The Iraq elections

There are 150,000 US and coalition troops in a country of 25 million. That is a ratio of .006 soldiers per citizen. Therefore most of the citizens are probably already on our side. The problem is that there is a minority of extremists, that have a lot of ordinance, that are opposed to our presence. Actually, their actions demonstrate that what they are really against is freedom.

That is why they've stepped up their attacks in anticipation of the election. They are terrified about the Iraqi people learning what it is like to vote, to actually have a voice in their country.

It is really amazing to think about it. In less than three years, two countries in the Middle East have gone from dictatorships to having free elections. No, the elections have a lot of details to work out. But the mere fact that there are elections at all is just amazing.

These people are where America was during the end of the 18th century! Back then only men who owned property could vote. Now we have a democracy that is a model for the future of our species!

It is exciting to think about what the future holds for the Middle East. I look forward to witnessing the changes during my lifetime and envious about not being around to see what it will be like a hundred years from now!