To the Iraqis!

I am amazed at the bravery of the Iraqi people. Against all naysayers here in the U.S., and Europe, against all odds in the Arab world (talk about peer-pressure), facing the known threat of suicide bombers at polling booths, they came out to make their purple mark in casting their vote and letting the world know that they want freedom. The rest of the Arab world has to be peeing their pants that such a phenomenon is taking place. "Allah" forbid that a Western idea like democracy ever be considered an option. Iraqis have now twice proven that they are capable of exercising democracy. Sure it isn't perfect, but when has democracy ever been? And when is the last time we've had close to an 80% turnout for elections? The word "politician" has such a negative connotation here in the States. "Statesman" is never used to describe any of our representative officials these days, but how about these Iraqi politicians? They go out on the campaign trail with bodyguards knowing that someone is probably going to try and kill them, and many have certainly died trying to run for office. Can you imagine your state rep running for office and getting blown up by an IED while on the way to your house to ask for your vote? Those Iraqi politicians are brave men and women, and I cannot wait to see what kind of statesmen they will be. They are birthing a new nation, a huge burden, and it will certainly be tough, but the world hasn't seen this kind of resolve for freedom in a very long time. So tonight when you go out, lift up your suds for a toast to the Iraqis. Cheers!