Even partisan critics of President Bush’s leadership on Iraq had to have been impressed, even if politically resentful, by television images of Iraqis praising and hailing him as liberator as they flocked to polling stations to cast their votes in yesterday’s historic election. Although, the inspiration these images provided had to have been diminished ever so slightly by the revelation that a surprising number of these grateful and exuberant Iraqis were actually casting their votes right here in the land of the free and the home of the brave (Detroit in fact!).
But never mind the indignation that questions why the young Iraqi men jumping in line to vote in America were not standing in line to fight in Iraq with the Americans risking their lives to liberate that country. Because, yesterday, President Bush reminded those who remain incredulous about America’s presence in Iraq that:
“…we need to remember that these elections are also a vital part of a broader strategy in protecting the American people against the threat of terrorism.”
And eventhough Iraq’s march towards democracy continues to be such a bloody, disorganized and embarrassing mess that even war heroes are calling on him to cut America’s losses and retreat, Bush is still championing his manifest destiny for this Muslim nation with the dogged determination of an idiot savant.
But only history will tell whether the burdens and sacrifices borne by Americans in this crusade was for a just and necessary cause. For now, however, no one can deny that yesterday in Iraq was a proud day for Iraqis, a noble day for Americans and a hopeful day for peace in the Middle East.
Note: It will be weeks – perhaps months if this summer’s vote for a provisional authority is any guide – before a new government is brokered amongst the competing ethnic and religious factions in Iraq. Meanwhile, more American (and even more Iraqi) lives will be lost as the Iraqis continue their march to forge a more perfect union. But anyone who professes support for democratic freedoms – especially those of us who opposed the ivasion of Iraq – must acknowledge a vested and enlightened interest in the successful completion of this march.
News and Politics
Anonymous says
I am not to sure if that purple finger were comfort to the souls of those family members who have lost love ones along the way, especially seing those many young, strong, strapping Iaqis in line here in Detroit!
Anonymous says
wait for history? are you kidding? as far as i’m concerned not one american should have died so these people could vote. and you righ about those iraqis in detroit. it just makes us look like real suckers.