Iraqis Vote in Spite of Terrorists

How sweet it is.

In the face of terrorist violence, Iraqis took a big step toward establishing their republic.

The opening paragraphs of this article published in The Globe and Mail paint an awe inspiring picture:

The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Associated Press
UPDATED AT 12:44 AM EST
Monday, Jan 31, 2005

Baghdad — Iraqis defied violence and calls for a boycott to cast ballots in Iraq's first free election in a half-century Sunday. Insurgents seeking to wreck the vote struck polling stations with a string of suicide bombings and mortar volleys, killing at least 44 people, including nine attackers.

Women in black abayas whispered prayers at the sound of a nearby explosion as they waited to vote at one Baghdad polling station. But the mood for many was upbeat: Civilians and policemen danced with joy at one of the five polling stations where photographers were allowed, and some streets were packed with voters walking shoulder-to-shoulder to vote. The elderly made their way, hobbling on canes or riding wheelchairs; one elderly woman was pushed along on a wooden cart, another man carried a disabled 80-year-old on his back.

"This is democracy," said Karfia Abbasi, holding up a thumb stained with purple ink to prove she had voted.

Yes, ma'am, that's what it is. Now, give your all to keep it.