Selected Excerpts From Bush's Speech

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

In no particular order here's what I really liked <along with my comments>:

For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical — and then there came a day of fire. <sabbatical eh? more like ignoring the hard truth of reality>

By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well — a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world.

We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.

My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people against further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America’s resolve, and have found it firm. <more like they got their butts kicked!>

All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. <can you hear that people of Iran, Syria, North Korea?>

I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself — and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character.

And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time. <how about it Jesse? Al? can you let go of your bigotry?>

When the Declaration of Independence was first read in public and the Liberty Bell was sounded in celebration, a witness said, “It rang as if it meant something.” In our time it means something still. America, in this young century, proclaims liberty throughout all the world, and to all the inhabitants thereof. Renewed in our strength — tested, but not weary — we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom.

May God bless you, and may He watch over the United States of America. <I'll second that!!!>

[OJR]

He gave one heck of a speech and sure set a very aggressive agenda!

[Bruce Schmeck]

Go George! Spend that capital. He doesn't have to worry about getting reelected so his bank account should read $0.00 at the end of this administration.

[wtnhunt]

Missed it live, but saw bits and pieces on the news. Sounds like it was a great speech.