Iraqi Shoe Thrower...Good News

Many of you, no doubt, have seen the video clip of President Bush's recent trip to Iraq. While he was standing on stage with the Iraqi President, a journalist stood up from the crowd and threw his shoe at President Bush. President Bush displayed remarkable reflexes and was able to dodge the first shoe...and the second shoe...before secret service wrestled the man to the ground and took him away.

Why is this interesting? Why is this good news? Becuase the people in Iraq are openly talking about the incident. Some people hail him as a hero for insulting Bush because they hate him. Some people think it was rude and he should go to jail. Furthermore, they are willing to have this debate in the open and and are even willing to give their opinions AND THIER NAMES to newspaper reporters!!

Do you realize what would have happened during Saddam's rule to someone who dared throw a shoe anywhere close to Saddam? He most likely would have had his skin peeled off in Abu Gharib prison. Do you realize what would have happened to people who dared give their names to a newspaper saying anything uncomplimentary towards Saddam's regime? They and their entire family, most likely would now be in a shallow grave with bullet holes in their heads.

So this event should be celebrated as we watch (along with the entire Arab world) the Iraqi people openly debate in society, which is a sure sign of liberty and freedom. I have no doubt that America, at an incredible cost of life and treasure, has given the Iraqi people a priceless gift. Yes it will be unstable, and yes it will have setbacks....just like the rest of us who live in a free society ruled by imperfect law.

Let freedom ring!!