The Infant Democracy of Iraq - Our Paternal Responsibility

As the debate rages over Iraq, it almost seems futile to offer yet another perspective on the subject. However, since I have no credibility to speak of at this point, I will add my two cents to the discussion.

My perspective does not address why we went or whether this or that group was or wasn't given accurate information. My perspective begins with the simple fact that we are there. Yes, we must deal with the fact that we are there.

After the decision was made to go, a chain of irreversible events began to unfold. In other words, there are impacts that exist today in Iraq that cannot be swept under the rug for the sake of convenience. Life doesn't work that way. We can't simply ignore the realities of the situation because we want reality to be different. One of the most compelling of these "realities" was the creation of a vulnerable dependant.

Upon our arrival, an insemination occurred followed by a gestation period and birth. America is the father, Iraq the mother, and the democracy which ensued is the infant child. There were questions as to whether the fetus would reach full gestation in the first place, but, in fact, it did.

The birth occurred on December 15, 2005, the day over 12 million (79%) eligible voters in Iraq took self determination in hand and dared to show up at the poles. I note that the birth of this new Iraq did not occur in October when the new constitution was ratified. It occurred when millions of once-oppressed Iraqis decided to show up at the polls. It was the action of the people that confirmed their resolve for freedom, for democracy, for a new Iraq. Regardless of the outcome of those elections, what a great day it was for the vast majority of common Iraqis. They finally had a voice (is this not the epitome of democracy?). Hence, it is too late for an abortion and leaving the child alone with its unhealthy mother would be tantamount to infanticide.

No one can dispute the fact that America is the father of the new Iraq. And where is there a better qualified father? Indeed, who else on the planet was willing to be the father? We have lived this dream. We have struggled through our own democratic infancy. We have come into maturity and understand what it will take for Iraq to survive. We didn't invent democracy but we have certainly succeeded in it to a great extent.

As the parent of this infant democracy we are now faced with a great question. Should the father abandon the infant in the crib because the job has grown difficult? Does the father even have the right to this choice? This infant, you see, consists of millions of men, women and children who exemplify others like them in every nation. These are the unknown millions who simply must live with the consequences of whatever the hierarchy decides for them. These are the fathers, mothers, wives and children who have been victimized over the decades by leaders who made decisions out of self interest. The big question for us as the father is, will we also act out of self interest leaving the child to deal with the outfall?

There is undoubtedly a time for self interest but are we really looking at the long term ramifications of abandonment? Is it really in our self interest to take such action knowing that the inevitable cost will likely be much greater than any immediate gain. Yes, in the name of self interest American service people would be saved. However, what are the larger costs to America and the world?

Be responsible for what you have beget, America. Millions of lives in and outside of Iraq are hanging in the balance. This war is not simply about the Iraqi people. It is about the entire region. It is about Israel, Europe, Iran, the U.S. ... this, in fact, is a global issue that won't simply go away with our departure.

How short sighted our leaders have become. They are unfit to lead. They want to appease the electorate to save their own political skin, or worse, to gain support for their lust for power even though they know the outcome would be an unimaginable human tragedy with ramifications that go far beyond the boarders of Iraq. These people are willing to allow the tragedy, cast blame then attempt to take credit for "rescuing" the U.S. from this "horrible war." Was the United States born and stable in a day, year, decade, century? We either support democracy or we don't. It's time to stop playing politics and either do it for Iraq or get off the proverbial pot!