I've been awake most of the night. Still working on my presentation and trying to get reports caught up. While I work I have FOX News on, keeping an eye on the elections.
This is what I'm hearing as I watch FOX News. I cannot find a link but these are the notes I'm talking as they talk. I just heard there are 800 - 1,000 people waiting in line in Fallujah. 800!! In Fallujah! That is just incredible. And I know we are a little sceptical about exit polls but right now they are saying 72% voter turnout! No kidding folks - that brings tears to my eyes.
Then I read Ali's account of his day. His excitment, the memories stirred, the joy. Incase you don't know, Ali lives in Baghdad and runs Free Iraqi - HERE is his post from Saturday, talking about the building excitment and nerves. HERE is a short post writen just before he went to vote. But it is THIS post that humbles me. I'm a patriot. I love my country. I cherish my freedoms, my choices. But I have to be honest. I've never experienced the emotions he describes as he participates in Iraq's day. I'm humbled.
They are talking about one of the voting places just outside Baghdad. There have been suicide bombers. But it isn't stopping the people from voting. They just walk around it and keep coming. I CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE IT!!
There is just over an hour left the polls close. It will be days before we have any concrete results. But today - today is a day to celebrate. I can't say it any better than Ali can: I know it seems impossible when it comes to those who lost their beloved ones but I hope they know that theie sacrifices were not in vain and that they gave humanity the most precious thing a man has, his life.
Yeah - I'm humbled.
Posted by Tammi at January 30, 2005 07:51 AM