Jon Stewart on Bill Moyer's Journal

Each week during Sunday worship, we honor the men and women of the United States armed forces who have given their lives in service to the country. We read each of their names. And pray for them and for their families.

It's always hard. I find my throat catch. I don't try, but I can't help but imagine faces. I utter "rest in God's peace" under each. I do this unconsciously. It's my fitful attempt to honor the life that has ended. This past week, there were 35 names read. Each name comes with a yellow ribbon, which members of our congregation tie to our church's iron fence after the service. There are more than 3000 ribbons on the fence at 5th Ave. and 29th Street.

This weekly ritual is how I remember, when my world continues to go on without change in a time of war, when no one asks me to ration or sacrifice or enter the draft, that people are dying in my name. My life goes on, much as before. A weekly ribbon ceremony, a prayer, is all I do to remember.

I'm not protesting the war anymore. I've written letters. I've marched. But I've stopped that. I'm sick with apathy. Even the faithful protestors at Washington Square Park, who stood quietly at the 5th Avenue entrance to the park with signs saying "Stop the War," aren't there every day anymore.

Life continues. I feel apathetic and powerless.

But leave it to Jon Stewart (again) to speak truth to power.

This clip from his show in which he confronts Sen. John McCain (seen here in the context of his appearance on Bill Moyers' program), was the most incisive and FAITHFUL critique of the war I've seen in months. It reminds me that we choose our battles. And that people of good consciences can use the opportunities they're given in remarkable ways.