The peace movement in this country is under attack, but it's an attack they have left themselves open to.

Republicans, aided by talk radio, have been able to frame the debate on the war. They say that either you support George W. Bush and our troops, or you don't support our troops. One thing that most Americans learned after Vietnam was that not supporting the men and women whom fight and die for us is not only disrespectful, insensitive and an abject display of ignorance, but it is unpatriotic and un-American.

Peace activists have failed to understand that if they expect their rights of free speech to be respected, they must embrace the entire constitution, the spirit of this country and the flag that represents us all. Carrying the flag that represents free speech and the freedoms we have all come to enjoy should be common at all peace rallies. For if the freedoms that the flag represents were not afforded to protesters, they would not be allowed to publicly disagree with the actions of their government.

Now is a time of war, a time of conflict and a time to come together as Americans. We will not all come together in support of this war, but we have no excuse for not coming together in support of our men and women in the military. They are our sons and our daughters, our doctors and nurses, and our friends and our family. They reflect us and represent our values. Many joined the military for different reasons; some out of a deep-seated sense of duty and patriotism, some to help pay for school, and others to find a way to improve their personal circumstances. Whatever their reason, they understand that they must respect the flag. When they take their oath of service, they pledge to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Many peace activists don't appear to understand the connection between the flag and the Constitution. You cannot have the freedom of speech and not love the symbol that makes it possible. You cannot expect to win a debate against war when you do not show honor and respect for those fighting for freedom. You cannot hope to win the hearts of military men and women, or their friends and family at home by not embracing the symbol of freedom which they are prepared to die for.

Slitting their own throats is a practice the left is becoming increasingly adept at. Over 70% of Americans support the war. Why? Is it because of a spirit of patriotism that burns inside of them; a need to believe that if we hang together we will all come out this crisis safe? Every peace activist should understand this - and, with their signs, they should also carry the flag if they truly believe in the concepts of freedom this country was built upon.

Anti-war protesters are arguing that our government is pursing a "might makes right" policy and they are using their own rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech to argue that case to the American people. By exercising those rights they are doing what they can to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. But carrying signs and speaking out against the war is not enough. We need to know they are with us - the majority of Americans. If they expect us to listen when they lift up their voices, they should lift up their flags so we will know they are one of us.