Not unexpectedly, the war in Iraq has become the focus of this year’s presidential campaign, with the candidates and their partisan puppets trading charges and counter charges. While we share President Bush’s view that the war in Iraq is a critical component in the War on Terror, we do not excuse either campaign from responsibility for the shameful rhetoric that’s being carelessly tossed back and forth. Nor do we exempt the media, whose coverage of the political dialogue on Iraq and the war itself ranges from careless and misleading to partisan and scurrilous. And, with just weeks to go, it is apparent that this non-discussion will continue ad nauseam until Election Day.

As is too often the case in presidential election years, the rhetoric seems to have swallowed the truth and consumed America’s grasp on its priorities for dessert.

So, just for a moment, let’s take a step back and try to regain some perspective.

Let’s start with a dusty Marine, somewhere in central Iraq. Clad in long-sleeved desert fatigues, combat boots, Kevlar helmet and flak-jacket, he spends his days tromping down sandy roads and baking in the 107 degree heat. Today’s goal is the same as yesterday’s: make it to tomorrow.

More than 500,000 brave Americans are deployed around the world, protecting our freedom. Nearly 200,000 are in Iraq and Afghanistan, on the front lines of the War on Terror. Every day, they risk their lives on our behalf.

In our free country, we can, and should, debate the strategy and objectives behind their missions. But we must be careful not to undermine their efforts. And we must always be mindful of their service and their sacrifice.

To that end, as the political rhetoric continues to sail back and forth, let’s engage our right of speech in a different way: let’s thank our troops.

In March of last year, the Center for Individual Freedom began offering a forum for those wishing thank the men and women of our armed forces. Since then, thousands of visitors have logged on and posted messages of thanks. The comments reflect unsurpassed gratitude.

Some are simple and brief. Others are more involved. Every one is evocative in its own way. (To view a selection of messages, click here.)

So, as our troops labor in deserts and cities far from home, we encourage you to rise above the campaign rhetoric and make your voice heard by showing your appreciation. It really is the least that we can do.

If you’d like to post a message, click here.