Wow, I haven’t posted anything since St. Patty’s Day! I’ve been neglecting you poor slobs, and I should be chastised soundly. But since I never hear from any of you, I’ll just act like nothing happened.
I’ve been busy for a few weeks, watching the War in Iraq (or Operation Free Iraq if you prefer). I was a little skeptical about the war at first, but I definitely have a feeling that we’re going to find that Saddam Hussein turns out to be one of the worst despots in history. I hate to see any loss of loss - American or Iraqi - but in the long-run, the Iraqi people will be much better off with a new government and the opportunity for freedom.
What has amazed me is the turn of events over the last day or two. Iraqis now seem to be coming out of their shells and realizing that Saddam is finally going to be out of their lives forever. The shift in atmosphere is almost palpable, and the spontaneous outbursts of joy, and looting, are a welcome site from a region that has long been very anti-American. I just hope we don’t botch the reconstruction efforts and worsen Arab/American relationships.
I think there is a real opportunity to show the Arab world just what Americans are about - freedom, justice, and equality. With the right moves in building a new Iraqi government, I think we can foster some good will in the region that will hopefully carry over into other countries. I don’t know what it is that the region most hates about America, but I do know that deep-down, people are people and we are not all that different. I know I’m not trying to destroy Islam, and I believe (as in the Declaration of Independence) that all men are created equal.
I’ll keep watching, and hoping, that the war is over soon, and our troops are able to come home to their families and friends ASAP. There is one thing I feel we all need to acknowledge - America’s armed forces continue to be the biggest insurance we have for maintaining the freedoms Americans have come to enjoy over the last 225+ years. No matter what your stance on the war is, our military is what has given us the ability to openly express our opinions, and I respect the sacrifices these brave men and women have to make. And please, remember the sacrifices of their families and friends. Some of them won’t see their loved ones for quite a long time (or ever).
Until next time - Peace!
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