No, the surge did not work

Now that the conventions are over, let's get one thing straight: Last year's Iraq War troop surge didn't work.

Politicians in all parties need to face up to this. Check the casualty statistics for while the surge was going on. The surge did not work, and why the myth of the surge's "success" continues is a mystery. (Actually it isn't such a mystery when you consider where the media stands.)

Anyone running for President who insists the surge worked shouldn't even be taken seriously.

If Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) wants to act like a dick about it, we should call him out for his idiocy. During last night's Republican convention installment, he gave a right-wing speech that dwelled on this issue. He looked like a nut. He bore his teeth, yelled, and raved.

(The speakers at the convention had a tendency to look very angry. Sarah Palin, for instance, appeared as if she was about to slug someone throughout most of her speech.)

But I will not vote for anyone - of any party - who says the surge worked. I will not.

The surge issue has become like the economic "boom" of a decade ago (which was a hoax) in that only one side is allowed to be heard despite overpowering proof (statistical and otherwise) that they're wrong.