“Due to the volatile state of the world and out of sensitivity and respect to the armed forces, who I support and pray for, I do not want to risk offending anyone who might misinterpret the meaning of this video.”

So said Madonna when she pulled the US release of her newest video, “American LIfe.” Earlier in the week she had said, “”I feel lucky to be an American citizen for many reasons, one of which is the right to express myself freely, especially in my work.”

Oh well.

Now that I’ve seen the video, I don’t see what the big fuss is about. The closing scene–in which a Bush look-alike catches a Madonna-lobbed grenade, which then turns into a cigar–is getting the most attention. The scene is ambiguous: it could be taken as a simple sight gag as much as a political statement.

But better safe than sorry. We wouldn’t want any of our fragile little soldiers in Iraq getting their feelings hurt by Madonna. Oh sure, they’re rough and tough on the outside, but inside they’re just big teddy bears with feelings, just like everybody else. Last night they were up all night crying because the peace protesters hurt their feelings–and there’s no nap time today, because of the war and everything. So be nice to the little soldiers. They’re just volunteers, after all.