I'm calling the Iraqi elections a success. There were still insurgent attacks, yes, but nothing surprising. And the Iraqis went to the polls in huge numbers. Not as many in the Sunni minority section, but more than expected. The media (reporting positive things from Iraq, for once) flooded us with stories of courageous and brave Iraqis risking their lives to go to the polls, determined to vote no matter what.
What happened Sunday was not Iraqis choosing one candidate over another. What happened Sunday was Iraqis choosing freedom over tyranny. By coming out to vote in huge numbers, the Iraqi people expressed a desire, an acceptance, and an appreciation for democracy and this new way of life. These people are free, and they like it that way. If you still have any doubts to as to whether this war was worth it---look at the numbers or read the stories of all the Iraqi citizens who went out and voted, despite dangerous threats on their lives. A success story if I ever heard one.
A few notes:
1) How will this affect the on-going war in Iraq? Now that they're starting to establish some sort of official government, will they be able to play a bigger role in quenching the insurgency? Or will it be incompetent?
2) I haven't seen official statistics, but I'm pretty sure that percantage-wise more Iraqis than Americans voted in their most recent elections. It is true that the Americans hadn't been under a dictatorship for decades, finally having their first chance to participate in a democracy. But it's also true that they weren't being threatened with death merely for voting. Does this shed any light on the ignorance and apathy in America today?
3) I found it an interesting practice that they inked the index fingers of voters to insure that they only voted once. I mean, it makes sense that they wouldn't have an official census and all that, but still... it's like a death warrant for the terrorists that you voted! It just reinforces the tenacity of the Iraqi people.
4) Notice how we're getting all excited just about the voting, not about who got elected. I don't even know the name of a single candidate who was running for anything. But I guess that's not what's important. They're mainly just drafting a constituion at this stage, anyway.
I don't think all these people went out and voted for the sake of electing their favorite candidate. I don't think most of them even knew who was a better person for the job. I think most of them went out and voted just for the sake of voting, to make a statement to the terrorists and to the world that, "Hey, we're free now, and we're gonna make sure it stays that way!" Congrats to the brave Iraqi citizens. You are my heroes.
Edmond the Hun
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