Posted on 02/01/2005 4:39:35 PM PST by katman
Maybe you're like me and have opposed the Iraq war since before the shooting started -- not to the point of joining any peace protests, but at least letting people know where you stood.
You didn't change your mind when our troops swept quickly into Baghdad or when you saw the rabble that celebrated the toppling of the Saddam Hussein statue, figuring that little had been accomplished and that the tough job still lay ahead.
Despite your misgivings, you didn't demand the troops be brought home immediately afterward, believing the United States must at least try to finish what it started to avoid even greater bloodshed. And while you cheered Saddam's capture, you couldn't help but thinking I-told-you-so in the months that followed as the violence continued to spread and the death toll mounted.
By now, you might have even voted against George Bush -- a second time -- to register your disapproval.
But after watching Sunday's election in Iraq and seeing the first clear sign that freedom really may mean something to the Iraqi people, you have to be asking yourself: What if it turns out Bush was right, and we were wrong?
It's hard to swallow, isn't it?
Americans cross own barrier
If you fit the previously stated profile, I know you're fighting the idea, because I am, too. And if you were with the president from the start, I've already got your blood boiling.
For those who've been in the same boat with me, we don't need to concede the point just yet. There's a long way to go. But I think we have to face the possibility.
I won't say that it had never occurred to me previously, but it's never gone through my mind as strongly as when I watched the television coverage from Iraq that showed long lines of people risking their lives by turning out to vote, honest looks of joy on so many of their faces.
Some CNN guest expert was opining Monday that the Iraqi people crossed a psychological barrier by voting and getting a taste of free choice (setting aside the argument that they only did so under orders from their religious leaders).
I think it's possible that some of the American people will have crossed a psychological barrier as well.
Deciding democracy's worth
On the other side of that barrier is a concept some of us have had a hard time swallowing:
Maybe the United States really can establish a peaceable democratic government in Iraq, and if so, that would be worth something.
Would it be worth all the money we've spent? Certainly.
Would it be worth all the lives that have been lost? That's the more difficult question, and while I reserve judgment on that score until such a day arrives, it seems probable that history would answer yes to that as well.
I don't want to get carried away in the moment.
Going to war still sent so many terrible messages to the world.
Most of the obstacles to success in Iraq are all still there, the ones that have always led me to believe that we would eventually be forced to leave the country with our tail tucked between our legs. (I've maintained from the start that if you were impressed by the demonstrations in the streets of Baghdad when we arrived, wait until you see how they celebrate our departure, no matter the circumstances.)
In and of itself, the voting did nothing to end the violence. The forces trying to regain the power they have lost -- and the outside elements supporting them -- will be no less determined to disrupt our efforts and to drive us out.
Somebody still has to find a way to bring the Sunnis into the political process before the next round of elections at year's end. The Iraqi government still must develop the capacity to protect its people.
And there seems every possibility that this could yet end in civil war the day we leave or with Iraq becoming an Islamic state every bit as hostile to our national interests as was Saddam.
Penance could be required
But on Sunday, we caught a glimpse of the flip side. We could finally see signs that a majority of the Iraqi people perceive something to be gained from this brave new world we are forcing on them.
Instead of making the elections a further expression of "Yankee Go Home," their participation gave us hope that all those soldiers haven't died in vain.
Obviously, I'm still curious to see if Bush is willing to allow the Iraqis to install a government that is free to kick us out or to oppose our other foreign policy efforts in the region.
So is the rest of the world.
For now, though, I think we have to cut the president some slack about a timetable for his exit strategy.
If it turns out Bush was right all along, this is going to require some serious penance.
Maybe I'd have to vote Republican in 2008.
he ought to tell this to comrades kerry and kennedy.
Sun breaks over concrete head.
Hmm he's seen only a tiny bit of how wrong he is. Now to wait until he proves himself how wrong he was!
Well written article (for a lib anyway).
Ooh, Ooh, Ooh, I'm a liberal and although the truth just slapped me in the face, I don't know if I want to accept it just yet. I think I'll pee my pants first because I was wrong and ignorant to think that democracy could work in the Middle East.
The preceeding message was a short paraphrase of the idiotic article that was posted. No offense to the poster because he/she is just showing the incredible ignorance and stupidity of many liberals.
I know my birthday is this Thursday, but sheesh, you didn't have to....LOL
He proved himself wrong in the article, but just didn't want to accept it "just yet".
I fear there's not much hope for the MSM if they're really *that* stupid.
Nonetheless, hard as it was for him to admit the President might be right, he did admit it. And, for that, he gains some points for critical thinking, honesty and open-mindedness (not that these traits will endear Mr. Brown to his fellow liberals).
So, Mark Brown, this applause is for you!
CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP...CLAP
To a liberal, I can see how the message "Don't Tread On Me" would be just terrible, but backing it up with military force is the only thing most of "the world" understands.
The title of that post should actually read:
"Liberal Craphead just pulls head out of ass, still has sh*t on his eyes though and cannot see, contemplating putting head back in."
>>In and of itself, the voting did nothing to end the violence.<<
This is like saying that breathing had nothing to do with living except it prolonged the living process.
Things that continue and enhance political life like democracy are like taking in air - to a human body. Good for this second and you'll really be glad you did it 2 minutes from now.
Liberals being on the wrong side of history? Gee that's never happened before. /sarcasm
The Baker's Dozen who voted against Condi must be writhing
upon reading THIS!
No, don't bother changing your mind, keep digging. The hole's not deep enough yet.
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