Freidman speaks truth to the Democrats

Thomas Friedman is on something of a roll these days. His latest in the New York Times is addressed to the Democrats, at least those who are scrambling to pour cold water on the positive news on the Iraqi Election. Whatever one's position on the decision to go to war and the persecution of the war, the importance of the newborn Iraqi democracy should be clear.

Here's the truth: There is no single action we could undertake anywhere in the world to reduce the threat of terrorism that would have a bigger impact today than a decent outcome in Iraq. It is that important. And precisely because it is so important, it should not be left to Donald Rumsfeld.

He also captures an important insight into the war on terrorism. We are not fighting a conventional army, or, for that matter, an unconventional army. There is no opposing army, and there are real limits to what our army can accomplish. Sooner of later terrorism must be discredited as a tactic for those with a grievance.

The war on terrorism is a war of ideas. The greatest restraint on human behavior is not a police officer or a fence - it's a community and a culture.

As I said before, the best way to influence the major news providers is to reward good reporting and writing with readership and links.