President Bush — State of the Union

Each time I witness a State of the Union address by a President — I am awed by the process. This one event so clearly defines this country and our constitutional government. This is the one night when all three branches of our government sit together and listen to the President address the nation, speaking to the opposition and supporters alike, outlining the administration’s accomplishments over the previous year, as well as the coming year’s agenda — it makes me proud to be an American. I hope all the terrorists around the world were watching to see what they cannot destroy.

To me, the best statement Bush made was this, “On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this battle. So let us find our resolve, and turn events toward victory.”

And this, “Many in this chamber understand that America must not fail in Iraq — because you understand that the consequences of failure would be grievous and far reaching.

If American forces step back before Baghdad is secure, the Iraqi government would be overrun by extremists on all sides. We could expect an epic battle between Shia extremists backed by Iran and Sunni extremists aided by al Qaeda and supporters of the old regime. A contagion of violence could spill out across the country — and, in time, the entire region could be drawn into the conflict.

For America, this is a nightmare scenario. For the enemy, this is the objective. Chaos is their greatest ally in this struggle. And out of chaos in Iraq, would emerge an emboldened enemy with new safe havens, new recruits, new resources and an even greater determination to harm America. To allow this to happen would be to ignore the lessons of September 11th and invite tragedy. And ladies and gentlemen, nothing is more important at this moment in our history than for America to succeed in the Middle East … to succeed in Iraq … and to spare the American people from this danger.

This is where matters stand tonight, in the here and now. I have spoken with many of you in person. I respect you and the arguments you have made. We went into this largely united — in our assumptions, and in our convictions. And whatever you voted for, you did not vote for failure. Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq, and I ask you to give it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field — and those on their way.”

Well said, Mr. President. With your back to the wall and many paying you great disservice, you stuck to your principles and said the truth. Thank you.

Posted: 2052PST 01/23/07
autone.wordpress.com