NYC Letter: Christmas Thanks

Reading the MSM we are left with the impression that the Allied troops are parading around Iraq doing little more than presenting themselves as targets. That and, need we remind you, Abu Ghraib.

The MSM is determined to report Iraq as though it and the peace mob are vindicated in their complacence with Mr. Hussein left to run things. They are wrong on both counts.

Much good is being done in Iraq. And you can read about the brave people doing it. And you can send them your thanks.

One good read is Australian bloggerArthur Chrenkoff, who writes an extensive -- yes, there being quite a lot of good news -- bi-weekly update of Iraq successes for the WSJ.

These are not cooked up vanity puffs of the Allies for the Allies. The Iraqis tell the Iraq success story even better. Iraq The Model, Healing Iraq, and The Mesopotamian are a few of the Iraqi voices, grateful voices, reporting on an Iraq that sometimes leaps and sometimes inches its way to a better world. That these blogs exist, free to report the good and the bad as they see it, is a testament to success in Iraq.

And among the many good blogs blogging goodly are found stories of the incredible bravery of the big and the small in Iraq. It is hard to read some of these stories without a whelming of personal surrender to their poignancy. Against a world that extols arid sophistication, that believes sacrifice is what the government is for, that looks to soulless celebrities for spiritual instruction, that against such a world there are men and women and children of noble and heroic purpose. These people deserve our profound thanks. And Christmas is a great time to thank them. Here's how.

Chief Wiggles runs Operation Give, which provides cheer and necessities for the children of Iraq.

The Network for Good has a page of groups that run a variety of aid programs for Iraq.

The DOD has compiled an omnibus list of programs that support the troops that can be found here. Whether time, money, or method is the determining factor, there's sure to be a program suited to your circumstances. Contributions to some programs are tax-deductible, so there's some getting with your giving.

Christmas is traditionally a time of warm fellowship and giving. So spread a little around to the troops and the good folk of Iraq.