Excerpts from the President's speech - and a few questions/comments:
On the heroism of Americans:
"On 9/11, our Nation saw the face of evil. Yet on that awful day, we also witnessed something distinctly American: ordinary citizens rising to the occasion, and responding with extraordinary acts of courage."
... well said, Mr. President! GOD bless the NYPD and NYFD! And, GOD bless our Troops!
On the ongoing terrorist threat:
"We face an enemy determined to bring death and suffering into our homes. America did not ask for this war, and every American wishes it were over. So do I. But the war is not over and it will not be over until either we or the extremists emerge victorious. If we do not defeat these enemies now, we will leave our children to face a Middle East overrun by terrorist states and radical dictators armed with nuclear weapons. We are in a war that will set the course for this new century and determine the destiny of millions across the world."
... it's not enough to wish this weren't happening. We should be focused on WINNNG!
On what is at stake:
"This struggle has been called a clash of civilizations. In truth, it is a struggle for civilization. We are fighting to maintain the way of life enjoyed by free nations. And we are fighting for the possibility that good and decent people across the Middle East can raise up societies based on freedom, and tolerance, and personal dignity."
On democratic reform in the Middle East:
"By standing with democratic leaders and reformers, by giving voice to the hopes of decent men and women, we are offering a path away from radicalism. And we are enlisting the most powerful force for peace and moderation in the Middle East: The desire of millions to be free."
... this clash and struggle for civilization has been done before - it was called the CRUSADES! Now the "struggle" is global. The President assumes that; "good and decent people across the Middle East can raise up societies based on freedom, and tolerance, and personal dignity". The "path" to accomplish this to; "stand with democratic leaders and reformers". Mr. President, please name these reformers. Would Hosni Mubarrak or King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia qualify? How about Abdullah of Jordan? Anyone from Yemen, Qatar? You spoke of the Middle East. The "good and decent people" of Europe are embracing Islamic radicalism with child-like fear - are we being realistic here? Are we being too optimistic that centuries old hatreds will be replaced by genuine democratic reform? Mr. President, you need to know thy enemy - I'm not sure you do.
On working together to win the War on Terror:
"Our Nation has endured trials -- and we face a difficult road ahead. Winning this war will require the determined efforts of a unified country. So we must put aside our differences, and work together to meet the test that history has given us. We will defeat our enemies ... we will protect our people ... and we will lead the 21st century into a shining age of human liberty."
... does this mean you will stop dismissing your conservative base? Do you really think the Dems and Liberals will work with you on this, after these years of absolute proof they won't? My goodness, that would be like trying to work with people in the middle east who want to kill us ... oh! wait! ...
2 comments:
Sorry to say, it's time for new leadership. In congress and in the White House. I hate to admit it, but the msg last night was the same old msg. It just doesn't resonate anymore. People can just tune it out. The best thing Bush can do is stick to his agenda and quietly finish out his term. Of course, if he moves against Iran in any big way, there goes the (quietly) part. ;-)
We've got to wake up soon, Whit, or we won't be prepared when the time comes - and it will!
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