On Friday, 392 of the 435 members of the House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing “the unequivocal support and appreciation of the nation” to “the President as Commander-in-Chief for his firm leadership and decisive action in the conduct of military operations in Iraq as part of the on-going Global War on Terrorism” and “to the members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, who are carrying out their missions with excellence, patriotism, and bravery” and “to the families of the United States military personnel serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, who are providing support and prayers for their loved ones currently engaged in military operations in Iraq.”

It was a resolution that attracted widespread support among even the most dovish of the Democrats, including some who voted against authorizing President Bush to use force. Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts voted for the resolution, as did Representatives John Dingell of Michigan and Nydia Velazquez and Jerrold Nadler of New York. Rep. Nick Joe Rahall of West Virginia voted for it. Even Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California voted for it.

Yet among the 11 votes in the entire country against the resolution were two congressmen from New York City, Charles Rangel and Edolphus Towns. They joined the ranks of the long-time extremists on questions of foreign policy, such as Representatives John Conyers of Michigan and Maxine Waters of California. Voting “present” — not a “no,” but not a “yes” either — were two other New Yorkers, Congressmen Major Owens and Gregory Meeks.

Mr. Towns said Thursday on the House floor that he supports the troops “but cannot vote for this resolution, because I do not believe this to be a just war.” Mr. Meeks said he couldn’t vote for it because “I do not agree with the doctrine of preemptive strike.”

Mr. Rangel, who earned the purple heart and bronze star for his combat service in the Korean War, said he supports the troops but opposes the war. “I know of no evidence whatsoever that Iraq had anything to do with the terrorist attacks on September 11 th. I strongly support the global war on terrorism, but the only connection between this military action in Iraq, which I vehemently oppose, and the war on terrorism is that the president and this war’s supporters say it is connected,” he said.

Mr. Owens, in a floor statement about Iraq last week, said, “War is hell.” He also said, “Saddam Hussein is a monster. Saddam Hussein is a threat to world order. But Saddam Hussein is not an immediate threat to the United States and probably not an immediate threat to any country.”

It’s wonderful to see such a large congressional majority swing behind the commander in chief now that the war has begun. It’s disappointing that so many of New York City’s congressmen chose to send the troops overseas — and Saddam, if he still is alive — a signal of disunity.