December 16, 2005
All Hail Iraq!
I haven't blogged yet about the election in Iraq yesterday--partly because I've been so darn busy, and partly because so many others have done such a bang-up job. However, I would be remiss if I neglected to say something regarding this historic precedent.
It's been a long haul this past two and a half years since we first went into Iraq. We kept hearing the word "quagmire" bandied about by disgruntled Democrats who voted to authorize military action, but then regretted their action when party radicals had a hissy fit.
We've had to endure the likes of Cindy Sheehan, who used and abused her status of a parent who lost a child in combat in order to further her own leftwing agenda.
We've had to read scads of negative coverage by the MSM who, because of their deep loathing of Republicans in general and President Bush in particular, will do whatever they can to make any progress in Iraq seem impossible.
However, what we here at home have had to endure is nothing compared to what our military deals with on a daily basis--not to mention what the Iraqi people are living with.
Read More "All Hail Iraq!"
The Iraqis have had to deal with terrorists trying to break their will with violence and death. They have had to live with water shortages, food shortages, energy shortages, and the destruction of homes, schools and businesses. This, after 30 or so years of living in fear of Saddam and his thugs, who had no qualms about using chemical weapons and other means of killing and torture for those who bucked the corrupt system.
Why haven't they buckled? Why do they thumb the proverbial nose at those who would try to oppress them even now? It's simple: hope.
Unlike those of us in America who have come to take for granted our freedoms and often complain about the status quo, Iraqis have received a very precious gift. All the polls in the world about how they want US soldiers out and resent their presence won't change the fact that those US soldiers have been a major factor in helping Iraq along the road to democracy.
And, with a 70% voter turnout, it seems as though Iraqis are determined not to squander that freedom which they have gone through so much to obtain.
Certain pundits love to argue that there is still much peril ahead in Iraq. Of course there is! It would be naive to suppose that once a government is duly elected, all of Iraq's problems will magically disappear. Islamofascists aren't quite ready to give up--but a democratic Iraq will be a much more difficult place to terrorize, especially as Iraqi troops continue to improve in their ability to defend their own country.
Iraqi citizens have been through too much to give up the ghost now. While we should applaud President Bush, his administration, our military and our allies for their contribution to this historic event, it's really the Iraqi people who deserve our unabashed praise and goodwill.
And so, I hope you will join me in saluting the Iraqis. Long may their democracy reign.
« Hide "All Hail Iraq!"
Show Comments »
Maybe we need to do the "purple finger" thing for our own elections. Number one, to lessen the chances of multiple voting and fraud, but to also remember the joy on the faces of the Iraqis that have only recently come to understand the value of freedom.
Plus, it would probably annoy the Libs.
posted by
joe-6-pack at December 16, 2005 02:19 PM
Joe-
I mentioned the same idea to a friend today. I think it would start some interesting conversations in public. Next time I go to UC Davis for lunch, I think I'll sport the purple finger of freedom!
posted by
THIRDWAVEDAVE at December 16, 2005 10:23 PM
Ya gotta hand it to them - they know how to do things right. Hell, we should be embarrassed at our voter turnout compared to theirs.
posted by
Wyatt Earp at December 18, 2005 05:04 PM
« Hide Comments
Maybe we need to do the "purple finger" thing for our own elections. Number one, to lessen the chances of multiple voting and fraud, but to also remember the joy on the faces of the Iraqis that have only recently come to understand the value of freedom.
Plus, it would probably annoy the Libs.
Joe-
I mentioned the same idea to a friend today. I think it would start some interesting conversations in public. Next time I go to UC Davis for lunch, I think I'll sport the purple finger of freedom!
Ya gotta hand it to them - they know how to do things right. Hell, we should be embarrassed at our voter turnout compared to theirs.
