The Gun Line MkIII

Iraq!  Do  you remember your sons and daughters huddling in the night, frightened of the future?

Do you remember when a tyrant forced his will upon you, and forced your sons to fight, while his own sons took your daughters from the streets, and violated them?

Iraq!  Do you remember when your army was confused, and dared not to protest against the crimes of a dictator?

Do you remember when your sons went to war with only the shirts upon their backs?

Iraq!  Do you remember when there was no one to turn to when the electricity went out?  When there was no water?  When there was no justice?

Do you?

Iraq!  Do you see now the proud faces of your sons, as they stand, shoulder to shoulder with us, wearing the proper equipment for their jobs?

Do you see their pride?  Do you see their professionalism?

Iraq!  Do you see the new construction?  Do you see the children going to school?  Do you see the protestors speaking out without fear?

Do you see the Americans stepping into the background, as Iraqi Policemen, and Iraqi soldiers protect the rights of the Iraqi people?

Iraq!  Do you see the joy on the faces of your people, as they wave their purple-stained fingers after casting their votes?

Do you see the criminals in your country being reported by Iraqi citizens to Iraqi authorities, and then arrested by Iraqi law enforcement officers, and tried in Iraqi courts by Iraqi judges?

Do you see?  Do you see?

Iraq!  We are almost ready to go home.  We have given you our sons, our daughters, our sweat, our tears, our blood, so that you might have this day!

Iraq!  You are a good people, you are a strong people.  Cast away those who would deny you your future!  We do not rule over you, we offer you our help as you finish this part of your struggle!

Iraq!  Do you see?

We do…