Some Propaganda

Congratulations Iraq. Sometimes I get so caught up in my life that I forget amazing things are happening across the world. While I don't think our government should get in the business of "nation building", I do think that our conundrum in Iraq has at least brought these people a chance to experience freedom and the opportunity to rule themselves. And while I know enough to say that perhaps Democracy, American Democracy at least, is not the answer to every nations' problem, it is better than oppressive, autocratic rule in almost any form. People in the Western world take things like voting for granted and forget to realize that the Iraqis trekking to the poles today are literally risking their lives for the opportunity to cast a ballot and to have a voice. This is courage that proves to me our efforts in Iraq, whatever the original motivations might have been, are worth it. I don't necessarily think that a successful election in Iraq should be proof of a mandate for the U.S. armed forces to overthrow governments across the globe, but I do hope that it provides an opportunity for people to realize that as a cohesive group, they can have a voice. Perhaps the bravery of the Iraqis will inspire others to create truly democratic revolutions.

 

 

 

And also, he called last night. We have a second date on Friday.