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It's the Small Things that Count
Omar over at Iraq the Model tells of his first experience of being able to travel outside his own country:
Last week, I crossed the borders for the first time in my life; something may sound less than regular for most of you but for an Iraqi dentist or doctor it was a beautiful dream becoming a reality.
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This may sound silly but It’s really something nice to be able to move freely, leave your country whenever you want and come back whenever you like and I can’t describe to you what I felt when I saw the word “EXIT” printed on one of the passport’s pages; I was sad for what we missed and at the same time optimistic and happy for what’s waiting for us in the future. Life seemed normal for me for the 1st time in my life. Soon after the war we could sense freedom immediately but this time we experienced it in a way that we haven’t before. It was an amazing feeling! Despite all what’s Baghdad is going through, nothing can match the peace I felt when I walked down from the airplane in Baghdad's airport.
We SO lack worldwide perspective in this country. I have a friend who's originally from Nigeria. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen a couple of years ago. Right after the last election, he was listening to a 'lively' discussion about voting irregularities, hanging chads, etc.
He said "You do not understand how lucky you are in this country. You're allowed to hold elections. You show up, vote, and no one gets shot."
Posted by: Rob on October 21, 2004 11:45 AM