Bush Speaks In MY Private Idaho
President Bush just happened to pay a visit to my home state, Idaho, these past few days - even gave a little speech to some of the men and women in the Idaho National Guard and Idaho Air National Guard and their families. Idaho Guard units have over 1,700 members serving in Iraq - the largest per capita contribution by any state.
After his emotionally charged and animated speech, the President spent two hours meeting with families of the those deployed to Iraq - a custom he continues with earnest despite liberal claims of his having avoided families (and a certain irrational and confused mother, with whom he met last year).
Though implicit, there was no question that the President took pains to address concerns and outlandish charges stemming from the Cindy Sheehan "circus" that has raged for a bit more than its hoped-for 15 minutes of fame (infamy?).
He once again clarified his staunch position on the War on Terror, and called for continued resolve in the face of stark realities of war. "As long as I'm the president, we will stay, we will fight and we will win the war on terror." A theme oft repeated, but it would seem that Americans - and the terrorists, need to hear it.
He emphasized his reasons for staying the course in Iraq. He stated that withdrawing troops now from Iraq and the Middle East, "as some have called for, would only embolden the terrorists and create a staging ground to launch more attacks against America and free nations."
For those who have forgotten the primary rationale for war, beyond the ad nauseum whining about "no WMDS," the President repeated his doctrine. "We will confront emerging threats before they fully materialize. And if you harbor a terrorist, you're just as guilty as the terrorist."
In order to show the other side of patriotic military families who have risked sons and daughters, the President introduced a Mom with four sons in Iraq, plus one and her husband having returned from there. "Here in Idaho, a mom named Tammy Pruett, I think she's here, knows that feeling six times over."
Mr. Bush quoted Ms. Pruett as saying: "I know that if something happens to one of the boys, they would leave this world doing what they believe, what they believe is right for our country. And I guess you couldn't ask for a better way of life than giving it for something you believe in."
Mr. Bush went on to reiterate the amazing accomplishments made so far in Iraq - milestones unthinkable two years ago, and easily forgotten today. His was an important speech today - one that bears repeating. Yet one that surely fell on deaf ears in a dusty encampment down Crawford way.
After his emotionally charged and animated speech, the President spent two hours meeting with families of the those deployed to Iraq - a custom he continues with earnest despite liberal claims of his having avoided families (and a certain irrational and confused mother, with whom he met last year).
Though implicit, there was no question that the President took pains to address concerns and outlandish charges stemming from the Cindy Sheehan "circus" that has raged for a bit more than its hoped-for 15 minutes of fame (infamy?).
He once again clarified his staunch position on the War on Terror, and called for continued resolve in the face of stark realities of war. "As long as I'm the president, we will stay, we will fight and we will win the war on terror." A theme oft repeated, but it would seem that Americans - and the terrorists, need to hear it.
He emphasized his reasons for staying the course in Iraq. He stated that withdrawing troops now from Iraq and the Middle East, "as some have called for, would only embolden the terrorists and create a staging ground to launch more attacks against America and free nations."
For those who have forgotten the primary rationale for war, beyond the ad nauseum whining about "no WMDS," the President repeated his doctrine. "We will confront emerging threats before they fully materialize. And if you harbor a terrorist, you're just as guilty as the terrorist."
In order to show the other side of patriotic military families who have risked sons and daughters, the President introduced a Mom with four sons in Iraq, plus one and her husband having returned from there. "Here in Idaho, a mom named Tammy Pruett, I think she's here, knows that feeling six times over."
Mr. Bush quoted Ms. Pruett as saying: "I know that if something happens to one of the boys, they would leave this world doing what they believe, what they believe is right for our country. And I guess you couldn't ask for a better way of life than giving it for something you believe in."
Mr. Bush went on to reiterate the amazing accomplishments made so far in Iraq - milestones unthinkable two years ago, and easily forgotten today. His was an important speech today - one that bears repeating. Yet one that surely fell on deaf ears in a dusty encampment down Crawford way.
by Timmer of Righting America // permalink |
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