Today, Iraq and America should be proud

The Iraqi people began voting a few hours ago, and the reports so far indicate a high voter turnout. There have been attacks, and I have no illusions that the day will be one of joy without tragedy; as those opposed to a Democratic Iraq will continue their murderous campaign against Iraqi civilians. The risk that Iraqis must take to cast their vote can only add to the legitimacy of the election.

As Iraqi women vote, crickets chirp at the headquarters of "feminist" group NOW

Today I am proud to be an American. This is a pride that goes beyond that swelling of the heart upon hearing the national anthem, or viewing an American olympian take a gold medal. The pride I feel is like no other. The United States of America is the only country on the planet with the capability and, more importantly, the will to give the gift of democracy to a country like Iraq. It is for this reason that I am proud today.

Democracy: brought to you courtesy of the American soldier, despite the "Democratic" Party

I look to France, Germany, and other European nations and feel not anger, but pity. With all the objections to the war in our own country, there still exists the consensus that the ultimate objective of a democratic Iraq is a noble and just cause. Our national debate is not so much about the goal, but the means by which we achieve it. The story in Europe is very different. Europeans view the spread of democracy with cynical contempt. They oppose US action in Iraq not only because of their pacifistic tendencies, but also because they don't believe the Arab people are capable of embracing democratic values. Europe has lost faith in the principle of Liberty itself.

I'll take: "Images you'll never see featuring a French flag" for $1000 Alex

As I watch my television right now, it is clear that the people of Iraq do not share in Europe's cynicism.

UPDATE: No surprise here; as Election Day winds down in Iraq (the polls will close in 2 hours) the American media is in a desperate search for bad news to report on what has been a stunning success. I pulled the following sentence from an AP story:

A low Sunni turnout could undermine the new government and worsen tensions among the country's ethnic, religious and cultural group.

Keep crossing your fingers AP! I find it incredibly ironic that the left/media care so much about the Sunni people turning out to vote. The best analogy I can think of to describe the Sunni's is that they are to Saddam what the Nazi party members were to Hitler. Did we give a damn if former Nazis turned out to vote after the Second World War? I think not.