Freedom Amid the Chaos

An amazing thing has happened in Iraq. Given the opportunity to grab their freedom, Iraqis have not only taken it, but they've done so amid the expolsions and homicidal efforts of a viscious terrorist insurgency. When the smoke clears we'll know the score, but there are indications that the turnout was astounding--somewhere between 57 and 72%. U.S. presidential election turnouts have exceeded 60% only twice since 1968, and no one had to dodge bullets, mortars, roadside bombs, and maniacs strapped with explosives. There are reports of thousands of people walking over 13 miles to a polling place just to cast their vote. (How many of us would walk more than two or three blocks to vote if there wasn't a good parking space?)

The whole scenario is stunning, and it answers once and for all the question: "Do they really want their freedom?" It gives enormous meaning to the lives and deaths of thousands of Iraqis and over 1400 American soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in the name of liberty. This war is a horrible mess, but there's no turning back now. We've got to finish the mission.

Planes are crashin’, lights are flashin’
People dyin’, children cryin’
Heroes charging through the smoke
God in heaven we invoke
Soldiers screamin’ ‘cross the desert
Facing dangers, freeing strangers
Do they even want the freedom?

How to keep it, how to use it
Why it matters, why you choose it
Are we even right to give it
Can they ever hope to live it
Sons and daughters packed in boxes
Save us from our paradoxes
Who will bless your sacrifice?

From You Gotta Stand for Somethin'