THE CONSERVATIVE HIPSTERS

What's up with Toronto Sun columnist Eric Margolis?

We have a huge triumph for democracy--Iraqis voing for the first time in 50 years, even in the face of suicide bombings, war and death--and Eric is crapping on the Bush administration and the "guided" election in yesterday's Sun.

I recognize Margolis is no fan of Dubya. Fair enough. But I'm not quite sure what Margolis would rather see--Saddam in power? More gassing of citizens?

I like his "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" theory:

"Many Iraqis will vote for anyone promising to end violence and social misery. But just as many nationalists and Islamists, excluded from the election process, are voting their own way -- with bullets and bombs. Washington calls them "terrorists," but the UN Charter enshrines people's right to resist foreign occupation."

Really Eric? You think the people who were blowing up election stations (and Iraqis) were doing so to rebel against "foreign occupation"? Or when terrorist leader Abu Musab Zarqawi denounces democracy and voting as "evil"? Or when he threatened those who chose to vote with death?

You might not like the premise of this war, but surely this is one positive outcome--a free election.

I particularly like his optimistic, blue-sky closing paragraph:

"We'll know for sure real freedom has dawned in Iraq when Baghdad orders U.S. troops out, raises oil prices, rebuilds its armed forces, and renews support for the Palestinian cause."

Well, just think of it this way, Eric--having the ability to write a column like that in a publication like the one that employs you shows freedom and democracy at its finest.