Some thoughts on Saddam's hanging

I haven't posted on this subject yet, but I would like to start off the year with a few thoughts.

First, I now have an amazing respect for the Iraqi Justice System. I know it got off to a slow and often embarrassing start, with Saddam's posturing and several judges who seemed too conciliatory to the former dictator. When the verdict finally came, there was no languishing for decades in prison as would have occurred in the US, but the decision was final and punishment swift. I think our more liberal system sends the wrong message and actually encourages crime instead of preventing wrongdoing.

Second, the Iraqi's must now feel there is no turning back. Without a big brother Saddam to save them from themselves, the need for reconciliation between Shiite and Sunni should be clearly evident. I believe this will be a good year for Iraq democracy, with one problem behind them and little hope now for a revived Baathist Party.

Time will tell, of course. Everything now depends on whether America will stay the course or abandon the new nation to its fate. I think the new plan (below) offers promise, but the real goal will be wearing out the terrorists and the always possible chance of taking out or capturing Osama Bin Laden. This will be the coup de grace on the whole campaign and a tribute to President Bush's steady leadership.