The thousands of American deaths and tens of thousands of casualties in Iraq have had ripple effects that touch millions of Americans.

Too many have seen friends and family killed or wounded, and all of us have seen the damage to our national security and good standing that will take years to undo.

This strategic blunder will have consequences for a generation of Americans and beyond.

That’s why more than ever, this fourth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq reminds us that politics is not a game.

Millions of people have tuned into this presidential race wondering who will provide the leadership to end this war and the judgment to avoid strategic disasters like this in the first place.

We've put together a resource and action center on Iraq where you can hear Barack in his own words. It includes a video, an interactive timeline, and -- most importantly -- opportunities for you to get more people involved in the fight to end this war.

Watch the video, spread the word, and speak out on the war now:

Speaking out against this administration's reckless rush to war in Iraq wasn't easy four years ago. Washington didn't go easy on those brave enough to voice their opposition.

The same pattern continues today. From questioning someone's patriotism to accusations of aiding the enemy, almost no smear tactic is out-of-bounds when it comes to attacking those who speak out against this tragic war.

But from the beginning -- before George Bush announced the invasion of Iraq four years ago today -- Barack Obama consistently opposed this war.

Today he's got a plan to end it. His plan to begin a phased withdrawal of our troops by May 1st is the foundation around which Democrats of all stripes have united.

Now it's your time to lead.

From our resource and action center, you can write a letter to the editor, support Barack's plan to bring the troops home, and even upload your own video about why you want to end this war. Take action on Iraq now:

On this page, you can also find a link to various ways you can assist troops in the field, veterans who’ve returned home, and the families of those whose service we honor. And so as we work to get them out of harm’s way in Iraq, please take a moment to do something for those who have sacrificed most.

All of us need to act now, because the administration still hasn't gotten the message about this war.

Just this morning, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice demonstrated the Bush administration's head-in-the-sand approach to Iraq.

Asked to name the biggest mistake over the last four years, she couldn't name one. She said, "I don't know. When we look back over time we will know the answer to that question."

The time to fix our course in Iraq is now. We can't wait for the Bush administration to act -- it's up to you.

Get informed and get involved on Iraq:

Thank you,

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America