Ms. CONDOLEEZZA RICE (U.S. Secretary of State): Men and women who speak for those Cubans who are forced into fearful silence but who remain free in their hearts and in their minds.

NPR: U.S. Report Outlines Castro's Ouster

While that would be desirable in and of itself (for example, tangibly demonstrating Iraqi support for our troops' efforts and facilitating translations in the latters' interactions with local populations), there are myriad other ways in which Free Iraqis' help could be instrumental to the "hearts and minds" dimension of this conflict.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: 'Embed' free Iraqis, now!

One cannot help but wonder if our current inability to legislate our way out of a paper bag might be different were party leaders and the President to, once again, be free to avail themselves of the one thing that could always win the hearts and minds of elected officials who care, first and foremost, for their own jobs a healthy and legal bribe.

FORBES: Why Congress Cannot Operate Without The Bribing Power Of Earmarks