Memorial Day Protest

I see that John Edwards is encouraging his supporters to call for an end to the Iraq War on Memorial Day. I further see that some folks, like the American Legion, have criticized him because they believe Memorial Day should be about celebrating America's achievements, the grandeur of our freedom and generally basking in the promise of our land.

Isn't that pretty much what we do the other 364 days? Has anyone ever used the words "America" and "introspection" in the same sentence?

I also read last night a post from a woman in the midwest who stated that, although she detests the war, she is uncomfortable advertising that fact on a button, bumpersticker, yard sign or showing up to a demonstration. Oh sweetie. Its called having the courage of your convictions, a/k/a fortitude. It was displayed by people with names like Churchill, Connolly, Ghandi, Lowenstein, More, King, Day, Reuther Berrigan and Harrington. It is what separates us from lemmings.

Fortitude's opposite is cowardice. Cowardice was and is displayed by a bunch of people whose name we do not know because their lives were of no import whatsoever.

(I could not help but notice she posted anonymously.)