Geroge Double-face Bush defines "successful country"

There are, however, essential principles common to every successful society, in every culture. Successful societies limit the power of the state and the power of the military -- so that governments respond to the will of the people, and not the will of an elite. Successful societies protect freedom with the consistent and impartial rule of law, instead of selecting applying -- selectively applying the law to punish political opponents. Successful societies allow room for healthy civic institutions -- for political parties and labor unions and independent newspapers and broadcast media. Successful societies guarantee religious liberty -- the right to serve and honor God without fear of persecution. Successful societies privatize their economies, and secure the rights of property. They prohibit and punish official corruption, and invest in the health and education of their people. They recognize the rights of women. And instead of directing hatred and resentment against others, successful societies appeal to the hopes of their own people. - Dufus, November 6, 2003  article

How are we doing?

And by the way, I keep seeing that bit about the rights of women - His Slowliness the Dope and his royal court sure do trot that out when it may be calculated to give them some air of moral superiority.*

So you might think they'd be backing their statements with some substance. Well, if you didn't know them by now....


Dec. 18, 2003

Dear Ambassadors Bremer, Greenstock and Interim Governing Council members:

We, the undersigned civil society groups and concerned citizens of Iraq, call your attention to the sex discrimination Iraqi women have suffered under the Coalition Provisional Authority and the councils created and appointed by the CPA. When Saddam was removed from power, the CPA created an interim government for Iraq. Presumably, the CPA set out to create a representative government. Women make up 60 percent of the population of Iraq; they are educated, motivated, and represent the voice of moderation and tolerance. Despite these facts, the CPA appointed only 3 women to the 25-member Interim Governing Council. This set a horrible precedent for Iraq and resulted in further acts of discrimination due to the imbalance of power on the IGC - an imbalance caused by the CPA:

-- Out of 25 ministries established under the authority of the CPA, the male-dominated IGC selected only 1 woman to serve as minister. The women on the council complained about this and were promised 5 deputy minister slots, but to date these promised slots have not been filled.

-- The women on the IGC have not been allowed to serve on the Presidential Council, which has prevented them from serving in the very symbolic and diplomatic role of President.

-- No women were chosen to sit on the constitutional committee. This committee was to outline a plan for selecting delegates to the constitutional convention -- the most important convention and document for the nation and women were excluded from the outset.

-- The IGC recently created a 9-member Fundamental Law committee and failed to select any women to serve on this committee. The Fundamental Law will serve as a constitution for Iraq until the permanent constitution is drafted by the constitutional convention and ratified by the Iraqi people. This is the most critical document for the nation at this time and will undoubtedly set a precedent for the permanent constitution, and women have been excluded from the outset.

More

Yours truly,

THE SIGNATORIES

Ala Talabani, High Council for Iraqi Women, Co-founder; Lina Abood, Al Nahda Association; Sawan Al Barrak, President, Fatima Zahra Women's Association, Hillah; Hadil Hassan Kudeir, Iraqi Women's League; Dr. Maha Al Sakban Secretary, Diwanyiah Women's Association; Asuda Women's Organization, Sulameniyah; Salah Muhsen Chair, Hillah Human Rights Association; Asaad Fadhil, Chair, Human Rights and Democracy Center in Diwaniyah; Muhanad Al Kinani, Chair, Human Rights Watch in Karbala; Ali Al Shaibani, Chair, Human Rights and Democracy Center in Najaf; Women for Peace and Democracy, Basrah; Bahija Mahdi, President, Karbala Women's Association; Dunia Kareem, Coordinator, Al Kut Women's Association; Rabab Mahmud, Coordinator, Najaf Women's Association

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*Never mind they just recently stood around grinning and congratulating each other while the Oaf of Office signed a bill banning late term abortions no matter whether the mother's life was in danger or not. So much for women's rights. Actually I think he was serious about that statement. He just didn't spell out for us exactly what rights he thinks women are entitled to.