EMBRACING FREEDOM
During President Bush's 2005 State of the Union
address, he acknowledged Safia Taleb al-Suhail,
an Iraqi Woman who was introduced as an out spoken
advocate in Iraq for human rights. Safia's father
was killed by Saddam's Intelligence service.
Safia was proud to have been able to vote in
Iraq's first free election in her lifetime.
Later during his speech, the President introduced
Janet and Bill Norwood, the parents of Marine Corps
Sergeant Byron Norwood who died during the assault on
Falluja. The Norwoods were seated directly behind
Safia Taleb al-Suhail, and the first lady Laura Bush.
At the point when Janet and Bill Norwood were
introduced by the President, they stood and Janet
Norwood holding what appeared to be her sons dog tag
reached out and hugged Safia Taleb al-Suhail.
The embrace was short, lasting only perhaps ten
seconds. As his wife was embracing Safia, Bill
Norwood was shaking hands with a Marine Corps
Sergeant seated next to his wife. While I am not
proficient at reading lips, Bill's words seemed to be
"You're welcome". It is my impression that the Sergeant
thanked Bill Norwood for his sons sacrifice.
This was a very emotional moment. Tears were evident
in the eyes of Janet Norwood, Safia Taleb al-Suhail,
and in the eyes of the President of the United States.
Sadly, a negative response to this very emotional moment was
quick from the Presidents detractors.
Within minutes as I watched television coverage
I heard the first claim that this was a "staged event"
One called it a "Kodak moment" another said it was
a "setup". As for myself I simply shook my head in disbelief
at the cynicism that is so pervasive in today's society.
Clearly seating for this speech was arranged, but
it is equally clear that the hug offered by Janet
Norwood was spontaneous. Obviously the President
was aware that both the Norwoods and Miss
Taleb al-Suhail would be in attendance, and where
they would be seated, but the supposed "setup" ends
at this point. It is equally apparent that both were in
attendance to be honored for their sacrifices.
I am not usually much on symbolism, but this one
small moment and its one small act struck me as
very powerful. One American embracing one Iraqi
seems to very much symbolize why we
are still in Iraq, and why we will not leave
until the Iraqi people are safe with a stable
government that can defend its people.
We are at war with terrorism, and as a part of
that war we are fighting in Iraq. Many question
how or why war with Iraq can be a part of fighting
terror. These people might, if they choose to try,
understand more clearly if they just reflected
a bit on this one small emotional act.
Safia Taleb al-Suhail, like millions of Iraqi's today
are grateful to America for their new found freedom.
Safia Taleb al-Suhail, and Iraq are now American allies
rather than foes. The same is true of Afghanistan.
Janet Norwood embraced Safia Taleb al-Suhail, just
as America embraces Iraq, as a friend.
What detractors fail to understand is that free nations
are not breeding grounds for terrorism, and that a free
Middle East will mean the end to worldwide terrorism.
This was one small emotional act, but it was real.
It was symbolic of so much, but was not intended to be so.
It was symbolic of America's fight against oppression,
and for peace in the world. For those who are not
too cynical to see, it was symbolic of the great
and noble country that is America.
Yes, it was just a hug, but it said so much,
these women were
EMBRACING FREEDOM!
God bless America, God Bless our troops, and
God Bless Our President!
~Alan~
Alan@indysviewpoint.com
2-6-05
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