William H. Frist: “It has been 1 week since 8 million Iraqis cast their historic vote for freedom. Already a new sense of optimism is…”

“It has been 1 week since 8 million Iraqis cast their historic vote for freedom. Already a new sense of optimism is infusing the Iraqi people. I refer my colleagues to a story in the Washington Post this morning on this rising tide of civic pride. A young pharmacy owner tells the paper: You can feel the situation is changed. People seem to linger on the street longer. You can feel the momentum, the sense of optimism. A Baghdad bakery store manager said that he, too: . . . feels very optimistic things will change for the better because of the strong turnout in elections that reinforced our faith. The Post reports car stereos and storefront speakers proudly blare the anthem, 'My Homeland,' which was banned by Saddam Hussein. Neighbors have more trust for one another after years and years of forced fear and suspicion. Most encouragingly, Iraqi police officers and national guardsmen are getting better tips and better information on the terrorist insurgents who are widely regarded by the Iraqi people as criminals. History is not going to soon forget that extraordinary sight of 8 million Iraqis risking their lives for freedom.”