The Color Purple

On the 15th of this week Iraqi's will take to the polls to vote for their first parliment. All of the different ethnic groups within the country are expected to participate in growing numbers. Even the Sunni's, who as we know boycotted the election in January. They are expected to participate ... nearly 70% of them. This is a huge accomplishment.

And ABC News did a poll of Iraqi's and you wont believe what the results were. 6 in 10 Iraqi's feel safe in their own neighborhoods. 61% say security is good. Average incomes in the country have gone up 60% in the last 20 months. 70% of Iraqi's say their own personal situation is positive. The entire study is at the link above .. but I just think that's great news. No matter what the opinion polls say over here, the ones that matter are these. The Iraqi's view their life as better. I don't care if they hate Americans ... but if they think their lives are looking up it means our men and women in uniform are doing a great, fabulous, remarkable job.

I hope turnout for the elections is wonderful. I hope we will all support the Iraqi's as they brave what is sure to be a dangerous trek to the polls. Get your purple fingers ready!