The Meaning of the Iraqi Election from the Perspective of Nashville

The New York Times has a superb piece by an Iraqi American,Bakhtiar Dargali, who is participating in the current election.  The Long Road to a Vote is essential reading.  I offer this tidbit:

When I heard about the plans for Iraqis in the United States to vote in the national elections, my initial reaction was not to participate. Although I feel a strong tie to my homeland, I am an American citizen, and my life is here now.

But then came the news that 31 marines died on Wednesday in western Iraq when their helicopter crashed as they were on what Gen. John Abizaid said was a "mission in support of the election." How can I ignore the sacrifices of these marines who died so my family can vote? The best way for me to honor their martyrdom is to vote myself.

That is a standard to live up to.  Let us hope that both Mr. Dagli's old home and his new one will rise to meet it.