Colonize Iraq
By Jon Alvarez (12/30/04)
Anti-war liberals in this country, too busy demonizing President Bush to be supportive of an emerging democracy in Iraq, apparently think the upcoming elections will fail to produce stability in that country. I happen to think otherwise, taking the optimistic view that the elections will help to stabilize the situation by proving to the murderous terrorists that Iraqis want to take control of their own country. However, should things deteriorate as the savagery of the terrorists goes unchecked by Iraqis desiring freedom, I offer a solution. I propose we colonize Iraq. Send in American colonists to tame this wild landscape, as our ancestors did here in America.
Now, I'm only suggesting this as an alternative to defeat. No one listened to my earlier suggestion to drop a tactical nuke or a MOAB on Fallujah when the savages in that city chose to hang American contractors from a bridge. Imagine the message that would have sent. Stringing up a few terrorists from lightpoles might help, too. While hoping for the best, the possibility does exist that Iraqis cannot or will not stand up to these murderous heathens. IF that becomes apparent AFTER elections are held, what would be so outrageous about offering American citizens what Iraqis are unwilling to fight for?
The chance to seize opportunity and fortune in an untamed and savage world is a part of our American heritage. Iraq could be a new frontier for thousands of Americans who would prove up to the challenge and adventure of life in a new land. It could be the Great Land Rush of the 21st Century. While we're at it, pay for much of this venture by seizing Iraq's oil. After all, our enemies abroad and at home assert that this was a war for oil and empire, right? We've sacrificed much blood and treasure in Iraq to help these people.
Certainly there are several possibilities here. Land grants could be used as a reward to veterans, grossly underpaid for their military service to our country. These veterans could also serve as leaders for the militia units that would be needed to protect the settlements from attacks by hostiles. Working in conjunction with the American military and Iraqis desirous of peace, these settlements would serve as a base from which to strike out at remaining groups of terrorists in the region.
Colonizing Iraq could also serve to spread Christianity. Missionaries from the United States could prove instrumental in countering the impact of the radical elements of Islam. Aside from the adventurous sorts, the opportunity for Christians to make inroads in the Middle East would be a very strong attraction for many Americans. Another group that should be considered would come from our prison systems. Wouldn't it be more humane to offer a new beginning to those who may never see freedom again? It worked out pretty well in Australia and would relieve the burden American taxpayers face from having to support these hardened criminals.
Let's face it, for the sake of humanity we cannot afford to lose control of Iraq. Iraqis will have been given every opportunity to join and participate in a civilized world. We cannot cede control of a lawless Iraq to the corrupt and inept United Nations. Once elections are held, time will tell if the people of Iraq are willing to do what it takes to take control of their country. If they fail, then we should consider allowing a new generation of American pioneers the opportunity to tame a new, wild frontier.
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