A comment I wanted to make regarding the Iraqi election that is mostly overlooked is the vindication to the military this history making day provides. The cost is high for our standards, over 1500 Americans lost, one of those being my college roommate George “Andy” Fernandez. Andy was killed in Tikret April 2nd 2003 working with Special Operation forces. Andy new his job was dangerous but like so many American Service men and woman believed in Freedom for everyone. I like to think if I had the pleasure of Andy’s company one more time he would smile and lift is glass to the people of Iraq who are as brave as he was and voted.

Today, one day after these elections, I think of them with him, vindicating him, his reason for being there and dying there, along with every other casualty.

To the naysayers on the left, who deep down think anyone in the military has it coming to them, I would like to offer 8 million Iraqi purple fingers in your eye!!!!!!
bruce j bobitt | 01.31.05 - 4:15 pm | #

Well said Bruce. A few of our classmates have given their all for our freedoms as well. I think of them often.
Froggy | Homepage | 01.31.05 - 4:38 pm | #

Bruce, I'm really sorry about Andy's death. It wasn't in vain, though it is still hard, I'm sure. I belong to a group that sends mail to soldiers and their families. If by some chance you'd like his family to get some cards on the one year anniversary, from people who understand the good work the military does and its relation to our freedoms and much of the world's, pop me an email. I can post a request on the site I'm on, then send the cards to you to give to the family, or have them sent directly. Whatever you think best. People would be honored to show support to the family. The family might be amazed to receive mail from people they have never met, but who are eternally grateful for their son's sacrifice and his work.

Matt, this blog gets better and better. This analysis today is top notch. This is a really great blog. Thanks so much.
adele | 01.31.05 - 4:58 pm | #

Those who gave their lives in making that day possible have been on my mind alot, too. Bruce, you put it so well. You have my sympathy, and your friend and his family have all my gratitude and love.
Beth | 01.31.05 - 6:07 pm | #

"If the Europeans don’t get serious... and fast, these killers could gain momentum again.'

Agreed. Unfortunately for Western Europeans (which includes my own family), their politicians still are not serious about combating Islamic terrorism. For example, I was hoping the death of Theo van Gogh would precipitate the demise of multiculturalism, but his film Submission just got pulled from a film festival in Rotterdam due to "security fears". That's just weak. If you have a security concern, arrange for more security and arrest every Dutch-Moroccan troublemaker in sight, but don't pull the film. That just sends entirely the wrong signal. Surrender is really not an option in the face of islamofascism.

"Makes you wonder if the Europeans didn’t see this coming in their hopes of seeing an American/Democratic defeat in Iraq?"

Euh, no, they didn't see this coming. They believed their own anti-US propaganda so much that they never figured the US could pull it off. Now that reality has bit them in the a$$ (again) they are offering a paltry $260MM to support the Iraqis and get on the winning side of history. Pathetic. Kinda like the French airforce in WW2: Too little, too late.
Dutch Expat | Homepage | 01.31.05 - 7:12 pm | #

Sorry to post off-topic, but what's the latest on the OC scumbag?
CraigC | 01.31.05 - 9:08 pm | #

The idea of pulling the terrorists into Iraq reminds me of what I've read of the Tet Offensive. There, in some areas the VC and NVA making massive open attacks on U.S. & South Vietnamese positions, they made themselves beautiful targets for both airstrikes and artillery. Here, they came running to Iraq to kill our troops, and by doing so put themselves where the troops could get to them; with predictable results.
Mark | Homepage | 02.01.05 - 7:22 am | #

I agree wholeheartedly. Although I cannot serve in Iraq as our mission is Kuwait now. Every single warrior, those who have died, and those who have been forever changed by this war, have helped bring about this change in Iraq. This election is a fruit of their efforts. It is a long road and our brothers and sisters will be missed but they are looking down upon us from the "true" heaven. The insurgents are weakening and Arabic countries throughout the middle east will not tolerate them. Case in point the recent activities in Kuwait. Google whats been going on if you will. Enjoy the blog Matt. Thanks for your willingness to post what others will not.
IT3
IT3 | Homepage | 02.01.05 - 1:43 pm | #

IT3,
Well said, and thank you for your service no matter where it occurs.

HM1
Froggy | Homepage | 02.01.05 - 3:41 pm | #