Gordon Smith: “to Iraqis, democracy = vengeance”
Over and over again, especially over the past few days, we’ve heard that this is Maliki’s last chance to prove himself.
Over and over again we’ve heard that it’s time for the Iraqis to stand up and take responsibility for their own security.
Lost in all this is how this catastrophe was created. Few in the media provide the review of events and context for the present situation as Keith Olbermann does. Those who oppose the escalation feel the need to blame the Iraqis. There is acknowledgement that Bush has mismanaged the war, however, there is very little acknowledgement of what the United States has done Iraq and its people. There is no acknowledgement that this was all based on lies. We still hear about “faulty intelligence”.
Gordon Smith’s proclamation that Iraqis’ definition of democracy is vengeance is particularly shameful.
What does Mr. Smith believe is the US definition of democracy? What does the invasion of a sovereign country that posed no threat to us and did nothing to us say about who we are as a people? What does Gitmo say about us? What does the rape and murder of 14 year old Abir Al-Janabi and the slaughter of her family say about us?
And the scariest question of all is “what if we were winning right now?”
If we were winning, Mr Bush would be a hero and Mr. Smith would be singing his praises. So would John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and all of those who voted for the war without asking any questions.
Why would Iraqis define democracy at all? Why would they care? Their children, their families, their country are being blown to bits. They have little electricity or running water and unemployment is at 40% or higher. So please explain to me how democracy would mean anything to them.
Then Mr. Smith, explain how Americans define democracy. How do you define democracy?