Transformitive Power of Democracy

Captain's Quarters sums it up much better than I could:

Democracy sets in motion a series of events that allow people to take pride in themselves and responsibility for their actions. It transforms people from powerless, rage-filled potential terrorists to involved citizens who can and will build better futures for themselves.

The CQ article als has the links to the WaPo article, and the story of an Iraqi hero who saved lives when he tackled a suicide bomber.