I don't think the surge is working per se, but

[cboy4]

the number of American soldiers dying is clearly down.

I never miss "In Memoriam" on ABC This Week (because it's fascinating), and the list of names is noticeably shorter. There's no question. And that's a good thing.

However, this "surge" is only pushing the problems elsewhere in Iraq, nothing is getting accomplished politically, insurgents are clearly laying low for now and civilians are living in misery. Nothing has really changed over all.

But since I know someone who is over there (I great progressive guy who hates Bush), I'm happy (maybe from a selfish standpoint) that not as many American service members are dying.

And when we win next year, I'm going to be so happy knowing my friend (who is in the Calif. National Guard) will f-i-n-a-l-l-y be coming home.