The people at MoveOn.org have a new Iraq ad that is, if they do say so themselves, their most effective ever. Then again, for the group that brought us the “General Petraeus or General Betray Us?” ad last September, that might not be saying much.

The ad is simple. A mother speaks as she holds her baby boy:

“Hi, John McCain. This is Alex. And he’s my first. So far his talents include trying any new food and chasing after our dog. That, and making my heart pound every time I look at him. And so, John McCain, when you say you would stay in Iraq for 100 years, were you counting on Alex? Because if you were, you can’t have him.”

Take that, warmonger

We do, however, live in a free country with a volunteer army. In the United States, individuals can choose to serve in the military or not. The choice not to serve should carry no taint, nor should it be viewed with the least prejudice. If Alex chooses to pursue other opportunities, he won’t be criticized by John McCain or anyone else.

But that’s not at all the message of the MoveOn ad.

The MoveOn ad is unapologetic in its selfishness, and barely disguised in its disdain for those who have chosen to serve — and its contempt for those parents who might be proud of sons and daughters who are serving. The ad boldly embraces a vision of a selfish and infantilized America, suggesting that military service and sacrifice are unnecessary and deplorable relics of the past.

And the sole responsibility of others.

The Democratic party mirrors the thoughts of MoveOn.org. I report, U decide.

"Progressives, it seems, don't want to be called liberals any more. I don't blame them. Big-government liberalism has degenerated into a politics of arrogance and willful ignorance of economic realities,"

Craig, this is Alan. WELL DONE.

To the editor,

Editorial in Sunday Pioneer Press: "Obama delivering a rousing speech before rousable thousands in the Xcel Energy Center, McCain respectfully answering questions before an invited few hundred.... Obama exhorting (hollaring) the crowd"... Reminds me of the Wellstone memorial service intended, to be a tribute to a fine man, was turned into a political rally as was Obama's acceptance speech.

In replies to questions from the audience, those in the editorial, there was not single answer that was an attack on Obama or the Democratic party. Obama spent most of his time talking about McCain and the Republican party. "McCain, for his part, was assertive but nuanced as he discussed the issues of the day."

Several times McCain has challenged Obama to meet at town hall meetings but it was refused by Obama. Obama is an outstanding speaker when using a scripted speech but not so well on a face to face interview as seen when asked to comment on Tim Russert's death. He stumbled over his words.

WASHINGTON — Israel carried out a major military exercise earlier this month that American officials say appeared to be a rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iran's Nuclear Program Several American officials said the Israeli exercise appeared to be an effort to develop the military’s capacity to carry out long-range strikes and to demonstrate the seriousness with which Israel views Iran’s nuclear program.

Mr. Obama’s decision to reject public funding for his campaign, which had long been expected given his record-breaking money-raising prowess during the Democratic primary season, was immediately criticized by Mr. McCain, who confirmed Thursday that he would accept public financing.

“This is a big, big deal,” said Mr. McCain, of Arizona, who was touring flooded areas in Iowa. “He has completely reversed himself and gone back, not on his word to me, but the commitment he made to the American people.”

At this point his campaign funds are three times those of McCain. If accepting public funding his spending would be severely limited. See who spends most on TV ads. I report,U decide.