Iraqi Elections Make American Voters Look Weak

I have to admit, five months ago, I was not sure that the Iraqi elections would ever take place. I also didn't think that Iraq was a place that was ready for a electoral democracy. I am glad to say that I am wrong.

Intially, when the concept of elections came up, I argued with many colleagues that in a nation that is not used to elections, you cannot come in as a liberator and go from a dicatorship to a democracy in less than two years. The western liberal democracies have evolved over the course of hundreds of years and yet, we still don't get it right all the time. (On the irony scale--the United States instructing a country on how to run an election is almost laughable considering some of the dumb things we have done.)

Having seen what was happening in Iraq on Sunday, I am left with the impression that the Iraqi people truly have embraced the concept of democracy. They turned out in droves and that made me proud. Proud that we have helped a people find and embrace freedom. That is not to say there is not a lot of work to be done, but the true spirit of freedom is taking the first steps, even when you can't see the path before you. Freedom means that you may make mistakes--you are by definition free to do so--but it also means that you as an individual may be able to see beyond your own self interest to a greater tomorrow--a gift for future generations.

If you don't think the Iraqi people can look beyond their own self-interest, please note that many voters went to the polls despite threats of violence, they walked past, and perhaps even stood in line in front of, walls and graffiti that said if you vote you die. That is what standing up for what you believe is right. Americans often don't go to vote if the weather is bad, raining or too cold. Iraqis go vote with death threats right before them--that is strength of ideals.

So in signing off, I would like to bow deeply to the Iraqi people who voted on Sunday. Welcome to the brotherhood of democracy. You may be the youngest democracy in the world, but you are a full brother in that growing fraternity. Freedom and democracy are hard work, but they are worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears.

Good luck.