[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 7 (Monday, January 31, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S615-S616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HISTORIC DAY IN IRAQ

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, very briefly I will comment on what has 
been a very historic occasion in Iraq, something that has been 
symbolized on television and by pictures so vividly by the image of 
that blue ink-stained index finger which is being held up in triumph. 
Two days ago, people did not even think of that image and today it 
symbolizes freedom and liberty, those basic elements of democracy that 
we all cherish.
  Yesterday, the Iraqi people, 8 million strong, went to the polls to 
participate in the first free Iraqi election in decades. We were in 
Iraq 3 weeks ago, and before we went to Iraq even at that time people 
were saying there is no way these elections are going to be successful, 
nobody is going to show up for these elections, and to jump 3 weeks 
ahead to today and yesterday and to see those ink-stained fingers in 
the air and the fact that approximately 8 million voted is truly 
spectacular. I think all of us should feel real pride for the 
courageous men and women who risked their lives for freedom. Those 
pictures on the news really captured it.
  The people who voted came by foot, bus, van. They were old and they 
were young. They were men and women. It was all in defiance of the 
intimidation by terrorists, thugs, and assassins. In spite of the 
critics and the doubters,

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millions of Iraqis stood in line and cast their vote. As they came out, 
we saw those pictures of those ink-stained index fingers, the symbol of 
the power that is captured in that vote of freedom and democracy.
  The Iraqi people yesterday showed their bravery, their boldness, 
their courage, and their heart. They showed the world that Iraqis, like 
all people, do yearn to be free. Baghdad's mayor was so overcome with 
emotion that he told one news agency:

       I cannot describe what I am seeing. It is incredible. This 
     is a vote for the future, for the children, for the rule of 
     law, for humanity, for love.

  This morning, and over the course of yesterday, I received numerous 
e-mails, letters, and written communication. The following letter from 
an Iraqi voter describing his elation at participating in this historic 
moment for his country really captures the essence of what the 
elections were all about. He writes:

       Allow me on this historical opportunity to tell you how 
     happy I am, and all those who I know. It is a great victory 
     for Iraq, the United States and all freedom-loving people in 
     the world. This is the event that children of future 
     generations will read about in history books with great pride 
     and appreciation to all who made it happen.
       Today a new Iraq was born. This is the first seed of true 
     democracy and freedom in our country and indeed the whole 
     Arab world. Thanks to all who participated in, contributed 
     to, protected and supported this historical event.

  I also will want to applaud President Bush and the American people 
for their steadfast commitment, support, and encouragement of freedom 
in Iraq. Peace has not come and is not coming easily. We have suffered 
tough days and we all know there will be tough days ahead. We know the 
terrorists are committed to their violent campaign, but they will not 
succeed.
  As we saw yesterday, Iraq is moving forward with the heartfelt 
support of free peoples all around the world. One of the people who 
will be instrumental in helping Iraq secure its freedom is our new 
Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Last week, this Senate voted 
overwhelmingly to support her confirmation, and that was a proud and, 
indeed, historic moment. We are all fortunate to have a leader of her 
talent and intellect helping Iraq take each momentous step toward 
democracy.

  It was a meaningful and productive week, as I look over the last 
several days. The Senate also confirmed former RNC Chairman Jim 
Nicholson to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Michael 
Leavitt to lead Health and Human Services. Both are talented, gifted, 
and highly qualified men, and I know we all look forward to working 
with them.
  Great tasks indeed are before us. We have much to accomplish, 
including, as I mentioned earlier, the confirmation of Judge Alberto 
Gonzales.
  As we think about the week ahead on this Monday, it is appropriate to 
pause and take note of yesterday's historic achievement for the Iraqi 
people and for the cause of democracy. As the President said in his 
inaugural address:

       The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on 
     the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for 
     peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the 
     world.

  Yesterday, we did come one step closer to realizing this great 
vision. Yesterday in Iraq we saw that liberty can light even the 
darkest corners and inspire great acts of bravery. We saw the proof of 
our deepest held principle: That all people do aspire to be free.

                          ____________________