Tammy didn't cut and run

Illinois National Guard Major Tammy Duckworth delivers the Democratic party's response to the Chicken Hawk-in-Chief's weekly radio address.

Almost two years ago, the Black Hawk helicopter I was co-piloting in Iraq was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. When I woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center ten days later, my husband Bryan told me that I had lost both my legs.

Despite that, I don't regret my service for a minute. I was honored to serve when my country called. In fact, I'm still an active member of the National Guard.

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Just this past week, the National Intelligence Estimate revealed the unhappy truth: the war in Iraq has led to more terrorism, not less. These are the conclusions of our sixteen national intelligence agencies. Yet the response from the White House is a predictable "stay the course."

And anyone who challenges our failed policies, or suggests the need for a new strategy, is accused of "cutting and running."

Well, I didn't cut and run, Mr. President. Like so many others, I proudly fought and sacrificed.

My helicopter was shot down long after you proclaimed "Mission Accomplished."

And I believe the brave men and women who are serving in Iraq today, their families and the American people deserve more than the same empty slogans and political name-calling.

Duckworth is the Democratic candidate for the Illinois Sixth Congressional District seat being vacated by GOP Rep. Henry Hyde (remember him?).

What a difference between her and the Deserter-in-Chief.