 2,000th Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine that is killed in action is just as important as the first that died and will be just as important as the last to die in this war against terrorism and to ensure freedom for a people who have not known freedom in over two generations," Boylan wrote.

"Celebrate the daily milestones, the accomplishments they have secured and look to the future of a free and democratic Iraq and to the day that all of our troops return home to the heroes welcome they deserve," Boylan wrote.

Sir, Yes Sir!

Of course, that isn't going to stop the cut-and-run crowd from going ape. I gather Mother Sheehan is still toying with the idea of chaining herself to the White House fence. Perhaps she could find a nice muntions train instead?