Liberals also recognize that Iraqi's could have come to this point through their own means, with their own will and with their own hands.

5- The insurgency is not dead.

The insurgents are not stupid. They recognized that elections were going to take place despite their violence. Contrary to popular belief, insurgency is made up of predominately Sunni Iraqis which compromise 40% of total population. They are now, through political means, stripped of power. That will only further adoption of violence by Sunnis. With few trained and experienced terrorists that are moving into Iraq insurgency will become more insidious and more lethal. Additionally borders are still not sealed and will remain that way at present troop levels.

Some Perspective:

The Iraqis have a long and dangerous road ahead. Their courage today should not be made into a political tool wielded by anyone within this country. Keep things within context of what has occurred leading up to today:

- 100,000 Iraqi's have been killed - 1400+ U.S. troops have been killed - thousands have been maimed and injured for life

This is not a time for celebration. This may be a time for a little cautious optimism for people of Iraq.

President Bush got his start in politics as Governor of Texas. He often said that Federal government should stay out of business of fifty states. He often said that local and state governments can spend tax payer’s money better then distant Federal government. On this point, President Bush and I agree. So what has President Bush done to remove power from Federal government and pass it back to fifty states as our Constitution intended?

During last four years Federal government has taken even more power from fifty states. President Bush has done exact opposite of what he promised. “No Child left Behind” is a perfect example of going in wrong direction. “No Child left Behind” mandates rules to fifty states instead of giving them more power to handle things locally.

The Federal government is extorting fifty states for all kinds of reasons. In last three years Federal government has withheld over thirty million dollars of Indiana’s highway funds because they feel that we do not comply with Federal “open container laws.” How did “open container laws” become a Federal issue in first place, it is absurd. President Bush must yet again receive a grade of “F” on restoring power to fifty states and that is a shame. I feel that one of his best ideas was restoring power to fifty states.

The Libertarian Party of Allen County stands for fiscal responsibility, rights of fifty states, personal responsibility and accountability, and less government regulation in our lives. If you would like to learn more please contact me at 260-338-0833 or see us online at AllenCountyLP.org.