Sacramento, Calif. – Move America Forward, the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troops organization praised American troops on the day of the Iraqi elections. “The fact that our troops were largely able to stay out of today’s elections in Iraq is a testament to their success in turning that country around and training Iraqi security forces to take their country’s security into their own hands.” said Danny Gonzalez, Director of Communications for the organization.
“Our troops deserve a big pat on the back for a job well done. Even as President Obama lathered praise on the Iraqi people today, we all know that the real congratulations go to our troops, without them none of this would be possible.
“We should also recognize President George W. Bush, who deserves much credit for today. Without his leadership and commitment to this mission, sending in more troops with a surge, you would have seen a much different day, one marked by much more violence, bloodshed and upheaval. President Bush had to stand up to politicians like Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and then Senator Barack Obama, who wanted an immediate troop withdrawal and acceptance of an American defeat.
According to a report from U.S. Iraq commander Gen. Ray Odierno that was obtained by The Associated Press, he reported that only 3 or 4 significant events of disruption occurred in the entire country. Polls closed at 5 p.m., and the day's relatively low level of violence was widely seen as a victory for Iraqi security services. Though no official turnout numbers will be available until Monday, anecdotal reports from polling stations around the country suggested turnout was strong. In some areas, local election officials reported unofficially turnout had been more than 70%.
"The Iraqi people have seen much worse than this," said Ibtihal Khaled, a 51-year-old housewife waiting to vote in Baghdad's predominantly Shiite neighborhood of Utaifiya, according to the Wall Street Journal. "A few bombs won't keep them away from the polls."
“We are very glad that the elections went so well today, and we honor the U.S. military for making it possible. We congratulate the Iraqi people for coming out in force to claim democracy. Above all, every American troop who has ever served in Iraq deserves a huge ‘thank you’ today. Iraq has a bright future thanks to them, and America is safer thanks to their hard work,” concluded Gonzalez.
