Today is not simply a day for the courage and fortitude of Iraqi citizens who are exercising their right to vote to be displayed throughout the world, it is a day of celebration for all free peoples everywhere enjoying the benefits of representative rule and freedom of choice. Today, we welcome Iraqis into the circle of freedom’s beneficiaries, and can take pride as a nation that we helped to make this possible. Regardless of the various opinions one has on everything from our mission in Iraq to the opinions I express on this site, today I hope we can at least pause and recognize the bravery of Iraq’s voting citizenry and stand welcoming them with open arms to freedoms ever expanding circle. It is hard for us as Americans to recognize the sacrifice many of these folks are taking. With leaflets declaring that their lives are at risk for voting littering the streets, and polling places being bombed and riddled with small arms fire, they truly are taking a step on their own today to benefit their nation.
Obviously, I have no idea who will win this election, and in all honesty, I believe that the fact that the election is taking place may be even more significant in the long run than who the short term victors are. After the tragedies of the last month in regards to the tsunami, I hope that we stand today on the edge of a tsunami of hope. The initial earthquake is taking place today in Iraq, and it is my hope that the effects of that political quake will send tremors throughout surrounding nations, inspiring a region to do for itself, what it had previously determined would be impossible. Like Jason, who expressed in comments a few days ago that we have major problems with the governments of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran, I hope that the tide of republican rule sweeps across Islamic nations, empowering the people who advocate peace and a coexistence of Islam and republicanism, and that we can begin a new phase in Middle Eastern history . Of course, reality dictates the road will not be easy, but let us pray that the road is at least being paved today.
It was fascinating to see soldier reactions today all around camp. One particularly poignant moment came for me at chow today. Huddled around one of the televisions that air Fox News, a group of soldiers stood eagerly watching the reports. Of course, a few sighs came from some of the soldier’s when Geraldo came on the screen, but after the incident in the early days of this war, I guess that was to be expected. There is a nervous excitement among many soldiers here today. There is a genuine desire for the elections to go well, for freedom and republican government to succeed in Iraq. There is also the ever-present thought that all soldier’s have, that when Iraqi’s begin to accomplish more on their own, we will be able to go home sooner.
What an historic and unprecedentant day this has been for Iraqis and in the Arab world. And what a great role you have played in this moment!
Many have wondered, is there, within each of us, a universal yearning to vote and determine our future through representative gov't,?
Today that question has been answered as millions of Iraqis turned out to begin to implement the first step towards determining their own future, and some did so under the all to real threat of death.
Some walked for miles, some came in wheelchairs, some came with canes, but they ALL lined up, they ALL voted, and the images of them doing that, and of them smiling and jumping with excitement after they had cast their vote, will remain with me forever.
Freedom is intoxicating!
This day has come about with much loss of life, for deployed Americans, coalition members, and Iraqi security forces, and Iraqi's who came to vote, all of them heros in my eyes, and they will not be forgotten.
Today,all their deaths, and all the great work you did, all the risks you took, all the sacrifices you made, are being honored as millions of Iraqi's vote, and as the seeds of democracy and freedom take root.
FREEDOM IS MORE POWERFUL THAN FEAR AND THE POWER OF THE BALLOT HAS OVERCOME THE POWER OF THE GUN!
Let that message ring loudly throughout the Arab nations, and ring even louder in the ears of the terrorists!
A NEW IRAQ HAS BEEN BORN!
You did your part, Sgt Missick, and it was no small feat In many challenging ways, You and all those in your unit, helped give birth to a New Iraq! BE PROUD! JOB WELL DONE! THANK YOU!
Posted by: Huntress | January 30, 2005 at 10:40 AM
Lots of Iraqs have been born in the last 100 years... this is another one.. and important to note.. another one established under foreign rule. I don't share you joy... or awe at this occasion. We do share the hope that you come home and that people stop hurting each other.
Everyone loves occasions like this because it allows them to get very poetic and use very charming phrases... I guess I should enjoy it as a lover of literature.
I am a bit worried about soldiers huddling around FOX news for information. Luckily you have the internet my friend. As usual I send my regards and wish you well. ;)
Posted by: bicyclemark | January 30, 2005 at 04:31 PM
Great job, Guys. The Iraqis just expressed their appreciation for the job you've been doing. Rather indirect, but that's what it is. Hopefully it speed your ways home and make the rest of your tours easier.
Posted by: Mike Openshaw | January 30, 2005 at 06:17 PM
Hey, Chris. It was a great day. I'm still brimming with joy for the Iraqis.
Tell all the boys and girls over there with you that the Iraqi bloggers and many Iraqi commenters from Iraq to Jordan to the UAE to America and many parts of Europe have been thanking our men and women hourly for the part they played in liberating their people.
A great blogger, Hammoraibi, whom you may read, posted these words today:
Today those who were killed in Iraq or wounded among our friends from the USA and other allies, who helped us to reach this day, are with us again to inscribe their names with Gold for ever!
Thank you and thank everyone you know for serving and making this day happen.
A'ash al Iraq. A'ashat America.
Long live Iraq. Long live America.
Posted by: kat/missouri | January 30, 2005 at 06:52 PM
Regardless of differences over the reasons behind this war, it was great to watch Iraqi's vote. After years of living under Saddams brutal rule, liberation, and now a chance to vote for their next leader, it seems like a great gift to these people. Hopefully the idea of represntative government will spread into Iran, Saudi Arabia, and so on. Well done.
Posted by: jason | January 30, 2005 at 10:53 PM