Bush, Iraq and Our Democratic Will

Bush, Iraq and Our Democratic Will. 

Bush's foreign policy and 'the war on terror' that we see being implemented in the Middle East and at home, however well intentioned, is constantly being modified at home and abroad by persons in the media (all) relaying daily their perceptions and their political bent to their subscribers and or viewers. 

The Theory of reasoned action states that ones attitude, and our subjective norms form our intentional behavior. Unfortunately not one part of the make up of that theory holds a constant. And in todays attention-deficit hyperactivity disordered society, few have the capacity to see any long term project to completion. Politicians included. Public opinion is a fickle entity easily swayed by the next pretty idea that attracts the/our collective will.

The American reluctance to be seen as a colonial power is a predetermined stumbling block that is the seed to much of the failure of any implementation of American foreign policy concerning wars post WW2. There being no quick fix inherent in an invasion. Quick fix ideas fail. Especially in circumstances where entire generational accepted forms of governance is being overturned by a foreign force. One can not expect that a people unfamiliar with dealing with multiple choices have the immediate capacity to manage a country new to choice. Some aspect of, to create a phrase; "administrative colonialism" is a necessary evil in the short term.

While Dick Chaney predicted that America would be seen as liberators, that sentiment was immediately countered by those at home and abroad who wanted, for political reasons, the Bush government to fail. It mattered not what the local Iraqi thought or 'felt' about adopting the idea of democratic rule. Most probably sought the local Imam to discover their stated opinion. Being wrong sided in an authoritarian environment can mean ones life. Frequently so under Saddam's rule. That has not yet changed in todays tribal organized Iraq. If the local tribal chief sees no merit in adopting democracy, and sees democratic rule as being a direct threat to his power. Change is unlikely. Or at least a very long drawn out process that will ultimately cost much more than ever anticipated.

The idea of regime change in Iraq began to frey within the United States through political wrangling, what the Democrats mean when they say regime change, what those Republicans to the political left of the GWB government mean by regime change, and that affectional uncertainty was picked up by the people living in the coalition countries and went on to influence world opinion, and that empowered the terrorist. And an emboldened radical insurgency has gone a long way in disrupting a burgeoning democratic Iraq.

The Bush government failed to hold the 'reason' foremost in the peoples mind and during the initial stages of planning. The Bush Plan was not sufficient in execution. Too large a gap between 'getting Saddam' and any after action plan for who or how the people would be cared for and governed. It's these “holes” that promoted the arguments that began to be the rule of thumb all down the line. Of course it didn't help that it was found that Bush has misled the people rather than be upfront and honest about his intentions concerning Iraq. More fuel for the grist of the 'enemy within'.

It is “we the people” that have failed the Iraqis. We have, like the Iraqi tribal leaders, placed ourselves before the idea, the plan. And before getting the job done. Creating a democratic environment for the Iraqi people who have had no mechanism in place to bring about change other than another military coup or assassination. Which is no change for, nor empowers the everyday Iraqi citizen.

Win or loose it's been a great boon for the capitalist and those who have sought advantage to profit on the backs of an ideologically enslaved people. There were at one point more than 150 different companies in Iraq scrabbling for a piece of the pie. No one was there to employ Iraqis or start grass roots re-employment and future job markets. And people, that's the root of your anti-Americanism, anti-West sentiment. Those who have co-opted the effort of developing the idea of democracy in Iraq to make their fortunes working their commercialism of “you can fool some of the people some of the time..." and have forgotten to remember that you can not fool all of the people all of the time.

The Bush government may have had to make some unsavory associations and deals to get the resources, the political capital and the social momentum to be able to implement their plan of regime change in Iraq. That's the system. We The People... Has the system failed? I believe it will if we don't give the people of Iraq the opportunity to be involved in their own democratic national rebuild. Men and women who have to get up in the morning to go to work, to feed themselves, pay the rent or the morgage, get their children to school, elect local municpal government and do all the work necessary to ensure electricity and fresh drinking water, hospitals and schools, all the really hard work that goes into creating the necessary infrastructure of everyday living... don't have the time nor the inclination to destroy it. 

Iraq 2008/9? Are we going to find a way to succeed with the idea of a democratic world or will we excuse ourselves and put the whole episode down as a rash initiative by an egomaniac leader. Oops, sorry world. Man! We just can't seem to shake the specter of Viet-Nam. And that might answer for those Americans seeking an easy out but, what about the rest of the world? Those countries from within NATO who have joined "The Coalition Of The Willing" to promote democracy and thwart world Islamic terrorism. Will they willingly trade off their efforts, resources and their soldiers lives lost for naught? Can we all return home with our tails tucked firmly between our legs, beaten by our own inconstancy and act as if nothing happened?

It's more than ironic to think that the advocation and implementation of democracy will be defeated by the "West" through the possibility of democratic consent.

P.S.

 "Absolutely this is in the Liberal tradition. I think that countries
like Canada have an important, meaningful role to play in protecting
our values, standing up for the rights of individuals [and for] the
human security of people whose government can't protect them --
that's something we as Canadians have talked a lot about."

"We're a rich country, we've got to do some of this stuff
... The world isn't a pretty place but I happen to believe that the
people who came before me in the Liberal party believed in a strong
role for Canada on the international stage and would say there are
times when we have to be counted, times when it matters."
"that's what I think."

John Manley, former Liberal deputy
leader .

Some nice words, meaningful words... it's a shame that the Liberals of this day are scrambling to find a way out of any Canadian involvement in preparing a democratic world. 

In the morning gather thyself to purpose, in the evening discuss the manner,
that thou hast been this day,
in word, work, and thought.

Trans-parere
January 17, 2008