Iraqi voting has started

[scaeagles]

Around the world, ecstatic Iraqi nationals are casting votes in their first election.

Voting will take place in Iraq on Sunday, as scheduled. Just as there were those who said that the turnover in late June to the interim Iraqi government would never happen and were proven wrong, unless something drastic happens (a definite possibility, no doubt), the naysayers on the election will be proven wrong as well.

Will it be a perfect election? No. Hell, we don't have perfect elections in the US. I have no doubt there will be violence and bloodshed. Just as there have been assassinations and other assassination attempts on the lives of interim Iraqi government officials.

I will be very interested to see what happens on Sunday in so many different ways. While I know that many are not happy that we have gone there, I can pretty much guarantee that most every Iraqi that casts a ballot will be, and every enemy of a voting populace will be disturbed that in spite of their best efforts, Iraq has had an election.

[SacTown Chronic]

I'm hoping for the best on Sunday.

Like a child borne of rape, the Iraqi elections should never have come to pass in such a foul manner. But, much like the rape itself, what is done in Iraq cannot be undone and we need to nurture, love and support the bouncing baby of democracy. Sure, the baby is premature and hooked up to life support, but it's out of the womb and there's no turning back now.

So go forth and vote, brave Iraqi citizens. The American president is calling for you to display the courage he has never shown or even known. In this case, ignore his deeds and listen to his words. Be brave. Be safe.

[Flubber]

I've already voted and I'm not even Iraqi.

[MickeyLumbo]

i tired to vote this morning... but got lost in the birth canal

[Nephythys]

I would love, for once, to see that sort of rhetoric spit at the man who actually guilty of raping the country and people of Iraq.....

I think it's great- I look forward to the results as well.

[Flubber]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

I would love, for once, to see that sort of rhetoric spit at the man who actually guilty of raping the country and people of Iraq.....

I think it's great- I look forward to the results as well.

You know there are people in Iraq who think that man is President Bush.

I'm hopeful the Iraqis recognize the tremendous opportunity they have with these elections, a chance at self determination they haven't had in years (ever?), and they aren't scared away from voting. I don't entirely support the events that got them (and US) to this point but yeah, I think it's great too.

Like GD, I'm not convinced an election can be held but I'm very hopeful.

[blueerica]

Originally Posted by Flubber

You know there are people in Iraq who think that man is President Bush.

I'm hopeful the Iraqis recognize the tremendous opportunity they have with these elections, a chance at self determination they haven't had in years (ever?), and they aren't scared away from voting. I don't entirely support the events that got them (and US) to this point but yeah, I think it's great too.

Like GD, I'm not convinced an election can be held but I'm very hopeful.

I'm remaining hopeful, too...

Not much we can do now, anyway...

(oooh! i think this is my first political post, and it was all to say nothing in particular... Fancy that!)

[Ghoulish Delight]

This election is semi-meaningless anyway. The people elected will only be there for 11 months before another election is held. They are basically there to write a constitution, and choose a small group of leaders. And on top of that, the northern Kurds (actually, any three provinces that want to group together) have the right to veto any constitution that's drafted.

I expect turnout to be anemically low, and I expect serious security issues. The terrorists have been attacking polling places already, and the polling places haven't even been announced.

But at least we can all rest assured that Taiwan is still under Chinese control.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

This election is semi-meaningless anyway.

This is exactly what the spin will be in the media should it come off in a decent fashion. No offense, GD, as I think you're a smart guy, but with all the rhetoric that an election could never be held under any circumstances, i think it is quite an accomplishment that it will happen. So it happens - ah, no big deal. It doesn't mean anything.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

This is exactly what the spin will be in the media should it come off in a decent fashion. No offense, GD, as I think you're a smart guy, but with all the rhetoric that an election could never be held under any circumstances, i think it is quite an accomplishment that it will happen. So it happens - ah, no big deal. It doesn't mean anything.

That's exactly the spin I heard from a pro-Bush professor yesterday. "It doesn't matter if turnout is low, violence is high, and the result unrepresentative. It's all about the constitution writing process and the next election."

And I'm still not convinced an election can be held.