WELL SAID

Like it or not, we're in Iraq. Now we need to finish the job of establishing democracy and stability.

It was apparent last spring before we invaded Iraq that this would not be a quick-hit war with a fairy-tale ending. It would instead be a massive undertaking costing us billions of dollars and hundreds of lives.

Like it or not, that has come true. Now we don't have a choice but to follow through. That means establishing safety and order so that the coalition of the majority of Iraqi citizens who want to build a pluralistic, tolerant government with a constitution and its accompanying values can do so.

We seem hellbent on undermining our own mission. Mainstream news reports are heavy on ambushes, civilian deaths, remote-controlled bombs and military missteps. It's OK to report those events - if we're doing our jobs, we're compelled to - and it's good for citizens and their press to watch government with critical eyes.

Beneath the breaking news are reports of progress from people who have visited and seen recent events in Iraq. In September, U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.) traveled around Iraq to see for himself. He wrote about his trip this week for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

He flew from Baghdad to Kuwait with a soldier on his way home to Dearborn, Mich., in a body bag. But he also saw American soldiers working with Iraqi contractors and citizens building schools. Riding at the open door of a helicopter flying between Babylon and Baghdad, he collected hundreds of enthusiastic waves from Iraqis. He received warm greetings when he shook hands through a crowd of refinery workers, alone, just to test the mood of the populace.