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The Electorate Speaks and Barney Barks

There is no jubilation, only the acknowledgment of yesterday’s significance. “A tsunami has washed away the stain of the last five years.” These are words I just read on a web site. Oh, that the writer’s words were true.

Nothing can wash away the grief of war. We have lost 2,838 troops since the Iraq invasion began over three years ago. More than 650,000 Iraqis have died. The effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will wreak havoc on families and our society for years.

Americans emerged from apathy yesterday, rejecting the lies of George Bush, a judgment long overdue. It remains to be seen if investigations into the president’s many crimes will result in impeachment. They should. We must push our representatives to look closely at the path to war and urge them to back HR4232 to cut funding for the war.

Rick Santorum gave a kind concession speech. Clearly, he plans a comeback at some point. He praised God and family for his years in office as his daughter cried. I’m sure he spent hours comforting his children when he went home. It’s a shame that Santorum’s compassion doesn’t extend to the children of Iraq, those who are either dead or maimed or who have seen their friends and families blown apart in this war which he supported as vigorously as the man with whom he aligned himself.

This historic smackdown of an arrogant president and his administration will not bring back my nephew, Marine Lance Cpl. Chase Comley, his fellow servicemen and women who have died during the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq, other dead coalition troops, and so many Iraqis. One death is too many. One injury is as well. The defeat of the Bush Doctrine brings me no joy. Nothing can reverse the effects of madmen. The hearts of our dead cannot restart. Limbs can’t be restored. Devastating brain damage won’t heal. The horrors of war will not suddenly be purged from the psyches of those who have been commanded to commit atrocious acts against their fellow human beings.

Finally, the electorate spoke to denounce its displeasure with the narcissist in chief. The damage of George Bush will be with us for generations, though, and this is a painful truth.

But on a lighter note, I’ll report a rumor that Barney barked loudly, refused to be walked by his master, and even tried to bite him.

Missy Beattie lives in New York City. She’s written for National Public Radio and Nashville Life Magazine. An outspoken critic of the Bush Administration and the war in Iraq, she’s a member of Gold Star Families for Peace. She completed a novel last year, but since the death of her nephew, Marine Lance Cpl. Chase J. Comley, in Iraq on August 6,’05, she has been writing political articles. She can be reached at: Missybeat@aol.com