Past horrors, present lessons

Babble on.

Kate makes a powerful point in a powerful post.

Today, as we witness acts of what seems unprecedented barbarism, we must remind ourselves that others have been down this road before.

But, unlike today's helpless individuals whose names flash around the globe as they plead for mercy, their murders recorded single file -- the American and Filipino prisoners of war who suffered years of unspeakable cruelty, who died of torture, starvation, disembowling, decapitation at the hands of the Japanese, were dumped in nameless thousands in mass graves, or simply left to rot.

Yet, those who survived were witness to the transformation of that society into a peaceful, prosperous democracy in their lifetime. It must still seem miraculous to them.(inserted italics)

Read the rest of her piece - it's worth your time.

Ten years from now, I believe the transformation in Iraq will seem miraculous too. Both George Bush and Iyad Allawi tried to get that point across yesterday, amid worst-case-scenario reports that Iraq could soon descend into civil war.

"...these doubters risk underestimating our country, and they risk fuelling the hopes of the terrorists," Allawi said.
...
"You can understand it's tough and still be optimistic," Bush said. "You can understand how hard it is and believe we'll succeed."

These resolute men tread a similar path to Truman, McArthur, and Marshall. Bush will win another term in office, and Americans and freedom-loving Iraqis will win in Iraq. As they have so many times throughout history, tragedies will give birth to miracles again.

Babble off.