President George W. Bush, September 11, 2006.
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."We are now in the early hours of this struggle between tyranny and freedom. Amid the violence, some question whether the people of the Middle East want their freedom – and whether the forces of moderation can prevail. For sixty years, these doubts guided our policies in the Middle East. And then, on a bright September morning, it became clear that the calm we saw in the Middle East was only a mirage. Years of pursuing stability to promote peace had left us with neither. So we changed our policies, and committed America’s influence in the world to advancing freedom and democracy as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism.
The full text is in the extended entry.
September 11, 2006THE PRESIDENT: "Good evening. Five years ago, this date – September the 11th – was seared into America’s memory. Nineteen men attacked us with a barbarity unequaled in our history. They murdered people of all colors, creeds, and nationalities – and made war upon the entire free world. Since that day, America and her allies have taken the offensive in a war unlike any we have fought before. Today, we are safer, but we are not yet safe. On this solemn night, I have asked for some of your time to discuss the nature of the threat still before us … what we are doing to protect our Nation ... and the building of a more hopeful Middle East that holds the key to peace for America and the world.
"On Nine-Eleven, 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. We saw courage in office workers who were trapped on the high floors of burning skyscrapers – and called home so that their last words to their families would be of comfort and love. We saw courage in passengers aboard Flight 93, who recited the 23rd Psalm – and then charged the cockpit. And we saw courage in the Pentagon staff who made it out of the flames and smoke – and ran back in to answer cries for help. On this day, we remember the innocent who lost their lives – and we pay tribute to those who gave their lives so that others might live.
"For many of our citizens, the wounds of that morning are still fresh. I have met firefighters and police officers who choke up at the memory of fallen comrades. I have stood with families gathered on a grassy field in Pennsylvania, who take bittersweet pride in loved ones who refused to be victims – and gave America our first victory in the war on terror. And I have sat beside young mothers with children who are now five-years-old – and still long for the daddies who will never cradle them in their arms. Out of this suffering, we resolve to honor every man and woman lost. And we seek their lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world.
"Since the horror of Nine-Eleven, we have learned a great deal about the enemy. We have learned that they are evil and kill without mercy – but not without purpose. We have learned that they form a global network of extremists who are driven by a perverted vision of Islam – a totalitarian ideology that hates freedom, rejects tolerance, and despises all dissent. And we have learned that their goal is to build a radical Islamic empire where women are prisoners in their homes, men are beaten for missing prayer meetings, and terrorists have a safe haven to plan and launch attacks on America and other civilized nations. The war against this enemy is more than a military conflict. It is the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century, and the calling of our generation.
"Our Nation is being tested in a way that we have not been since the start of the Cold War. We saw what a handful of our enemies can do with box-cutters and plane tickets. We hear their threats to launch even more terrible attacks on our people. And we know that if they were able to get their hands on weapons of mass destruction, they would use them against us. 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.
"For America, Nine-Eleven was more than a tragedy – it changed the way we look at the world. On September the 11th, we resolved that we would go on the offense against our enemies – and we would not distinguish between the terrorists and those who harbor or support them. So we helped drive the Taliban from power in Afghanistan. We put al Qaeda on the run, and killed or captured most of those who planned the Nine-Eleven attacks – including the man believed to be the mastermind, Khalid Sheik Mohammed. He and other suspected terrorists have been questioned by the Central Intelligence Agency – and they have provided valuable information that has helped stop attacks in America and across the world. Now these men have been transferred to Guantanamo Bay, so they can be held to account for their actions. Osama Bin Laden and other terrorists are still in hiding. Our message to them is clear: No matter how long it takes, America will find you, and we will bring you to justice.
"On September the 11th, we learned that America must confront threats before they reach our shores – whether those threats come from terrorist networks or terrorist states. I am often asked why we are in Iraq when Saddam Hussein was not responsible for the Nine-Eleven attacks. The answer is that the regime of Saddam Hussein was a clear threat. My Administration, the Congress, and the United Nations saw the threat – and after Nine-Eleven, Saddam’s regime posed a risk that the world could not afford to take. The world is safer because Saddam Hussein is no longer in power. And now the challenge is to help the Iraqi people build a democracy that fulfills the dreams of the nearly 12 million Iraqis who came out to vote in free elections last December.
"Al Qaeda and other extremists from across the world have come to Iraq to stop the rise of a free society in the heart of the Middle East. They have joined the remnants of Saddam’s regime and other armed groups to foment sectarian violence and drive us out. Our enemies in Iraq are tough and they are committed – but so are Iraqi and Coalition forces. We are adapting to stay ahead of the enemy – and we are carrying out a clear plan to ensure that a democratic Iraq succeeds.
"We are training Iraqi troops so they can defend their nation. We are helping Iraq’s unity government grow in strength and serve its people. We will not leave until this work is done. Whatever mistakes have been made in Iraq, the worst mistake would be to think that if we pulled out, the terrorists would leave us alone. They will not leave us alone. They will follow us. The safety of America depends on the outcome of the battle in the streets of Baghdad. Osama Bin Laden calls this fight “the Third World War” – and he says that victory for the terrorists in Iraq will mean America’s “defeat and disgrace forever.” If we yield Iraq to men like Bin Laden, our enemies will be emboldened ... they will gain a new safe haven ... and they will use Iraq’s resources to fuel their extremist movement. We will not allow this to happen. America will stay in the fight. Iraq will be a free nation, and a strong ally in the war on terror.
"We can be confident that our Coalition will succeed – because the Iraqi people have been steadfast in the face of unspeakable violence. And we can be confident in victory – because of the skill and resolve of America’s Armed Forces. Every one of our troops is a volunteer, and since the attacks of September the 11th, more than 1.6 million Americans have stepped forward to put on our Nation's uniform. In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other fronts in the war on terror, the men and women of our military are making great sacrifices to keep us safe. Some have suffered terrible injuries – and nearly 3,000 have given their lives. America cherishes their memory. We pray for their families. And we will never back down from the work they have begun.
"We also honor those who toil day and night to keep our homeland safe – and we are giving them the tools they need to protect our people. We have created the Department of Homeland Security … we have torn down the wall that kept law enforcement and intelligence from sharing information ... we have tightened security at our airports, seaports, and borders ... and we have created new programs to monitor enemy bank records and phone calls. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement and intelligence professionals, we have broken up terrorist cells in our midst, and saved American lives.
"Five years after Nine-Eleven, our enemies have not succeeded in launching another attack on our soil – but they have not been idle. Al Qaeda and those inspired by its hateful ideology have carried out terrorist attacks in more than two dozen nations. And just last month, they were foiled in a plot to blow up passenger planes headed for the United States. They remain determined to attack America and kill our citizens – and we are determined to stop them. We will continue to give the men and women who protect us every resource and legal authority they need to do their jobs.
"In the first days after the Nine-Eleven attacks, I promised to use every element of national power to fight the terrorists wherever we find them. One of the strongest weapons in our arsenal is the power of freedom. The terrorists fear freedom as much as they do our firepower. They are thrown into panic at the sight of an old man pulling the election lever … girls enrolling in school … or families worshiping God in their own traditions. They know that given a choice, people will choose freedom over their extremist ideology. So their answer is to deny people this choice by raging against the forces of freedom and moderation. 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.
"We are now in the early hours of this struggle between tyranny and freedom. Amid the violence, some question whether the people of the Middle East want their freedom – and whether the forces of moderation can prevail. For sixty years, these doubts guided our policies in the Middle East. And then, on a bright September morning, it became clear that the calm we saw in the Middle East was only a mirage. Years of pursuing stability to promote peace had left us with neither. So we changed our policies, and committed America’s influence in the world to advancing freedom and democracy as the great alternatives to repression and radicalism.
"With our help, the people of the Middle East are now stepping forward to claim their freedom. From Kabul to Baghdad to Beirut, there are brave men and women risking their lives each day for the same freedoms that we enjoy. And they have one question of us: Do we have the confidence to do in the Middle East what our fathers and grandfathers accomplished in Europe and Asia? 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.
"Across the broader Middle East, the extremists are fighting to prevent such a future. Yet America has confronted evil before, and we have defeated it – sometimes at the cost of thousands of good men in a single battle. When Franklin Roosevelt vowed to defeat two enemies across two oceans, he could not have foreseen D-Day and Iwo Jima – but he would not have been surprised at the outcome. When Harry Truman promised American support for free peoples resisting Soviet aggression, he could not have foreseen the rise of the Berlin Wall – but he would not have been surprised to see it brought down. Throughout our history, America has seen liberty challenged – and every time, we have seen liberty triumph with sacrifice and determination.
"At the start of this young century, America looks to the day when the people of the Middle East leave the desert of despotism for the fertile gardens of liberty – and resume their rightful place in a world of peace and prosperity. We look to the day when the nations of that region recognize that their greatest resource is not the oil in the ground – but the talent and creativity of their people. We look to the day when moms and dads throughout the Middle East see a future of hope and opportunity for their children. And when that good day comes, the clouds of war will part … the appeal of radicalism will decline ... and we will leave our children with a better and safer world. On this solemn anniversary, we rededicate ourselves to this cause. 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.
"Earlier this year, I traveled to the United States Military Academy. I was there to deliver the commencement address to the first class to arrive at West Point after the attacks of September the 11th. That day I met a proud mom named RoseEllen Dowdell. She was there to watch her son Patrick accept his commission in the finest Army the world has ever known. A few weeks earlier, RoseEllen had watched her other son, James, graduate from the Fire Academy in New York City. On both these days, her thoughts turned to someone who was not there to share the moment: her husband, Kevin Dowdell. Kevin was one of the 343 firefighters who rushed to the burning towers of the World Trade Center on September the 11th – and never came home. His sons lost their father that day – but not the passion for service he instilled in them. Here is what RoseEllen says about her boys, “As a mother, I cross my fingers and pray all the time for their safety – but as worried as I am, I am also proud – and I know their dad would be too.”
"Our Nation is blessed to have young Americans like these – and we will need them. Dangerous enemies have declared their intention to destroy our way of life. They are not the first to try – and their fate will be the same as those who tried before. Nine-Eleven showed us why. The attacks were meant to bring us to our knees, and they did – but not in the way the terrorists intended. Americans united in prayer ... came to the aid of neighbors in need ... and resolved that our enemies would not have the last word. The spirit of our people is the source of America’s strength. And we go forward with trust in that spirit, confidence in our purpose – and faith in a loving God who made us to be free.
"Thank you, and may God bless you."
Whew. Amen.
An historic speech to be sure. It was classic George Bush, intense, confident and brutally honest. I always tell everyone "when United States President George Bush speaks, listen very carefully. He means exactly what he says and it will happen". Unlike Chretien and Martin where you could not figure out what they were thinking by what they said. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has a similar speaking style in that he speaks the truth in a sensible way. Taliban Jack looks like a very simple and pathetic man tonight.
God bless America
This is the 45th great speech delivered by President Bush ( The Great Liberator) during his
Presidency.
For those counting the score is Bush 45; Chretien 0; Harper 5 and Layton-4.
History will note that George W. Bush is one of the greatest presidents the US has ever had. Be glad he is in charge.
God Help Us if any other than someone with strong leadership and firm resolve gets in the WH.
So, too, England wherein Tony will be gone soon.
Be glad Harper is in charge here in Canada.
" Taliban Jack-4"??
Jack isn't even in it... minus -2 for even opening his mouth.
Snowbunnie,
Time for a little solidarity.
maybe Jackoff Layton can negotiate the first peace terms. Burkas only on Sunday, education for women up to grade 1. Stonings by union members only and stones either over 100kgs or less than 1 mg.
face it , jack is a nutter and a tosser , having never held a real job in his life.
KHAN!
Hear, hear, Snowbunnie!
To think: Harper, should remain PM after Bush & Blair are gone, will become the senior partner in the War on Terror.
What a chance for Canada to shine. Bring 'em on!
**correction: "should he remain PM..."
"Stonings by union members only"
Thanks for giving me something to laugh at (other than at Jack in derision) since he started in on this whole nonsensical course.
God bless us, and help us, all.
Meg Q., American living in Edmonton
"At the start of this young century, America looks to the day when the people of the Middle East leave the desert of despotism for the fertile gardens of liberty – ... We look to the day when moms and dads throughout the Middle East see a future of hope and opportunity for their children".
Amen.
The world looks forward to this day. Mothers and Fathers please want more for your children than to die for nothing; as pawns for would be oppressors. No man, no servant of God or Allah, has the right to enslave another. Spiritually, sexually, intellectually or physically.
Doogie, you forget Australia's John Howard who has been, at times, more resolute, clear, and committed than Bush and Blair put together. He is cut from the same cloth. Thank God for men like Bush, Blair, Howard and Harper. The free world will need leaders like these for years to come.
"As a filmmaker, I'm not interested in 9/11 [...] it's too small, history overwhelms it. The history of the world is like: He kills me, I kill him, only with different cosmetics and different castings.
So in 2001, some fanatics killed some Americans, and now some Americans are killing some Iraqis. And in my childhood, some Nazis killed Jews. And now, some Jewish people and some Palestinians are killing each other.
Political questions, if you go back thousands of years, are ephemeral, not important. History is the same thing over and over again." - Woody Allen.
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.
"[Bill] was told by the Pittsburgh cops to depart to the designated [Free Speech Zone], a ballpark encased in a chain-link fence a third of a mile from Bush's (and the media's) path. Bill, that rambunctious rebel, refused to budge. So they arrested him for disorderly conduct, dispatched him to the luxury of a Pittsburgh jail and confiscated his offending sign.
At Bill's trial, a Pittsburgh detective testified that the Secret Service had instructed local police to confine "people that were making a statement pretty much against the President and his views." The district court judge not only tossed out the silly charges against Neel but scolded the prosecution: "I believe this is America. Whatever happened to 'I don't agree with you, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it'?" - The Nation, July 29, 2004
And we are fighting for the possibility that good and decent people across the Middle East can raise up societies based on freedom,
"Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, joined by the foreign ministers of nations making key contributions of military forces in Iraq, emphatically said yesterday that if the incoming Iraqi interim government ordered the departure of foreign troops after July 1, they would pack up without protest."We would leave," Powell said, noting that he was "not ducking the hypothetical, which I usually do," to avoid confusion on the extent of the new government's authority. - Washingtonpost.com - May 15, 2004; Page A01
"We’re not leaving [Iraq] so long as I’m the president. That would be a huge mistake.” - GWB, August 21, 2006, Editor and Publisher. (Bush leaves office in January 2009)
and tolerance,and personal dignity.
"Marriage cannot be severed from its cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening the good influence of society." - GWB, CNN.com: February 25, 2004
"We are now in the early hours of this struggle between tyranny and freedom.
"This crusade, this war on terrorism is going to take a while." G.W.B. Reuters: September 21, 2001
Amid the violence, some question whether the people of the Middle East want their freedom – and whether the forces of moderation can prevail.
"Asked what they would like the newly elected Iraqi government to ask the US-led forces to do, 70% of Iraqis favor setting a timeline for the withdrawal of US forces. This number divides evenly between 35% who favor a short time frame of “within six months” and 35% who favor a gradual reduction over two years. Just 29% say it should “only reduce US-led forces as the security situation improves in Iraq.” - WPO.org, January 31, 2006
For sixty years, these doubts guided our policies in the Middle East. And then, on a bright September morning, it became clear that the calm we saw in the Middle East was only a mirage.
"I think that there has to be -- the cycle of violence must be broken. I look forward to discussing with the Prime Minister about what's realistic and what's possible. Bt we both believe that it is possible if there's a strong effort made by both parties to break the cycle of violence. Mitchell says it's a sequential process. Step one is to break the cycle. And we have been on the phone with all parties, all the time it seems like, urging the cycle of violence to be broken. And progress is being made. I am here to tell the Prime Minister, I know there's a level of frustration, but there is progress being made. And for that progress, we are grateful." GWB - June 26, 2001
Years of pursuing stability to promote peace had left us with neither. So we changed our policies,
Georgie...now that I believe.
Hilarious! George Bush the great orator. The more CONservative leaders (and lapdog Blair) act like the enemy, the more slavish your countenance. Militarism, bellicosity, jingoism, sloganeering, religious certitude and overly simplistic solutions...it's getting more difficult to tell the principals apart...and their followers
Heard an interesting comment on talk radio today, from a former insider at CSIS: "When does tolerance of the intolerant become intolerable?"
When? Well, that time is now.
How much of the fanatic muslims' intolerance of our way of life, our other religions, our freedoms, do we allow? They are intolerant of us, yet we continue to give them the benefit of the doubt, for the sake of being politically correct. At our own peril.
well as you are now aware and if not soon will be, I wouldn't give a wooden nickle for anything bush jr could say let alone comprehend.
on the other hand, 'faith and doubt at ground zero' just finished on the pbs channel. those folks I listen too. it happened to them. george dubya sat dumbfounded, paralysed by lack of prompters, in the primary classroom the moment he was told of the 2nd airplane strike.
but to hear the rabbi talk of the deep significance of the 2 sides of the religion coin, the widow of the fireman express her discontinued practice of daily mini-prayers of thanks, and the frank gorshen lookalike express damnation of God and still maintain belief in the Son, was remarkable.
those people I pay attention to. they lived it and still are.
dubya uses the whole fiasco as an excuse to give his supporters a chance sell lots of expensive weaponry to, well, basically themselves.
naturally this broadcast coming thru a publicly funded station you right wingers will deride it. and me also for daring to get yet another dig at the frat boy.
as far as my view of political speaches, same goes for mr harper. he wasnt there, so what does he know?
p.s., I was in the WTC around 1980 so I know what was lost. lemme guess, tex can will now express a wish that I was there on 9/11 as well, right tex?
to quote woody allen?! bob, I am almost speechless...to marry a woman and screw your adopted child over and over again is the woody allen way - woody allen. how could you even dare to bring that perverted fuckwad into a serious conversation?
That was just a bit of a reality check for those who drool over every word from chimpy's mouth.
For the moderates out there, who are conservative + believe Bush is fallible, I would add that Democrats set up free speech zones too (despicable practice whoever does it), the Iraqi government has not yet asked for the US to withdraw (though they have said that Iraqis have the right to resist US occupation, odd that), and that Chimpy hasn't called it a crusade since then. Probably just mispoke.
Bah...I just gave every zealot out there the ammo to totally dismiss the possibility that chimpy is fallibe. Dammit!
Many people refuse to learn from history even when the lesson was so recent. Murderous ideologies like radical Islam don't go away easily, they usually have to be eliminated like fascism was in the last century.
The truly ignorant believe in elaborate conspiracy theories or they blame the victims for the attack - arrogant ignorance coupled with self-righteousness.
Many people refuse to learn from history even when the lesson was so recent. Murderous ideologies like radical Islam don't go away easily, they usually have to be eliminated like fascism was in the last century.
The truly ignorant believe in elaborate conspiracy theories or they blame the victims for the attack - arrogant ignorance coupled with self-righteousness.
mr penn:
I'm getting impatient for armaghedon and the end times.
I nominate you to run for the republicans in 2008.
Philanthropist: Do you think its possible to believe that we should fight terrorism, AND that Bush is going about it the wrong way?
Because it seems like people who defend bush read statements like "Bush doesn't know how to fight terrorism" and hear "We shouldn't fight terrorism."
george just doesnt get it really, the whole approach to war on terror.
first off, there needs to be a new term to replace his favorite word 'war'. this fight is different. this is a brand new form of attack. different right down to the marrow.
another gross ponderous goof he made and I knew it then, was to single out bin laden and target him in particular. he is setting himself up for failure. better to announce 50 or 100 al qaida targets like they did with the deck of cards thing in iraq. american mil intelligence has just admitted the bin laden's trail is completely cold. where does that leave dubya's vow to get him 'dead or alive' (jingoism reminiscent of the wild west)? see what I mean?
third, nailing the terrorists in conventional manner is like nailing jello to the wall. the runny kind. al qaida isnt the player it was in 2001, the terrorists have learned their craft and now are independently operating.
the 300,000,000,000 spent so far would have put a lot of money in the pockets of informants, but that isnt as dramatic as videos of rockets and missiles being launched in a bright flash against a dark night in the indian ocean.
'dramatis personae:
in the role of sir toby belch: george dubya !!!
>>"As a filmmaker, I'm not interested in 9/11..."
Bob, I think that was actually Woody Harrelson - remember, the smart kid from Cheers? Or maybe it was Cliff Claven...
Interesting that on the anniversary of 9/11, schmuck, Ted and bob, think the only people worthy of criticism are Americans and our Democratically elected leader. I am going to assume that like your sick jihadi brothers, you are so pathologically retarded that you just can't help yourselves.
If the jihadis get 72 virgins when they die, I wonder what their friends, the Jihadi Liberals, get? When schmuck, Ted and bob die, I hope 72 women, druggies and gays that have been stoned to death by their jihadi allies are allowed to have their way for all of hell. Ahhhhh, sweet justice.
Oh Tom,
If you can find a single quote of me critizing anyone saying something heartfelt about 9/11 i will never log onto the series of tubes again. Kate, linked to a heartfelt and intimate post earlier, and i said nothing.
But this was a political speech sir. It was not about the victims. It was about his reponse to the attacks, and that's all my post responded to. And if you can quote me saying anything bad about what Bush said about the victims, then bye-bye internets...
No sir, this is about chimpy, not the day. The fact is that on this day, above all days, chimpy should not have said anything but "we are united against the terrorists, remember the victims, and will not forget who done it."
And if he said that, in front of an empty hole five years after the fact, then you would not have seen me on this post.
this is about chimpy
SDA really needs an "Ignore" ( killfile ) button. Too many trolls.
Backhoe:
Yes, I look forward to the day I can "killfile" everyone who uses the words "taliban jack" or "mr.dithers"...making fun of politicians is despicable and beneath SDA.
>> " The district court judge not only tossed out the silly charges against Neel but scolded the prosecution: "I believe this is America. Whatever happened to 'I don't agree with you, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it'?" - The Nation, July 29, 2004
Difference here is that old Mr. Bill there in your post got let go. As opposed to being tossed into a shreader or having his head lopped off.
God bless President George W. Bush and America.
God bless Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canada.
God bless us, strengthen us, and have mercy on us.
What terrorists? In the kitchen? On the tarmac? In that jet? Nah...it's a figment of Trudeau's alter-ego, Jack "Taliban" Layton.
...-
Trudeau airport security facing new scrutiny after breaches
Newspaper reporter followed employees in, visited catering kitchen, tarmac and hangars ...-
via nationalnewswatch
After watching Bush's speech last night, I am thoroughly convinced he is nothing more than
Stephen Harper's lapdog.
9/11 victims should not be defamed! The movie United 93 is described as "meticulously researched" and "based on fact" and supposed to "honor all victims", but there is not any indication that the German passenger Christian Adams was indeed a coward and appeaser and tried to stop the American heroes from storming the cockpit as the movie shows, as I explain in: German 9/11 Victim Defamed in "United 93" Movie.
While liberal Americans stage huge protests against Path to 9/11 (like conservative Americans did with Fahrenheit 9/11), Germans did not waste their time with protesting against United 93.
So, dear readers, if you think Germans criticize the US all the time: Think again!
joebaloni (1:02) I watched all 3 debates between Bush and Kerry, fall 2004. Kerry won the 1ST debate STRICTLY on style. Bush wiped up the room with Kerry in debate #2. Debate #3, Bush beat up on Kerry even worse than #2. Yes, EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DEBATE.
The great John Kerry, refered to as the 2ND greatest debater ever to come out of Yale... next to William F. Buckley Jr. Yet Bush (I.Q. in top 5TH percentile of U.S. population) whumps Kerry easily.
I recommend you read Kathleen Parker's article entitled "Intellectually Curious George"... written in August. You might learn something. Probably not, I suppose.
Bush is first and foremost a successful politician. He can read public winds and I have to say his handlers are very astute as well. I think this speech has more to do with partisan solidarity than patriotism.....the election mode has kicked in and the party realizes Bush's successor will be facing a tough ride as well as a real battle to hold the house.
Although I agree with the speech writer that islamic fundamentalism is a modern curse to geopolitical stability, I do not believe the threat level jsutifies the alarmist fear mongering the party is currently peddling.
Great speach, I just wish this administration had not jaded me to the point where it seems like such hollow superficial rhetoric aimed at polstering lagging GOP polling numbers.
In the time it took George "Illegal Immigration Lover" Bush to deliver this speech (10 minutes) America welcomed 69.4 new illegal immigrants, none of whom have been screened by security.
If George "Illegal Immigration Lover" wanted to appear serious about securing America then George "Illegal Immigration Lover" Bush should've done something about the Invasion of America.
Anyone who supports George "Illegal Immigration Lover" Bush supports illegal immigration and therefore is a national security risk. Bush supporters want to hurt America, badly.
well, tell ya what mr penn, you look into getting oh, say, 50 mill from the white house into a trust acct, payable on success of the mission, plus enough for expenses, and I will sashay off to the mountains of eastern afghanistan to kill bin laden. and then we will again see him on video this time with the death mask.
you are one bitter frustrated right wing dude with no concept of the real world.
I thought it was an excellent and accurate speech. Islamic fascism is not a mode of behaviour akin to the dances and foods of a multicultural festival. It is, as Bush accurately said, a threat to civilization.
It is a fascist ideology, which is to say, it is an ideology that rejects reason, logic, facts and is rooted only in pure emotion, a mystic and mythic ideology filled with opinions that must be accepted on faith. As such, it is immune to negotiation and discussion.
The most serious aspect of this fascist ideology is its focus on death rather than life. That's pathological, that's a psychosis. A society that rejects life, living, exploration, questions, dissent, analysis - and focuses only on death? That considers that life is worthless and that 'the best time' comes only after death? That considers life impure and longs for the supposed purity of death?
This death cult mentality permits it to promote the most evil and vicious brutalities, the most evil and vicious lifestyles - stoning women to death for being raped, beheading little girls for going to school, bombing and killing civilians just because they are alive.
The fact that this death cult has spread outside of the ME is why the West should be concerned. If it were confined to the ME, we could, as we did before - turn our backs. But, what has happened, as I've said often, is that the political system of tribalism has become dysfunctional as the population base grew too large for such a restrictive political system - and since the tribal dictators won't empower their people - they have moved to European enclaves. But, they haven't modernized themselves socially, and remain marginal in their home countries and in Europe.
This has nothing to do with the US as causal. The causes are completely and totally internal to the Muslim world. But, externalizing them is the tactic for the tribal regimes to retain power.
That's why Bush is emphasizing democracy and freedom of the people in the ME. That, and that alone, will stop Islamic fascism.
But - what still remains, is a requirement for the Islamic religion to modernize itself. Amis referred to the women as the key to this. I hope so, and hope that they will refuse to continue to be enslaved within the social strictures of their religion. So far, not enough Muslims are speaking out and rejecting terrorism.
Ted,
re your "reminders"
there are inherent imperfections in a constitutional democracy where a delicate balance between law and order and freedom must be achieved - which balance is created by a democratically elected government, and watched over by an impartial judiciary.
I think you know that.
I think you also know that such a society, albeit imperfect, IS paradise COMPARED to the society the terrorists propose - fundamental Islamic rule characterized by stoning for "moral indescresions" denying women a place in society and killing homosexuals. (Thus while we don't "drool" over Bush's words, we do recognize the inherent truths in what he said).
You know it, yet you cannot resist parroting the terrorists' rhetoric.
Because you and your kind have become so filled with political hate (see derogatory "chimpy" remarks), you choose to overlook the obvious evils of our real enemy and search out, and amplify the imperfections of your political enemies (Bush/America) and the the imperfections of our consitutional democracy.
That is why you have to come onto blogs and give such "reminders", in the midst of a post about the fight against terrorism.
Ted,
you are the classic useful idiot.
today's skill testing question, the acid test reality check:
all you condescending right wingers step forward. now, if you have never publicly criticized george dubya for anything, step right back.
anyone left? (pun intended!)
I didnt think so.
sycophants all.
yes men to the great george jr.
y'all need to read the story 'the emperor's new clothes'.
schmuck,
Perhaps it has nothing to do with George Bush.
Perhaps I and many others here don't live in a world in which Bush is the complete focus.
Perhaps I and many others actually believe THE WORDS which were spoken, unfettered by any political hatred towards the speaker.
THE WORDS quoted by Ted were about
"fighting to maintain the way of life enjoyed by free nations"
To which Ted sought to rebut by showing an example of an "evil" of our society.
Your response underlies the heart of the problem of the Bush derangement syndrome: If Bush says it, no matter how inherently true, it must be opposed. If Bush does it, it must be wrong. Conversely, Bush's enemies, no matter how despicable, must to some extent, be right or justified.
I wonder if all the Jihadi sympathisers and butt-kissers posting on this thread are aware of the following facts:
- recently, Al Qaeda have given GWB and all American infidels the chance to either convert to Islam, or face their death
- that Bin Laden has on more than one occasion vowed to use nuclear weapons against his percieved enemies
- that Bin Ladin now has 'official clerical' approval (albeit the mad Mullah type of approval)to kill up to 10 million Americans
The above moves (ie, giving infidels the chance to convert to Islam, and if not heeded, warning them about their imminent death) are in keeping with two important tenets of the Koran. In the minds of fundamentalist Islamics, these warnings now justify their next attacks on America and exonerate them of any blame for doing so.
I can only hope that stupid, ignorant people like you jihadi buttkissers are among the dead in the next attacks.
"If Bush does it, it must be wrong"
The impulsive rejection of his every initiative or opinion would serve as a quite succesful heuristic, considering his abysmal record.
joe, perfect moniker.
You certainly are full of baloney.
The most derisive rhetoric is used to attack and try to undermine the president no matter what he says and no matter what he does.
Such derision, however, seems to be ONLY utilized in attacking the president, or Blair or Howard or Harper... anywhere you go or read, somebody feels compelled to deride all of them, special invective trotted out for President Bush of course.
NEVER a whisper about the murderers and tyrants.
When Hussein made a practice of shredding people to whip everybody into line among many other atrocities... starving his own people while he built palaces.. while bin laden continued throughout the 90's to attack the innocent and murder anybody he could, while himself hiding in a cave... rhetoric was withheld for both those outrages and for the president of the time, Bill Clinton... any and all excuses were made and accepted by all as reasonable and everybody went their way. If Clinton wanted to lob a few missles, well, hell, he was the president and that is alright..while ignoring totally any effective movement to capture and/or eliminate bin laden...
Yet, when we DO have decent effective and dedicated men in position of power who DO take appropriate action to stop the murder and mayhem, all we hear from the likes of some here is that 'chimpy' has spoken, therefore it is intellectually inferior and to be ignored for what must be assumed Bush's ulterior motives, which further must be assumed to be terrible in some way.
WHERE were you people when Mr. Clinton was impeached for obstruction of justice and lost his law licence ( the top lawman in the United States prevented from practicing law.) NOT only in Arkansas but before the Supreme Court as well.
But, then, when you intellectually superior lefties hear the flim flam man, all reason flies out the window and you fall down to worship every word uttered out of the mouth of the great liar.
Yet, when decent men come to the office to clean up the considerable mess left by this miscreant and his minions all manner of reason leaves and frothing at the mouth hateful rhetoric is all that can be uttered. Even when it flies in the face of all reason.
Seems eight years of hero worship at 'clintoons' feet leaves one breathless and mindless all at the same time.
There is not one leftie who could muster enough intellect to actually debate George Bush( as Kerry found out to his chagrin.) so name calling such as 'chimpy' is especially moronic not to mention dangerous when we untertake to undermine the guy who is doing all that he can to preserve our way of life.
Rather like biting the hand that feeds ya.
Vis a vis Snowbunnie's observations and frustration, which I share, The Bible seems more than a fitting Book to sum up Apocalyptical times:
"For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine [decency, truth], but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers [the Bill Clintons, Jack Laytons, etc.] to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3, 4).
A modern-day writer couldn't sum up the situation the world finds itself in at this point in history any better.
mitch.
mitch mitch mitch.
I didnt read the transcript nor listened to the speech nor found fault with the contents. so where do you make the conncetion other than your one dimensional view of things?
dubya is the package and ya cant ignore the package regardless the quality of the contents.
I have offered to high tail over to east afghanistan in search of bin laden for 50,000,000 dollars, I support Canadian troop there, and paid very close attention to the words of the people in and affected by the WTO attack.
then remind the right wing of the stupefied expression on dubyas face when advise of the 2nd plane hitting the other tower.
the man is and always has been in over his head. he is president because the real power boys prefer a level of anonymity in exchange for favours at a time and type of their choosing.
dubya reminds me of those chatty dolls of the 60s where you would pull a string in the back and a scratchy phrase would pop out. from a limited number stored in the doll.