Iraq Is the New Black

The NYTimes finally did a story over the weekend about how visiting Iraq is the new black.

For members of Congress, visiting Iraq is a badge of honor, a license to stand on the House or Senate floor and begin a speech by saying, “When I was in Iraq ... .” Some keep going back; Representative Christopher Shays, the Connecticut Republican, just ended his 18th visit.

It's bizarre that lawmakers are fetishizing the war zone, especially when we know that when they visit, they're surrounded by Marines and armored vehicles. It's the ultimate example that some people are worth more.