No Politics...Just A Good Story.

Despite my interest in the home team's pennant race which has caused me to pretty much ignore any Olympics (women's softball & soccer, not to mention my enjoyment of the men's basketball team learning a bit about humility) coverage, I've got to say that the best story has come out of Iraq.

There's a team of men from a war-torn country that didn't have the ability to get to the Olympics without military help and had no chance for a medal. No chance according to the people who know about such things.

Anyway, they beat teams they weren't supposed to beat...until yesterday when reality finally caught up with them. They lost to Portugal, 3-1. They now have to play the game of their lives against Italy to win bronze. Likely, they'll go home without a medal. Italians take their football seriously.

But if they go home without a medal, they won't be tortured by Uday and his henchmen. They'll likely get a hero's welcome at the airport, too. People can dance in the streets...women, too...if they win.

WMD's or no WMD's. Just war or unjust bullying. Deception/corruption or honest intervention. Political expediencey or defending rights. Doesn't matter.

Playing a game without fear of torture. Giving people who need it a dose of fun (USA Hockey in 1980, anyone?) and hope. A nation tuned in and emotionally invested in their team.

Sounds a lot like Iraq is gaining a new normalcy. Sounds like it's a better place these days.

Sounds an awful lot like freedom.

And freedom (in all forms) is truly beautiful to experience...and nice to watch others have that experience in small doses even if it's early and awkward. May they have plenty more chances to perfect it.