In The News . . .

A couple of news stories from the last couple of days that caught my eye.

First, remember all those stories before the 2004 election about how the war in Iraq was killing morale and recruitment for the U.S. military? Well, apparently the Army just had it best recruiting year since 1997. Funny how this story didn't garner the same frontpage treatment, isn't it?

Second, for the first time since October 2003, a majority of Americans support the war in Iraq. Although I think the Frank Warner overstates the significance of this poll, he is absolutely correct that the media repeatedly frames this issue in the worst possible way.

And finally, a piece on R. Lee Ermey and Unmet Needs, a charity dedicated to assisting military families facing financial hardship. For those who don't recognize the name, Ermey is the Vietnam veteran and former drill sergeant whose funny and frightening role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman made Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" a modern masterpiece. He is putting his celebrity to good use, and this is certainly a cause that deserves more publicity.