Move America Forward Moves Through Chicago

I had the pleasure of attending a press conference held in Chicago this morning by Move America Forward as they travel toward Washington to take part in the Support the Troops Weekend.

First we heard from Joseph Williams, whose son, Michael, died in Iraq in 2003. Joseph removed Michael's name from a cross in Crawford, Texas, where Cindy Sheehan and her supporters were protesting President Bush and the war. Waving a 2-page anti-war newspaper ad which included Michael's name, despite his father's request that it be excluded (I didn't get the name of the publication, but I'll find out and post it later), he stated that he would seek legal action if anti-war activists continue to use his son's name to promote their political agenda.

Then Deborah Johns took the podium. Her son, William, served 2 tours in Iraq. She spoke eloquently and passionately about the importance of supporting the troops who are serving our country -- voluntarily, she reminded us -- and making sure that their voices, and reports of all the good they are doing in Iraq & Afghanistan, are heard.

She implored the media to cover both sides of this important topic. We keep hearing about polls that show dwindling support for our efforts in the war in Iraq, but how representative can those polls be if most Americans are getting their information from and are influenced by a media that turns a cold shoulder on anything that isn't negative, anti-war, or anti-Bush?

Which brings me to another hot-button topic for Ms. Johns: Cindy Sheehan. After leading the "You Don't Speak for Me, Cindy" tour down to Crawford, and getting little media coverage, a story was published about her efforts to support the troops...with a picture of Cindy Sheehan! How's that for fair and balanced coverage?

After the press conference, those in attendance signed their support and words of encouragement on a banner that will be sent to the troops after this weekend's gathering in Washington.

I send my thanks to Deborah Johns, Joseph Williams, and all the folks at Move America Forward for working so tirelessly to rally support for our troops. Godspeed as you continue your journey.