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The Iraqi vote should be heralded as a historic success

With the Iraqi election results surpassing the expectations of even those with the rosiest-colored glasses, the freely elected government can start the work on a constitution that protects the rights of all Iraqis.

However, many in the media are doing their best to downplay the election in saying that now the real difficulty is still ahead. This rhetorical veil is not thick enough to cover their disappointment. Harping about the low turnout of the Sunni population does not reflect negatively on the Iraqis who voted, those who were elected, or the American military that provided the security to hold that vote. It reflects only on the Sunnis themselves. They were given every opportunity to vote and instead demonstrated their right not to.

The constitution that will be drafted will protect the rights of the Sunnis, but the Sunnis hopefully will learn soon that they only hurt themselves by their lack of participation and reliance on violence and terrorism.

Maintaining our own republic is difficult in many ways, so to say that the Iraqis face difficulty ahead is a moot point and does nothing but downplay the importance, success and historic significance of the Iraqi vote.

Our servicemen and women provided security to a country that enabled a people to vote for the first time in 50 years with minimal, though tragic, bloodshed. As in Afghanistan, voters - men and women - risked their lives to take control of their destiny, with a turnout that rivals our own most successful elections. It was nothing short of miraculous. God bless the American military and God bless the Iraqi people.

Iraq is definitely ready for democracy

Re: Iraq election day photos, Jan. 31.

I commend you for publishing such inspiring photos. Many months ago as the war in Iraq was raging at a furious pace and many of our brave troops were paying the ultimate price for freedom, a disheartened friend seriously commented: "That part of the world is not ready for democracy." With a daughter serving her country and previously stationed there, I downplayed the remark and changed the topic.

Now, after hoping for a weekend of limited violence at Iraqi polls and seeing a superb voter turnout throughout Iraq, I was doubly gratified to view these wonderful photos. They say it all!

Iraq is definitely ready for democracy. And our wonderful men and women who have served, and will continue to serve, can be proud to know that their valiant struggles have not gone in vain. Democracy will always be hoped for in the minds and hearts of the oppressed. To make it happen is a task worth undertaking!

Kerry comforts the terrorists

Re: John Kerry's quote on the Iraqi election,Jan. 31.

After reading John Kerry's quote questioning the legitimacy of the Iraqi election, I thought he was still whining about his own election loss. It did make me ponder though:

Just as the North Vietnamese were helped with his protest against the war in Vietnam, the terrorists are comforted knowing that there are still people in our own government who don't support our policy. It will only make them bolder and make them prolong their attacks. (Now there is a similarity to Vietnam.)

Time for an exit strategy

I would like to voice my support for the Democrats who are calling for an exit strategy to get the majority of U.S. troops out of Iraq. It is my understanding that a resolution put forth by U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey has a plan to get most of the troops out while continuing to assist the Iraqi people with governing and infrastructure.

Iraq has become the central location for al-Qaida and other groups to practice warfare and terrorism. So our involvement there is actually a magnet for more violence and hatred.

Now that an election has been completed, it is time to get serious about finalizing the U.S. role in Iraq - otherwise, we are just occupiers.

Power of the sword prevails

The pen has always been perceived to be mightier than the sword, but no longer with the out-of-touch liberal media. Our mighty "military sword" has freed the Iraqis from a dictating butcher and given them the freedom to vote, hopefully, a first big step in winning the war on world terrorism.

Memorable words

Watching the Iraq election on TV, I smiled and became teary-eyed. I saw an Iraqi emerge from the polling place and what he said was translated: "They showed me the ink and I dipped my finger in it deep as if to gouge the eyes of all the tyrants and dictators around the world."

The words are from an unknown Iraqi citizen, but the legacy will be that of George W. Bush. And it will last long after the words of hard left-wing Democrats like Ted Kennedy, Michael Moore and Doonsbury's Gary Trudeau, have been forgotten.

Seeking a free and peaceful world

Everyone knows the story of the bully who picks on the smaller kids as they make their way to school and how an older brother or a good Samaritan comes in to beat up and chase away the bully. To put it simply, that is exactly what is happening in Iraq right now.

From listening to Ted Kennedy and John Kerry on the Sunday morning news shows, it seems we have failed miserably in our attempts to help a weaker country by interfering in its affairs.

The people of Iraq, by their overwhelming voting, showed the world that they want what we want: simply a free and peaceful world.

A break from the gloom and doom

There can be no better indication that things are going well in Iraq than the recent return of hysterical stories about global warming.

I would like to commend the Times for reporting some good news for a change. Two recent stories about the election in Iraq and how 2004 was the best year economically in five years were a nice break from the usual doom and gloom.

Troops appreciate the ribbons

I am retired from the U.S. Army and am a Vietnam vet. I think I can speak for the majority, if not all, of our U.S. military members. They will appreciate the magnetic ribbons displayed on your vehicles. They will know you are concerned and thinking about them. The ones who get to see them will let the others know. Please put one on your vehicle.

[Last modified February 2, 2005, 00:45:15]