A Democratic Iraq

When is Iraq not Iraq? When it is being discussed by Democrats, as in tonight's debate.

Actually, there are three "Iraq"s. The first is a country in the Middle East. The second, a war in that country.

The third Iraq is a political abstraction as discussed by Democrats. It is neither the country, nor even the war: it is an ethereal concept to be exploited for career advancement.

You'll note that when they talk about this Iraq, they do not discuss anything that we might recognize in the physical world -- no mention of Iraqi cities, no mention of Iraqi politicians, and certainly no mention of Iraqi people, their safety or their future.

No, this "Iraq" does not exist outside our shores, or perhaps even outside media bubble. It is a talking point, a club with which to beat opponents, and a headline to be exploited -- but little else.

Don't believe me? Here's Harry Reid:

We're going to pick up Senate seats as a result of this war. Senator Schumer has shown me numbers that are compelling and astounding.

When is the last time you heard a Democrat speak about the physical reality that most of us consider to be "Iraq"?

Heck, even the AP is in on it. Check out this headline: "Democrats Criticize Iraq in 1st Debate".

They criticized Iraq? The place? No, the headline refers to the same shorthand that I describe above. And it has very little to do with the physical world, or the humanity that occupies it. Let's call it...a Democratic Iraq.

Comments

[The Gentle Cricket]

I missed the "debate" tonight, but figured I wasn't missing much a hair-dryer and a hammer to the head couldn't replace. I do, however, really want to catch the GOP debate next week. I'm expecting Rudy and Romney to be very compelling, but want to see what others have to offer.

[andrew]

M,

Very astute. Great post.
Cheers!