Local developer pushes Iraqi war

By: Mike Deeson

St. Petersburg, Florida - The TV commercial features a soldier who lost both his legs in Iraq, saying "If we pull out now everything, I have given in sacrifice will mean nothing."

It is part of a series of emotional ads featuring wounded servicemen, as well as families of service men and women killed in Iraq.

In another one of the spots, a mother of a soldier killed in the war says, "We've already had one 9-11, we don't need another."

Freedom's Watch is the group behind the ads. Its president, Brad Blakeman, says the entire message is, "Don't surrender and don't give up." Blakeman adds that the group's goal is, "To make sure that when America goes to war, victory is the only outcome."

Freedom's Watch is targeting members of Congress like Tampa's Kathy Castor, who says the ads are off base.

"Let me tell you, people want to bring the troops home," Castor says. "Bring them home safely and bring an end to this war. We're spending over $10 billion a month on the war in Iraq."

A major push behind the ad campaign is right here in the Bay area, with developer Mel Sembler. Sembler is, among other things, responsible for Bay Walk in St. Petersburg. He has switched his money from the Scooter Libby Defense Fund to Freedom's Watch, which is intent on keeping the troops in Iraq.

Among people, the ads seem to give a mixed response. Steve Ewart thinks the ads are "disgusting, that they are using sacrifice of these people for political ends."

But others, like Vietnam vet Paul Robinson and his son Michael, like the spot.

Some people we showed the ad agree with Steve Ewart who says he thinks it is disgusting that they are using the sacrifice of these people for political ends. Ewart also says if you think the war is a disaster, this is hard to take.

Others like Vietnam Vet Paul Robinson and his son Michael like the spot.

"I understand where she is coming from. She doesn't want it to be in vain. If we're there, let's finish the job," Michael says.

While those who support the war are sincere in the pleas, so are those who feel the price to continue is too high.