HISTORIC DAY IN IRAQ

Much to the dismay of the mainstream media and many in the Democratic party, including John Kerry, voters turned out in Iraq in record numbers with minimal violence to make Iraq's first election in 50 years a smash success. Here are the final statistics, with results expected in 7 to 10 days:

• 8 million Iraqis voted in the election
• Unofficial estimates put the turnout at between 60 and 70%, higher than our most recent presidential election
• 44 people were killed in attacks on election day. While tragic, nowhere near the doom and gloom predicted by the left

Some voters walked for miles to be able to cast their votes. One 75-year-old man traveled three miles in his wheelchair for a shot at democracy: "My poor nephew pushed me all the way. But I had to come. Now that the criminal Saddam is gone this could be my only chance to vote." I wonder what Hillary Clinton would say to this man right now? After all, she was the one that said people, and specifically women, were better off under Saddam Hussein.

Another group of people watching this election closely are the other Arab nations in the region. They want no part of democracy, because it threatens their power base. The idea of Muslims living in a free society frightens them to their very core. Yet as they watch the success in Iraq, they know it could mean their days are numbered.

Now the work of drafting a new constitution begins.  Terrorist threats in the Sunni triangle seemed to work.  Sunni Muslims didn't exactly flood the polls.  This presents a challenge to coalition advisors and a great opportunity to the Shiites and Kurdish majority that almost certainly captured control of the government this weekend.  The constitution must show the value of rule of law and protection of individual rights.  This constitution must establish a framework of rights to all Iraqis, including Sunni Muslims, and a system of law that will protect those rights against the desires and demands of the majority.  When the Sunni people see that there is no desire or intention on the part of the majority to deny them basic rights they will become participants in this great experiment of freedom in the Middle East.

AND KUDOS TO THE AMERICAN MILITARY

I wasn't sure it could be done ... but our American military did it.  Our men and women in uniform, with the help of dedicated Iraqi security forces and our coalition partners, placed an umbrella of security over Iraq on election day that allowed millions of Iraqis to avoid the violence that had been promised by the enemies of freedom. 

There was one intriguing story that received widespread publicity, here and in Iraq, at the very beginning of the voting process.  The U.S. military released a video of insurgents firing a missile at the American Embassy.  The video was taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle with night vision capability.  The drone then followed the terrorists back to their safe house and we could see the video of them going inside.  Minutes later that house was surrounded by Marines.  I think you know what happened next.  That video was soon seen on television throughout Iraq, and insurgent terrorists were certainly in the audience.   Common sense would tell you that they were probably a lot less eager to leave their safe houses and launch attacks with these little drones flying around taking pictures and making videos.

A free Iraq with a popularly elected government is a giant step toward a Middle East free of the elements that breed Islamic terrorism.  Make no mistake.  There are rough times to come.  The insurgents will be trying to prove that they're sill a force, and that the vote doesn't mean anything.  American troops will still be needed until the Iraqi security forces are capable of carrying the load.  American troops will remain for the time being ... but over the weeks and months their role will evolve more toward training and less direct confrontation with terrorist elements.

DEPRESSED -- DEPRESSING DEMOCRATS.

Now ... let's discuss Democratic reaction to this historic weekend.  In short, this is not what Democrats wanted to see.  They wanted negative news this weekend, not positive.

Did you see those Iraqis dancing in the streets?  Did you see the incredibly long lines?  Hours!  They waited for hours. On crutches, in wheelchairs .. they waited hours for the chance to cast their vote in Iraq's first democratic elections in over 50 years.  Islamic terrorists had told them that they would be killed if they voted ... but there they were, waiting in line nonetheless.  After they left the polling places they joined celebrations in the streets ... holding their ink-stained fingers aloft as a badge of honor and a symbol of freedom.  

Of course with the Bush administration experiencing such overwhelming success in Iraq yesterday, the Democrats couldn't stand it. Remember, what's good for America is good for George Bush, and that's not good for the left. 

First up: John Kerry.

Perhaps the most pathetic performance of the weekend was The Poodle's appearance on  'Meet The Press,' The Poodle said "It is significant that there is a vote in Iraq. But ... no one in the United States should try to over-hype this election." He then went on to repeat the same nonsense about how the administration was not reaching out enough to the international community, and even said Iraq would fail if they didn't take his advice. The only difference between John Kerry and the insurgents is he doesn't wear a mask and carry a rocket launcher during his television appearances.  What's this "over-hype" nonsense?  Iraq has its first free election in history and John Kerry can't see the significance?  The Iraqi people defy death itself to go to the polls to tell the insurgents to bite sand, and Kerry tries to downplay it?   But it was Kerry, wasn't it, who said "wrong war, wrong time, wrong place."  The Iraqi people have now voted for their own government as a result of this wrong war at the wrong place at the wrong time.  How sad that must be for Kerry.  His only response?  "Hey, let's not make too big a deal about this.  It's only an election."

Michigan Senator Carl Levin was wringing his hands about the record turnout: "I'm afraid there were some areas where the turnout is extremely low, and that's the Sunni Triangle areas or parts thereof. And that's the challenge that we now face." It wouldn't have mattered if there was 100% turnout in Iraq....that wouldn't have satisfied the Bush-bashers either.  The loony left knows that this election is a validation of not only the war in Iraq, but of George Bush.  

We have reached a point in this country where one of our own political parties is rooting for the enemy. Their side lost.  Stand by for the whining. 

I LIKE THE STAINED FINGER BIT

The Iraqi election officials wanted a way to prevent Iraqis from voting twice.  It turned out to be easy.  You just dip your pointy finger in some India ink.  That means you've voted.  Show up at another polling place with an inky finger and out you go.  What would be wrong with doing this in the United States?  Instead of those little "I voted" stickers, just dip your finger in the ink!  

Who would oppose such an idea?  Well, I'll tell you who.  Democrats.  Year after year Democrats fight any initiative that would prevent people who are not eligible to vote from voting ... and that means voting as many times as they possibly can. Well ...it seemed like a good idea.

GEORGE SOROS WANTS A REFUND

The anti-American billionaire socialist George Soros, who promised to spend whatever it took to defeat George Bush, is a little miffed by his poorly-performing investment. Speaking the other day at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Soros let it be known exactly what he thought about The Poodle.

"Kerry did not, actually, offer a credible and coherent alternative. That had a lot to do with Bush being re-elected," said the Bush hater. If you threw $26 million down a rat hole, you'd be a bit miffed wouldn't you? 

At any rate the left continues to fail to realize that while they ran a flawed candidate, he wasn't the only reason they lost. It was their entire agenda and what they stand for that defeated them at the polls. John Kerry didn't cause Tom Daschle to lose, it was the modern Democratic party that did it.

Soros did backpedal a bit and go on to say he didn't feel like he wasted his money. Right. 

THE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIAL

What a sight!  Take a look at those poor pathetic myrmidons gathered outside the courthouse with their "Jacko is innocent" signs.  With our culture of celebrity worship, is there any way to get a guilty verdict here?  Rest assured, there are plenty of people out there who could sit on that jury and actually watch videos of Michael Jackson abusing children and they would still vote not guilty.  They could witness the molestation live and claim they were somehow fooled with special effects.  

My prediction .. subject to change, of course ... is that by the end of this trial rational Americans will be pretty much convinced that Michael Jackson is guilty of the charges, but one or two rogue jurors will prevent a conviction.  I'll also predict that most of us are going to be sick to death of all of this by Valentine's Day.  

Here are some fun links you can read about the Michael Jackson case

• We start out, of course, with Michael Jackson's official website.  See if you can make any sense out of this.
• Jesus Juice? Now what would that be?
• The Case Against Michael Jackson.  Quite detailed.  Take the time to read this and then think about the idiot with the "We've had enough, Michael is innocent" sign outside of the courthouse.
• Get your complete Michael Jackson trial  information from E Online!  Isn't this pathetic?
• What's this?  A Michael Jackson News website?  I'm sure you can get some real objective coverage of the trial here.
• And now a few silly links...How has Michael's face changed over the years? Wonder no more!
• Leave your boss a voicemail using the Michael Jackson Soundboard [warning, makes noise as page is loading]
• And don't forget the Michael Jackson Baby Drop Game

READING ASSIGNMENTS

Georgia lawmaker pushing to make insurance companies cover gastric bypass surgery.

Here is President Bush's statement on the successful election in Iraq.

Well ... so much for the argument that Arabs don't want democracy.  This editorial from The Wall Street Journal.

The Godfather has issued a warning for President Bush.  I've been saying the same things for weeks now .. but I'm not the Godfather.  So I'll just say "ditto."

Minorities support Bush's idea of allowing private Social Security accounts.  Should the Democrats be paying attention?

The "realists" had it wrong.  It seems that Middle East Arabs actually do like the idea of freedom and of choosing their own leaders.  Imagine that!

The Mayor of Baghdad is so excited about the Iraqi elections, he wants to erect a statue of George W. Bush in downtown Baghdad. He also said "We have a lot of work and we are especially grateful to the soldiers of the U.S.A. for freeing our country of tyranny." I wonder why the media hasn't reported this more.

Teddy Kennedy is still preaching immediate troop withdrawals from Iraq. Just whose side is he on, anyway? It makes you wonder.  Whatever we do, let's not add up the number of American troops who have been killed because this vile man has given so much encouragement to the enemy.

The United States has a staunch ally in Australia's John Howard, who stood up for America at a Euro-weenie Bush-bashing festival the other day.

More good news from Iraq: a survey taken 3 weeks before the election shows that Iraqis are upbeat about the direction of their country.

Saddam's absence on the ballot in yesterday's election absolutely thrilled Iraqis. Doesn't sound like they miss him at all, does it? Here are some photos from Sunday's balloting.

Howard Dean got caught telling people what he really thinks: he hates Republicans. That's right, he hates them. Please let this man be the next chairman of the DNC.

Despite all of the naysayers, the media and the predictions of doom and gloom, Mark Steyn says Iraq is going to be just fine.

The Hildabeast is moving to the right and John Leo says because of that, she's likely to be the Democratic party's 2008 nominee. Interesting take on things.

A lot of big contributors are threatening a boycott of the Democratic party if Howard Dean is elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Robert Novak has the inside scoop.

Here's another idea on tax reform.  I'm still pushing the Fair Tax plan, but I'm posting this here because all ideas need consideration.  Something needs to be done ... and soon.

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