If you haven't read "Flags Of Our Fathers" yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. It is a poignant tribute to the real heroes in this world but it also shines the light into the sewer that is Washington D.C. politics.

Unfortunately, not much has changed in the 60 years since those young men who survived Iwo Jima were used by politicians to deceive Americans into parting with their money.

Patriotism can be a wonderful thing. Nobody loves America more than I do. Nobody has more respect for our troops than I do. Nobody detests what the monsters in the Bush administration have done more than I do.

In James Bradley's wonderfully researched and well written book, the politicians were exposed for their arrogance and deceptive practices. I saw the movie last night. It's not as good or detailed as the book but it's worth seeing and the main points were made.

Ira Hayes, John "Doc" Bradley and Rene Gagnon were used by politicians in a shameful way. No consideration was given for what they had suffered. Hell, "Doc" Bradley didn't even have the surgery he needed to repair wounds received on that Pacific rock until after the Bond tour. Despicable!

And now we have another arrogant, incompetent and monstrous bunch in the executive branch who have used lies, false patriotism and fear to take us over this cliff and into the abyss. It makes me wish there were a Hell!

Because of the recent election, I have hope for the first time in years. I was afraid we might not survive these guys. And there is still a long way to go. But maybe with people like Senator Jim Webb who defeated George "Macaca" Allen in Virginia, we have finally brought forth some Democrats with the courage necessary to stand up to this ultimate evil.

Patriotism is a quality which is deep within the soul of American citizens. It is there because of the greatness we all know has been our history. It is there because of men like "Doc" Bradley and all the rest of the real heroes of that horrible battle. It is there because of the thousands upon thousands of men and women who have served and will serve to keep our country safe and free.

No country can defeat America because the spirit of all those people still lives in their kids and our kids. The only thing that can bring America down is the inner turmoil and fear which has festered under George W. Bush and his evil minions.

I have hope. We have hope. Because we, The People, are Americans! We cherish our freedom enough to die for it. As hard as they've tried, this administration hasn't been able to steal those freedoms. And when history is written... This administration will be demonized as the worst in our country's history. And they deserve the title: DEMONS!