It’s About Dang Time

They shot off fireworks last night, and they’re declaring today a day of national rejoicing. Iraq has taken over the patrol and safety of its own cities and U.S. troops are beginning the process of withdrawal.

And it’s about dang time, according to many Americans.

I know the Iraqi people didn’t ask to be invaded. I know they didn’t ask to live under decades of harsh and militaristic rule. I know that they have come a long way in a short period of time to be able to assume the mantel of autonomy. I get it, and I’m still glad to see that our soldiers are coming home.

Not all at once – complete withdrawal isn’t until 2011 – but some of our soldiers are coming home fromthis generation’s Vietnam. And while the body count is still too high (the death of even ONE soldier is too high a body count in a questionable war) it’s not like it was in the 60’s and 70’s. Comparatively, this war has gotten little coverage, when you think about the emotional response it elicits from the average person on the street. ‘Nam drew out protests and civil unrest and a shift in art, film, music and other cultural touchstones.

Iraq is just drawn out.

But that is coming to an end. The long, dark tunnel has a light at the end of it.

Let’s hope it’s not an Islamic extremist who lit himself on fire. Or the remains of a car-bomb. Let’s hope it is the dawning of a new day in the nation of Iraq.

Let’s hope.