As we previously reported, Oliver North has a new column vigorously opposing a proposed "surge" or escalation of troops in Iraq. North was very blunt, saying, "Sending more U.S. combat troops is simply sending more targets."

But check out what North had to say in his September 17, 2004 syndicated column: He blasted John Kerry for describing the troops in Iraq as "targets" — exactly the same language as North is using now. North quoted Kerry, then laid into him:

"President Bush has failed to '... take the target off American troops ...' Kerry should take a few minutes on Sunday evening to listen to some of the scores of 'American troops' I interviewed in Iraq just a few weeks ago. They tell a much better story than Dan Rather — and it would give the Massachusetts senator an idea of what combat is really like. Not one of them complains about being a 'target.' Instead, they all believe that the terrorists are the 'targets' — and explain that they would rather fight them in Iraq than here."