The Birth of Liberalism in Iraq

The Iraqi journalist, Muntader al-Zaidi, 28, a correspondent for Al Baghdadia, an independent Iraqi television station, stood up about 12 feet from Mr. Bush and shouted in Arabic: “This is a gift from the Iraqis; this is the farewell kiss, you dog!” He then threw a shoe at Mr. Bush, who ducked and narrowly avoided it. (This is from a NY Times article.)

After seeong this incident, I have a major question about the capabilities of the Secret Service. I mean, for crying out loud, the man had time to take off both his shoes and throw them at the most highly secured man in the world, but that is for another day.

Liberals never fail to understand the irony of thier protest. As a child in elementary school I remember being amazed that someone would burn a flag that gives the freedom to burn the flag. It just seems disrespectful and moronic in my view to burn the symbol that stands for your freedom to carry matches.

Enter this journalist.

He throws his shoes at the leader of the people who have paid a high price for his ability to dissent without getting his head removed and placed at the dinner table of some tyrant. This reminds me of an old Alanis Morisette song, I mean--isn't it ironic, dont you think?

If i could have a few minutes with this reporter i would like to explain to him a couple things about his newly acquired freedom. It would go a little something like this.

In a free society--When you dissent--you debate. You get enough people for your cause and you make a change on paper. The one thing you need to understand is---when it time to turn to violence--you better have enough courage to put a foot in that shoe and try kicking a little. I dont care how many examples of left wing loons that you have seen acting like a bunch of idiots on the tv. Their freedom was paid for by someone who didn't stand back and talk while he threw his loafers. I am sure their freedom was purchased by a man staring down a musket, not saying a word, possibly trembling with fear, and yet understanding that he may have to pay a price where idiots like you dont "loose thier head." Make no bones about it, freedom is not acquired by the tossing of shoes, or in words of a journalist, but in the blood of soldiers.

Thank God for the men who have paid that price with thier blood so I can write these words and may God never lay in my path the requirement of this price for my posterity. Also may God have pity on these poor souls who are incapable of realizing that--that which they fight---fought for the ability of them to fight.