How wonderful it is to see Iraqis participate in the delightful brawl of compromise and give and take that is the heart of democracy!
FoxNews says participation is estimated to be around 61% or so, which is a fantastic turnout for that troubled country, and that ratification is very likely. In some areas, turnout was almost universal, while admittedly some regions' was only around 10%. Nevertheless, the average was excellent, and support for the new constitution seems strong, and should certainly be celebrated.
I am also very happy that, in spite of threats, the murdering-scum-terrorist-pig-bastards are failing - and failing miserably (well, "miserably" for them - I love their failures!)
All of this is another major defeat for the al Qaeda and anti-government forces. These two groups have not been able to stop any elections, and their efforts are weaker with each round of voting. Al Qaeda's efforts to goad the Shia Arabs into a civil war with Sunni Arabs has not worked either, although it has caused a lot of ill-will and violence in areas where Shia and Sunni live close together.
The AP points out, however - with typical cynicism and pessimism - that
If the constitution is approved, Iraqis will choose a new parliament in Dec. 15 elections. Parliament then will select a new government, which must take office by Dec. 31. The constitution's apparent victory was muted, though, by the prospect that the result might divide the country further. (emphasis mine)
Now, why can't they just give this courageous people their due? Yes, of course there will be other hurdles to get over, but - good lord! - our great experiment in democracy is over two hundred years old, and we're still working on it! It would be courteous at least to allow the Iraqis ten or so years to figure things out, right? I mean, especially since media had the utter bad taste to give So-Damn Insane a pass for the mistreatment and torture of his people that he aided, abetted, and in which he participated for so long.
Fortunately, the Lame Stream Media no longer has a choke-hold on information. The day before the election, Mohammed at Iraq the Model wrote a bit about what this vote means to Iraq.
Approving this draft is not the end goal, it’s a step among others in this process of evolution in Iraq and it’s going to be the gate to more steps until we reach the day when we have a constitution that satisfies and serves the greatest majority of the people.
He discusses quite a bit more about the concerns and debates and considerations of the "man-on-the-street" Iraqi, and it's an enlightening article, well worth the read. You should also check out his post from Saturday about the voting.
One Marine's View has a look at Saturday
Now as the country has made a milestone achievement they have democracy in motion. As Americans we want things done yesterday and have little patience for things not produced now. Patience is what is needed here and the coward left wing bed wetters won’t understand that. Iraq is where the US was 200 yrs ago. Will their constitution change? Yes of course as ours still changes to this day. Will there be continued fighting? Yes, there are plenty of scumbags here that need to be delt with as they recognize that their days are numbered now since they couldnt alter the elections...
Murdoc Online outlines how Saturday is certainly not a worst case scenario by any means!
Or Does It Explode? has a beautiful statement:
Three years later, October 15 sees another election. This time, thanks to a relative lack of terror attacks, we get to see civil society in action on a national scale. The results of the constitutional referendum are not guaranteed - and so individual Iraqis seem to understand that their vote makes a difference in determining the outcome. And even if the constitution indeed passes, various interests groups will be able to continue to shape its form through parliamentary debate and negotiation. (italics mine, bold in the original)
Gee, that sounds a lot like... democracy in action!
My heart and my prayers go out to the Iraqis. I rejoice with them in this step, and I wish them well in their on-going quest for a democratic society. I am glad that our President is willing to stand by their side and help them until they can stand on their own.
