The Presidents address from last night

[cucamelsmd15]

THE 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've 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 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. 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've met firefighters and police officers who choke up at the memory of fallen comrades. I've 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. I've 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 9/11, we've 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, 9/11 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 9/11 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 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'm often asked why we're in Iraq when Saddam Hussein was not responsible for the 9/11 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 9/11, 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're adapting to stay ahead of the enemy, and we are carrying out a clear plan to ensure that a democratic Iraq succeeds.
We're training Iraqi troops so they can defend their nation. We're 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; 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.
<snip>
They're 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.

I bolded the parts I found interesting, and will take them in that order.



1. No, we arent any safer today than we were before 9/11.
2. They were supposed to have WMD's, thats why we went to Iraq, right?

3. Youre G-D right we didnt ask for this war, but you, as the President, didnt hesitate to go in, guns blazing, and dragging the American people kicking and screaming behind you.

4. Saddam had no WMD's, so Id like to know how the President defines a threat. The United Nations knew this, and thats why its primarily American forces there, NOT a UN coalition. Please, for the love of all that is holy, stop trying to justify the war in Iraq with what happened on 9/11. There is no connection, there is no "secret link", and Im tired of seeing this issue go back and forth. The world is NOT safer because Saddam is not in power. The world is NOT safe because the countries that actually have WMD's, we arent doing anything about.

Other general thoughts: Im honestly sick and tired of seeing Bush mix politics with religion. This speech is laden with it. If you believe in God, fine, most people do. The difference is, they dont allow it to cloud their judgement, or their personal agenda. God does not "speak" to anyone, as Bush has said he does. Also, this was supposed to be a non-political speech. Instead, it was used to try and justify foolhardy actions on the days following 9/11, in particular, the war in Iraq.

Even my parents, who are hardline Republicans were disgusted with this address.

Full speech here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/relea...0060911-3.html

[beardman2]

Originally Posted by cucamelsmd15

I bolded the parts I found interesting, and will take them in that order.



1. No, we arent any safer today than we were before 9/11.
2. They were supposed to have WMD's, thats why we went to Iraq, right?

3. Youre G-D right we didnt ask for this war, but you, as the President, didnt hesitate to go in, guns blazing, and dragging the American people kicking and screaming behind you.

4. Saddam had no WMD's, so Id like to know how the President defines a threat. The United Nations knew this, and thats why its primarily American forces there, NOT a UN coalition. Please, for the love of all that is holy, stop trying to justify the war in Iraq with what happened on 9/11. There is no connection, there is no "secret link", and Im tired of seeing this issue go back and forth. The world is NOT safer because Saddam is not in power. The world is NOT safe because the countries that actually have WMD's, we arent doing anything about.

Other general thoughts: Im honestly sick and tired of seeing Bush mix politics with religion. This speech is laden with it. If you believe in God, fine, most people do. The difference is, they dont allow it to cloud their judgement, or their personal agenda. God does not "speak" to anyone, as Bush has said he does. Also, this was supposed to be a non-political speech. Instead, it was used to try and justify foolhardy actions on the days following 9/11, in particular, the war in Iraq.

Even my parents, who are hardline Republicans were disgusted with this address.

Full speech here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/relea...0060911-3.html

You honestly thing we are not any safer than we were on 9/11?!

The threat was the WMD and SH unwillingness to follow the UN resolutions. The UN didn't know they didn't have any. Everyone thought they did. They bluffed pretty damn good. It didn't work out for them in the end.

The tie to 9/11? There isn't any. He did not suggest so in the speech.

[amishclark]

Originally Posted by beardman2

The tie to 9/11? There isn't any. He did not suggest so in the speech.

i thought the link between 9/11 and iraq was one of the main reasons for going in...along with the (now recognized as absent) wmd's, of course.

[beardman2]

Originally Posted by amishclark

i thought the link between 9/11 and iraq was one of the main reasons for going in...along with the (now recognized as absent) wmd's, of course.

uhh... no.

[cucamelsmd15]

Originally Posted by beardman2

uhh... no.

Then what was the reason? Because those are the exact reasons that Bush gave....

[cucamelsmd15]

Originally Posted by beardman2

You honestly thing we are not any safer than we were on 9/11?!

The threat was the WMD and SH unwillingness to follow the UN resolutions. The UN didn't know they didn't have any. Everyone thought they did. They bluffed pretty damn good. It didn't work out for them in the end.

The tie to 9/11? There isn't any. He did not suggest so in the speech.

No, we arent any safer. Why? Because the people we know have nukes (Iran, N. Korea, India) we arent doing anything about.

The UN knew there were know WMD's, hence no UN forces, just Americans.

And yes, Bush did his best to tie 9/11 and Iraq together. Its there in plain text for everyone to see.

[amishclark]

Originally Posted by beardman2

uhh... no.

well, beardman...what reasons did you hear that i might have missed?

[jdavionic]

Originally Posted by cucamelsmd15

4. Saddam had no WMD's, so Id like to know how the President defines a threat. The United Nations knew this, and thats why its primarily American forces there, NOT a UN coalition.

That's factually incorrect. He did and some (500+ WMD munitions) were found. Don't blindly sign up to the left-wing talking points.

With respect to other issues, I've said it before & I'll say it again - we did not go to war with the goal of building a democracy in that sh*thole. That is an arrogant & foolish goal for that region of the world. The war was initially sold to the public on valid points.

From an earlier post by me...and I stand by it -
"We first attacked & invaded because of the WMDs and the threat that the dictator & his country posed to the world. He thumbed his nose at the corrupt UN sanctions. Fine - I agree. Attack & eliminate the threat. But WTF is this idea that our goal is to build a democracy in Iraq? No, we were not told of this goal from the start. It is an arrogant & ridiculous goal which has been a key factor in the situation that we have today (although there are others). I suspect Israel would have handled this situation differently, and better. You bomb the snot out of them, send troops to eliminate their army and capture the A-hole supreme, then you leave the sh*thole with a warning that if they f with us again - we'll be back."

[beardman2]

Originally Posted by amishclark

well, beardman...what reasons did you hear that i might have missed?

WMD and UN sanctions were the primary.

Can you find a quote linking 9/11 and Iraq? I'm not being a jerk I'm honestly wanting to know. I keep hearing 9/11 come up and I apparently missed it at the time all this was going on.

[jdavionic]

Originally Posted by beardman2

WMD and UN sanctions were the primary.

Can you find a quote linking 9/11 and Iraq? I'm not being a jerk I'm honestly wanting to know. I keep hearing 9/11 come up and I apparently missed it at the time all this was going on.

Without picking a political agenda to ride, I would answer this one with a "no". I believe that there is evidence to suggest that Iraq & more specifically Sadaam was interested in allowing terrorists training camps in Iraq. However, the 9/11 attack was not relevant to this specific issue.