Let Freedom Ring

3/07/05

The United States is a fine example of the way the democratic process works. We have different parties that, at time, accuse the other (s) of everything they can think of. The process works. Sometimes, people in large numbers are not pleased with the results of our elections but at least so far, they do comply with the wishes of the majority (within the bounds of the Constitution, thank God!).

In Afghanistan and Iraq, the world has seen the jubilation of the people able to vote for the first time. It may not last. It may turn into something not resembling Democracy. It may even turn, at some time, into a Theocratic nightmare. But at least for now, freedom is ringing in these two countries.

In Lebanon, the people clamoring for Syria to leave is unthinkable 6 months ago. I don't know yet if this will lead to a democrat form of government in Lebanon but there is at least a chance of it for the first time in memory.

Palestine has even elected a president in a free election. Does this mean that the PLO, Islamic Jihad and Hamas will accept Israel? Of course not. Does it mean that at least a seed of the democratic process has been planted. You betcha! Without Arafat, it might even grow into something that the world can celebrate.

Saudi Arabia had elections.

Egypt is about to have the first contested election ever.

Some of the former Soviet Republics, Georgia and Ukraine have had democratic elections that seem to be real.

It is reaching the point the even the German Der Spiegel asked, "How quickly can the virus of democracy spread?" Apparently the answer is pretty darn fast!

Was Bush right? I think so and even some of the doubters around the world have started to agree.

We need to have a lot more work on the process but after the fertilization with American blood in the middle east, the seed is starting to sprout. It wasn't cheap. It wasn't fun. But in the long run, it may be effective. It is a major battle won in the War on Terror.