SOTU: the best bits, and accompanying thoughts.

What a great speech! These were the best bits (as usual, all emphasis will be mine):

"Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized. This particular criticism is hard to explain to our partners in Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands, Norway, El Salvador, and the 17 other countries that have committed troops to Iraq. As we debate at home, we must never ignore the vital contributions of our international partners, or dismiss their sacrifices. From the beginning, America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have gained much support. There is a difference, however, between leading a coalition of many nations, and submitting to the objections of a few. America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country."

Hmmm. Maybe I don't understand the New Math and all, but by my count, that's 34 nations involved in a "unilateral" action.

The last sentence, "America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country," was particularly sweet, and exactly what I expect from the man I hired with my vote.

Another great bit was this:

"Nine months of intense negotiations involving the United States and Great Britain succeeded with Libya, while 12 years of diplomacy with Iraq did not. And one reason is clear: For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible -- and no one can now doubt the word of America."

Allow me to reiterate: "For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible -- and no one can now doubt the word of America."

Let that sink in for a minute.

Got it? No? We'll give it another minute.

Let's move on:

"For all Americans, the last three years have brought tests we did not ask for, and achievements shared by all. By our actions, we have shown what kind of Nation we are. In grief, we found the grace to go on. In challenge, we rediscovered the courage and daring of a free people. In victory, we have shown the noble aims and good heart of America. And having come this far, we sense that we live in a time set apart."

Each generation faces a new incarnation of evil. History measures each generation by how well we stood the test, and the fortitude and determination we evinced in beating it back down. Make no mistake, the theocratic authoritarinism breeding terrorist activities from the Middle East is the new evil. It seeks to wipe out everything that does not mesh with its ideals and standards. It seeks to blanket the globe with an ideology that would repress the masses in the name of religious idealism.

I don't choose to live that way. I believe that we are living in a time set apart. I know what I would have history say of me. I have pledged my life and sacred honor to it. How about you?

How will you choose to be measured by the annals of the ages?

posted by Linda on January 21, 2004 04:51 PM
Comments

Bravo!!! Well written as always, sisterfriend. :D

Posted by: Ethne at January 21, 2004 10:15 PM