The democratic process

I don't agree with so much of the whole Iraq saga. How can world governments get away with so much misinformation, so much public deception, so much spin. How can they be unaccountable -- and how can they, in some cases, get re-elected?!

Still, Iraqis voted today. That's what's important right now, regardless of the path that led them to this point. And I'm going to spare a few minutes for those who risked life and limb to get to the ballot box, cast their vote, and withstand the pressure from extremist groups to abandon the process. And I'll spare a few minutes for those who died along the way.

Death threats

Daily intimidation

Suicide bombers

I honestly can't even imagine living like that, but these people have been putting up with all of that for months and months. I hope that they have the strength and courage to continue the quest for peace and democracy. Sure, I think the US government is a caricature of lies and mismanagement, but petty politics will be put aside today.

People of Iraq: good on ya!