As a result, all other things being equal, even if the Senate joins the House in rejecting the Democrat-led effort to set deadlines for reducing our presence in Iraq or withdrawing posthaste, this week's deliberations may not adequately serve the public's need to understand the true nature of this conflict and its stakes.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: 'Iraq War' truth squad

If we want to understand the true burden of health entitlements, we need to account for not only what we spent on them directly, but also the fair share of net interest payments on the national debt attributable to these same entitlements.

FORBES: The Hidden Costs of Health Entitlements are Growing at Triple the Rate of Health Entitlements

To understand the true impact of gas prices on real-life drivers, you need to know both components.

FORBES: Just in Time for Memorial Day Weekend: State Rankings on Gas Price Pain

Sometimes I give speeches to newly sworn citizens in Miami, and when I see thousands of people ecstatic to be a part of this remarkable, albeit imperfect, nation, I still believe it can all work, but we need true citizens who comprehend the rights and responsibilities that title entails, who understand how they got here and why.

NPR: Seeking Solutions for the Nation's Broken Schools