DAVID ON PATRIOTISM

Today, celebrating the Fourth of July here:

Diyala Province, Iraq — Modern technology is an amazing thing. Shortly after my arrival at Forward Operating Base Caldwell in eastern Diyala Province, my fellow staff officers and I were able to purchase a satellite dish from a departing unit, manhandle it up to the roof of our building, point it in the general direction of a commercial satellite, and — voila! — we’re surfing the net. In our precious spare time, we chat with our families, download the occasional song from iTunes, and even play an online game or two. As for me, well, I read the news.

Perhaps my perspective is overly colored by my current circumstances, but I can’t recall a time when there was more outrage over — and reverence for — mere words. Mini-scandals seem to erupt daily over this or that “offensive” comment. Words seem to mean everything — even when defining patriotism. Whether it’s declaring dissent the “highest form” of patriotism, defining true patriotism as “speaking out” on issues, or even debating the meaning and definition of patriotism based largely on political positions and public pronouncements, it seems that words and symbols have captured the field.

That’s not to say that words and symbols don’t matter. Of course they do. I have dedicated my civilian career to defending religious liberty and freedom of speech, our first freedoms. But words matter largely because they tend to persuade people to take (or not take) certain actions. Words are important, but it is in the actions we take that we see the true character and heart of an individual.

I have now been mobilized with the 2d Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment (LTC Paul T. Calvert, commanding) for more than eight months (251.5 days for those keeping score at home, and my wife and kids quite literally are), and I do not recall a single discussion or debate about patriotism. And it’s not like we don’t talk . . . a lot. We’ve had late night debates and even screaming arguments over politics, religion, the war, economics, and the best Will Ferrell comedy (it’s “Talladega Nights,” by the way, and if you disagree with me, please realize that I’m armed).

But we never really talk about patriotism. There’s no need for words, really. Over here, it’s the deeds that matter.

Read the rest here.

THE CASE FOR MITT ROMNEY

Chris Cillizza has a great habit of writing columns for and then against certain VP picks. Today, he brings out "The Case for Mitt Romney," which will be followed tomorrow by "The Case Against Him."

But for those of us who struggle with McCain and are rooting for the former Governor of Massachusetts, let's have fun today:

It's impossible to overstate the importance the economy will have on the election this fall. In every recent poll, economic concerns dominated. For example, the most recent Washington Post-ABC News survey, which was in the field from June 12-15, showed one-in-three voters view the economy as the "single most important issue" in the fall election. The war in Iraq finished second with 19 percent calling it their top priority.

Not only is the economy the major issue on a national level, it's also of vital important in at least four key states -- Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- where the manufacturing sector has been shedding jobs and many communities are struggling with high unemployment rates.

Given the primacy of the economy as an issue, McCain starts at a disadvantage to Obama -- by the GOP candidate's own admission. While McCain allies insist that his concession that "I know a lot less about economics than I do about military or foreign policy issues" was taken out of context, it is certain to be a prominent feature of Democrats' advertising campaign in the fall.

Enter Romney. No one in either primary field boasts similar economic bona fides. Romney made millions during his time as the head of Bain Capital, and his most effective moments during the primary season came when he insisted his experience in the private sector had taught him "why jobs come....[and] why they go."

Romney is widely respected in the business world -- witness the massive amount of contributions he raked in from business leaders during the primary. And he is far better known to the public than businesspeople like Carly Fiorina or Meg Whitman, both of whom are mentioned as potential McCain veeps. (More on that below.)

When it comes to addressing McCain's weakness on economic matters, Romney is the perfect choice -- bold and safe all in one package.

There's more here!