...would that help you to feel even a little bit better?
I know it's a gross simplification, but it is symbolic of so much more that's been accomplished on behalf of the Iraqi people.
After our arrival there, they, excitedly, opened their first tattoo parlor. Under Saddam, they would have been sentenced to years in prison for even possessing tattoo equipment.
Also, young Iraqis immediately rallied to purchase traditionally 'western' musical instruments, air American music and actually form bands to perform it live - all of which would have placed them in jail previously.
Isn't that exciting for them? It makes me feel good.
Can't we focus upon and appreciate a glimpse of the positive side of our efforts just once and a while?
2007-07-29 01:54:07 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Under Saddam, the people did not have much reason to be proud of their country. They had no voice. The country was practically Saddam's POSSESSION.
When Iraqi athletes were at the Olympics under Saddam, there was no joy in it. If they failed to win a medal, they were punished. Saddam's son Uday was unbelievably cruel to athletes who he thought should have tried harder. Read the article below. Now, when Iraqi athletes enter the Olympic stadium, they can raise they heads proudly, and when they smile, it's a smile of real joy.
Let's say our mission to Iraq taught the people something about freedom, including the new set of problems it brings.
Once people have a taste of freedom, they don't want to give it up, especially the youth. Now they can listen to any Western music they like. If someone wants to have a poster in their room of an American rock band, their parents don't have to forbid it, for fear the secret police would discover it in some random raid.
Attractive women no longer have to fear walking in public as they did when Saddam's sons routinely used to point at one they liked on the street, who was then grabbed by his security people to have sex with Uday or Qusay.
Iraqis can now travel more freely. Imagine the feeling of joy of not being a virtual prisoner in your own country.
Schools are now getting the materials they need to teach. Under Saddam, money was mainly funneled into things that directly benefitted him. If you lived in a Shiite area, your schools would have next to nothing in terms of books or other teaching materials.
People can now talk openly about their government. Before, they were too scared to talk to neighbors about anything for fear that the secret police would grab them for some innocent remark.
Imagine the litany of freedoms we have given them. Based on this alone, our mission has been a success.
ADDENDUM: I just found this article about Iraq. It talks about the Iraqi soccer team beating former champion Saudi Arabia at the Asian Cup.
The revellers are from all sects. The excitement and national pride of the game brought together long-time enemies. Democracy is changing the face of the nation. People who used to be sworn enemies are now partying together!
"The revelers spanning the country's sectarian and ethnic divisions danced, sang and waved flags and posters of the team after Iraq beat three-time champion Saudi Arabia 1-0 to take the Asian Cup.
Chants of "Long live Iraq" and "Baghdad is victorious" rang out across the country as Iraqis basked in national pride. Some of the revelers — mostly men — took their shirts off to display the red, white and black colors of the Iraqi flag painted on their chests."
So......... former enemies celebrating together. Guess that proves the power of democracy.
2007-07-29 02:22:40 · answer #1 · answered by pachl@sbcglobal.net 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey Con, cool, music and tats.
And only 3,500 American lives as payment.
And ten billion a month, even the months that the Iraqi government takes off cause its too hot in their air conditioned offices while our troops roam the streets in battle gear protecting their azzes.
Hey Con, I'm so glad those Iraqis are doing so well they can take vacations, they couldn't have under Saddam. That's why they love us so much.
Yep think positive.
2007-07-29 09:03:01 · answer #2 · answered by justa 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
How many of our military that used to play guitar can't anymore?
I'm glad that your happy some Iraq's can now.
I can't get over the deaths to appreciate the tattoos and guitars the iraqi's can have.
Seems so much for so little. But that's just me.
2007-07-29 09:14:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I approach the half court analyzing the players i see one has a tattoo it reads "I am the greatest." I have a flashback in my mind about Ali, and Sonny Liston. My body energizer heats up and i fly over all players and score. I am the greatest two points thanks.
2007-07-29 08:59:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Westernisation..usually means prostitution and gangsterism.
When the dust settles this is what we'll probebly get there.
2007-07-29 08:59:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
You can enjoy the thought of tatoos and electric guitars if you want.
I prefer to remember the 655,000 who would still be alive if Bush hadn't lied.
2007-07-29 08:56:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
How about the cons right to have a brain?
2007-07-29 09:03:51 · answer #7 · answered by Sid 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
another Con making light of the war...why do you people trivialize it and the troops (they volunteered, no one made them do it) so much
2007-07-29 09:00:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
probably
2007-07-29 08:57:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋