I can just hear the catcalls now from those who prefer to accuse us of imperialism at the drop of a hat -- from those who spread the malicious myth that we attacked Iraq to confiscate its oil. These drive-by verbal assassins have always spewed their bile with impunity. They've never even considered apologizing for their propaganda -- propagandists don't -- though we not only declined to exploit Iraqi oil for our benefit, but have generously engaged in a comprehensive program to rebuild the country.

I hear even harsher catcalls coming from the same people -- who also blame us for the destruction wrought in Iraq by sectarian and terrorist mayhem following our removal of Saddam Hussein. They're certainly entitled to their opinion.

While no one wants America gratuitously to alienate the international community, should the primary focus of our foreign policy be to ingratiate ourselves to foreign nations?

But if Hillary and her cohorts are so concerned about America's image, maybe it's time they quit slandering their commander in chief to the rest of the world, wrongly accusing him of having lied us into war and of having attacked Iraq "unilaterally" just so they can rehabilitate themselves politically.

If they are so concerned about America's so-called "unilateralism," they should quit hypocritically demanding we abandon our multilateral approach to Iran and North Korea. They should muzzle colleagues like Dick Durbin and Ted Kennedy, who tell the world that our military routinely engages in prisoner torture and abuse for sadistic sport.

Democrats indignantly deny they are soft on defense. But we are engaged in a protracted war, and when campaigning, their leading presidential candidates choose to dwell on how America is faring in international polls.

I don't know about you, but I'd just as soon our next president -- like the current one -- be a little less preoccupied with international popularity contests and more dedicated to keeping America secure.