Posted on 02/10/2005 8:06:45 AM PST by SwinneySwitch
Now the world knows. For several months, bitter Democrats, terrified Arab monarchs, and dictators have told the world that Muslims aren’t prepared for democracy. They say that luxury should only be eligible for those in the West.
Terrorists tried every conceivable measure to intimidate Iraqi voters into staying home and cowering under the security of their homes. Their attempts were smashed en masse, as millions of Iraqis braced for the uncertainty of their journey and marched to the polls.
How sadly were the cynics mistaken? Old men in crutches, young women in burqas, those with handicaps, and those totally healthy all braved the terrorist threats to show a sign of human resilience that should be an example to the world.
Hours before the Sunday election, CNN’s Christiane Amanpour was publicizing the terrorists’ announcement that they would have a bomb planted at every polling station in Iraq. Democratic politicians in America, still angry about the re-election of George W. Bush, produced a cloud of doubt about the Iraqi elections that rained skepticism in many parts of our country.
The Iraqi voters were undeterred. They walked to the polls gracefully and proudly as they came to regain control of their beloved country that was liberated from Saddam Hussein’s regime by the United States and our allies. Sporting index fingers dyed in purple to announce their participation in the historic elections, the Iraqis proved the doubters wrong by their defiance.
Most importantly, in my opinion, is the proof that Muslims are ready to control their own destinies. Muslims are more than capable of electing leadership and controlling 21st-century governments. Oil-driven monarchies and repressive ayatollahs are not true representatives of the people, and should not be exclusive leaders in the Muslim world.
This should be a signal to the rest of the oppressed world. George W. Bush is serious about exporting freedom to those areas where liberty has been scarce. World leaders should take him at his word. Although he may never get credit in our country, millions of Iraqis greatly appreciate the liberty he has afforded their people.
While Sen. John Kerry continues to promote his infamous and morbid pessimism, the mayor of Baghdad is promoting the idea of erecting a statue of our president. While Ted Kennedy demands that we immediately pull our troops from their country, Iraqi citizens welcomed the security that we provided at the polling stations. They appreciate the liberty that our troops have secured from the hands of their once brutal, now toothless dictator.
The world should take notice and not be surprised by the quotes from determined voters undeterred by the threats from internal vigilantes or the negativism from foreign politicians.
The results are not unlike the defiance of blacks who defied the Ku Klux Klan on the way to the polls in this country 40 years ago. I am convinced that other oppressed people in the region are hoping for their day to shine as well. They hope to one day drench their proud fingers in purple dye and display the new symbols of freedom that have been secured for themselves and their families.
This should be another example of the endurance of the human spirit. Through all of the cultural differences and local customs, we human beings are mainly alike. Each of us wants to control our own destiny. Regardless of country of region, nobody wants to yield their personal and familial well-being to another mortal. People have resisted tyranny for years in Iraq and in other places around the world. In many cases, the governments are too powerful to overcome internally, and foreign assistance is needed.
Freedom is well on the way in Iraq. Doomsday politicians in America and foreign terrorists should take notice. Purple fingers may be appearing in other neighborhoods soon.
Ak’Bar Shabazz, an Atlanta, Ga., resident, is president of Shabazz Enterprises and a member of the National Advisory Board for the African-American leadership network, Project 21. Send comments to akshazz@yahoo.com.
__________________________
Viva la Revolucion!
It was a great victory for all Muslims, with the exception of the jihadists and associated sub-human life forms.
Created with a God-given desire to be free............just like the President has said, over and over again.
IRAQ -- DID YOU KNOW THIS?
Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in Iraq?
Did you know that the Iraqi government employs 1.2 million Iraqi people?
Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new schools have been built in Iraq?
Did you know that Iraq's higher educational structure consists of 20 Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers?
Did you know that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in January 2004 for the reestablished Fulbright program?
Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational? They have 5- 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a navel infantry regiment.
Did you know that Iraq's Air Force consists of three operation squadrons, 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft which operate day and night, and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 bell jet rangers?
Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?
Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?
Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over 3500 new officers each 8 weeks?
Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq? They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical facilities.
Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5 have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?
Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October?
Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq and phone use has gone up 158%?
Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consist of 75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?
Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?
Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a recent televised debate in their country recently?
OF COURSE WE DIDN'T KNOW!
WHY DIDN'T WE KNOW?----OUR MEDIA WOULDN'T TELL US!
Because a Bush- hating media and Democratic Party would rather see the world blow up than lose their power.
Instead of shouting these accomplishments from every rooftop, they would rather show photo's of what a few perverted malcontent soldiers have done in prisons in many cases never disclosing the circumstances surrounding the events.
Instead of showing our love for our country, we get photos of flag burning incidents at Abu Ghraib and people throwing snowballs at presidential motorcades.
The lack of accentuating the positive in Iraq serves only one purpose. It undermines the world's perception of the United States and our soldiers.
I AM ASHAMED OF MY FELLOW AMERICANS WHO WOULD RATHER SEE TERRORISM SUCCEED THAN A REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT.
Just had it emailed to me this morning, so it is getting around!
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