Tomorrow's Referrendum

Iraq is going to have a big day tomorrow. Much of what I am going to say is trival considering the fact that millions of Iraqis will be heading to the polling stations to "pull the lever/check the box" on their proposed constitution. In spite of all the violence and threats that the terrorists have created in the past few years, you will see a tremendous display of courage from those braving these elements. Me, I'm sitting behind my desk sipping coffee, so my courage is liquid, while their's is real and tangible. Many other Americans have paid for this in blood, but let's not forget the many millions of Iraqis that have done so as well. This includes all of those that fought, unsuccessfully, in the past against Saddam and ended up in a mass grave. These people, along with those that continue the fight against the Islamofascists today, helped to bring this day closer.

For those like me that supported the war, this event marks a tremendous step in a long process, regardless of outcome. Iraq has been brutally oppressed for decades (a mere joke against Saddam and his sons could sentence you to paper shredder justice), and the fact that the people (Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians and Turkmen) get to speak shows just how far we have come. The Constitution is likely to be ratified, but regardless, Iraqis, and not a murder, get to decide where their coutry is going.

Tomorrow, my hopes, prayers and thoughts will constantly be with the Iraqi people. Ultimately, my hope is that someday there is an Iraqi sitting behind a computer sipping coffee hoping and arguing for freedom on behalf of their fellow brothers and sisters in Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia or even China.

Godspeed Iraq.

UPDATE: Mohammed, an Iraqi, eloquently writes about the anticipation of voting tomorrow:

I am so excited but a flashback from Saddam’s referendum three years ago still hurts; he wanted a 100% as the 99.96% of the previous one shocked the dictator. I was depressed that way and I decided not to go to the voting office and so did the rest of the family but my father was afraid that not going could be dangerous. He said that maybe one member of the family could go alone and cast votes for the rest of us. We looked at each other thinking who’s going to volunteer to do this ugly job to protect the family. At that moment my father said “it was my generation that caused the misery we’re living in so I’m the one who should do this”. I couldn’t stop him and I couldn’t utter a word but I felt sad for him; his sacrifice was big and I had teary eyes when I watched him taking our papers and heading out.

It is different this time father, no more 100% and a ‘no’ would make me happy just like a ’yes’ would do and no one ever will force us to do something against our will anymore.
Tomorrow will be another day for Iraqi bravery. May God protect you my people…you have suffered so much and you will still be suffering for some time but I am sure the future will be bright.
God bless you my people and all the freedom lovers who keep sacrificing to make this world a better place.

Read the whole thing. If you don't have a tear welling up in the corner of your eye by the end, you have no soul.

God Bless my brother, God Bless.