[Wolfstar]

"Great," "historic," these words are so overused and misapplied that their true worth is all but lost. However, today, Sunday, January 30, 2005, is a genuinely historic day. Additionally, the man whose courage and steadfastness in the face of enormous vilification from his and our nation's enemies made the Iraqi elections possible is a genuinely great man, indeed.

[Wolfstar]

Early dose going up.

[txrangerette]

Love it, Wolfstar!

[squarebarb]

Did I make ten?

[squarebarb]

Shucks, it's like bidding on e-Bay.

Thank you for the great dose. Bush must have said many prayers for this day.

[Wolfstar]

I have a small, minor request. If you have a moment, could you correct the green text in Post #1 on this thread. It was intended to be red, but must have forgetton to close a quote or something. The light green is hideous. Thanks so much for all you do for us.

[Jackknife]

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE IRAQI ELECTION

THE PRESIDENT: Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.

In great numbers, and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the foundation of self-government.

Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens. We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.

The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens volunteered as poll workers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in a terror attack last year, and went to the polls today, despite threats of violence. He said, "I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am voting for peace."

Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.

The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security.

There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis are proving they're equal to the challenge. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement.

Thank you very much.

[underlying]

Making history bump!

[maine-iac7]

Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy

insert "Terrorists and insurgents and democrats will continue...."

[MEG33]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1332059/posts
This is loaded..better avoid if you have dial up..You'll love the captions.
BREAKING: Iraqi Elections End - Elections Secondary to American Liberation of Iraq

BREAKING: Al Alamara - Iraqis liberated by America and Pres. Bush vote in Freedom.
BREAKING: Al Alamara - Iraqis liberated by America and Pres. Bush vote in Freedom.
BREAKING: Az Zubaya - Iraqis liberated by America and Pres. Bush vote in Freedom
BREAKING: Baghdad, Iraq - Iraqis liberated by America and Pres. Bush vote in Freedom
BREAKING: Basra, Iraq - Iraqis liberated by America and Pres. Bush vote in Freedom
BREAKING: Suleimaniya - Iraqis liberated by America and Pres. Bush vote in Freedom
BREAKING: Najaf - Iraqis liberated by America and Pres. Bush vote in Freedom

---

[kitkat]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU WOLFSTAR. We would really have missed having the Dose today except for your doing this.

Glorious, glorious day.

We really need a slogan for this day similar to "Take down this wall." Something along the line of "Saddam Hussein, come out of that hole."

Anybody have any ideas?

[Brett66]

My special Iraqi-election Kennedy tribute:

[Starboard]

Excellent pics. Thank you.

How reassuring it is to have dignity back in the White House.

[Unam Sanctam]

Check out this slideshow:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1332117/posts

[arbee4bush]

Wonderful pictures--perfect for a WONDERFUL DAY!

Thanks!

[MJY1288]

Chalk one up for the Iraqi's and George W. Bush.

Without his steadfast determination to do what he knows in his heart to be the right thing and the courage of the Iraqi people to go to the Polls and vote.

When history is written, today will be known as the birth of liberty in the Middle East and the beginning of the end for Radical Islam. President Bush is a visionary and I believe that vision comes through Grace

[MJY1288]

I would imagine our troops are very proud tonight, and they should be. They have liberated 50 million people from tyranny in 3 years and ousted two despotic regimes

God Bless Our Troops

[Mudbug]

May God continue to bless America and our president.

[JustaCowgirl]

Happy Birthday, Vice President Dick Cheney!

You received a wonderful birthday present today.

[My2Cents]

What a great day Sunday was! "Historic" doesn't quite capture its significance. To see photos of Iraqis standing in line, defying threats of violence, to exercise their newly-won right to vote and decide the direction of their nation left me speechless, and with tears in my eyes. To hear reports of our troops in Iraq high-fiving each other and slapping each other on the back because of the Iraqi election created that rare experience of pure joy. To see photos of Iraqi expatriots voting in Damascus, where the citizens of Damascus themselves cannot vote for their own government, one begins to get a fuller appreciation for the wisdom of Pres. Bush's policy of planting democracy in the Middle East. Forget WMDs and all the other justifications for toppling Saddam. What we saw this weekend was the real reason we took down that tyrant.

I'm so grateful we have a President who is guided by convictions, who does what he knows is right, and who ignores the naysayers and the defeatists. Naysayers and defeatists have never contributed anything positive to history. Pres. Bush can continue doing what he knows is right, and can ignore his opponents, and he should. The left has never supported a person of true principle, so they don't know the power of conviction and courage. I read recently that the "establishment" in Washington still doesn't really know or understand George W. Bush. I don't think they have within themselves the capability to understand a person of integrity, principle, and dedication to what is right.

[shield]

the man whose courage and steadfastness in the face of enormous vilification from his and our nation's enemies made the Iraqi elections possible is a genuinely great man, indeed.

Why would a man put everything on the line for freeing a people a world away...staying stone faced and stubborn through it all....his belief in Jesus Christ.