Purple Thumb

Despite all that has been said and done with regards to Iraq, today is a day all Americans, Iraqi's, and our allies can be proud of what has been accomplished in Iraq. Oh yeah, and it's all Bush's fault! Despite the fact Obama and Biden tried to claim it as one of the greatest accomplishments of this administration and despite their several conferences and videos arguing, contradicting, and voting against the "surge". Bush and his administration deserve all the credit for successfully liberating Iraq and ridding the planet of the most evil dictator since Hitler.

I was so pleased to see the picture of the elderly woman today holding up her purple thumb as a proud indicator of her exercising her right to vote. I spent a little time in the Middle East and I can tell you they way many women and children are treated there is absolutely appalling to me. Americans that have never traveled abroad could never imagine the horrors of the discrimination, neglect, and punishment these people have to endure.

It is a great thing to see women voting. It is a better thing to see little girls going to school for the first time. It is also great to see women and girls alike exercising their rights to be able to present themselves in public without fear of being beaten or killed...Despite your beliefs about the wars, Bush and America got this one right, the pros completely outweigh the cons. Thanks to American soldiers and our allies making the ultimate sacrifice to see it happen.

I wonder how many people in my state of Oregon who have their ballots mailed to them took a minute to stop and reflect what that purple thumb actually meant. I wonder how many Americans did the same. All too often we take for granted the right to vote. Hell, I know people that have never voted! Hopefully the purple thumb will remind Americans and the rest of the world that it is our responsibility to protect those that can't defend themselves. We will protect America and her allies no matter the cost because that is the American way.

Be proud of the Iraqi's, be proud of our right to vote. But most importantly, be proud of the American men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice to see it happen. God Bless them, their families, and God Bless America.