The average Iraqi probably would love to see the U.S. gone, at least if we could leave without the country descending into chaos and bloodshed. But Iraqi children still love U.S. convoys, if only because we like to toss goodies to them as we pass by. It's debatable whether or not we should, but it's hard to resist when you see the children swimming in dirty canals and making do at levels of subsistence that make poverty in the U.S. seem like a sweet deal in comparison. So we like to toss candy, school packets, and soccer balls to the kids when we can.

One problem with all that, however, is that soccer balls tend to deflate over time, and we only have one air pump, so while the kids enjoy getting the balls, over time they need new ones. So we'd like to be able to provide them with pumps to go with the balls, if we can. Which is where all of you come in. Much as I dislike begging, if there is someone out there reading this who knows of a way we can get air pumps for soccer balls cheaply, I would greatly appreciate it if you would drop me a line and help us out.

READER COMMENTS

Dont forget needles as well.

I picked up several pumps this weekend, all of which came with needles. They'll be shipped off this morning.

One question, would it make more sense to have the kids bring the balls to you for pumping up? I wonder how long the pumps will stay ok in the hads of kids.