Iraq Elections

I think the elections were a great success for democracy. Only time will tell if it was good for Iraq. I hope the elected leaders will do what is right but we can never tell. Even a democracy can elect a tyrant.
I give major kudos to Bush for finally stepping up and admitting that there was faulty intelligence that caused us to go into war but I really don't think it mattered and I wish he would have just been upfront from the beginning.But I know it wouldn't have gone over well if he had just said he wanted to take Saddam out for democracy. The war had to be sold.


But enough about that. The elections send a clear message to the terrorists that they, the people of Iraq, are determined to have their say in the new government. And that is a very good thing.But more importantly, I think, is the message that is sending to the entire region and to other leaders. That democracy can and is welcome and they better get with the program and they may see themselves elected out of office.
My hat goes off to the people of Iraq!!I wish them nothing but success. Now I'm sure there are those who want failure but they are in the minority I tell you. Yes, Democrats and "liberals", I prefer progressives, want freedom and democracy for Iraq. To think otherwise is ludicrous.Power to the People!!!!

Hurricane Katrina

This hurricane of epic proportions has created not only massive physical damage to the Gulf States of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama but has caused social problems across this great country of ours. I have not been a witness to such racial and economic stereotyping since by younger days and I really wasn't planning on visiting those times anytime soon.

From the pictures of "looting" and "finding" to the lack of compassion I've seen from so many who put blame on the victims and make excuses for how things were handled in the days after Katrina struck. I myself could not believe what I was watching and reading on the news networks and newspapers across the country.

Why were these people not getting the assistance they needed? The basics such as food and water were not reaching the people and the rescue efforts, while having the best intentions, were not up to speed compared to what we've seen in the past. The big question or topic on many forums is "Was there any racism or did racism play any part in the rescue efforts? Was the reporting of the looting racially biased? "

Your guess is as good as mine for in my opinion, it is too difficult to prove that racism had any play in the aftermath of this terrible disaster. That being said, when looked at from afar it is clear to me how some could see racism in the actions and non-action of local and federal authorities and the media. It has caused some friction amongst friends and family and that is not ususally how America responds to a natural disaster or emergency.

I agree with President Bush when he himself said that the response was "unacceptable" and he was going to get things done. I also find his response time as "unacceptable" and I hope he was including himself when he made that remark. As Commander in Chief he should have been on top of this from the get go and from what I've read they should have been much better prepared to respond on a much greater scale. I don't give a hoot who was in charge but somebody dropped the ball big time including the Governor of Louisiana. You call for Federal assistance ASAP! That in itself is a major mistake.

I have no doubt that she had good intentions but during a time of crisis you let the feds take over since thye not what the hell to do. I think it was proven again.

The controvery and talk about this will continue for weeks to come and I'll be hittin' some thoughts later on.