Today, 30 January 2005, will be remembered alongside 9 November 1989, 26 December 1991, and 9 October 2004 as key modern events in the history of democratic government, a history that dates all the way back to 4 July 1776. As with the fall of the Berlin Wall, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the first free and fair election in Afghanistan in its 2,600 year history, the first Iraqi election in 52 years is an exciting and emotional event for everyone who cherishes freedom and believes in democracy.

All over Iraq, men and women are braving sniper bullets, suicide attackers, and car bombs to cast their ballots. In an effort to prevent voter fraud, they will leave their polling places marked with blue ink on their fingertips; at the same time, however, terrorists have promised to use this mark as a bull's eye, and a statement released earlier in the week boasted that terrorists would cut off the heads of voters and their families.

Some will stay home, but many more will risk their lives to participate in the first Arab democracy in the history of civilization. I hope all Americans will set aside angry partisan rhetoric and embrace today for what it is: momentous.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. -- Psalms 118:23

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