Last week, the U.S. death toll from the war in Iraq reached 2,000. Ed Board would like to acknowledge the bravery of these troops, who were willing to die for our country.

However, they aren’t just dying for our citizens – they’re dying for the citizens of Iraq, as well. In the face of insurgency and terrorist attacks in other countries as well as our own, U.S. troops are struggling to bring democracy to Iraq and its people. This is also a noble ambition.

Now some legislators are trying to set deadlines for troops to pull out of Iraq. Though Ed Board doesn’t support the original reasons for entering the war, especially since the proof for the reasons turned out to be false, we also don’t support strictly adhering to these deadlines.

In 2003, we invaded Iraq and toppled a sadistic dictator. However, we also took away the country’s infrastructure, throwing it into turmoil and uncertainty.

Now, we are slowly helping them to build their country anew. A constitution was passed despite voter fears of terrorist retaliation. They were willing to risk their lives to gain freedom, and on Dec. 15 Iraqi citizens will brave the polls again to vote for a parliament and government. In the face of such determination, America is obligated to help them rebuild.

At the beginning of the war, America was eager to lead by example and spread democracy. Ed Board thinks America shouldn’t give up and pull out of the country, because if it falls into a shambles once again, all of our efforts and ideals fall short, as well.

America should lead by example, not duck out of bad situation that it created with false claims. We started his fiasco, and we need to finish it.

Public approval of the war is at 37 percent, according to CNN.com, but public approval of the troops and the aims of democracy should never waver.

Ed Board wants American troops to come home, but we want them to come home having accomplished the betterment of Iraq and the lives of its citizens.

For once, we agree with Bush. Completing our mission in Iraq is the best way to honor the sacrifice our troops have made.