Bush leaves awe in his Baghdad wake (good read)

telegraph india ^ | 11/28/03

[TexasTransplant]

Cut him some slack, he's from Boston. Other problems in Massachusetts (I think it's a Chromesome thing), is the men can't swim and women fear bridges.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you MEG, knak.

Iraqi response to the President's visit: brigette posted a few blogs from Iraqis who attended the anti-terrorism rally.

Blurry screen alert.

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http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 28, 2003

I was there.

A wonderful sunny day in Baghdad, I couldn't sleep last night, I was anxious.
The day is my day.
I've stayed awake late watching the news channels broadcasting the news about president bush's visit to Baghdad.
I tried to figure out the meanings behind this visit.
I shared the tears with him, tears of joy, anxiety, and care for the future of his country men.
I was also afraid for the future of my people and I felt some kind of unity of feelings with all the good on earth.
I expressed that today as I marched with my brothers in the demo. That fights the terrorism and defends freedom and democracy.

My friends told me that they will come with me, I waited but no one showed up but that didn't break my determination to go,
as it means a lot to me.
I arrived at al-Tahrir square from where the demo. should start, and I was surprised to find that the numbers of police men and journalists were more than the demonstrators themselves.
We needed some men to hold the sign boards (these were also more than us).
I was a little bit disappointed, because I was dreaming of a huge demo. but when I took a minute to think about what this demo. represents, I restored some of the hope to my heart.

There were 3 cars carrying symbolic coffins for the victims of terrorism.
There were people from some Iraqi ethnic minorities and others who represented no particular party or group.
We decided -regardless of the small number- to march to al-Firdows square where the statue of the tyrant was knocked down on the 9th. of April.
The people who were standing or passing by through the ever crowded (Saadoon street) were watching carelessly and reading our signs.
After a while some men joined us, ordinary simple people with their simple clothes telling their suffering.
Fear started to vanish away from their hearts and people continued to join us and the small crowd grew bigger.

We became several thousands, and I saw the future in their eyes, I didn't feel they were strangers; we were closer to each other than ever, carrying the same feelings and ambitions.
I found myself walking amongst a group of the demonstrators carrying the flag of the Turkman's front, and I tried to say the same words they were saying, although I don't know their language but I was sure that these words represent my feelings too.
This the first time I march in a demo.
No one forced me, and I remembered the old days when we were obliged- by the tyrant's orders- to march in huge crowds in faked demos. crying out with his name and our love for our beloved leader.
His security men used to be surrounding us, watching the expression on our faces and how damn unlucky a man is if they notice that he was not doing the desired effort (shouting loudly).
We used to consider the police men as our enemies and there was even a proverb that says:" a police man will never see heaven"
Today, we consider them our defenders and our brothers.
they're sacrificing their lives tacking the front position to face the terrorists, they will definitely get rid of the bad reputation they earned in the past and they will learn to treat us respectfully, we're their brothers and our enemy doesn't distinguish between a civilian and a police man.

I've been there, and I came back stronger with a deeper belief that there are others who care for us, and next time, the participation will be wider.
Our victory in this challenge is a victory for all the honest, good and free people on earth.


- posted by Omar @ 20:36

63 posted on 11/28/2003 5:28 PM EST by brigette

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[Burkeman1]

That would be news to John McCain or any pilot who fought in Viet Nam.

[harpo11]

Now that is what I call Presidential. Our CIC stickin' it in the eye of Saddam and his miserable ragtag gang of insane idiots right in Saddam's former neighborhood. Talk about morale booster! Right on target!

I heard the news at approx. 9:30 am Pacific Time, while the Detroit football game was just being aired while our National Anthem was being sung hearing the cheers of our brave and surprised troops and the football stadium crowd cheer to the lines of the Star Spangled Banner I could never have been more proud to be an American thankful for our FReedom and Liberty and the courageous men and women who have, who are, and always will stand firm, and resolute at great risk on the front lines of battle so that we will remain free.

I am humbled and deeply grateful by their sacrifice and also the fearless steadfast determination of our CIC's leadership to protect, defend, and uphold our people, our nation and our beloved Constitution in this serious and critical battle against terrorism.

We are truly blessed.

[MEG33]

Thanks for the blog,nice addition to this positive article!

[Burkeman1]

Well know- I would usuaslly get upset by such a comment about me. I don't do that now. Especially not from a gutless and stateless coward.

[MEG33]

Amen!Well said,harpo.

[Burkeman1]

Houston? Cowboys? Texas manhood has some explaining to do. Won't see you in the Super Bowl that is for sure.

Go Pats!

[Ann Archy]

Hey Rosenstiel....If Air Force One got downed, your press buddies would have been killed along with him....maybe THAT'S why they didn't spill those beans you wanted spilled.

The press just proves eveyday what Christian haters they are.

[valleygal]

I thought this was a big deal and a brave move but the more I read about it- the sicker I get.

A little cheese with your whine and then some Pepto might help.

[Ann Archy]

They didn't have RPG's back then....geesh...go get sicker if you want but you sound plenty sick to me now.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Thanks for the ping!

[Burkeman1]

What was the Panzer Faust in WWII? Or the Panzer Shreck in WWII? Read some military history and then come back.

[Happy2BMe]

Dubya is a natural.

But what is that warthog doing spoiling good food for our troops in Afghanistan?

What is wrong with this picture?

[taildragger]

arasina

I have been asking for this photo! Thank you! Did you create it?

[HardStarboard]

>>> Johnson both visited Viet Nam <<<

At Cam Rahn Bay....hardly a combat zone.

[Burkeman1]

I like Pepto Bizmo. Or am I supposed to care what you think since you said nothing?

[hunter112]

What an appetite killer. No way I'd eat that.

Hey, roast Hildebeest is delicious. Sort of like fried Rat. The only problem is, both taste like chicken!

[Burkeman1]

Baghdahd is?

[HardStarboard]

Burkey, get your facts straight. johnson visited Nam at Cam Rahn Bay....which was by no stretch of the imagination a combat zone.