"I know some bad pits, but I've seen bad dogs from almost every breed. What I mostly see are bad owners. I was wondering: What is your general opinion of pit bulls?"

The following text is from a World War I U.S. propaganda poster titled "Watchful-Waiting": The Germans have their "Wincht am Rhein," the English play "Lord Save the King," the Frenchmen sing their "Marseillaise," while the Russians chant their "National Hymn." Our spirit shuns this warlike ring: Peace breathes in what we proudly sing: "The Star-Spangled Banner." And long may it wave, o'er the land of the free and home of the brave. By these colors we stand ever true. Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue.

Needless to say, times have changed.

The American Staffordshire terrier used to be the all-American dog. Abroad, pit bulls served with U.S. soldiers, utilizing their superior hearing and sense of smell to warn of mustard gas, shell raids and other lurking dangers, including the presence of enemy spies — as was the case with Sgt. Stubby, the pit who single-handedly captured a German spy and dragged him to camp by the seat of his pants. For his service, he became the only pooch to be promoted to the rank of sergeant.

At home, pit bulls helped the government promote and sell war bonds. Their mugs were featured in Buster Brown ads — the reliable, sturdy, all-American shoe. And they starred alongside children in Hollywood productions, most notably Petey in "The Little Rascals." In fact, they earned the nickname "nanny dogs" from their intrinsically gentle way with children.

Historically, pit bulls have been the dog of choice for the tough patriot — Teddy Roosevelt and George Patton — as well as the soulful observer — Helen Keller and Mark Twain.

So what happened?

Part fear campaign, part smear campaign, first the media, then America, systemically turned against this once beloved dog. And just as the media have the influence to elect a president, they have the power to ban a breed. Today, many insurance companies will not issue homeowners insurance on a home that will put a roof over the head of a dog that even "looks like a pit bull."