Sunday Newscape Magazine

With Election Day on the horizon, the Iraq war has taken a back seat in the daily news. The years of fighting have stabilized this war torn country enough so we can now slowly hand over areas back to the Iraqi people. Most people have their opinions, but many forget the millions of heroes that helped start the stabilizing process. Without the people of Iraq sacrificing their lives for democracy, our work would have failed miserably.

Those famous pictures of proud Iraqi people who voted holding their inked dipped fingers high in the air was a sight I will never forget. What most of you don’t know was how they sacrificed their lives just to cast a vote for freedom. The majority of these people had to walk for miles in the stifling heat dodging bullets and bombs. Any car that drove by could have blown up right in front of them from terrorists looking to stop the process. Some even encountered rotting corpses and body parts on the side of the road as a result of the war and murders that were still rampant during this time. News showed pictures of lines stretched as far as the eye could see as citizens made their way to the voting stations. Even with our forces trying to keep the peace arriving at the local voting station brought even more danger. Terrorists often disguised themselves as police officers or dressed as women then blew themselves up or opened fire on innocent people as they walked by, but these heroes still proceeded.

To the Iraqi people, a chance to vote meant honor, pride, and hope for a better future. It showed with over 90% of the country’s eligible voters showing up against all odds for that famous dipped finger.

As Americans, we take for granted this honor of democracy. Most people in this spoiled society don’t even know why Election Day in on a Tuesday. If you’re curious, take a look at history to find out. But, unfortunately, millions will worry more about their daily routine or just enjoy that day off.

For those who do cast a ballot, vote with your head and not with your heart. Do your research on whom you’re voting for and know your vote counts. You don’t have to worry about getting shot at, or blown up; but just say a prayer for those forgotten heroes in Iraq who so badly desire what we take for granted.