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My personal musings about anything that gets on my radar screen--heavily dominated by politics.

2005-10-18

A Word On "Kicking the Can"

Many commentators have been noting that the great Iraqi compromise of last week--that which enabled the Sunnis to come out and vote for the Constitution--is little more than "kicking the can" down the road, laying the groundwork for more difficult battles down the road.

Well, let me refresh everybody's memories about other famous "kicks down the road."

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars to each person.

Recognize that? Hey, congratulations!!! Somebody must have been educated outside the public system.

Yep, that's from our very own American Constitution, Article I, Section 9, Clause 1.

Now, obviously, that wasn't a permanent solution. But that grand compromise held up for about 70 years before we, as a country, decided to improve on it.

I bring that up to point out the "kicking the can down the road," that is, compromise, is an essential and necessary component of good democracy. And sometimes it's not perfect, or pretty, or even particularly good. But that's how it works.

And, insofar as this "kick" made it possible for Iraq to pull together for an historic vote this weekend, and drew the Sunni minority back in to the political process, then I would say that there is hardly any reason to denigrate this compromise. Yes, there is work ahead of the Iraqi people.

But even we Americans had to change our own Constitution pretty dramatically (remember that little thing called the "Bill of Rights"?) before it was considered a final document.

So let's just take a deep breath and give the Iraqis a chance. They've earned it.
Posted by: Michael / 10/18/2005 12:07:00 AM

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