I was fortunate enough today to run across an article by ABIGAIL HAUSLOHNER/BAGHDAD. The article is titled "A Baghdad View of the US Election". I have to say it was an interesting read and I wish there was more of it. Personally, I agree with Osama Hazim al-Shimari, a Baghdad street merchant, when he says "John McCain will be better for Iraq because he's the only one who has a logical view..." and "I support McCain not because he'll bring good things to Iraq, but at least what he says about withdrawing troops is honest."

While there is not a candidate in the running that represents all of my views and there probably never will be (because I'm not dumb enough to run), I would like to have a president that is going to tell me their honest view of situations and intended policies. Whether or not I agree I respect them for their honesty. Both Democratic candidates currently spout off about bringing the troops home as soon as possible. Well duh, but why make it sound like it is going to be sooner than later. It would be unconscionable to abandon Iraq in their time of critical need. I think most intelligent people realize this, including those in Iraq that do not care for America. They are not yet in a position to be able to take care of their own business so why make it sound like it is something that can be resolved quickly.

I am constantly hearing in the media about the violence and deaths occurring and rarely hear about the improvements being made. Yet, when I talk with or hear conversations from troops returning from Iraq, they speak mostly about building schools and establishing community services like electrical power, fire departments, hospitals, and schools. The network media outlets make it sound like we have 100,000 soldiers over there just waiting to be blown up or to blow up something. How about telling us less about the occasional violence taking place and more about the good works our troops are performing.

I know the first person to jump on here is going to scream "OCCASIONAL VIOLENCE" are you nuts. Uh, no, well maybe, 4,000 American soldiers in 5 years. How many Americans were murdered in the US during those 5 years? How many American troops died in the 5 years previous to the start of the Iraq war? How many cops are killed in the US in a 5 year period of time. No, I haven't look it up thats why I'm asking you. The point is that while it is more dangerous than the norm it is not unusual for American soldiers or law enforcement to sacrifice their lives to preserve the freedoms we have and enjoy. I also think it is pretty sad for candidates to use them to sway American public against helping Iraq.

I think the Iraqi opinion was in my mind pretty much summed up in the words of Sana Abdul Rahman, a middle school teacher, "Republican, Democrat, black, female; any person who comes to Iraq and makes it stable, I swear to God, I will die for him, give him a big kiss in front of millions and thank him. To the Americans, I say: Please keep your promises to us. We are very tired."

Lets keep our promises America! However long or hard it might be to do.