April 09, 2003

Out of tragedy, triumph

Contrary to the accusations of some, pro-war supporters are - I believe - moved by the scenes of carnage and destruction that this war has brought to some of the innocent people in Iraq. I doubt anyone can look on an injured innocent, and not feel sympathy for them - it would be simply inhuman. OK, perhaps Saddam and his sons could.

On the larger scale, though, we are even more moved by scenes like: this, this, this, and this.

As our friend Marie said, watching the Iraqis tear down a statue of Saddam in Baghdad:

I have chill bumps, I am almost on the edge of tears for the simple reason that maybe, just maybe some of these people will be able to wake up like I do.

These are the stories of a people being liberated. Of a people shedding the cloaks of fear in which they've hidden for decades. Of a far greater good coming from the sacrifices of the willing, and - tragically - some of the unwilling. No, we can't replace the lives of those lost, but we can hope that their deaths are not in vain, and that the future of Iraq will be a free and democratic shining light among the tyrannies that govern the Middle East.

And to think - the so-called idealists and humanitarians of the left - the ones who have taken to the streets time and time again in protest of this action - did not want this to happen. Surely, to quote Tom, they are now "over in the corner chewing over their rage like mouthfuls of warm vomit."

Be careful not to choke on it, kids. We'd hate for the people of Iraq to miss out on seeing those who wish they were still enslaved, oppressed, tortured, and slaughtered.

Update: Tim Blair says it well. Found via Instapundit, of course.