VetVoice: Iraqi Election Day

[babylonsister]

http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3792

Iraqi Election Day
by: EyesOnly
Sun Mar 07, 2010 at 13:22:19 PM EST


Today was a historic day in Iraq. Yes, it was election day, and there are at least three lessons that I think that can be taken away from today's events. First, the Iraqis handled all of their own security needs. For those of you who have been deployed, that in and of itself speaks to the level of training that they have received, and how they have taken to it. I have to admit that I was pretty scared about how today would turn out, but as of tonight, I am pleasantly surprised. Second, don't believe everything you hear in the news. I think that there is a tendency to think that Baghdad is a small town. Just as a reminder, Baghdad has a population of approximately 7.4 million peoplehere. So, while there are bombings, and there is death, which no one should have to experience, there needs to be a lens by which to view. The BLUF (bottom line up front) is that up to 80-85% of eligible Iraqis were able to vote. Please know that is a rough estimate, with no journalistic support. And finally, seeing candidates with very different backgrounds being able to campaign. From religious to secular, male and female, the people of Iraq were able to make a choice in their future. And if this goes off as well as possible, I will leave here knowing that while the last few years have been tough, there is hope. And that is good enough sometimes.