At week's end
Capsules of commentary on recent events
Oct. 7, 2006
The e-mails from elected officials and political candidates pour in. About this and that, and such and such, and so on and on. It's a wonder the delete key still works.
But last week one stood out. It was from Attorney General Bob McDonnell and, no doubt about it, this was a nonpartisan message that everyone, especially every parent, could appreciate. Here's part of what it said:
"From the last month and a half of our campaign, through the recount, and for the first nine months of my administration, there has been something missing in the McDonnell family, our oldest daughter. As many of you know, my oldest daughter, Jeanine, has been serving on a 12-month tour of duty in Iraq. While we all worried about her safety, and missed her presence, we also felt tremendous pride in what she was doing. Now, I am happy to report, that yesterday Jeanine returned safely back to America, her tour of duty complete."
That is wonderful news, while at the same time a reminder that the son of Democrat Jim Webb, who is challenging Republican Sen. George Allen, was sent to Iraq last month with his Marine unit.
Sometimes the point is made that very few of the sons and daughters of this nation's elite actually serve in Iraq. Well, if that's true, a couple of exceptions to the rule reside in Virginia.
Part of the tragedy of Iraq is that not every parent gets to send the joyful e-mail that the McDonnell family got to send. Our hearts go out to these families, all of them. Their courage demands our thanks. Their sacrifice cannot be repaid.
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