Semi-News: Critics Say Iraqi Election Resolves Nothing

AZCONSERVATIVE ^ | 23 Dec 2005 | John Semmens

[John Semmens]

The seemingly successful Iraqi election of December 15 came under critical scrutiny from several quarters.

Senator Harry Reid (D-Nev.), minority leader, pointed out that persons of differing political vision were elected. “There is no consensus on policy in Iraq,” Reid said. “Iraq is headed for contentious disagreements between political parties over legislation, taxes and foreign affairs. I see no harmony of viewpoints.”

Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) speculated that factions within the Iraqi Parliament might attempt to impeach leaders of opposing parties. “There could be disagreements over policy, accusations of scandals or corruption, that, you know, might cause one party to oppose another,” Kerry said. “Some of the campaign ads I saw made accusations that an opposing party’s election would be bad for the country. This portends a repeated cycle of clashes between opposing visions in future Iraqi elections. Is democracy really possible when we see this kind of contentious struggle for votes?”

Fritz Derpimple, assistant vice-chair of Election Law for the American Bar Association, opined that Iraq may not have a sufficient quantity of lawyers for self-governance. “As I see it, too much of the responsibility is granted to Parliament,” said Derpimple. “There is no assurance that judges and lawyers can correct the errors made by voters or Members of Parliament. This is a recipe for disaster.”

Peter Buttrick, press contact for the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), observed that no openly homosexual candidates were even running in the Iraqi elections. “How can we consider Iraq to be truly democratic if gays are afraid to declare themselves?” Buttrick asked. “The court needs to step in and legalize same-sex marriage.” Buttrick contends that this will make homosexual people feel more normal and perhaps encourage them to take a more active public role.

[jess35]

Satire?