so much death is coming this weekend

this makes me scared and sad. i knew it was coming but it seemed so far off... how did it become the end of january already?

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq sealed its frontiers and imposed other draconian security measures to counter insurgents whose deadly campaign of intimidation threatens the country's historic election.

(snip)

But the roar of bomb and mortar blasts rumbled across the capital as it braced for a violent final day before Sunday's election.

(snip)

US President George W. Bush again appealed for Iraqis to brave the death threats and vote.

wise words indeed, coming from the man who used his family's money and influence to dodge serving his own country in wartime.