From time to time, I will offer my thoughts on our world leaders. As students of politics and history (I hope), they deserve to be held accountable on their governmental skills and courage. E-mail me if you agree or disagree and I’ll post the best comments in the blog.

Today’s topic is the War in Iraq. Three thousand brave soldiers have died in combat and I, for one, sit numb in disbelief. The fact that we might soon send more troops in a futile attempt to save the administration’s insane and criminal policy is simply astounding.

But as the media shows us more photos of dead and wounded American patriots, not to mention images of shocking violence perpetuated by our presence in Iraq, it is time to take stock in the courage and convictions of our leaders. Let’s take a look and honor the political winners and losers so far:

Medal of Honor Winners

Senator Robert Byrd: From day one, there was no more eloquent voice in the United States Senate against this war than Senator Byrd. So powerful were his speeches that they were posted all over the Internet, shared between friends and read at loud at anti-war protests.

Senator Russ Feingold: Like Byrd, Senator Feingold was against the war from day one. In addition, when the Bush Administration attempted to use the war as justification to erode our civil rights and liberties it was Senator Feingold who acted as our Paul Revere and Thomas Paine!

Senator Ted Kennedy: A strong and consistent voice against the Iraq War, Senator Kennedy's speech at the John Hopkins School of International Affairs equals Byrd’s in both eloquence and passion. No one can take complex issues and break them down like Senator Kennedy, so the American public can understand. He almost deserves a special Hall of Fame position. He is simply amazing.

Congressman John Murtha: This tough old-school Congressional insider, who served with distinction as a Marine, turned the establishment upside down with his articulate and unrelenting opposition to the war. Given his background and unequivocal position, the Bush Administration has had far more difficulty in portraying the opposition to the war as a bunch of left-wing crazies. This man mainstreamed the anti-war movement.

Dead on Arrival

President George Bush: Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

Senator Hillary Clinton: For Senator Clinton, it is a close call between “dead on arrival” or “missing in action.” Senator Clinton barely beat Bush in calling for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. She has been a consistent supporter of the War in Iraq and her attempt to focus on military operational and deployment issues doesn’t fool us. She supported the war in 2003 and still supports it today. She has seen other Democratic presidential contenders surge forward as she ducks the leading moral issue of our time. And her fate could be sealed if she supports an increase in troops.

Former Minority Leader Richard Gephardt: This one is difficult for me since I was National Chair of his 2004 Presidential campaign. The moment Representative Gephardt rushed to the Rose Garden to stand by President Bush to support this war his campaign for President was over. Gephardt, now a private citizen, has yet to speak out publicly against the war that he helped create. Receding from public life doesn’t remove a moral obligation to help end this national tragedy. Lives can still be saved and our nation needs his voice.

Senator John McCain: What is this man smoking? He wants to send another 100,000 troops and put them in danger with no clear strategy! Does the good Senator remember Vietnam when we kept sending more troops to give the South Vietnamese Army more time to gain control? Bring on the helicopters to our embassy roof, Senator.

Wounded But Recovering

Senator Joseph Biden: Can Senator Biden be the Senator Fulbright of the Iraq War? Those of us who remember Vietnam will never forget the series of televised hearings that Senator Fulbright convened to bring the realities of the Vietnam War to the American people. Now that Biden chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, we will see what he is made of. A formal request by Bush for more troops would give Biden the opportunity to hold powerful, revealing and well publicized hearings. Is he up to it?

Senator John Edwards: Although Senator Edwards voted for the war, he has actually done what others have refused to do. He said he was wrong. In addition, he has increasingly grown vocal in his opposition to the war and was among the first to oppose the Bush troop increase. Like Murtha, his southern heritage and blue collar background adds a mainstream voice against the war. He could be one of the most vocal and articulate opponents in the upcoming election. He is one to watch on this issue.

Senator John Kerry: Many of us still do not know what Senator Kerry’s position on Iraq was in the last election. It seemed to be in a constant state of flux and indecision. But the Senator has charged back and sponsored legislation with Senator Feingold that would set a specific date for withdrawal. This makes him the only serious Democratic presidential candidate to call for a timetable to get out. Despite his past missteps, Kerry is now unmistakably a strong voice against this travesty.

To Be Tested In Battle

Senator Barack Obama: Senator Obama was an early voice against the war, but has presented his opposition since arriving in the Senate in muted tones so soft it is almost hard to hear him. It remains to be seen if he can equal Edwards’ emerging voice, have the ability to change minds and be a courageous opponent of this failed policy. We watch with interest.