The American people have heard so many conflicting stories about the attitudes of the Iraqi people towards America, as well as our soliders' attitudes about the war effort, that reporting such stories has become a battleground in and of itself.

There is no doubt that negative feedback about the war is emphasized by the mainstream media which, while accusing legislators of politicizing the war, in fact are as guilty, if not more, of doing the same. Case in point: Cindy Sheehan. Who would argue that the air and print time given to this anti- war poster-mom of the left wasn't exhaustive? Yet hardly a mention has been given to the Blue Star Moms and others who have also lost sons in the war, and have something to say, but from a different point of view than Sheehan. Let's not forget, the media made Cindy Sheehan.

Contributor Sharon Hughes A researcher, writer and public speaker Sharon is the President and Executive Director of The Center for Changing Worldviews, a non-profit corporation founded for the purpose of increasing the conservative, pro-family voice in a predominantly liberal society. Sharon produces and hosts Changing Worldviews TALK Radio which is the media outreach of The Center, and is heard Monday, Wednesday and Friday on KDIA AM1640 San Francisco/Vallejo and online daily at Oneplace.com. Sharon has worked to promote civic responsibility on the grassroots level since 1992 through various organizations such as Eagle Forum, so that America will continue to be a land of liberty, respect for human dignity and family integrity, as well as public and private virtue. For further information on Sharon and The Center go to www.changingworldviews.com or contact her at sharon@changingworldviews.com. Hughes Blog [go to Hughes index]

The headlines of major print media, especially online where articles are grouped by topic, could be enough to make the less informed think we are losing the war, that the effort and sacrifice paid already by our troops have been in vain. However, when you read the stories themselves, very often there's little substance to support the headline accusations, once you get past the spin.

That's why I like to read and hear it from the Iraqi people, our soldiers, and others who are not interested in politicizing the war.

Such as Franklin Raff who reported in his article, "Media treachery in Iraq exposed!" for WorldNetDaily, about the Iraqi officer of significant rank who asked:

"Why do you people not tell our story? Why do you not say what is going on? Why do you come to our country and see what is happening, you see the schools and the hospitals and you see the markets and you eat with Sunni and Shia soldiers ­ everybody eats together, everybody works together ­you see that Saddam is gone forever and we are free to speak and complain. You see we are working and eating together and fighting together ­ Sunni and Shia ­ you see what we are building here, you see the votes we make as one people. Then you say to the world about a great war and horrible things and how we are all killing each other? We are not animals! We are Iraqis. Look around you! Look!"

And Officer Dan Maher of the New York Police Department, who recently spent a year helping to train an Iraqi police force. He took a tape recorder with him to record his experience, and NPR radio recently interviewed him, also playing short clips of what he captured on tape, which you can hear HERE. He tells his experience straight, just like it is. And many others have and are doing the same, but their voices are rarely heard.

I've interviewed several soldiers, officers and journalists who have been in Iraq, on my show since the war began and they all echo Dan Maher's attitude.

No one wants to go to war, except aggressors who want to dominate the world. Not soldiers. Not officers. Not presidents. Not Americans. Not our allies. Not any civilized people or freedom-loving country. Nevertheless, when the safety of the people is at risk, both imminent and in the foreseeable future, the brave and understanding are willing to enter the fray when necessary.

There have always been, and always will be, the bullies of the world who will not stop, unless they are stopped. That's why war is a reality. And that's why the great majority of us, who stay at home while our troops defend us, are so grateful for their effort on our behalf. That's why "supporting our troops" fighting the war on terror is alive and well.

Oh, I know I'll get a ton of mail for saying these things from those who disagree. But I comfort myself with the knowledge that the vast majority of Americans wish there was no such thing as war, but understand the consequences of not standing up to the bullies of the world. If you can say anything about America, you can say this...we will not be beaten in the school yard of the world.

To those who think my comments are ridiculous, let me ask you, what do you think then of 9/ll terrorist, Zacarias Moussaoui's statements in court on Thursday, April 13th, 2006, in anwser to Prosecutor Rob Spencer's questioning? ...

Spencer: "So you would be happy to see 9/11 again?"

Moussaoui: "Every day until we get you. I'm glad there was pain, and I wish there will be more pain."

Spencer: "So, you have no regret, no remorse?"

Moussaoui: "No regret, no remorse. We have an obligation to be the superpower. You have to be subdued."

Is war a seamless operation? No. Is the war in Iraq running smoothly? What does that mean? War is hell! But, in the midst of it all, because of the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers, much good is happening to defend us at home and to extend freedom in countries that have not known freedom.

Who is telling the truth about the war in Iraq? Those who don't have an axe to grind. Those who are saying it like it is...like it really is. -one-