Mike Luckovich

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 11, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t you snoop with your nose? You listen with your ears or eavesdrop. Don’t these pinkos know anything?

They sure think they do.

Now I’m really out of here, so jack off away liberals.

By Midori

May 11, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

I fancy myself to be the blog liberal cheerleader. My fellow democrats get their as-ses kicked so bad that I have to go around perking them up with stupid posts like, “You’re so swell, Re, (;”

It’s kind of sad because they buy into that bullsh-it, drooling all over themselves with glee, but it beats having them get frustrated and leave me in here with those ruthlessly intelligent Conservatives.

So don’t pay me no mind.

By RE

May 11, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

Andy

By Joe Roman

May 11, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this

Yep, intelligence runs way back in my family, I’m actually the dumb one. But that’s not saying much cause we’re all real smart, even my dog has got sense. If you just listen to me you’ll go far in the world. When I talk, people listen. It never surprises me when I attract a big crowd with the things I say, everyone stops and stares at me in stunned silence. I’m such a philosopher. What would the world do with out my vast knowledge. If you need to know something don’t hesitate to ask me, cause I’m smart. Some day I swear, I’ll say something besides “Bush Sucks” but not until I’m damn good and ready. It ain’t like you common folk have anything coming to you, feel blessed just to be in my presence. It will only come just a few times in your life so be impressed, I’m one of a kind, ain’t that right, getalife?

By getalife

May 11, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

I’m glad the secrets out that I’m gay. This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever did in my life, admitting my love for you, RE, honey. I just want to be with you, my heart is all aflutter, we can be the two most perfect liberal democrat cowboys there is!

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 11, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

I’m getting angry, so I’m beginning to wank and jack people’s names (see Midori at 7:37 and a few posts at the end of the last thread). I’m about to have an absolute meltdown because everyone is making fun of me. I’ll probably begin arguing with myself, or cut and paste absolutely nonsensical random text (more nonsensical than the usual only because it will be completley off topic). You wait, you piece of sh-it pinkos. My name is Andy, I’m not real bright, I prove it everyday, and I’ll do it again tonight. Oops, I just outed myself as the lovable Dusty with that last rhyme.

By getalife

May 11, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Andy,

Midori was right all along about you being the name jacker.

The 7:25 was posted by Andy so he is fair game.

By Midori

May 11, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

Andy, Andy, Andy.

Can’t you get Prozac over the counter these days?

It might help you deal with all those different liberal personalities.

You don’t have the guts to embrace liberalism (tho that’s good for us), so you resort to pretending to be some of them.

tsk. tsk.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 11, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

My name is Andy. When I wank it’s not funny to anyone because it reinforces how obvious and obtuse I am (as if that neeeded reinforcement). Add to that the fact that republicans are genetically incapable of humor and I end up just making myself look worse and worse. Why is it that when new bloggers and visitors drop in they always comment on what an @ss I am? I understand why my usual liberal opponents would think that, but I just don’t get why an innocent, objective observer (not @@) would ever think that. I just don’t get it. I just don’t get it. I just don’t get it. Are we in Kansas yet?

By Midori

May 11, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

Who am I talking to? You’d think I’ve gone totally paranoid, that Andy has a hold on me like no other. He’s been gone fron here since 7:22 but yet we still post about him. It’s a sickness, we wish he was still here with us because our lives are so empty with out him.

Come back Andy please.

By Scooter

May 11, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

ml, this toon is hysterical. You should certainly get some knee jerk reactions, at the cost of the element of surprise, but Pulitzers coming up, so I can understand. I’m certainly not questioning your patriotism.

By getalife

May 11, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this

7:25 may have been Midori but 7:46 was all me. I’m here and I’m queer.

By Midori

May 11, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

I’ll show Andy, I’ll jack his name again like I did at 7:51.

By Karen

May 11, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t know who it is that’s using AJC Hate and Ignorance’s name but I do know that you are nowhere near as intelligent as he is. He posts the truth using evidence to back up what he says, you liberals just spread hate like you are doing right now with his name.

It’s pretty sorry.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 11, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

getalife,

You got me. It was me, Andy, who posted at 7:25. I’m the only one on here who would have gay porn in my back pocket, so to speak. It’s those republican family values, you know. Everyone else finds ridiculous images of goofy looking characters while I just go to my bookmarks to link to gay porn. I have so much credibility because I have morality on my side.

By Al

May 11, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

It’s real obvious that 7:51 and 7:58 are some stupid child liberal jacking that name. I’ve only been here a few times and it’s the same thing every day. The Conservatives post interesting topics for discussion, followed by the liberals throwing a retarded fit like they are doing now.

By Karen

May 11, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

I’m mean really, it’s obvious, would this Andy guy say things like that about himself? How stupid are these liberals anyway?

By Karen

May 11, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

I am qualifyed to make judgemnts on peoples inteligence because I have a opinyin I know where to put periods My opinyin is facts.

By Midori

May 11, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Andy,

you’re quite a card.

Does Elvis talk to you?

By One of the Majority's Voices of Dissent

May 11, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

52% of the population favor Democrats to control congress. 38% favor Republicans. 69% of Americans believe Bush has been a failure as president. 31% think he hasn’t.

By Phil

May 11, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

I heard this board was supposed to be pretty good but it only seems that way early in the morning. There’s always a good amount of current topics be talked about and most of the time it’s both sides getting involved. I saw how Luckovich was proud of that but I still wonder why he let’s people post without signing in. You can tell that the democrats in here start to get really angry after a while and then lose control and start saying all kinds of terrible hateful things. This can be better then what it is. You always have to supervise liberals.

Look at how stupid that name jacker is using AJC hates. Does anyone really believe that AJC hates would say things like that about himself? It’s just the same stupid liberal crap that they spew all day in here.

By Karen

May 11, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

I’m mean really I’m mean I’m qualifyed. He posts the truth you librals tell lies Do me Al.

By Karen

May 11, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

So now the little weak minded hater liberal is going to jack my name, huh? What is it with this loser? Are they unable to communicate normally with society? Are they some kind of mental deficient? What is wrong with you people?

By Karen

May 11, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this

Do me Phil

By Steve

May 11, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this

This is not the hardest thing to figure out. Just look at 6:45 on that last thread, you can tell that it is not AJC. How can you blame anybody but the liberals for this garbage? This is just so immature. Are they just not smart enough to share their ideas like normal people? Do we really want to elect them to any part of government?

By Karen

May 11, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

Do me Steve

By Phil

May 11, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

My goodness, look at how small and pitiful this person is. “Do me Phil?” What a loser, this must be some antisocial freak that hates life or something.

By MK

May 11, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, the conservatives are so interesting,…and factually accurate. You folks make yourself targets for ridicule with your mind numbing shilling for the right. How wrong can you be? How long can you prop up a failing agenda? Aren’t you embarrassed or are you clinging to some microscopic hope that the bushwhackers will do something right so you can save face? Take some advice,…bail while you can…no one here will miss you.

By Phil

May 11, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Do me Steve

By Shoop

May 11, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Midori is the namejacker. She’s right in the middle of it making sure that everybody notices. A little too obvious if you ask this old coot. She does it to Andy whenever she has a meltdown. Right now she’s enjoying all the attention she’s getting.

She drove her sweetheart off. She’s lonely.

By Steve

May 11, 2006 08:36 PM | Link to this

I’d love to do you, Phil.

By GaDemLib

May 11, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this

What is going on with you rightists and the sex tonight? Andy’s link to the gay porn must have gotten all of you worked up.

By MK

May 11, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

You conservative types are so self righteous you make me want puke. Snap out of it. You’re like high school girls, “eewwwww, you said..sex.” It’s satire, oh wait, you didn’t get Colbert did you, never mind. And, it’s still more intelligent than the drivel you spew.

By Phil

May 11, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

Hey, MK: If you don’t like what you hear why don’t you act like an adult and disprove it? We all now you are the name jacker, too stupid to participate in an honest discussion.

By Phil

May 11, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

Steve: It is obvious with this MK, what a loser. Just like all democrats, it probably gets it’s as-s kicked everytime it opens it’s mouth in public, so now it’s a coward hiding behind other people’s names. Lowlife liberals.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 11, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how Phil and Karen make the same type of errors in their writing, comma splices. They must be doing each other.

By Phil

May 11, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Hey, where’d Steve go? He was supposed to do me. I guess he’s thinking up a comma splice.

By GaDemLib

May 11, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

The “Republican Values” crowd is getting too weird in here tonight. I’m outta here.

By MK

May 11, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Now you’re jumping at shadows, it’s not me! I a noob here but I’ve read a few of your looney posts. But I’m flattered.

By MK

May 11, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

OOooh, name calling is so adult.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 11, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this

Karen= Andy

Phil= Andy

Steve= Andy

The AJC promotes…= Andy

Midori at 7:25 (gay porn link)= Andy

By MK

May 11, 2006 09:03 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe you spend so much time here. Is this the best you can do for intellectual discourse? Sad to think this is what you call a life. You must have failed miserably at everything else in life to pick this one little corner of the world to make a difference. I feel your pain, would you like to talk about it? How does it make you feel to be soo wrong on everything you thought you ever stood for? It must make you very angry to see all the real conservative e values you hold dear sold out by a bunch of money grubbing s** on the poor monsters. It is nice that you take a break from faux news to come enlighten us though. Just remember, hannity, oreilly, matthews et. al. are all bloody rich, are you? How does it feel to be manipulated by them into being Ws trolls?

By Midori

May 11, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

Methinks Schoop is another “Andy” alias.

Why would I want anyone else’s attention, when you’re so quick to shower me with yours, Schoop?

smooch

By Obsessed Moonbat

May 11, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

ANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDYANDY

By rushncap

May 11, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

Hahahahahaha! Great cartoon, Mike.

Oh, and Newt is on Hannity and Whatever ripping Shrub program a new one over wiretaps. That is just… bizarre. Twilight zone. But, hey, maybe Shrub’s approval will drop under 30%.

By rushncap

May 11, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Oh and Mike, I forgot to tell you that Primetime is on ABC tonight. I can’t believe those wingnuts canceled Commander in Chief, can you Mike? Why don’t you ever answer me Mike? I type “hahaha” so you can see I’m laughing like a toddler whenever you draw a cartoon for me. Please talk to me, please.

By Shoop

May 11, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

No Midori. I’m just old Shoop. People could probably look back to some old cartoons and know I’m not Andy. It don’t matter to me though if they do or not.

Please save your smooches for somebody who doesn’t want them anymore if he ever comes back.

By seeker

May 11, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Before I go lights out, resting for another morning of parrying Hater, it’s time for a reality check! Minus the namejacking!

A Gold Star to Qwest, the only major phone compan who told the NSA to take a hike when it asked for telephone records!

According to sources familiar with the events, Qwest’s CEO at the time, Joe Nacchio, was deeply troubled by the NSA’s assertion that Qwest didn’t need a court order — or approval under FISA — to proceed. Adding to the tension, Qwest was unclear about who, exactly, would have access to its customers’ information and how that information might be used.

Those little dicks at the NSA actually tried to BLACKMAIL Quest!:

In addition, the agency suggested that Qwest’s foot-dragging might affect its ability to get future classified work with the government. Like other big telecommunications companies, Qwest already had classified contracts and hoped to get more.

Pretty darn shifty, isn’t it? Qwest told the NSA that it wanted assurances from FISA (the Foreign Intellegence Surveillance Act Court, the one set up by the 1978 Spy Bill that’s supposed to approve ALL international wiretaps!). And the NSA refused!!

“They told (Qwest) they didn’t want to do that because FISA might not agree with them,” one person recalled. For similar reasons, this person said, NSA rejected Qwest’s suggestion of getting a letter of authorization from the U.S. attorney general’s office. A second person confirmed this version of events

That’s right! The NSA not only refused to get permission from FISA, it refused to get an opinion from Justice! And it tried to blackmail a company that dared to question it’s demands! Do you see Constitutional rights and the rule of law being trampled on??

“My friends,” said Rush (or he would have said it if he were a patriotic American), “What we have here is a federal agency ignoring it’s responsibility to Congress and the American people. What is going on here is what’s done in a third rate country run by a tin-pot Vladimir Putin wannabe. It’s not a matter of phone trolling being right or wrong! The proceedures for getting permission are in place. President Bush and his circus of advisors might have actually gotten permission… IF THEY HAD ASKED! But they couldn’t be bothered. Do we really need a White House that has so little respect for it’s nations laws or it’s citizens?? No! Lets go to our next call! Homer in Springfield? You’re on the Rush Limbaugh program…”

Goonight…

By Buy Danish

May 11, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

Rushncap,

You got it wrong as usual. Newt doesn’t disagree with the concept of data mining, he just wants it out in the open so “The American People” are informed.

Sigh. I really hate it when people who I usually admire decide to run for President.

Midori’s fan club,

Andy left here hours ago - He always does. You have the whole blog to yourself. This is your chance to shine!

G’nite.

By Midori

May 11, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Since you don’t want my smooches, I’ll bestow another gift on you.

Enjoy!!

snicker

Have a good evening, Schoop.

By @@

May 11, 2006 10:26 PM | Link to this

RE:

Off to bed. Saw your post on the previous thread. I must admit, I only looked at the picture. I didn’t see a “little man” in the boat but I still see that submarine/aircraft carrier waiting to surface for the next presidential election. I’ll be on that deck.

I just cannot bring myself to vote for a Democrat. It’s their policies. It’ll be a Republican candidate for me. @—

By Souldrift

May 11, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

D’oh!!

By Joe Roman

May 11, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Dontcha just love the way Bush has his own syncophants in Congress tied up in knots? They bought into his first eavesdropping revelation with the caveat that it wasn’t wholesale. Now he tells them it IS wholesale, only no ones REALLY listening. I’m beginning to believe Bush is secretly working for the Democratic Party. I’m just worried he’ll screw that up too.

By rushncap

May 11, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

No, Danish, he is opposed to the unchecked, uncontrolled domestic spying program that we currently have. Not that I really care what Gingrich thinks, but it’s just adorable to see even him disagreeing with Shrub.

By GaDemLib

May 11, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this

Yeah @@, your repubs have done a great job this time around. How could it possibly get any better? It’s the policies, right? “Right” has become an oxymoron because they can’t do anything that way. Can this administration make one move, just one, without something blowing up in their face? Bush names the NSA chief to head the CIA and this news comes out today, when your man’s already at 31%? You need to spend some time with someone who does not have mental deficiencies. Between your students and chatting with Andy, you’ve lost all sense of reason. I guess none of them can tell, but the rest of us can.

By Joe Roman

May 11, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

By the way, another phony post at 7:43. Pathetic. Really pathetic.

By finch

May 11, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

Joe Roman,

There’s no way your jacker could be mistaken for you. Don’t sweat it, friend. They just make themselves look foolish.

rushncap,

Sign me up with both you and Joe (and Midori and RE!). It’s almost painful watching Republicans pull on rubber gloves and grab long sticks when they talk about Bush policies. More rats deserting the sinking SS GWB.

And as for Mike’s decision to make Bush’s ears even bigger?? Wonderful political satire, which like all political satire is based on an ugly truth…. in this case, little pitchers do have big ears!

By One of the Majority's Voices of Dissent

May 11, 2006 10:59 PM | Link to this

The republicans in congress are now sh!tting a brick. Some of them are still towing the party line, but they know they’re out in November. The vast majority of the country is now opposed to the Bush administration, and now we find out that congress (the republican-controlled congress) was not doing their job by protecting the constitution and really knew nothing about this latest NSA fiasco. Now they’re scurrying around like cockroaches, each one trying to figure out how to cover his own as$, but each with a different story. We now find out Bush didn’t lie about everything- he is actually a uniter; he has united 70% of the country and 90% of the world against him. The Dems are not promising impeachment after November, just investigations, but when more corruption surfaces at that tme, and I suspect there’s much more, Bush is gone by 2007.

By Clem

May 11, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Since the 7:43 sounds exactly like everything else Joe Roman spews I guess pathetic is a good description.

By finch

May 11, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

How low can you go? The newest Wall Street Journal poll shows President Bush’s base is going.. going….

“President Bush’s job-approval rating has fallen to its lowest mark of his presidency, according to a new Harris Interactive poll. Of 1,003 U.S. adults surveyed in a telephone poll, 29% think Mr. Bush is doing an “excellent or pretty good” job as president, down from 35% in April and significantly lower than 43% in January.”

The usual gang of wingnuts was here yesterday denouncing the latest CBS poll as biased, tainted by liberal traitors, etc., etc., blah blah…

This WSJ poll gives Bush even lousier numbers.

I can’t wait to hear the excuses!!

Footnote: seeker… great stuff on how patriotic and law-abiding the NSA is. Not.

By rushncap

May 11, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Well, Bush is almost at record lows. Of the last few 2nd-term Presidents there is only one to have lower approval ratings. Who might that man be? Why good old Tricky Dick Richard Nixon himself. Bush is viewed favorably by 5% more voters than Nixon was at his lowest. Frankly, I like where this is going…

By 22nd Amendment

May 11, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

Section 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.

Sometimes known as the “who gives a rats a-ss about Bush’s poll numbers” amendment.

By RE

May 11, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

Wow, 29%. I don’t know why but it seems different under 30%. I know GWB is not running for reelection, but now the country has a man in office who does not really carry much weight in his own country. It makes him a weak president to the rest of the world. IT is getting dangerous having him around.

By rushncap

May 11, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

Well, 22nd, apparently a LOT of Republicans who are running for re-election this November do. Also, a lot of Democrats in Congress, who fell more emboldened about conducting investigations of the Prez, and feel freer to oppose his policies do. Back when Shrubby was riding high on a wave of fear, ignorance and desperation, it was all hunky-dory. He could propose a “mandatory anal rape of liberals” legislation, and it would pass, with those very same “liberal Democrats” in Congress griping about it and voting for it. Now that pretty much the whole country hates him, there is a lot more political advantage to be had from standing up to Shrubby.

This is known as “lame-duck won’t get $hit done for the next 3 years and will be lucky to avoid impeachment” corrolary to the aforementioned amendment.

By 22nd Amendment

May 12, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

I’ve double checked and found nary a corollary. Just think…with poll numbers this low for Bush, Republican candidates can feel free to get tough on immigration and spending and blow Democrats out next election. Being an amendment I have no dog in this fight, but I do remember a saying. “Be careful what you wish for”

By rushncap

May 12, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm, I thought you conservatives were anti-drug. Then what the heck are you smoking? And why?

Republicans are trying to avoid being swept out of the majority. I think “blowing Democrats out next election” is about as realistic as “free gas for all”.

By WashingtonState

May 12, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this

@@,

It is always better to be honest. To tell the truth, after 8 years of Bush, I doubt I will ever vote for anyone but a Democrat. What is hard for me to fathom is all the republican rats leaving the sinking ship in congress. Now the mob has truly turned. I do think you need to change your nick though. You can’t be “objective” and admit you would never vote for a Democratic president. What would you do if a true leader like Powell were to run as a Democrat? As for liberal policies, you would not have the job you have or the life you live without them. At the turn of the century, children and women were considered the property of their husbands. Child abuse was not even a crime. Sweat shops operated on child labor all over the country. The work week was 7 days and there was no such thing as the 40 hour work week. The liberal movement is responsible for most of the social progress we have made in the last century. Liberals are far from perfect, but the conservative alternative of returning to those days is unthinkable.

By WashingtonState

May 12, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this

@@,

This is a serious question for you. No tricks or politics involved. A child was born today with an always fatal chromosomal anomaly. He could live as long as 6 months or even a year in a hospital with tubes in every orifice. His parents want to take him home and care for him there. He will not live very long, but his life will be full of love instead of pain. Would you support those parents in that decision? Dusty and Buy Danish, I would welcome your input too.

By Real Clem

May 12, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this

Some Republiscum clown has done stole my name on this blog. A curse upon you, weird one!!

Joe Roman: I believe everything you said about yourself to be true. Matter of fact I know it’s true. Got yourself a fan here. Keep it up - I just don’t have much time my own self to mud-wrestle in the sewer w these rightwing halfwits.

By AntiRadical

May 12, 2006 04:25 AM | Link to this

Good toon ML. This NSA stuff is completely over the line. This has to be a new ear size record for a toon.

I was taught rules of “fair fighting” as a child. My Grandfather said “You don’t hit below the belt, kick a man when he’s down, etc”. Gramps was especially clear that even if the other guy was wrong and did those things, I should never reduce myself to their level but should continue to fight fair. It’s the thing that would make me better than those without honor.

The current administration would give Gramps the “red-ass”, as he used to say. They have no concept of fair-fighting or the integrity and honor that accompanies it. They think that if someone else fights dirty (terrorists) that it is ok to discard our personal freedoms, dignity, and our custodial duty of preserving the freedoms we enjoy for our suceeding generations, in order to more efficiently catch a few cowardly nut cases.

America should never reduce itself to the level of key-hole peepers or engage in domestic spying. Trading efficiency in intelligence gathering for our and our descendents right to privacy is a very poor trade indeed. Freedom is not protected by giving it away.

By Stupid Liberal Full Of Rage

May 12, 2006 04:40 AM | Link to this

By WashingtonState May 12, 2006 01:06 AM It is always better to be honest

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance May 11, 2006 06:45 PM I am Andy. As you can see by the pile of scandals and failures of this administration, president Bush could be found on crack molesting children with dead hookers in the closet and I would still support him, you piece of sh-it liberal pinkos. That is what’s known as patriotism in my book. Stand behind your man, even if he is standing behind a bent over male prostitute with white powder under his nose. Why do you hate America, you dumba-ss liberals?

What does a liberal know about honesty?

By Wanker Liberal Obsessed With Andy

May 12, 2006 04:55 AM | Link to this

Well, I’m off to mow all my yards this morning, you can bet your as-s though I’ll be foaming with rage just thinking about Andy all day. When I woke up this morning it was Andy on my mind, it got me good and angry. I ate breakfast and saw Andy in my bowl of baby food. I will push the lawn mower all day, muttering to myself about Andy, foaming with rage.

I can’t wait to get back to my audience of Andy obsessed halfwits. I love to be cheered on by these mental basket cases, getalife, Midori, I live for their approval. It’s what I have to look forward to in life.

So let me get back to pushing this lawn mower and my foamy hatefilled raging eye popping vein bulging obsession with Andy.

By Stupid Obsessed Liberal Full Of Rage

May 12, 2006 05:01 AM | Link to this

The writer also suggests that the Zarqawi terror network is hardly a match for coalition forces or the Iraqi police and military. So, rather than taking on armies, it has been reduced to finding the softest possible targets, and that this is costing them Muslim popular support: “The only power the mujahidin have is what they have already demonstrated in hunting down drifted patrols and taking sniper shots at those patrol members who stray far from their patrols, or planting booby traps among the citizens and hiding among them in the hope that the explosions will injure an American or members of the government. In other words, these activities could be understood as hitting the scared and hiding ones, which is an image that requires a concerted effort to change, as well as Allah’s wisdom.”

These are but a few of the problems al Qaeda in Iraq is facing. Taken together, the documents are a manifesto of despair. For example, “the Americans and the [Iraqi] government were able to absorb our painful blows, sustain them, compensate their losses with new replacements, and follow strategic plans which allowed them in the past few years to take control of Baghdad…That is why every year is worse than the previous year as far as the mujahidin’s control and influence over Baghdad.”

By Stupid Obsessed Liberal Full Of Rage

May 12, 2006 05:07 AM | Link to this

This could be the year that black voters finally send a strong, concerted message to Democrats: Stop taking the black vote for granted.

Lynn Swann wants to be the governor of my birth state, Pennsylvania. Michael Steele, who broke Maryland’s lieutenant governor barrier, is comfortably poised in the Senate race. In Ohio, conservatives have invested high hopes in Ken Blackwell becoming governor. Republican Michiganders have cast their sights on former local lawmaker Keith Butler, a pastor whose congregation numbers about 21,000.

By Stupid Obsessed Liberal Full Of Rage

May 12, 2006 05:13 AM | Link to this

On the other hand, it seems that statecraft is no longer the craft of our state. After predictions of cash and gas shortages, and a couple of stories about sick Palestinian babies made the papers — youngsters languishing “because funds have been withheld from the West” (oil-rich Islam is never to blame) — the U.S. blinked. Or, rather, we teared up. Acting like an emotional individual rather than the leader of the Free World, the U.S. traded its goals and principles (pressuring Hamas, not supporting terrorists) for a big wet hanky. But notice Hamas didn’t get weepy over its own young and decide to “save the children” by simply recognizing Israel’s right to exist. Nor did any of Hamas’ oil-rich Muslim brethren feel moved to come to the rescue, either. No. Hamas remained true to its creed (Kill the Jews), the Arab-Muslim world sat tight, and the U.S. gave in on its anti-terrorist stance and agreed to airlift necessities, which is a disgrace.

By Stupid Obsessed Liberal Full Of Rage

May 12, 2006 05:28 AM | Link to this

In 1975, regarding global climate changes, Newsweek saw a day when polar bears would be snowboarding into Manhattan. “The central fact is that after three quarters of a century of extraordinarily mild conditions, the Earth’s climate seems to be cooling down,” it warned. “The present temperature decline has taken the planet about a sixth of the way toward the Ice Age average.”

Satellite photos showed “a sudden, large increase in Northern Hemisphere snow cover in the winter of 1971-72,” reported Newsweek, as well as drops in global temperatures and declines in the amount of sunshine reaching the ground in the United States.

The predicted consequence was more ice and a “drastic decline” in food output. “Meteorologists,” warned Newsweek, are “almost unanimous in the view that the trend will reduce agricultural productivity for the rest of the century.”

What’s clear from the aforementioned miscalculations is that it’s easy to introduce personal biases and fears into an analysis, and, more importantly, easy to underestimate the entrepreneurial and inventive spirit of human beings when it comes to problem solving.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 12, 2006 06:09 AM | Link to this

Another clear cut instance that the Atlanta Urinal knows that it’s liberal readership is comprised of nothing but beady eyed mouth breathing morons:

Big Brother run amok! David McNaughton!! - Staff!!! Friday, May 12, 2006!!!!

But sadly, if a report in Thursday’s USA Today is accurate, the NSA regularly combs through the calling records of millions of ordinary Americans with the help of Atlanta’s own BellSouth, as well as AT&T and Verizon. The newspaper reported the NSA tracks and records who calls whom —- but doesn’t listen to what is said —- as part of its effort to thwart terrorism.

Either that or they fell for a fake USA Today story.

By seeker

May 12, 2006 06:16 AM | Link to this

A story that reflects George’s 29%.

WASHINGTON — Rep. John Murtha, a Vietnam veteran first elected in the anti-war fever of 1974, says American troops will be brought home from Iraq by 2007.

Either President Bush will bow to public opinion or Democrats will have won control of the House of Representatives and increased pressure on the White House, Murtha, D-Pa., said in an Associated Press interview Thursday.

Better late than never.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 12, 2006 06:19 AM | Link to this

Another vindictive liberal witch hunt, electing these a-ssholes to office would bring back burning at the stake and public floggings…. for Republicans:

A grand jury indicted Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher on misdemeanor charges Thursday, accusing him of illegally rewarding political supporters with state jobs since taking office two years ago. Fletcher, a Republican, was charged with conspiracy, official misconduct and violating a prohibition against political discrimination. For nearly a year, the special grand jury has been investigating whether the Fletcher administration broke state law by basing personnel decisions on political considerations.

We’re going to make political hiring a crime now? Are you freaking kidding me? You mean like a president clearing the vice president’s office out to make room for his “wife?”

You liberals are a dam-n trip.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 12, 2006 06:21 AM | Link to this

I like little boys, are there any little boys here?

By candide

May 12, 2006 06:26 AM | Link to this

Possibly even worse than governmental snooping is Bush’s practice of signing statements after legislation is passed in Congress. With this he in effect vetoes out portions he doesn’t like and the Congress has no recourse, as it would in a regular veto procedure. Bush is trying to be a dictator. Cheney and he made it their program to re-create the imperial presidency which fell with Richard Nixon.

We must vigilantly oppose him at every turn. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. Bush is as Mussolini waiting in the wings.

And Mussolini had better taste in women and food.

By seeker

May 12, 2006 06:26 AM | Link to this

As part of it’s secret policy to help Al Qaeda recruit new terrorists, the Bush administration continues to treat “suspected terrorists” like victims of a despot, hiding them in gulags after their illegal kidnappings and “extreme renditions”, even though there is no evidence connecting these “suspected terrorists” to actual terror. Or even anti-American thoughts.

GENEVA (AP) - The head of the international Red Cross on Friday deplored the Bush administration’s refusal to allow its delegates to visit detainees in secret detention.

In an unusually strongly worded statement, the neutral agency known for its discretion expressed disappointment that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and other officials refused to yield to its demand.

“No matter how legitimate the grounds for detention, there exists no right to conceal a person’s whereabouts or to deny that he or she is being detained,” said Jakob Kellenberger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, following a series of top-level meetings in Washington.

Relatives of those believed to be detained (no one’s sure, since the US isn’t giving out names) are beseiging Al Qaeda substations, voluteering for jobs including guerilla fighter, sharapshooter, airline pilot and suicide bomber. Many are showing off brand new “Death to USA” tattoos.

Osama sit backs, looks at his new crop of cannon fodder…

And smiles.

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance

May 12, 2006 06:28 AM | Link to this

This isn’t too obsessive:

By seeker May 11, 2006 09:59 PM Before I go lights out, resting for another morning of parrying Hater

This wanker patterns it’s whole life around what I’m doing. You want to talk about mental illnesses.

What a loser.

By Stupid Obsessed Liberal Full Of Rage

May 12, 2006 06:30 AM | Link to this

Look at what the AJC allows to be posted:

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance May 12, 2006 06:21 AM I like little boys, are there any little boys here?

This is what they are all about.

This is your AJC.

By Look At What Liberals Post

May 12, 2006 06:41 AM | Link to this

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance May 12, 2006 06:21 AM- I like little boys, are there any little boys here?

By Mike Luckovich Approves Of This

May 12, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance May 12, 2006 06:21 I like little boys, are there any little boys here?

By @@

May 12, 2006 07:31 AM | Link to this

WashingtonState:

Please look above at the 10:46 post from GaDemLib. Read it. If that’s the mentality that votes for Democrats, I think I’ll pass. It’s unfortunate that there are not more people like yourself, RE, AntiR, Dr.R (who stopped posting here unfortunately), who come with an open mind and substance in their discussion. As society’s needs have progressed, I think both parties had no choice but to progress with it in their policies. They have, taken different approaches.

Republicans didn’t stand in the way of the advancement of women, minorities, laws that protected children from abuse. The “true” Democratic party may have implemented change, but Republicans have supported that change. Some of the Democrats progressive policies have proven to be quite detrimental to society in that they were short-sighted. Illegal immigration is one of them. Don’t get me wrong. I have great respect for latino people. I grew up with them in California. It was a great melting pot and it was good. But again, the inherent nature of man was discounted when that decision to eliminate the immigrant quota was made by Ted Kennedy and we now have a tremendous financial burden that threatens all legalized citizens who are truly in need of assistance.

The Democrats never put people like Colin Powell up for election. The candidates are always “extreme left”. The pendulum has swung. Center is the desired position. Our present situation has made that clear. I don’t believe that President Bush is an evil man. I believe he is a president who came with good intentions and innovative ideas. He’s been faced with more catastrophic challenges than any other recent president. I see bi-partisan politics in play here. Most of the Democratic leadership want to destroy the Republican party to make way for their own success in upcoming elections. The Republicans are looking to save themselves in the upcoming elections. I hate the motives behind politics.

When speaking in derogatory terms about the Democratic Party, I always say “extreme left”. The true Democrat has not adopted the “extreme left” philosophy but I haven’t seen them speaking out. If they’re in the party, why don’t they use them to get their message out. They use the Pelosis, Kennedys and Kerrys.

I do believe that national security right now is essential and will be for a long time. I’ve always gravitated to the underdog WashingtonState. It’s what determined my choice in professions. I’m sorry to disappoint you in my decision.

Yes, take the baby home and love it. I had mixed emotions about Schiavo though since we’re being honest. But there was no malice behind them. Only compassion.

By seeker

May 12, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this

Dear Hater (or is it Stupid?)

This wanker patterns it’s whole life around what I’m doing. You want to talk about mental illnesses.

You flatter yourself. I spend an hour a day here, max.. which is probably too much.

You, on the other hand, post constantly between 5am and 8pm. Your posts certainly score on quantity, although fall woefully short on quality.

What a loser.

Yes indeed. You’re SUCH a loser.

By Goldie

May 12, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Great cartoon, Lucko! And all this time I thought that W’s head was just shrinking to adjust around his petite little brain— but no, it’s the ears!

By finch

May 12, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

@@,

You make some good points. Just as some see the “extreme” right commandeering the GOP, I lose sleep over the “extreme left” hijacking the Democrats. I may accuse President Bush of being not too bright and easily manipulated by his aides, but he’s not a fundamentally bad man. And as I’ve said here before, I’m no fan of Hillary or Teddy, although I’ll cut Pelosi some slack.

Too many “leaders” of both parties are grandstanders and opportunists. Too many of their supporters are inflexible and negative.

I’m not always a paragon of moderation. I know that. I won’t deny my anger over US Iraq policy. But Bush the man isn’t the real villain there, IMO. Gullibility isn’t inherently evil. The US intelligence community, a bipartisan bunch of hacks for sure, gets most of my bile.

Thanks for being reasonable. For a Republican, you’re a pretty fair person! :)

By Joe Roman

May 12, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

DOES ANYBODY AT THE JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION MONITOR THIS SITE?! Whoever posted that monstrosity “dialogue” should be banned. I don’t care what their opinion might be. Who could tell? NO ONE could possibly be that interested in such a long posting. It also gums up the computers of others. **PLEASE, JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SO IT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN.

By getalife

May 12, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

Andy,

I think should should call a doctor and let him evaluate your mental health.

Seriously, seek help.

By gadem

May 12, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

Who cut and pasted that long dialogue?

By Jesus

May 12, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

IMPEACH BUSH NOW!!!

By Cindy

May 12, 2006 08:59 AM | Link to this

Mike,

I not only like it; I love it!!! One of your best!

By gadem

May 12, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Cutting and pasting all of this dialogue is just a-s-s-anine and childish. I have an idea of who it might be doing it, but I will not call out any names. Just shut the blog down and revamp it to monitor the riff-raff…

By Eric

May 12, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Seems like people want God out of the Pledge of Allegience…. might as well take out ‘With Libery’ too

By Eric

May 12, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

Seems like people want God out of the Pledge of Allegience…. might as well take out ‘With Libery’ too

By getalife

May 12, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

The terrorists hate us for our freedom.

I guess this is our governments way of letting them win or cut and run if you will.

One attack and they fold.

Cowards.

By getalife

May 12, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

I see Andy is enjoying his freedom on this blog.

Too bad the GOP wants to take it away and let the terrorists win with only one attack.

I think Joe Roman’s comment about OBL not having to do anything else is correct.

By Brian Curtis

May 12, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Whole lotta spamming going on… I guess someone realized they were losing the argument and resorted to childishness. (Unprecedented, I know!)

Great cartoon. It seems that Traitor Bush has been caught in yet another lie, and yet another crime. And I’ll bet there are still people deranged enough to keep defending him and his “I am above the law!” creed… or is that screed?

By Midori

May 12, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Getalife,

that’s free-DUMB :)

Great toon, once again Mike.

These posts are way too intense and confusing for me today. I’m scratching my head, wondering what Andy’s point is????

Where is Schoop, ready to accuse me of this nonsense yet once again?

By JP

May 12, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

George Bush is snooping around trying to find all that “political capital” he seems to have lost. Hahahaha!

By getalife

May 12, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Midori,

Thanks.

It is Andy, he goes off the deep end every now and then.

By Clem

May 12, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

How obvious does it have to be before you fool liberals figure this out? Seeker starts with some identity theft and moves up to pasting in whole Dailykos rants. Andy retaliates by pointing out the name theft and then pasting articles instead of links.

It’s childish on both parts, but always started by the idiot libs that can’t win an argument and only want to shut down the board.

By Liberal Texas Democrat

May 12, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Quoting The Wall Street Journal, so you know it ain’t from a bunch of libs

“President Bush’s job-approval rating has fallen to its lowest mark of his presidency, according to a new Harris Interactive poll. Of 1,003 U.S. adults surveyed in a telephone poll, 29% think Mr. Bush is doing an “excellent or pretty good” job as president, down from 35% in April and significantly lower than 43% in January. Approval ratings for Congress overall also sank, and now stand at 18%.”

I wonder if the rabbit ears pick up on poll numbers. Poll numbers, shmoll numbers we got carriers headed for the gulf region, I know how to deal with poll numbers.

By RE

May 12, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

Does this classify as Andy throwing a Tantrum? I Imagine a 5 year old stamping his feet because he got his feeling hurt.

By the management

May 12, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

From the management:

PLEASE do not post articles or blogs from other publications or websites. That violates copyright laws. Instead, you are welcome to post a link to an article or other site.

Remember, when you registered for ajc.com, you agreed to certain rules. Go back and read those rules if you’ve forgotten.

We like that people want to participate and try not to interfere. But today, we had to remove a number of comments.

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

The Mother of All Connections From the July 18, 2005 issue: A special report on the new evidence of collaboration between Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and al Qaeda. by Stephen F. Hayes & Thomas Joscelyn 07/18/2005, Volume 010, Issue 41

“In August 1998, the detainee traveled to Pakistan with a member of Iraqi Intelligence for the purpose of blowing up the Pakistan, United States and British embassies with chemical mortars.”

U.S. government “Summary of Evidence” for an Iraqi member of al Qaeda detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

FOR MANY, the debate over the former Iraqi regime’s ties to Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda network ended a year ago with the release of the 9/11 Commission report. Media outlets seized on a carefully worded summary that the commission had found no evidence “indicating that Iraq cooperated with al Qaeda in developing or carrying out any attacks against the United States” and ran blaring headlines like the one on the June 17, 2004, front page of the New York Times: “Panel Finds No Qaeda-Iraq Tie.”

But this was woefully imprecise. It assumed, not unreasonably, that the 9/11 Commission’s conclusion was based on a firm foundation of intelligence reporting, that the intelligence community had the type of human intelligence and other reporting that would allow senior-level analysts to draw reasonable conclusions. We know now that was not the case.

John Lehman, a 9/11 commissioner, spoke to The Weekly Standard at the time the report was released. “There may well be—and probably will be—additional intelligence coming in from interrogations and from analysis of captured records and so forth which will fill out the intelligence picture. This is not phrased as—nor meant to be—the definitive word on Iraqi Intelligence activities.”

Lehman’s caution was prescient. A year later, we still cannot begin
to offer a “definitive” picture of the relationships entered into by Saddam Hussein’s operatives, but much more has already been learned from documents uncovered after the Iraq war. The evidence we present below, compiled from revelations in recent months, suggests an acute case of denial on the part of those who dismiss the Iraq-al Qaeda relationship.

There could hardly be a clearer case—of the ongoing revelations and the ongoing denial—than in the 13 points below, reproduced verbatim from a “Summary of Evidence” prepared by the U.S. government in November 2004. This unclassified document was released by the Pentagon in late March 2005. It details the case for designating an Iraqi member of al Qaeda, currently detained in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as an “enemy combatant.”

CONTINUED

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

The Mother of All Connections From the July 18, 2005 issue: A special report on the new evidence of collaboration between Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and al Qaeda. by Stephen F. Hayes & Thomas Joscelyn 07/18/2005, Volume 010, Issue 41

Increase Font Size | Printer-Friendly | Email a Friend | Respond to this article

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Interesting. What’s more interesting: The alleged plot was to have taken place in August 1998, the same month that al Qaeda attacked two U.S. embassies in East Africa. And more interesting still: It was to have taken place in the same month that the Clinton administration publicly accused Iraq of supplying al Qaeda with chemical weapons expertise and material.

But none of this was interesting enough for any of the major television networks to cover it. Nor was it deemed sufficiently newsworthy to merit a mention in either the Washington Post or the New York Times.

The Associated Press, on the other hand, probably felt obliged to run a story, since the “Summary of Evidence” was released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by the AP itself. But after briefly describing the documents, the AP article downplayed its own scoop with a sentence almost as amusing as it is inane: “There is no indication the Iraqi’s alleged terror-related activities were on behalf of Saddam Hussein’s government, other than the brief mention of him traveling to Pakistan with a member of Iraqi intelligence.” That sentence minimizing the importance of the findings was enough, apparently, to convince most newspaper editors around the country not to run the AP story.

It’s possible, of course, that the evidence presented by military prosecutors is exaggerated, maybe even wrong. The evidence required to designate a detainee an “enemy combatant” is lower than the “reasonable doubt” standard of U.S. criminal prosecutions. So there is much we don’t know.

Indeed,
more than two years after the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein was ousted, there is much we do not know about the relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda. We do know, however, that there was one. We know about this relationship not from Bush administration assertions but from internal Iraqi Intelligence Service (IIS) documents recovered in Iraq after the war—documents that have been authenticated by a U.S. intelligence community long hostile to the very idea that any such relationship exists.

We know from these IIS documents that beginning in 1992 the former Iraqi regime regarded bin Laden as an Iraqi Intelligence asset. We know from IIS documents that the former Iraqi regime provided safe haven and financial support to an Iraqi who has admitted to mixing the chemicals for the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center. We know from IIS documents that Saddam Hussein agreed to Osama bin Laden’s request to broadcast anti-Saudi propaganda on Iraqi state-run television. We know from IIS documents that a “trusted confidante” of bin Laden stayed for more than two weeks at a posh Baghdad hotel as the guest of the Iraqi Intelligence Service.

We have been told by Hudayfa Azzam, the son of bin Laden’s longtime mentor Abdullah Azzam, that Saddam Hussein welcomed young al Qaeda members “with open arms” before the war, that they “entered Iraq in large numbers, setting up an organization to confront the occupation,” and that the regime “strictly and directly” controlled their activities. We have been told by Jordan’s King Abdullah that his government knew Abu Musab al Zarqawi was in Iraq before the war and requested that the former Iraqi regime deport him. We have been told by Time magazine that confidential documents from Zarqawi’s group, recovered in recent raids, indicate other jihadists had joined him in Baghdad before the Hussein regime fell. We have been told by one of those jihadists that he was with Zarqawi in Baghdad before the war. We have been told by Ayad Allawi, former Iraqi prime minister and a longtime CIA source, that other Iraqi Intelligence documents indicate bin Laden’s top deputy was in Iraq for a jihadist conference in September 1999.

All of this is new—information obtained since the fall of the Hussein regime. And yet critics of the Iraq war and many in the media refuse to see it. Just two weeks ago, President Bush gave a prime-time speech on Iraq. Among his key points: Iraq is a central front in the global war on terror that began on September 11. Bush spoke in very general terms. He did not mention any of this new information on Iraqi support for terrorism to make his case. That didn’t matter to many journalists and critics of the war.

CNN anchor Carol Costello claimed “there is no evidence that Saddam Hussein was connected in any way to al Qaeda.” The charitable explanation is ignorance. Jay Rockefeller, the West Virginia Democrat who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, knows better. Before the war he pointed to Zarqawi’s presence in Iraq as a “substantial connection between Iraq and al Qaeda.” And yet he, too, now insists that Saddam Hussein’s regime “had nothing to do with Osama bin Laden, it had nothing to do with al Qaeda.”

Such comments reveal far more about politics in America than they do about the Iraq-al Qaeda relationship.

“Despite four decades of intelligence reporting on Iraq, there was little useful intelligence collected that helped analysts determine the Iraqi regime’s possible links to al Qaeda.”

Senate Intelligence Committee report, July 7, 2004

UNTIL SHORTLY BEFORE THE IRAQ WAR, the consensus view within the U.S. intelligence community was simple: Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden were natural enemies who, despite their common interests, would not work together. Daniel Benjamin, a senior counterterrorism official in the Clinton administration, summarized this view in a New York Times op-ed on September 30, 2002. He wrote: “Saddam Hussein has long recognized that al Qaeda and like-minded Islamists represent a threat to his regime. Consequently, he has shown no interest in working with them against their common enemy, the United States. This was the understanding of American intelligence in the 1990s.”

Benjamin later elaborated in an interview with Mother Jones. “In 1998, we went through every piece of intelligence we could find to see if there was a link [between] al Qaeda and Iraq. We came to the conclusion that our intelligence agencies had it right: There was no noteworthy relationship between al Qaeda and Iraq. I know that for a fact.”

Judith Yaphe, a longtime CIA analyst on the Middle East and Iraq, was only slightly less categorical in testimony before the House Armed Service Committee on April 21, 2004. “I know that there’s a small number of people who say that Saddam was working cooperatively with al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden. I do not believe that. I know the intelligence is not there.”

Yaphe was right about one thing: The intelligence was not there. The CIA’s collection against the Iraqi target was abysmal. According to former CIA director George Tenet, the U.S. intelligence community never penetrated the senior ranks of the former Iraqi regime. Bob Woodward of the Washington Post explored this subject in his book on the Iraq war, Plan of Attack. Woodward interviewed “Saul,” the chief of the Iraqi Operations Group, at the CIA.

Saul was discovering that the CIA reporting sources inside Iraq were pretty thin. What was thin? “I can count them on one hand,” Saul said, pausing for effect, “and I can still pick my nose.” There were four. And those sources were in Iraqi ministries such as foreign affairs and oil that were on the periphery of any penetration of Saddam’s inner circle.

Woodward reports that the Iraqi Operations Group was known inside the CIA’s Near East Division as “The House of Broken Toys.” “It was largely populated with new, green [Directorate of Operations] officers and problem officers, or old boys waiting for retirement… . Past operations read almost like a handbook for failed and stupid covert action. It was a catalogue of doomed work—too little, too late, too seat-of-the-pants, too little planning, too little realism. The comic mixed with the frightening.”

The Senate Select Intelligence Committee did not find it so amusing. The committee’s bipartisan report was released last summer. Most of the attention at the time focused on the report’s assessment of flaws in intelligence on Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction programs. The lengthy section on “Iraq’s Links to Terrorism” received considerably less attention. What emerges in the 66 pages of the report is a picture of an intelligence community with a woefully inadequate collection capability on the Iraqi target. In some ways more disturbing, though, was the lack of interest. In a stunning moment of candor, an “IC analyst” provided this characterization of the collection effort on Iraq: “I don’t think we were really focused on the CT [counterterrorism] side, because we weren’t concerned about the IIS [Iraqi Intelligence Service] going out and proactively conducting terrorist attacks. It wasn’t until we realized that there was the possibility of going to war that we had to get a handle on that.”

So on the one hand we know that there was virtually no human intelligence on Iraq and terrorism. Yet the intelligence community, if this analyst is to be believed, was so confident in its assessment that Iraqi Intelligence was not in the terrorism business that collecting on that target was tantamount to cramming for a test.

The Senate report’s conclusions were devastating:

Despite four decades of intelligence reporting on Iraq, there was little useful intelligence collected that helped analysts determine the Iraqi regime’s possible links to al Qaeda… . The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) did not have a focused human intelligence (HUMINT) collection strategy targeting Iraq’s links to terrorism until 2002. The CIA had no [redacted] sources on the ground in Iraq reporting specifically on terrorism.

It was not just reporting on Iraq that was inadequate. “The CIA had no [redacted] credible reporting on the leadership of either the Iraqi regime or al Qaeda, which would have enabled it to better define a cooperative relationship, if any did in fact exist.”

This left policymakers in a bind. There was reporting on the relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda, but much of it was secondhand. This reporting was supplemented by widespread coverage of the Iraq-al Qaeda connection in “open sources,” including the amnesiac American press. And contrary to the assessments coming from many analysts in the intelligence community, much of this reporting seemed to indicate a significant relationship.

The difference between most intelligence community analysts and Bush administration policymakers can be found in how they interpret the gaps. The analysts seemed to assume, despite the history of poor collection, that the many Iraq-al Qaeda contacts reported in intelligence products and open sources were anomalous. To them, the gaps in reporting simply reflected a lack of activity. Policymakers (and a small number of analysts) took a different view. The gaps in reporting on Iraq and al Qaeda were just that: gaps in reporting. To this group, the many reports of contacts, training, and offers of safe haven were indicative of a relationship that ran much deeper.

After September 11, the mere existence of a long relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda had to be considered an urgent threat.

“Attack them our beloved people. You are the glory of our nation. Attack them… . The Mother of all Battles is not the past.”

Saddam Hussein, January 17, 1993

THE U.S. INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY was apparently not much concerned by Iraqi support for terrorism in the 13 years between the Gulf war and the Iraq war. To students of Iraq-U.S. relations that might seem bizarre. Saddam Hussein had used such asymmetric warfare for decades, against enemies foreign and domestic, real and imagined. What’s more, he had demonstrated his willingness to use terrorism and terrorist surrogates against his enemies when confronted by superior conventional military forces during the Gulf war. By some accounts, more than 1,400 terrorists made their way to Baghdad in the final months of 1990 as he prepared to face the coalition assembled by the United States to oust him from Kuwait. He dispatched others to attack U.S. interests around the world. On January 18, 1991, one day after the Gulf war began, an Iraqi terrorist posing as a day laborer managed to plant 26 sticks of TNT in a flower box below a window of the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Jakarta, Indonesia. The dynamite wasn’t completely buried, and a gardener found it before the bomb exploded. The following day in the Philippines, two Iraqis blew themselves up in a plot known to CIA veterans as Operation Dogmeat, a botched attempt to bomb the U.S. Information Service headquarters at the Thomas Jefferson Cultural Center in Manila. The failed attack on the U.S. government-run center received the active support of the Iraqi ambassador to the Philippines.

Saddam Hussein openly encouraged these attacks. “It remains for us to tell all Arabs, all militant believers … wherever they may be that it is your duty to embark on holy war. You should target their interests wherever they may be,” he said on January 20, 1991.

Iraq’s use of terrorism was so widespread, in fact, that it became an issue in the 1992 presidential campaign, when Al Gore accused the first Bush administration of a “blatant disregard for brutal terrorism” practiced by Hussein and ignoring Iraq’s “extensive terrorism activities.”

Many Islamic radicals voiced opposition to Saddam Hussein after he invaded Kuwait. Sudan’s Hasan al-Turabi was not one of them. Turabi’s willingness to back Hussein gave the Iraqi dictator the Islamist street credibility he would exploit for years to come. In the debate over the former Iraqi regime’s relationship with al Qaeda, it is often said that Saddam’s secular Baathist regime could never work with Osama bin Laden’s radical Islamist organization. It is a curious argument since Turabi, one of Saddam’s staunchest allies, also happened to be one of the most influential Islamists of the past two decades. One of the principal architects of Sudan’s Islamist revolution in 1989, Turabi was also the longtime mentor, friend, and host of Osama bin Laden during his stay in Sudan from 1992 until 1996.

Immediately after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, bin Laden approached the Saudi regime and offered to lead Muslim forces in driving Saddam out of Kuwait. Many who downplay the relationship between the former Iraqi regime and al Qaeda point to this as an example of the hostility between Hussein and bin Laden. But Osama’s spurned offer is only part of the story. While bin Laden’s first instinct may have been to oppose the secular tyrant, his soon-to-be host in Sudan did not share these sentiments. According to an interview at the time with Turabi’s cousin, Mudawi Turabi, the Sudanese leader met twice with Saddam Hussein before the Gulf war and “had appeared to be designing his own Islamic empire even then.”

In October 1990, Turabi led a delegation of Islamists to Jordan to meet with Iraqi government officials. Bin Laden sent emissaries to this meeting as well. While it is not clear what bin Laden’s emissaries or bin Laden himself thought of the meeting, it is clear that Turabi threw his full support behind Saddam. In a press conference after the meeting, Turabi warned “there is going to be all forms of jihad all over the world because it is an issue of foreign troops on sacred soil.”

Turabi continued in his self-designated role as pan-Islamic leader by convening terrorist confabs in Khartoum known euphemistically as the Popular Arab Islamic Conference. Encouraged by Turabi, Saddam began hosting his own Popular Islamic Conference in Baghdad. The conferences shared a central purpose: to bring together Islamic and secular radicals from around the world to oppose U.S. involvement in the Gulf war and the continued presence of American troops on Saudi soil.

The Baghdad conferences, which were held annually until the regime fell, were filled with the rhetoric of jihad. A statement issued at the closing ceremony of the 1992 conference was a call to arms. The 500 Islamists in attendance affirmed “that maintaining and defending the unity of Iraq’s land, people and sovereignty is an Islamic duty that must be performed because Iraq is the fortress of Islamic jihad targeted by the atheist forces.” The statement called on Islamic groups “to meet and discuss the establishment [of] a free world front to confront the U.S. hegemony and its new world order.”

Newsweek reporter Christopher Dickey attended a Popular Islamic Conference at Baghdad’s al Rashid Hotel and later recalled: “If that was not a fledgling al Qaeda at the Rashid convention, it sure was Saddam’s version of it.”

We do not yet know how many future al Qaeda leaders attended the conferences. (We do know that the conferences were carried on Iraqi state-run television and that the attendees signed the closing statements. A comparison of those lists with known al Qaeda terrorists would be an interesting and potentially productive undertaking, as would a careful review of any photographic evidence from the session.) By this time, however, it appears that Hussein had already forged relationships with the two men who would later lead al Qaeda.

An internal Iraqi Intelligence memo dated March 28, 1992, lists individuals Hussein’s regime considered assets of the Iraqi Intelligence Service. Osama bin Laden is listed on page 14. The Iraqis describe him as a Saudi businessman who “is in good relationship with our section in Syria.”

At the same time, the Iraqis were cultivating a relationship with Ayman al Zawahiri, the leader of Egyptian Islamic Jihad and the current top deputy to bin Laden. According to Qassem Hussein Mohammed, a 20-year veteran of Iraqi Intelligence, Zawahiri visited Baghdad in 1992 for a meeting with Hussein. In a 2002 interview with the New Yorker’s Jeffrey Goldberg from a Kurdish prison in northeastern Iraq, the IIS veteran described his duties as a bodyguard for Zawahiri during his visit. This was not Zawahiri’s only meeting with top Iraqi officials. According to a May 2003 debriefing of a senior Iraqi Intelligence official, Zawahiri met with Iraqi Intelligence officials in Sudan several times from 1992 to 1995. A foreign intelligence service has corroborated that report, adding that at one of those meetings Zawahiri received blank Yemeni passports from an Iraqi Intelligence official.

In 1993, at Turabi’s urging, bin Laden came to an “understanding” with Saddam Hussein that the al Qaeda leader and his followers would not engage in any anti-Hussein activities. The Clinton administration later included this development in its sealed indictment of bin Laden in 1998. According to the indictment: “Al Qaeda reached an understanding with the government of Iraq that al Qaeda would not work against that government and that on particular projects, specifically including weapons development, al Qaeda would work cooperatively with the Government of Iraq.”

“Abdul Rahman Yasin, a fugitive of the [1993 World Trade Center] attack, is of Iraqi descent, and in 1993, he fled to Iraq with Iraqi assistance.”

Senate Intelligence Committee report

ON FEBRUARY 26, 1993, a powerful bomb exploded in the garage of the World Trade Center in New York City. The attack killed six and injured more than 1,000. It could have been much worse. The bombers hoped to topple one tower into the other. The men responsible for the attack aimed to kill tens of thousands of Americans.

One of those men was Abdul Rahman Yasin, an Iraqi who had come to the United States six months before the attack. In the days after the attack, Yasin was detained twice by the FBI. Although he admitted his role in the bombing and offered investigators details of the plot, he was inexplicably released. Twice. The second time the FBI even drove him home. According to the bipartisan Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report, Yasin promptly “fled to Iraq with Iraqi assistance.” His travel was arranged by the second secretary of the Iraqi embassy in Amman, Jordan. In 1994, a reporter for ABC News went to the home of Yasin’s father in Baghdad and spoke with neighbors who reported that Yasin was free to come and go as he pleased and was “working for the government.”

Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, the Iraqi regime denied any relationship with Yasin and any knowledge of his whereabouts. In an interview with PBS’s Frontline that aired on October 29, 2001, Iraq’s U.N. ambassador denied that Yasin was even in Iraq. “To my knowledge he is not, and there is not any relation with him.” Pressed, the Iraqi diplomat went further. “Absolutely. I know that there is no relation with that guy… . We have no relations with these kind of guys, with all persons who are involved in terrorism.”

Eight months later, on June 2, 2002, the Iraqi government abruptly changed its story. Tariq Aziz, for years the face of the Iraqi regime in the Western media, appeared on 60 Minutes and assured Lesley Stahl that Yasin had been imprisoned since his return to Iraq. Aziz claimed that the Iraqi regime held Yasin prisoner because they worried that the United States would blame Iraq for the attack if he was returned to America to face trial. Yasin himself appeared. He admitted to mixing the chemicals for the bomb. He showed viewers a scar on his leg that he claimed to have gotten preparing chemicals for the attack. He even apologized. Stahl did not ask about the Frontline interview or previous media reports that Yasin was living freely in Baghdad.

We now know more about Yasin’s stay in Baghdad. “We know, for example, in connection with the original World Trade Center bombing in ‘93 that one of the bombers was Iraqi, returned to Iraq after the attack of ‘93,” Vice President Dick Cheney told Tim Russert in a September 14, 2003, appearance on Meet the Press. “And we’ve learned subsequent to that, since we went into Baghdad and got into the intelligence files, that this individual probably also received financing from the Iraqi government as well as safe haven. Now, is there a connection between the Iraqi government and the original World Trade Center bombing in ‘93? We know, as I say, that one of the perpetrators of that act did, in fact, receive support from the Iraqi government after the fact.”

Those documents are now in possession of the FBI. Despite requests for declassification of the documents from both Cheney’s office and the Pentagon, the FBI refuses to release them. In March, The Weekly Standard requested an interview with FBI officials to discuss the Iraqi intelligence documents and the status of the Yasin case. The request was denied last week. An FBI spokeswoman said FBI officials refuse to discuss Yasin. Yasin remains on the FBI’s “Most Wanted Terrorists” list and is believed to be still in Iraq. If there is a good reason to keep these historical documents classified, the FBI declined to provide it.

Just two months after the 1993 World Trade Center attack, the Iraqi Intelligence Service attempted to assassinate former President George H.W. Bush. The IIS recruited a male nurse from Najaf as a suicide bomber to kill the former president on a trip to Kuwait. The plot was foiled when Kuwaiti police, thinking they had broken up a smuggling ring, learned of the Iraqi plans. The Clinton administration responded by bombing an empty Iraqi Intelligence Service headquarters at night.

Continued

By Andy's Mom

May 12, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Please excuse my poor Andy. He is having another one of his episodes. Well, I have got to grab the dog and get away, its not safe here. Next he surely will go after the dog, then me. Oh dear, gotta go.

By RE

May 12, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

This nutcase Andy has been doing this for about an hour and a half. Someone please get his lithium

By getalife

May 12, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Let poor Andy get it out of his system and it will stop.

The demons er libs in his head are screaming and this is how he deals with it.

He is still in denial and will not seek help.

By Midori

May 12, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

Where are all the Andy apologists/enablers now?

Don’t you find what he’s doing disturbing?

or are you trying to find a way to pin this immature, psychotic behavior on someone else?

By Lord Help Us

May 12, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

With ‘Shrub’s’ approval tanking into the 20’s and the new revelations about domestic surveillance fishing expeditions, the Deranged Moron is desperate.

It is a revealing illustration of the shallow mentality of those that shill for this incompetent administration

It’s The Competence, STUPID!!

By gadem

May 12, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

And this is the one the RW, Dusty, and Buy Danish stick up for….

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Posted 9/6/2003 8:10 AM

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Poll: 70% believe Saddam, 9-11 link WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly seven in 10 Americans believe it is likely that ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was personally involved in the Sept. 11 attacks, says a poll out almost two years after the terrorists’ strike against this country. Sixty-nine percent in a Washington Post poll published Saturday said they believe it is likely the Iraqi leader was personally involved in the attacks carried out by al-Qaeda. A majority of Democrats, Republicans and independents believe it’s likely Saddam was involved.

The belief in the connection persists even though there has been no proof of a link between the two.

President Bush and members of his administration suggested a link between the two in the months before the war in Iraq. Claims of possible links have never been proven, however.

Veteran pollsters say the persistent belief of a link between the attacks and Saddam could help explain why public support for the decision to go to war in Iraq has been so resilient despite problems establishing a peaceful country.

The president frequently has called the Iraq war an important centerpiece in the United States’ war on terror. But some members of the administration have said recently they don’t believe there is a direct link.

The Post poll of 1,003 adults was taken Aug. 7-11 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

A Time magazine/CNN poll released Saturday said most Americans — 71% — believe the United States has done a good job in Iraq since the end of major fighting, while 26% said it has done a poor job.

Sixty-three percent said the nation was right in going to war in Iraq and 32% said it was wrong. But the Time/CNN poll found Americans more closely split on whether the military action was worth the price in America lives, taxpayer dollars and other costs — 49% said yes, 43% no and 8% were unsure.

The poll also found Bush’s approval down to 52%, from 63% in May.

The Time/CNN survey of 1,003 adults was taken Sept. 3-4 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

By getalife

May 12, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

I am concerned for Andy and if anybody actually knows him, they should try to help him.

By getalife

May 12, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

We all see Andy losing it but just think about W right now.

Probably, the most dangerous man on the face of the earth right now with nuclear option on the table.

By Lord Help Us

May 12, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

All of the ‘Deranged Moron’s’ spam cannot cover the facts that Bush is still tanking, the deficit is still in record territory, Iraq is still a mess, lots of administration insiders are still under investigation, Gas prices are still soaring, etc., etc., etc.

It’s The Competence, STUPID!!

By Goldie

May 12, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

I’m afraid I’m all for the NSA doing some eavesdropping on “Andy-Curly-AJC” (or whoever the moron is that’s trying to bring our blog to a halt today) — attempting to squelch any opposite dialogue, huh? Whoever the Un-American is that’s posting the extreme far-right vitriol today needs to be stopped — why don’t we call the NSA on the culprit? I’m sure they can fit it right in with the other un-American duties they’ve been performing the past few years!

By RE

May 12, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

You think Bush finally going under 30% has Andy all riled up? Then again, I am sure it is not just one thing wrong with this nutcase

By getalife

May 12, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Prozak for Andy and Republicans?

By Lord Help Us

May 12, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Deranged Moron: Try this…put your fingers in both ears and scream ‘LALALALALALALALALA’

Oops, it didn’t work…Bush is still tanking, Iraq is still a disaster (7 more brave servicemen killed yesterday), Gas prices are still soaring, the national debt is still growing, administration officials are still under investigation, etc., etc., etc.

It’s The Competence, STUPID!!

By finch

May 12, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

I see someone’s discovered how to use cut and paste to gum up the blog.

Wonder who?

By Scooter

May 12, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Getalife, it is kind of a “pile on” of rabid animals, nipping at Andy constantly for days.

By Daniel

May 12, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

Bush will drop below 30%. Here’s why. In 2004 and 2005 the FBI conducted a total of 1063 public official corruption investigations. To date they are investigating over 2000 public officials! That is in the four1/2 months of this year they have doubled the prior two years combined! Your tax dollars at work.

By SSDD

May 12, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

(he he he he)

OHHHHH andyandyandy. Mike L actually took the time to respond to your daily question:

“Why does the almighty always have such big ears???”

WHY THE BETTER TO SPY ON YOU WITH, YOU SYCOPHANT!

When the day comes that you actually have something new or original to say (<—- right HERE is where you should acknowledge your copy/paste finger has GOT to be overworked!) or when you don’t rely on a talking point to get you thru an argument (Yeah. THAT’LL happen!) then maybe… its a slim to nil maybe however…. people may begin to listen to your pathetic drivel and hear a republican standpoint.

Naaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh. NM.

Thanks for the laugh of the day Mike L. ;]

By RE

May 12, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Scooter, you may be right, Andy sure seems to have contracted the rabies

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

President Bush Addresses the Nation The Oval Office

President’s Remarks view listen

10:16 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow citizens, at this hour, American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.

On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign. More than 35 countries are giving crucial support — from the use of naval and air bases, to help with intelligence and logistics, to the deployment of combat units. Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense.

To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed.

The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American military. In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women and children as shields for his own military — a final atrocity against his people.

I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm. A campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult than some predict. And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country will require our sustained commitment.

We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people.

I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon. Millions of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people. And you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done.

Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly — yet, our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder. We will meet that threat now, with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later with armies of fire fighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities.

Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaign of half measures, and we will accept no outcome but victory.

My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others and we will prevail.

May God bless our country and all who defend her.

END 10:20 P.M. EST

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

President Says Saddam Hussein Must Leave Iraq Within 48 Hours Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation The Cross Hall

President’s Remarks view listen

8:01 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow citizens, events in Iraq have now reached the final days of decision. For more than a decade, the United States and other nations have pursued patient and honorable efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime without war. That regime pledged to reveal and destroy all its weapons of mass destruction as a condition for ending the Persian Gulf War in 1991.

Since then, the world has engaged in 12 years of diplomacy. We have passed more than a dozen resolutions in the United Nations Security Council. We have sent hundreds of weapons inspectors to oversee the disarmament of Iraq. Our good faith has not been returned.

The Iraqi regime has used diplomacy as a ploy to gain time and advantage. It has uniformly defied Security Council resolutions demanding full disarmament. Over the years, U.N. weapon inspectors have been threatened by Iraqi officials, electronically bugged, and systematically deceived. Peaceful efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime have failed again and again — because we are not dealing with peaceful men.

Intelligence gathered by this and other governments leaves no doubt that the Iraq regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised. This regime has already used weapons of mass destruction against Iraq’s neighbors and against Iraq’s people.

The regime has a history of reckless aggression in the Middle East. It has a deep hatred of America and our friends. And it has aided, trained and harbored terrorists, including operatives of al Qaeda.

The danger is clear: using chemical, biological or, one day, nuclear weapons, obtained with the help of Iraq, the terrorists could fulfill their stated ambitions and kill thousands or hundreds of thousands of innocent people in our country, or any other.

The United States and other nations did nothing to deserve or invite this threat. But we will do everything to defeat it. Instead of drifting along toward tragedy, we will set a course toward safety. Before the day of horror can come, before it is too late to act, this danger will be removed.

The United States of America has the sovereign authority to use force in assuring its own national security. That duty falls to me, as Commander-in-Chief, by the oath I have sworn, by the oath I will keep.

Recognizing the threat to our country, the United States Congress voted overwhelmingly last year to support the use of force against Iraq. America tried to work with the United Nations to address this threat because we wanted to resolve the issue peacefully. We believe in the mission of the United Nations. One reason the U.N. was founded after the second world war was to confront aggressive dictators, actively and early, before they can attack the innocent and destroy the peace.

In the case of Iraq, the Security Council did act, in the early 1990s. Under Resolutions 678 and 687 — both still in effect — the United States and our allies are authorized to use force in ridding Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. This is not a question of authority, it is a question of will.

Last September, I went to the U.N. General Assembly and urged the nations of the world to unite and bring an end to this danger. On November 8th, the Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1441, finding Iraq in material breach of its obligations, and vowing serious consequences if Iraq did not fully and immediately disarm.

Today, no nation can possibly claim that Iraq has disarmed. And it will not disarm so long as Saddam Hussein holds power. For the last four-and-a-half months, the United States and our allies have worked within the Security Council to enforce that Council’s long-standing demands. Yet, some permanent members of the Security Council have publicly announced they will veto any resolution that compels the disarmament of Iraq. These governments share our assessment of the danger, but not our resolve to meet it. Many nations, however, do have the resolve and fortitude to act against this threat to peace, and a broad coalition is now gathering to enforce the just demands of the world. The United Nations Security Council has not lived up to its responsibilities, so we will rise to ours.

In recent days, some governments in the Middle East have been doing their part. They have delivered public and private messages urging the dictator to leave Iraq, so that disarmament can proceed peacefully. He has thus far refused. All the decades of deceit and cruelty have now reached an end. Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict, commenced at a time of our choosing. For their own safety, all foreign nationals — including journalists and inspectors — should leave Iraq immediately.

Many Iraqis can hear me tonight in a translated radio broadcast, and I have a message for them. If we must begin a military campaign, it will be directed against the lawless men who rule your country and not against you. As our coalition takes away their power, we will deliver the food and medicine you need. We will tear down the apparatus of terror and we will help you to build a new Iraq that is prosperous and free. In a free Iraq, there will be no more wars of aggression against your neighbors, no more poison factories, no more executions of dissidents, no more torture chambers and rape rooms. The tyrant will soon be gone. The day of your liberation is near.

It is too late for Saddam Hussein to remain in power. It is not too late for the Iraqi military to act with honor and protect your country by permitting the peaceful entry of coalition forces to eliminate weapons of mass destruction. Our forces will give Iraqi military units clear instructions on actions they can take to avoid being attacked and destroyed. I urge every member of the Iraqi military and intelligence services, if war comes, do not fight for a dying regime that is not worth your own life.

And all Iraqi military and civilian personnel should listen carefully to this warning. In any conflict, your fate will depend on your action. Do not destroy oil wells, a source of wealth that belongs to the Iraqi people. Do not obey any command to use weapons of mass destruction against anyone, including the Iraqi people. War crimes will be prosecuted. War criminals will be punished. And it will be no defense to say, “I was just following orders.”

Should Saddam Hussein choose confrontation, the American people can know that every measure has been taken to avoid war, and every measure will be taken to win it. Americans understand the costs of conflict because we have paid them in the past. War has no certainty, except the certainty of sacrifice.

Yet, the only way to reduce the harm and duration of war is to apply the full force and might of our military, and we are prepared to do so. If Saddam Hussein attempts to cling to power, he will remain a deadly foe until the end. In desperation, he and terrorists groups might try to conduct terrorist operations against the American people and our friends. These attacks are not inevitable. They are, however, possible. And this very fact underscores the reason we cannot live under the threat of blackmail. The terrorist threat to America and the world will be diminished the moment that Saddam Hussein is disarmed.

Our government is on heightened watch against these dangers. Just as we are preparing to ensure victory in Iraq, we are taking further actions to protect our homeland. In recent days, American authorities have expelled from the country certain individuals with ties to Iraqi intelligence services. Among other measures, I have directed additional security of our airports, and increased Coast Guard patrols of major seaports. The Department of Homeland Security is working closely with the nation’s governors to increase armed security at critical facilities across America.

Should enemies strike our country, they would be attempting to shift our attention with panic and weaken our morale with fear. In this, they would fail. No act of theirs can alter the course or shake the resolve of this country. We are a peaceful people — yet we’re not a fragile people, and we will not be intimidated by thugs and killers. If our enemies dare to strike us, they and all who have aided them, will face fearful consequences.

We are now acting because the risks of inaction would be far greater. In one year, or five years, the power of Iraq to inflict harm on all free nations would be multiplied many times over. With these capabilities, Saddam Hussein and his terrorist allies could choose the moment of deadly conflict when they are strongest. We choose to meet that threat now, where it arises, before it can appear suddenly in our skies and cities.

The cause of peace requires all free nations to recognize new and undeniable realities. In the 20th century, some chose to appease murderous dictators, whose threats were allowed to grow into genocide and global war. In this century, when evil men plot chemical, biological and nuclear terror, a policy of appeasement could bring destruction of a kind never before seen on this earth.

Terrorists and terror states do not reveal these threats with fair notice, in formal declarations — and responding to such enemies only after they have struck first is not self-defense, it is suicide. The security of the world requires disarming Saddam Hussein now.

As we enforce the just demands of the world, we will also honor the deepest commitments of our country. Unlike Saddam Hussein, we believe the Iraqi people are deserving and capable of human liberty. And when the dictator has departed, they can set an example to all the Middle East of a vital and peaceful and self-governing nation.

The United States, with other countries, will work to advance liberty and peace in that region. Our goal will not be achieved overnight, but it can come over time. The power and appeal of human liberty is felt in every life and every land. And the greatest power of freedom is to overcome hatred and violence, and turn the creative gifts of men and women to the pursuits of peace.

That is the future we choose. Free nations have a duty to defend our people by uniting against the violent. And tonight, as we have done before, America and our allies accept that responsibility.

Good night, and may God continue to bless America.

END 8:15 P.M. EST

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

President Discusses the Future of Iraq Remarks by the President on Operation Iraqi Freedom Ford Community and Performing Arts Center Dearborn, Michigan

President’s Remarks view listen

1:46 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you for that warm welcome; I’m glad to be here. I regret that I wasn’t here a few weeks ago when the statue came down. (Applause.) I understand you had quite a party. I don’t blame you. A lot of the people in the Detroit area had waited years for that great day.

Many Iraqi Americans know the horrors of Saddam Hussein’s regime firsthand. You also know the joys of freedom you have found here in America. (Applause.) You are living proof the Iraqi people love freedom and living proof the Iraqi people can flourish in democracy. (Applause.) People who live in Iraq deserve the same freedom that you and I enjoy here in America. (Applause.) And after years of tyranny and torture, that freedom has finally arrived. (Applause.)

I have confidence in the future of a free Iraq. The Iraqi people are fully capable of self-government. Every day Iraqis are moving toward democracy and embracing the responsibilities of active citizenship. Every day life in Iraq improves as coalition troops work to secure unsafe areas and bring food and medical care to those in need.

America pledged to rid Iraq of an oppressive regime, and we kept our word. (Applause.) America now pledges to help Iraqis build a prosperous and peaceful nation, and we will keep our word again. (Applause.)

Mr. Mayor, thanks, I appreciate you greeting me once again here in Dearborn. I appreciate your leadership. If you’ve got any problems with the garbage or the potholes, call the mayor. (Laughter.)

I want to thank members of the congressional delegation who have joined us today. Thank you all for coming. Michigan is well represented in the halls of the United States Congress. (Applause.) I want to thank the folks from the state government who have joined us today and local governments. I appreciate so very much the CEOs of the major automobile manufacturing companies who are based here in Detroit who are here: Rick Wagoner, Bill Ford and Deter Zetsche. Thank you all for coming. I look forward to discussing things with you later. (Applause.)

Right before I came in here I had the opportunity to meet with some extraordinary men and women, our fellow Americans who knew the cruelties of the old Iraq. And like me, they believed deeply in the promise of a new Iraq.

I spoke with Najda Egaily, a Sunni Muslim from Basra who moved to the United States five years ago. Najda learned the price of descent in Iraq in 1988, when her brother-in-law was killed after laughing at a joke about Saddam Hussein in a house that was bugged.

In Iraq, Najda says, we could never speak to anyone about Saddam Hussein — we had to make sure the windows were closed. (Applause.) The windows are now open in Iraq. (Applause.) Najda and her friends will never forget seeing the images of liberation in Baghdad. Here’s what she said: we called each other and we were shouting; we never believed that Saddam Hussein would be gone.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: He’s gone. (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Like Najda, a lot of Iraqis — a lot of Iraqis — feared the dictator, the tyrant would never go away. You’re right — he’s gone. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBERS: USA! USA!

AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible) back in the (inaudible). (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Because of you, Mr. President, so can you.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: (Inaudible).

THE PRESIDENT: We love free speech in America. (Laughter and applause.)

I talked to Tarik Daoud, a Catholic from Basra who now lives in Bloomfield Hills. (Applause.) When the dictator regime fell, here’s what Tariq said, he said: I am more hopeful today than I’ve been since 1958. We need to take the little children in Iraq and hold their hands and really teach them what freedom is all about. He says: the new generation could really make democracy work.

He’s right to be optimistic. From the beginning of this conflict we have seen brave Iraqi citizens taking part in their own liberation. Iraqis have warned our troops about land mines and enemy hideouts and military arsenals.

Earlier this month, Iraqis helped Marines locate the seven American prisoners of war, who were then rescued in Northern Iraq. (Applause.) One courageous Iraqi man gave Marines detailed layouts of a hospital in An Nasiriyah, which led to the rescue of American soldier Jessica Lynch. (Applause.)

Iraqi citizens are now working closely with our troops to restore order to their cities, and improve the life of their nation. In Basra, hundreds of police volunteers have joined with coalition forces to patrol the streets. In Baghdad, more than a thousand citizens are doing joint patrols with coalition troops. And residents are also working with coalition troops to collect unexploded munitions from neighborhoods, and repair the telephone system. People are working to improve the lives of the average citizens in Iraq. (Applause.)

I want you to listen to what an Iraqi engineer said who was working with U.S. Army engineers to restore power to Baghdad. He said: We are very glad to work with the Americans to have power for the facilities. The Americans are working to help us. (Applause.) Iraqi Americans, including some from Michigan, are building bridges between our troops and Iraqi civilians. Members of the free Iraqi forces are serving as translators for our troops, and are delivering humanitarian aid to the citizens.

One of these volunteers, an Iraqi American who fled Saddam Hussein’s regime in 1991, recently returned to his homeland with the 101st Airborne Division. A few weeks ago, when he first saw the cheering crowds of Iraqis welcome coalition troops in Hillah he wept. He said people could hardly believe what was happening, and he told them: believe it — liberation is coming. (Applause.)

Yes, there were some in our country who doubted the Iraqi people wanted freedom, or they just couldn’t imagine they would be welcome — welcoming to a liberating force. They were mistaken, and we know why. The desire for freedom is not the property of one culture, it is the universal hope of human beings in every culture. (Applause.)

Whether you’re Sunni or Shia or Kurd or Chaldean or Assyrian or Turkoman or Christian or Jew or Muslim — (applause) — no matter what your faith, freedom is God’s gift to every person in every nation. (Applause.) As freedom takes hold in Iraq, the Iraqi people will choose their own leaders and their own government. America has no intention of imposing our form of government or our culture. Yet, we will ensure that all Iraqis have a voice in the new government and all citizens have their rights protected. (Applause.)

In the city of An Nasiriyah, where free Iraqis met recently to discuss the political future of their country, they issued a statement beginning with these words: Iraq must be democratic. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: USA! USA! USA! (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: That historic declaration expresses the commitment of the Iraqi people and their friends, the American people. The days of repression from any source are over. Iraq will be democratic. (Applause.)

The work of building a new Iraq will take time. That nation is recovering not just from weeks of conflict, but from decades of totalitarian rule.

In a nation where the dictator treated himself to palaces with gold faucets and grand fountains, four out of ten citizens did not even have clean water to drink. While a former regime exported milk, and dates, and corn, and grain for its own profit, more than half a million Iraqi children were malnourished. As Saddam Hussein let more than $200 million worth of medicine and medical supplies sit in warehouses, one in eight Iraqi children were dying before the age of five. And while the dictator spent billions on weapons, including gold-covered AK-47s, nearly a quarter of Iraqi children were born underweight. Saddam Hussein’s regime impoverished the Iraqi people in every way.

Today, Iraq has only about half as many hospitals as it had in 1990. Seventy percent of its schools are run-down and over-crowded. A quarter of the Iraqi children are not in a school at all. Under Saddam’s regime, the Iraqi people did not have a power system they could depend on. These problems plagued Iraq long before the recent conflict. We’re helping the Iraqi people to address these challenges, and we will stand with them as they defeat the dictator’s legacy. (Applause.)

Right now, engineers are on the ground working with Iraqi experts to restore power, and fix broken water pipes in Baghdad and other cities. We’re working with the International Red Cross, the Red Crescent Societies, the International Medical Corps and other aid agencies to help Iraqi hospitals get safe water and medical supplies and reliable electricity. Our coalition is cooperating with the United Nations to help restart the ration distribution system that provides food at thousands of sites in Iraq. And coalition medical facilities have treated Iraqis from everything from fractures and burns to symptoms of stroke.

One Iraqi man who was given medical help with his wife and sister aboard the U.S. Navy ship Comfort, said: They treat us like family. There are babies in Iraq who are not cared for by their mothers as well as the nurses have cared for us.

Already, we are seeing important progress in Iraq. It wasn’t all that long ago that the statue fell, and now we’re seeing progress. (Applause.)

Rail lines are reopening, and fire stations are responding to calls. Oil — Iraqi oil, owned by the Iraqi people — is flowing again to fuel Iraq’s power plants. In Hillah, more than 80 percent of the city has now running water. City residents can buy meats and grains and fruits and vegetables at local shops. The mayor’s office, the city council have been reestablished.

In Basra, where more than half of the water treatment facilities were not working before the conflict — more than half weren’t functioning — water supplies are now reaching 90 percent of the city. The opulent presidential palace in Basra will now serve a new and noble purpose. We’ve established a water purification unit there, to make hundreds of thousands of liters of clean water available to the residents of the city of Basra. (Applause.)

Day by day, hour by hour, life in Iraq is getting better for the citizens. (Applause.) Yet, much work remains to be done. I have directed Jay Garner and his team to help Iraq achieve specific long-term goals. And they’re doing a superb job. Congress recently allocated $2.5 — nearly $2.5 billion for Iraq’s relief and reconstruction. With that money, we are renewing Iraq with the help of experts from inside our government, from private industry, from the international community and, most importantly, from within Iraq. (Applause.)

We are dispatching teams across Iraq to assess the critical needs of the Iraqi people. We’re clearing land mines. We’re working with Iraqis to recover artifacts, to find the hoodlums who ravished the National Museum of Antiquities in Baghdad. (Applause.) Like many of you here, we deplore the actions of the citizens who ravished that museum. And we will work with the Iraqi citizens to find out who they were and to bring them to justice. (Applause.)

We’re working toward an Iraq where, for the first time ever, electrical power is reliable and widely available. One of our goals is to make sure everybody in Iraq has electricity. Already, 17 major power plants in Iraq are functioning. Our engineers are meeting with Iraqi engineers. We’re visiting power plants throughout the country, and determining which ones need repair, which ones need to be modernized, and which ones are obsolete, power plant by power plant. More Iraqis are getting the electricity they need.

We’re working to make Iraq’s drinking water clean and dependable. American and Iraqi water sanitation engineers are inspecting treatment plants across the country to make sure they have enough purification chemicals and power to produce safe water.

We’re working to give every Iraqi access to immunizations and emergency treatment, and to give sick children and pregnant women the health care they need. Iraqi doctors and nurses and other medical personnel are now going back to work. Throughout the country, medical specialists from many countries are identifying the needs of Iraqis hospitals, for everything from equipment and repairs to water, to medicines.

We’re working to improve Iraqi schools by funding a back to school campaign that will help train and recruit Iraqi teachers, provide supplies and equipment, and bring children across Iraq back into clean and safe schools. (Applause.)

And as we do that, we will make sure that the schools are no longer used as military arsenals and bunkers, and that teachers promote reading, rather than regime propaganda. (Applause.) And because Iraq is now free, economic sanctions are pointless. (Applause.) It is time for the United Nations to lift the sanctions so the Iraqis could use some resources to build their own prosperity. (Applause.)

Like so many generations of immigrants, Iraqi Americans have embraced and enriched this great country, without ever forgetting the land of your birth. Liberation for Iraq has been a long time coming, but you never lost faith. You knew the great sorrow of Iraq. You also knew the great promise of Iraq, and you shared the hope of the Iraqi people.

You and I both know that Iraq can realize those hopes. Iraq can be an example of peace and prosperity and freedom to the entire Middle East. (Applause.) It’ll be a hard journey, but at every step of the way, Iraq will have a steady friend in the American people. (Applause.)

May God continue to bless the United States of America, and long live a free Iraq. (Applause.)

END 2:10 P.M. EDT

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

President Bush Outlines Progress in Operation Iraqi Freedom

President’s Remarks view listen

Boeing Integrated Defense Systems Headquarters Boeing F-18 Production Facility St. Louis, Missouri

12:20 P.M. CDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Be seated, please. So I’m on my way to Crawford — (laughter) — part of the real world, I want you to know — and I decided to stop here in St. Louis, Missouri, to say thanks to some of the finest workers we have in America. (Applause.) And it’s a perfect time to do so. The successes of our military begin right here on the factory floors. The quality of the workmanship that goes into the aircrafts that you build here is one of the main reasons why we were successful in making the world a more peaceful place. Our nation thanks you for your efforts and your work. (Applause.)

Seeing all the good workers here reminds me of one of the big tasks we have in America — and that is to make sure anybody who’s looking for a job can find one. (Applause.) Too many of our fellow Americans are looking for work, and that bothers me. So I sent some suggestions up to the United States Congress about how to stimulate job growth. And it starts with letting you keep more of your own money. (Applause.)

I have sent to the Congress a jobs and growth package that will reduce the burden on our taxpayers, that will give you more of your money in your pockets so you get to decide how to save or invest and spend. In order for all Americans who are looking for work to find work, the Congress must pass this jobs package as soon as they come back from their recess. (Applause.)

And the other big task for this nation is to overcome any threats to our country, wherever they gather. Each of you has had a part of preparing this nation to meet the dangers of our time. Today, half a world away, America is leading this great coalition of free nations to end a brutal regime and to remove a threat to our society. We’ve applied the new powers of technology — like the F-18s — to strike an enemy force with speed and incredible precision. Our work is not done; the difficulties have not passed; but the regime of Saddam Hussein has passed into history. (Applause.)

Thanks to the courage and the might of our military, the American people are more secure. Thanks to the courage and might of our military, the Iraqi people are now free. (Applause.)

I want to thank management and worker alike for inviting me here today. It’s truly an honor to be here. I want to thank Phil Condit and Jim Albaugh and Ric Smith for the invitation. It gives me a chance to come and say firsthand how much we all appreciate what you do on behalf of the security of this country.

I appreciate Senator Bond and Senator Talent for their leadership. It’s good to work with these two men to make sure this nation remains strong. I appreciate Matt Blunt, representing the state government, for being here.

Today I had the honor of meeting John Sant. He was so anxious to see me at the foot of the stairs of Air Force One, he was standing in the rain. And I’m grateful for that. But I’m grateful to share his story with you. Here’s a man who decided to take time out of his busy life to volunteer to help children become more literate, volunteers to help the AmeriCorps program to make sure the public education system of St. Louis, Missouri fulfills its promise that no child should be left behind in any community in America. It is appropriate that we talk about the compassion of our fellow Americans at the same time as we talk about the might of our great country.

I asked John to come and to stand because one of my calls to our fellow Americans is to love your neighbor just like you’d like to be loved yourself. When you see somebody who hurts, put your arm around them and tell them you love them and make sure that — (applause.)

And also standing out there at the stairs was Adrian Fakes Private First-class U.S. Marine Corps. (Applause.) A St. Louis native, wounded in An Nasiriyah, soon to recover, anxious to get back to his unit. He represents the finest of the fine — those of our country who wear the uniform. Thank you for coming, Adrian. (Applause.)

You and I and all the world are witnessing historic days in the cause of freedom. One month ago — just one month ago — the forces of our coalition stood at the borders of Iraq, with orders to advance hundreds of miles through hostile territory, against a ruthless enemy. Today, organized military resistance is virtually ended; the major cities of Iraq have been liberated. (Applause.)

Two weeks ago, the Iraqi regime operated a gulag for dissidents, and incredibly enough, a prison for young children. Now the gates to that prison have been thrown wide open, and we are putting the dictators, political prisons, and torture chambers out of business. (Applause.)

One week ago, Baghdad was filled with statues and giant pictures of the dictator. They’re kind of hard to find today. (Laughter.) The fall of that statue in Baghdad marked the end of a nightmare for the Iraqi people, and it marked the start of a new day of freedom. (Applause.)

Four days ago, seven American soldiers, six men and one woman, were held captive by forces still loyal to the fallen regime. Today, those brave Americans are with their fellow comrades, and are headed home to their loved ones. (Applause.)

American and coalition forces still face serious risks in Iraq. Scattered enemy is still capable of doing harm to our forces and to the innocent. But we’ll stay focused. We will finish what we’ve begun. We will press on until our mission is finished and victory is complete. (Applause.)

On September the 11th, 2001, America found that we are not immune to the threats that gather for years across the ocean; threats that can arrive in sudden tragedy. Since September the 11th, we’ve been engaged in a global war against terror, a war being waged on many fronts. That war continues, and we are winning. (Applause.)

In Afghanistan, we and our allies ended the rule of the Taliban and closed down camps where terrorists plotted and trained to attack us. In Iraq, our coalition has now removed an ally of terrorists and a producer of weapons of mass destruction. In other nations we’re hunting and capturing members of al Qaeda, disrupting their plans before they can strike. Across the world, terrorists and tyrants are learning this — that America and our friends and our allies will act in our own defense. Instead of drifting toward tragedy, we will protect our security, and we will promote the peace in the world. (Applause.)

We are fighting terror with all the tools we have at our disposal: diplomacy and law enforcement, intelligence and homeland security. As a last resort, we have turned to our military. And the skill and the heroism of American Armed Forces are making this country proud. (Applause.)

From Kabul to Baghdad, American forces and our fine allies have conducted some of the most successful military campaigns in history. By a combination of creative strategies and advanced technology, we are redefining war on our terms. (Applause.) Even before the fighting began in Iraq, Special Operations forces were inside the country, moving in to protect key infrastructure, protect the oil fields owned by the Iraqi people, secure vital bridges. Overwhelmingly, yet carefully targeted, air strikes left entire enemy divisions without armor and without organization. Precision-guided weapons fatally disrupted the regime’s system of command and control.

Every armed conflict brings sacrifice and grief. That’s why the use of our military is our last option. Yet, more than ever before, the precision of our technology is protecting the lives of our soldiers, and the lives of innocent civilians. The overwhelming majority of the munitions dropped in the Iraqi campaign were precision-guided. In this new era of warfare, we can target a regime, not a nation. Our aim is to track and strike the guilty. Terrorists and tyrants have now been put on notice, they can no longer feel safe hiding behind innocent lives. (Applause.)

Our military is strong and our military is ready, and we intend to keep it that way. (Applause.) Our Armed Forces must have every resource they need to carry out and complete the missions we give them. This morning at the White House, I signed a $79-billion wartime supplemental to cover the needs directly arising from Operation Iraqi Freedom and the reconstruction of Iraq. People who serve in the military are giving their best to America, and I want to thank the members of Congress for acting quickly to give our men and women in arms the support they need. (Applause.)

For the sake of the security of this country and for the sake of peace in this world, the United States must maintain every advantage in weaponry and technology and intelligence. Our edge in warfare comes, in part, because of the American spirit of enterprise — great companies such as Boeing, great workers such as yourselves. (Applause.)

In any conflict, however, this nation’s greatest single asset is the kind of men and women who put on the uniform of the United States. The methods of war have changed, but the need for courage has not. And we’ve seen, once again, the courage of the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America. These are young Americans who engaged in furious battles — then carried wounded enemy to medical treatment. These are young Americans willing to accept any danger to rescue one of their own. These are the kind of people who, when they are wounded themselves, ask to rejoin their comrades in battle. Some of our soldiers and Marines will never be returning to their families. And these are the men and women who our nation will honor forever. (Applause.)

The character of our military reflects the character of our country. America uses its might in the service of principle. As we defend our security, we value the lives and the liberty of the Iraqi people. Having rid Iraq of an oppressive regime, we are committed to helping Iraq build a future of freedom and dignity and peace. (Applause.)

By swift and effective military action, we avoided the massive flow of refugees that many had expected. By delivering food and water and medicine to the Iraqi people — even as coalition units engaged the enemy — we have helped to avert a humanitarian crisis. Emergency supplies are now moving freely to Iraq from many countries. Now that Iraq is liberated, the United Nations should life economic sanctions on that country.

We’re also addressing Iraq’s urgent medical problems — problems left by a regime that built palaces in a country that needed hospitals. (Applause.) Right now, hundreds of Iraqis are being treated at U.S. and British military facilities. Governments from Europe and the Middle East are moving field hospitals to Iraq. Coalition members and the United Nations and other international organizations are sending much needed medical supplies. The Red Cross is working to keep water and electricity flowing to hospitals. And very soon our coalition will be making direct emergency payments to Iraqi doctors and nurses who will be providing desperately needed care to their fellow citizens. With all the hardships of this transition, the lives of the Iraqi people will be better than anything they have known for generations. (Applause.)

The journey from a totalitarian, brutal dictatorship to a free society is not easy. It will take time to build the institutions of democracy and the habits of freedom. Today, civil order is being restored in communities throughout Iraq, and Iraqis themselves are helping in the effort. Iraqis are leading coalition forces to caches of weapons and volunteering for citizen patrols to provide security. In Basra, British forces and Iraqis have formed joint patrols to maintain order. Just days after the fall of the dictator, just days after the people of Iraq realized they were free from the clutches of his terror, the Iraqi people are reclaiming their own streets, their own country, and their own future. (Applause.)

Yesterday, an historic gathering occurred in the city of An Nasiriyah, where Iraqis met openly and freely to discuss the future of the country. They even had some protesters outside the meeting — a sure sign of freedom. (Applause.) Many more of these meetings will take place in the weeks and months to come. In An Nasiriyah, the Iraqi people have made a good start. And out of that meeting came this declaration: Iraq must be democratic. (Applause.)

And the nations of our coalition share that commitment. We also share this commitment: We will not impose any form of government on Iraq. We will help Iraq to build a government of, by, and for the Iraqi people. (Applause.)

In Iraq, the world is witnessing something dramatic, and something important. We’re seeing the deep and universal desire of men and women to live in freedom. As Americans, this shouldn’t surprise us. We believe that no force, no threat, can make human beings love tyranny. We believe that the appeal of liberty will, in time, overcome any coercive power on Earth. We believe that people across the Middle East and across the world are weary of poverty, weary of oppression, and yearn to be free. (Applause.) And all who know that hope, all who will work and sacrifice for freedom, have a friend in the United States of America. (Applause.)

Our country and our good allies are united by a great goal: We’re working to create the conditions for peace. We’re confronting the threats to peace from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. And we’re aiding the advance of peace by seeking the advance of freedom. Free societies do not nurture bitterness, or the ideologies of terror and murder. Free societies are founded on the belief that every life has equal value. Free societies turn the creative gifts of men and women towards progress and the betterment of their own lives. American interests and American founding beliefs lead in the same direction: We stand for human liberty. (Applause.)

This past month has been a time of testing and uncertainty for our country. The American people have responded with resolve and with optimism. Whatever challenges may come, we can be confident. Our nation is strong, our purpose is firm, and our cause is just. (Applause.) God bless you all.

END 12:47 P.M. CDT

By Midori

May 12, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Daniel,

he has already gone below 30%

By getalife

May 12, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

Scooter,

Well, I thought since Andy dished it out, he could take it.

Obviously, I was wrong.

Now that I know he can’t take it, I will not respond to his posts.

By Matthew

May 12, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen this spam technique before from the liberals here. While it was going on, I remember conservatives asking the spammer to stop. What I see today is liberals with intermittent posts that continue their usual venomous attack on the individual. You just can’t help yourselves. It’s how you operate.

I think this blog needs to be shut down. The post from management was a joke. The AJC wouldn’t try to get their message across in this mess. They’d just shut it down.

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Operation Iraqi Freedom President’s Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Over the last several days, the world has watched as the regime of Saddam Hussein began passing into history. We will always remember the first images of a nation released from decades of tyranny and fear. The conflict continues in Iraq, and our military may still face hard fighting. Yet the statues of the dictator and all the works of his terror regime are falling away.

From the beginning and to this very hour, members of the American and coalition forces have conducted themselves with all the skill and honor we expect of them. Our enemies have seen their valor. The people of Iraq are seeing their compassion as our military provides food, water and medical treatment to all in need, including captured Iraqi soldiers. As Army Master Sergeant Howard Kutcher, of Delaware, said of his service in the Middle East, “I am not here to conquer. I am here to help.”

In one city, American soldiers encountered a crowd of Iraqi citizens who thought our troops were about to storm a nearby mosque. Just then, Lt. Colonel Chris Hughes ordered his men to get down on one knee and point their weapons to the ground. This gesture of respect helped defuse a dangerous situation and made our peaceful intentions clear.

Coalition forces have also come upon scenes that explain why fear runs so deep among the Iraqi people. In Baghdad on Tuesday, U.S. Marines helped to free more than 100 children who, according to one report, had been jailed for refusing to join the dictator’s Baath Party Youth Organization. Malnourished and wearing rags, the children were overjoyed to see their parents and our liberating forces. In the words of Lt. Colonel Fred Padilla, Commander of the 1st Battalion 5th Marines, “The children just streamed out of the gates and their parents just started to embrace us.” “Hundreds of kids,” he said, “were swarming us and kissing us.”

As Saddam’s regime of fear is brought to an end, the people of Iraq are revealing the true hopes they have always held. It should surprise no one that Iraqis, like all people, resent oppression and welcome their own freedom. It should surprise no one that in every nation and every culture, the human heart desires the same good things: dignity, liberty, and a chance to build a better life.

As people throughout Iraq celebrate the arrival of freedom, America celebrates with them. We know that freedom is the gift of God to all mankind, and we rejoice when others can share it.

On Wednesday in central Baghdad, one of the Iraqi men who took a sledgehammer to the pedestal of the giant statue of Saddam had this to say, “I’m 49, but I never lived a single day. Only now will I start living.”

Millions of Iraqis feel the same as their country is finally returned to them. The nightmare of Saddam Hussein’s rule in Iraq is ending. Soon, the good and gifted people of Iraq will be free to choose their leaders who respect their rights and reflect their character. In all that is to come, they will have the goodwill of the entire world. And they will have the friendship of the people of the United States.

Thanks for listening

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

Operation Iraqi Freedom President’s Radio Address

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. American and coalition forces are steadily advancing against the regime of Saddam Hussein. With each new village they liberate, our forces are learning more about the atrocities of that regime, and the deep fear the dictator has instilled in the Iraqi people. Yet no crime of this dying regime will divert us from our mission. We will not stop until Iraq is free.

This week, coalition forces have been clearing southern cities and towns of Saddam’s death squads and enforcers. Our Special Forces and Army paratroopers, working with Kurdish militia, have opened a northern front against the enemy. In the town of Najaf, members of our 101st Airborne Division have been welcomed as liberators. At An-Nasiriyah, Marines continue to eliminate the enemy while other Army and Marine units have closed in on Baghdad. From the skies above, coalition aircraft and cruise missiles are removing hundreds of military targets from the map.

As the vise tightens on the Iraqi regime, some of our enemies have chosen to fill their final days with acts of cowardice and murder. In combat, Saddam’s thugs shield themselves with women and children. They have killed Iraqi citizens who welcome coalition troops, and they have forced other Iraqis into battle by threatening to torture or kill their families. They have executed prisoners of war, waged attacks under the white flag of truce, and concealed combat forces in civilian neighborhoods, schools, hospitals and mosques. In this war, the Iraqi regime is terrorizing its own citizens, doing everything possible to maximize Iraqi civilian casualties, and then to exploit the deaths they have caused for propaganda. These are war criminals, and they’ll be treated as war criminals.

In stark contrast, the citizens of Iraq are coming to know what kind of people we have sent to liberate them. American forces and our allies are treating innocent civilians with kindness and showing proper respect to the soldiers who surrender. The people of the United States are proud of the honorable conduct of our military. And I am proud to lead such brave and decent Americans.

In recent days, we have also brought food and water and medicine to the Iraqi people. We’re delivering emergency rations to the hungry. Right now, cargo ships are bound for Iraq, carrying wheat from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas — enough to feed 4.5 million Iraqis for one month. Additional food, supplied by the World Food Program, is moving by truck convoy across the Turkish border into northern Iraq.

We are bringing aid to the long suffering people of Iraq, and we are bringing something more: we are bringing hope. One Iraqi, when the coalition troops arrived, described the emotions of his village: They were waiting for you, he said, and all the people believe that America and Britain have come to liberate them, not to conquer.

Village by village, city by city, liberation is coming. The people of Iraq have my pledge: Our fighting forces will press on until their oppressors are gone and their whole country is free.

By our actions in this war, we serve a great and just cause. Free nations will not sit and wait, leaving enemies free to plot another September the 11th — this time, perhaps, with chemical, biological, or nuclear terror. We’ll remove weapons of mass destruction from the hands of mass murderers. And by defending our own security, we are ridding the people of Iraq from one of the cruelest regimes on earth. The United States and our allies pledged to act if the dictator did not disarm. The regime in Iraq is now learning that we keep our word.

Thank you for listening.

END

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

President Discusses Operation Iraqi Freedom at Camp Lejeune Remarks by the President to the Military Personnel and Their Families Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

President’s Remarks view listen

10:40 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you all so very much for that warm welcome. It’s such an honor to be here. Especially pleased to be traveling today with a great First Lady, Laura Bush. (Applause.) We really appreciate your welcome and we’re proud to be with the Marines and sailors and families of Camp Lejeune. There’s no finer sight, no finer sight, than to see 12,000 United States Marines and Corpsmen — (applause) — unless you happen to be a member of the Iraqi Republican Guard. (Applause.)

For more than 60 years, Marines have gone forth from Camp Lejeune to fight our country’s battles. Now America has entered a fierce struggle to protect the world from a grave danger and to bring freedom to an oppressed people. As the forces of our coalition advance, we learn more about the atrocities of the Iraqi regime and the deep fear that Saddam Hussein has instilled in the Iraqi people. Yet, no scheme of this enemy, no crime of a dying regime will divert us from our mission. We will not stop until Iraq is free. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, President Bush!. (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: When freedom needs defending, America turns to our military. And as they do their job, our men and women in uniform count on their families — like you all here today. This is a time of hardship for many military families. Some of you have been separated from your loved ones for quite a while because of long deployments. All of America is grateful for your sacrifice. And Laura and I are here to thank each one of you. (Applause.)

We’re here to thank the Marines. (Applause.) I also want to thank the men and women of the Marine Forces Reserve who are serving here and abroad. (Applause.) Hundreds of reserve units across America have been activated in this time of war, and our country thanks these fine citizens and their employers for putting duty first.

I want to thank Major General David Mize for his hospitality and his leadership. I want to thank Major General John Castelaw, Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, for his leadership and strength. (Applause.) I appreciate so very much members of the North Carolina congressional delegation who traveled with Laura and me today — Senators Edwards and Dole, from the great state of North Carolina, thank you for coming. (Applause.)

I appreciate members of the United States House of Representatives — Congressmen Balance, Jones and McIntyre — for traveling with us. These five are five members of the Congress are strong supporters of the Marines and the United States military. (Applause.)

I met the Mayor and I want to thank Madam Mayor and members of the County Commission for being so supportive of the families and the personnel here at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I want to thank very much those veterans who are here, and retired military members. (Applause.) I want to thank Lone Star. (Applause.) We kind of like that name. (Laughter.)

I very much want to say a little something about a person that Laura and I met at Marine One when it landed, Laura Kay Brett.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: Yeah!

THE PRESIDENT: You may know Laura — somebody knows Laura Kay out there. (Laughter.) But you need to know her story. You see, Laura Kay is Director of Volunteer Services at the YMCA Camp Lejeune. She represents hundreds, thousands of people who volunteer to make somebody’s life better. She runs a Mom-to-Mom program to help people who may need help. Laura Kay represents the best of America, somebody who is willing to love a neighbor just like she’d like to be loved herself.

I want to thank Laura Kay. I want to thank the thousands of you who are here who understand we can save somebody’s life by showing them love. We can help somebody who hurts by hugging a neighbor in need. (Applause.)

All around Camp Lejeune are monuments to the heroic achievements of the United States Marines. In the 14 days since the major ground war began, the Marine Corps has added new achievements to its great story. (Applause.)

On the first day of the campaign, Marine units were ordered to secure 600 Iraqi oil wells and prevent environmental disaster. And that mission was accomplished. (Applause.) U.S. Marines and our Royal Marine allies were sent in to take the Al Faw Peninsula and clear a path for humanitarian aid, and that job was done. (Applause.)

In the tough fighting at Al Nasiriyah, Marines continue to push back the enemy, and are showing the unrelenting courage worthy of the name Task Force Tarawa. (Applause.) Two nights ago, Marines and Special Operations forces set out on a daring rescue mission — and thanks to their skill and courage, a brave young soldier is now free. (Applause.)

These missions are difficult and they are dangerous, but no one becomes a Marine because it’s easy. (Applause.) Now our coalition moves forward. Marines are in the thick of the battle. And what we have begun, we will finish. (Applause.)

The United States and our allies pledged to act if the dictator did not disarm. The regime in Iraq is now learning that we keep our word. (Applause.) By our actions, we serve a great and just cause: We will remove weapons of mass destruction from the hands of mass murderers. Free nations will not sit and wait, leaving enemies free to plot another September the 11th, this time, perhaps with chemical or biological or nuclear terror. And by defending our own security, we are freeing the people of Iraq from one of the cruelest regimes on Earth. (Applause.)

At this hour, coalition forces are clearing southern cities and towns of the dictator’s death squads and enforcers. Our Special Forces and Army paratroopers, working with Kurdish militia, have opened a northern front against the enemy. Army and Marine divisions are engaging the enemy and advancing to the outskirts of Baghdad. (Applause.)

From the skies above, coalition aircraft and Cruise missiles are removing hundreds of military targets from Iraq. A vice is closing, and the days of a brutal regime are coming to an end. (Applause.)

Some servants of the regime have chosen to fill their final days with acts of cowardice and murder. In combat, Saddam’s thugs shield themselves with women and children. They have killed Iraqi citizens who welcome coalition troops. They force other Iraqis into battle, by threatening to torture or kill their families. They’ve executed prisoners of war. They’ve waged attacks under the white flag of truce. They concealed combat forces in civilian neighborhoods and schools and hospitals and mosques.

In this war, the Iraqi regime is doing — is terrorizing its own citizens, doing everything possible to maximize Iraqi civilian casualties, and then to exploit the deaths they’ve caused for propaganda. These are war criminals and they will be treated like war criminals. (Applause.)

In stark contrast, the citizens of Iraq are coming to know what kind of people we have sent to liberate them. American forces and our allies are treating innocent civilians with kindness, and showing proper respect to soldiers who surrender. Many Americans have seen the picture of Marine Lance Corporal Marcco Ware carrying a wounded Iraqi soldier on his shoulders to safety, for medical treatment. That’s the picture of the strength and goodness of the U.S. Marines. (Applause.) That is a picture of America. (Applause.) People in the United States are proud of the honorable conduct of our military, and I’m proud to lead such brave and decent Americans. (Applause.)

I’m also proud that coalition victories are bringing food and water and medicine to the Iraqi people. Our coalition partners have constructed a pipeline to bring clean water to Umm Qasr. We’re delivering emergency rations to the hungry. Right now, ships carrying enough American grain to feed millions are bound for Iraq. We’re bringing aid, and we’re bringing something more — we’re bringing hope. (Applause.)

A man in one Iraqi village said this to one of our soldiers: “I want my freedom. I don’t want food or water. I just want my freedom.” America hears that man. We hear all Iraqis who yearn for liberty. And the people of Iraq have my pledge: Our fighting forces will press on until your entire country is free. (Applause.)

The Iraqi people deserve to live in peace under leaders they have chosen. They deserve a government that respects the rights of every citizen and ethnic group. They deserve a country that is united, that’s independent, and that is released from years of sanctions and sorrow. Our coalition has one goal for the future of Iraq — to return that great country to it’s own people. (Applause.)

Building a free and prosperous Iraq after the regime is gone will require — will be the work of the Iraqi people for years to come. And they will have our help. Today the goal is to remove the Iraqi regime and to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction. And that is the task of the United States military and our coalition.

All who serve in this mission can know this: Your fellow citizens are behind you and our government will give you every tool you need for victory. (Applause.)

People of this country take pride in your victories, and we share in your losses. Camp Lejeune has lost some good Marines. Every person who dies in the line of duty leaves a family that lives in grief. Every Marine who dies in the line of duty leaves comrades who mourn their loss.

There is a tradition in the Corps that no one who falls will be left behind on the battlefield. (Applause.) Our country has a tradition, as well. No one who falls will be forgotten by this grateful nation. We honor their service to America and we pray their families will receive God’s comfort and God’s grace. (Applause.)

These are sacrifices in a high calling — the defense of our nation and the peace of the world. Overcoming evil is the noblest cause and the hardest work. And the liberation of millions is the fulfillment of America’s founding promise. The objectives we’ve set in this war are worthy of America, worthy of all the acts of heroism and generosity that have come before.

Once again, we are applying the power of our country to ensure our security and to serve the cause of justice. And we will prevail. (Applause.)

Our Armed Services have performed brilliantly in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Moving a massive force over 200 miles of enemy territory in a matter of days is a superb achievement. Yet there is work ahead for our coalition, for the American Armed Forces, and for the United States Marines. Having traveled hundreds of miles, we will now go the last 200 yards. (Applause.) The course is set. We’re on the advance. Our destination is Baghdad, and we will accept nothing less than complete and final victory. (Applause.)

May God bless our country and all who defend her. Semper fi. (Applause.)

END 11:05 A.M. EST

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

President Bush Vows to Bring Terrorists to Justice Remarks by the President Upon Departure for Camp David The South Lawn

3:20 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: We had a good day yesterday in the United States Senate as the Senate passed a bill that will make it more likely people looking for work will find a job. I’m pleased with the progress. I look forward to working with House and Senate leadership to reconcile any differences they have and get a bill to my desk as soon as possible. I’m optimistic about our economy and its future. I’m even more optimistic now that the Senate has acted.

I’m also so pleased that the Senate passed a bill to help ease the suffering on the African continent, as well as in some Caribbean nations. We’ve got a HIV-AIDS initiative that will help — say to the world that the United States is a compassionate country, we care deeply about the suffering that takes place in the world.

Again, I want to thank the Senate for — as well as the House — for passing a good piece of legislation. It looks like that bill can get done pretty quickly and I’ll be able to sign it and take it to Europe with me as a symbol of the great depth of compassion that our country holds for those who suffer.

I’ll ask — answer a few. Tom.

Q Mr. President, can you live with a tax cut like the one the Senate passed that goes away after three years?

THE PRESIDENT: Here’s the thing about the tax cut. The tax cut must be strong and robust so people will be able to find work. That’s what I’m focused on. I’m interested in jobs and job creation. And the more bold the tax relief package, the more likely it is a fellow American will be able to find work.

Q Mr. President, in terms of combating terrorism at home, do you think the Saudis have gotten the message this time around?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, Saudi Arabia is our friend, John, and we’re working closely with them to track down the killers of American citizens and British citizens and citizens from Saudi Arabia, as well as other countries.

The best way to defend the homeland, the best way to secure the future of the American people is to find the killers before they strike us. And that’s exactly what we’re doing now inside of Saudi Arabia.

Obviously, we mourn the loss of life. It is a — it is certainly a wake-up call to many that the war on terror continues, that we’ve still got a big task to protect the American people and others who love freedom from the designs of — and the will of these purveyors of hate. And we’ll find them. We’ll bring them to justice.

Q But, sir, is the message coming from this administration to the Saudis that you’ve got a problem, you have to deal with it —

THE PRESIDENT: The message —

Q — and you have to wake up to the fact that you have to deal with it?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, here’s the message. The message is the war on terror goes on, that there are killers on the loose — obviously, killers on the loose inside of Saudi Arabia in this example. And we want to work with them and find them, find those killers and bring them to justice. And we are still in a — it’s dangerous in the world. And it’s dangerous inside Saudi Arabia. And it’s dangerous so long as al Qaeda continues to operate.

And so we’ll chase them down. We’re doing everything we can to secure the homeland. The best way to secure the homeland is to work with countries like Saudi Arabia and to find the killers and get them before they get us. And that’s what this country will do.

Woodward.

Q Sir.

THE PRESIDENT: How are you?

Q Very well.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, Mark.

Q Mr. President, you filed with the FEC today. How does it feel to be a candidate? And how do you assess your chances?

THE PRESIDENT: The American people will decide whether or not I deserve a second term. In the meantime, I am focusing my attention today on finding — helping people find work. And that’s where I’m going to be for a while. I want this economy to be robust and strong so that our fellow Americans who are looking for a job can find a job.

We’ve also got a lot of work to do on the security front. As John clearly pointed out, we’ve got an issue — we’re dealing with countries from around the world to make sure that they know that the war on terror continues. No one should be complacent in the 21st century, the early stages of the 21st century, so long as al Qaeda moves. I’ve told the country that we’ve brought to justice about half of the al Qaeda network — operatives, key operatives. And so the other half still lives. And we’ll find them, one at a time.

Listen, have a great weekend. Thank you, all.

You’re looking good, John, from the war zone.

Q Thank you, sir. I call it the Iraq-kins Diet. (Laughter.)

END 3:24 P.M. EDT

By Liberal Texas Democrat

May 12, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

By AJC Don’t Censor Hate Only Conservatives

If only they’d censor plagiarists.

By getalife

May 12, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Typical conservative response from Matthew.

When the going gets rough, take away their freedom.

Sorry Matthew, the only rule here is freedom of speech.

We do not let OBL win like the wingnuts do.

By Brian Curtis

May 12, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Matthew: “You just can’t help yourselves; it’s how you operate.” Do you even read what YOU’RE writing?

You’re griping that some “liberals” used to spam the blog, and now that a conservative whack-job is doing the same… surprise, surprise: you still blame the liberals.

Is that what “partisan hack” means?

By Daniel

May 12, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Bush is an abysmal failure. He has lost the trust and respect of the American people. The American people will never forget Bush on vacation during the Katrina disaster. Condi and Rove on vacation. Cheney on vacation. Michael Brown has video of himself pleading to dumba** Bush for help. Bush did what Bush does. Bush did nothing. America will never forget this.

By Craig

May 12, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Matthew, This is the same typical stunt the moonbats pull all the time. They cut and paste, then blame Andy. The whole time they make their self-righteous proclamations and start baiting conservatives to join them in condeming Andy when it’s them doing it the whole time.

The “Management” post may not be a joke though because they really did delete a bunch of those KOS posts. They do need to either fix it completely or shut it down.

By Liberal Texas Democrat

May 12, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

By AJC Don’t Censor Hate Only Conservatives

If only they’d censor plagiarists

By getalife

May 12, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Keep spamming Andy, maybe they can find the bugs that causes it to crash.

By Daniel

May 12, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

Craig: Quit whining. Name one conservative accomplishment of Bush? Name one diplomatic success? Name one benefit from a 8 trillion dollar national debt? Name one benefit of the USA paying 27 Billion a month in interest only? Bush is no conservative. Name one benefit of a huge federal government?

By Daniel

May 12, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

gal: I ignore his stuff. 70% of America no longer trusts or believes Bush. It’s over. We need to keep the country together for the next two years. The long train of dishonesty, deceit and lies have caught up with them. Most republicans are embarassed.

By RE

May 12, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Andy

Like a little kid peeing in a swimming pool because the other kids made fun of him

By getalife

May 12, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

Daniel,

Yes, they are finally waking up.

I think we should be concerned over the loss of freedoms because once you lose them, they are gone.

The target of the 9/11 attack may have been our freedoms.

It is like a virtual bombing going on in America and our government is bombarding our freedoms. If the target was our freedoms, it was a direct hit.

Also, the attack exposed the corruption in our government. The FBI are searching F*’s house right now.

By getalife

May 12, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

Foggo’s house.

By RE

May 12, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

Was that a Boot for Andy?

By Daniel

May 12, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

gal: You hit the nail on the head! Ray McGovern is fighting for all of America. He is a great patriot. By holding Bush accountable America is the winner. By lowering the bar to enable Bush weakness, incompetence and cowardice; America fails.

By Lord Help Us

May 12, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Deranged Moron: Keep going, Bush’s job approval just ticked up to 29.01%. I think it’s because of your insightful and original posts.

Keep up the Lord’s work

By RE

May 12, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

No it looks like they are just deleting the big posts a few at a time.

By Midori

May 12, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I’m so relieved to see management cleaning up Andy’s latest anxiety attack.

Again - where are his defenders?

Shoop? Shoop? Where ya at?

Come on and make another fool out of yourself in trying to pin Andy’s antics on me.

By getalife

May 12, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Daniel,

Yes, him, Murtha and Feingold have voiced their concerns

Yesterday, Pat Leahy stood up against the massive database on phone records.

Specter said he was calling the phone companies in to testify. The backbone of our Congress is very weak and our country is divided.

You are correct, we need some honest leadership.

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

President Bush Meets with Troops in Fort Carson, Colorado Remarks by the President to the Troops Butts Army Air Field Fort Carson, Colorado

President’s Remarks view listen

1:28 P.M. MST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all.

AUDIENCE: U-S-A, U-S-A! (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m honored to be in the Rocky Mountain state. I’m honored to be in Fort Carson. (Applause.) More importantly, I’m honored to be in the presence of so many fine Americans, so many great citizens who proudly wear our nation’s uniform. (Applause.)

The soldiers of Fort Carson are now engaged in the largest deployment from this post since World War II. You reflect tremendous credit to the United States Army. You bring great pride to the people of the United States of America. (Applause.) The people of our armed forces are serving at a crucial period for America and for all free nations. We’re at war with terrorists who hate what we stand for: liberty, democracy, tolerance and the rights and dignity of every person. We’re a peaceful nation, yet we are prepared to confront any danger. (Applause.)

We are fighting the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan and in other parts of the world so we do not have to fight them on the streets of our own cities. (Applause.) And we will win. (Applause.) In this war, America depends on our people in uniform to protect our freedom and to keep our country safe. And all who serve depend every day on the support of your families. These are challenging times for military families. You in the Pikes Peak community know that very well. Military life makes many demands on wives and husbands and sons and daughters. You have faced hardships, and you have faced them together. And I want you to know, our whole nation is grateful to our military families. (Applause.)

America is also indebted to the men and women of the Guard and Reserve who are serving abroad. (Applause.) And to those who are called for homeland security assignments. Hundreds of reserve units across America have been activated in this time of war. Our country thanks these fine citizens, and we thank their employers for putting duty first.

I want to thank Major General Bob Wilson for his leadership and his strength of character. I want to thank General Larry Ellis, as well, for greeting me here today. It’s my honor to have met General Lance Lord, Commander of the Air Force Space Command. I appreciate Colonels Orr, Terry, Wininger and Resty for being such strong leaders and for greeting me here. It was my privilege to have lunch with Sergeant Major Mac McWilliams. (Applause.) He’s the kind of guy you don’t want to cross. (Laughter and applause.) He’s the kind of guy you want on your side. (Applause.) I’m glad he’s on my side, and I’m glad you’re on my side. (Applause.)

I appreciate Bill Hybl, who is the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. I want to thank the families of the fallen soldiers who are here with us today. Our prayers are with you. We ask for God’s strength and God’s guidance. (Applause.) I’m honored that the great governor of the great state of Colorado is with us today, Governor Bill Owens. (Applause.)

We’ve got some members of the United States Congressional delegation here who are strong supporters of our military and our military families: Congressman Hefley and McInnis, Tancredo, Beauprez and Musgrave, thank you all for coming. I’m honored you’re here. (Applause.) The Speaker of the House is here. Madam Speaker, thank you for coming, Lola Spradley. The Mayor of Colorado Springs and the Mayor of Fountain, Mayor Rivera and Mayor Barela are with us, as well. Thank you all for coming. I thank all state and local officials for being here. But most of all, I want to thank you all for coming. It’s my honor to be here. (Applause.)

When I landed, and I got off that magnificent bird, Air Force One, I was greeted by a lady named Diane Campbell. (Applause.) She brought her family with her. (Laughter.) She’s an active volunteer with the Army Family Team Building program. (Applause.) As I said, she brought her family with her. (Laughter.)

The reason I bring up Diane Campbell is, oftentimes, people measure the strength of America based upon the number of tanks and airplanes we have, or the size of our wallets. No, the strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. You see, people like Diane Campbell are providing training and information to military spouses and families to help them adjust to the life in the Army. See, they’re reaching out. They’ve heard the universal call to love a neighbor just like they would like to be loved themselves. The true strength of America is the American people, because we’re a compassionate, decent, caring, loving people, just like Diane Campbell. (Applause.)

I want to thank Diane and all the Army Family Team Building members for your service. I ask you all to reach out a hand to somebody who hurts. I ask you to help us change our country one lonely soul at a time.

For more than 60 years, the units of Fort Carson have been known for training hard and being prepared at all times. Men and women have gone forth from this base to make history. From the Pacific Theater in World War II, to Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Many thousands who served in these causes still live here in this area. I don’t blame you. (Laughter.) It’s a beautiful part of our country.

Our veterans and military retirees play their part in maintaining the greatest fighting force in the world. They kept our country free, and we are grateful to the veterans who are with us here today. (Applause.) Today a new generation has been called to great challenges. The soldiers of the Mountain Post have been called to serve in the first war of the 21st Century.

This war began more than two years ago, on September the 11th, 2001, when America was attacked, and thousands of our fellow citizens were murdered. The events of that morning changed our nation. We awakened to new dangers and we accepted new responsibilities. That day we saw the harm that our enemies intend for us. And last week, we saw their cruelty again, in the murders in Istanbul. Today America, Britain and Turkey and all responsible nations are united in a great cause: We will not rest until we bring these committed killers to justice. (Applause.)

These terrorists will not be stopped by negotiations, or by appeals to reason, or by the least hint of conscience. We have only one option: We must, and we will continue to take the fight to the enemy. (Applause.)

We fight this war against terror on many fronts. Terrorists hide and strike within free societies, so we’re draining their bank accounts, disrupting their plans. We’re hunting them down one by one until they can no longer threaten America and other free peoples.

Terrorists need places to hide, to plot, and to train, so we’re holding their allies, the allies of terror to account. (Applause.) Working with a fine coalition, our military went to Afghanistan, destroyed the training camps of al Qaeda, and put the Taliban out of business forever. (Applause.)

In Iraq, where a dictator defied the world, cultivated ties to terror, armed with deadly weapons, America led a mission to make the world safer, and to liberate the Iraqi people. And that brutal dictator’s regime is no more. (Applause.) Thanks to our great military, Iraqi citizens do not have to fear the dictator’s secret police or ending in a mass grave. Thanks to our military, the torture chambers are closed, and the prison cells for children are empty. Thanks to our military, we have captured many members of the former regime, and the rest of them have a lot to worry about. (Applause.)

Recently, in Operation Iron Hammer, our coalition worked with the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps and police to strike hard against the forces of murder and chaos. We countered attacks, we seized weapons, we brought cold-blooded killers to justice. We’re proud of all who participated in these forceful and successful operations. And we’re sending a clear message: Anyone who seeks to harm our soldiers can know that our great soldiers are hunting for them. (Applause.)

Our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan is clear to our service members, and it’s clear to our enemies. America’s military is fighting to secure the freedom of more than 50 million people who recently lived under two of the cruelest dictatorships on earth. America’s military is fighting to help democracy and peace and justice rise in a troubled and violent region. And because we’re fighting terrorist enemies thousands of miles away, in the heart and center of their power, we are making the United States of America more secure. (Applause.)

Units from this base have been vital to our campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. The 7th Infantry Division has done fine work preparing guard brigades for combat duty overseas, with one battalion in Iraq from the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom; preparing a brigade to deploy and a brigade now in Afghanistan; helping to train the Afghan National Army. We’re grateful for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team — (applause) — the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment — (applause) — the 10th Special Forces Group — (applause) — the 43rd Area Support Group. (Applause.) These and other units are showing the skill and the discipline that define Fort Carson, and you’re showing the courage that defines the United States Army. (Applause.)

Today, American forces in Iraq are joined by about 24,000 troops from 32 other countries. Together, we’re helping the Iraqi people move steadily toward a free and democratic society. Economic life is being restored to cities of Iraq. A new Iraqi currency is circulating. Local governments are up and running. Iraq will soon begin the process of drafting a constitution, with free elections to follow. As Iraq joins — rejoins the world, it will demonstrate the power of freedom and hope to overcome resentment and hatred. And this transformation will help make America more secure. (Applause.)

The work we are in is not easy, yet it is essential. The failure of democracy in Iraq would provide new bases for the terrorist network and embolden terrorists and their allies around the world. The failure of democracy in those countries would convince terrorists that America backs down under attack. Yet democracy will succeed in Iraq, because our will is firm and our word is good. Democracy will succeed because every month, more and more Iraqis are fighting for their own country. People we have liberated will not surrender their freedom. Democracy will succeed because the United States of America will not be intimidated by a bunch of thugs. (Applause.)

This community knows firsthand that the mission in Iraq is difficult and the enemy is dangerous. Saddam loyalists and foreign terrorists are attacking the symbols of order and freedom, from international aid workers to coalition forces to innocent Iraqi citizens. Terrorists have chosen to make a stand and test our resolve. Our resolve will not be shaken. (Applause.)

It is the nature of terrorism that a small number of people can inflict terrible grief. And here, you felt loss. Every person who dies in the line of duty leaves a family that lives in sorrow, and comrades who must go on without them. The Fort Carson community said farewell to some of your best. One of them was Staff Sergeant Daniel Bader. This good man left behind his wife, Tiffany, and their 14-month-old daughter. Tiffany Bader said this to a reporter recently, “I’m going to wait until she is old enough to realize what happened, and I will tell her exactly what her daddy did for her. He died serving his country so that my little girl could grow up free.” (Applause.)

The courage of that soldier, and the courage of that wife, show the spirit of this country in the face of great adversity. And all our military families that mourn can know this: Our nation will never forget the sacrifice their loved one made to protect us all. (Applause.)

By the unselfish dedication of Americans in uniform, children in our own country and in lands far away will be able to live in freedom, and know the peace that freedom brings. As Americans, we believe that freedom is not America’s gift to the world, freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to every person who lives in the world. (Applause.)

As men and women who served the cause of freedom, each one of you has answered a great calling. You live by a code of honor, in service to your nation, for the safety and security of your fellow citizens. You and I have taken an oath to defend America. We’re meeting that duty together, and I’m proud to be the Commander-in-Chief of the greatest military, full of the finest people on the face of this earth.

God bless you all. God bless America. (Applause.)

END 2:01 P.M. MST

By AJC Don't Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

President Bush Discusses Iraq Policy at Whitehall Palace in London Remarks by the President at Whitehall Palace Royal Banqueting House-Whitehall Palace London, England

1:24 P.M. (Local)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Secretary Straw and Secretary Hoon; Admiral Cobbald and Dr. Chipman; distinguished guests: I want to thank you for your very kind welcome that you’ve given to me and to Laura. I also thank the groups hosting this event — The Royal United Services Institute, and the International Institute for Strategic Studies. We’re honored to be in the United Kingdom, and we bring the good wishes of the American people.

It was pointed out to me that the last noted American to visit London stayed in a glass box dangling over the Thames. (Laughter.) A few might have been happy to provide similar arrangements for me. (Laughter.) I thank Her Majesty the Queen for interceding. (Laughter.) We’re honored to be staying at her house.

Americans traveling to England always observe more similarities to our country than differences. I’ve been here only a short time, but I’ve noticed that the tradition of free speech — exercised with enthusiasm — (laughter) — is alive and well here in London. We have that at home, too. They now have that right in Baghdad, as well. (Applause.)

The people of Great Britain also might see some familiar traits in Americans. We’re sometimes faulted for a naive faith that liberty can change the world. If that’s an error it began with reading too much John Locke and Adam Smith. Americans have, on occasion, been called moralists who often speak in terms of right and wrong. That zeal has been inspired by examples on this island, by the tireless compassion of Lord Shaftesbury, the righteous courage of Wilberforce, and the firm determination of the Royal Navy over the decades to fight and end the trade in slaves.

It’s rightly said that Americans are a religious people. That’s, in part, because the “Good News” was translated by Tyndale, preached by Wesley, lived out in the example of William Booth. At times, Americans are even said to have a puritan streak — where might that have come from? (Laughter.) Well, we can start with the Puritans.

To this fine heritage, Americans have added a few traits of our own: the good influence of our immigrants, the spirit of the frontier. Yet, there remains a bit of England in every American. So much of our national character comes from you, and we’re glad for it.

The fellowship of generations is the cause of common beliefs. We believe in open societies ordered by moral conviction. We believe in private markets, humanized by compassionate government. We believe in economies that reward effort, communities that protect the weak, and the duty of nations to respect the dignity and the rights of all. And whether one learns these ideals in County Durham or in West Texas, they instill mutual respect and they inspire common purpose.

More than an alliance of security and commerce, the British and American peoples have an alliance of values. And, today, this old and tested alliance is very strong. (Applause.)

The deepest beliefs of our nations set the direction of our foreign policy. We value our own civil rights, so we stand for the human rights of others. We affirm the God-given dignity of every person, so we are moved to action by poverty and oppression and famine and disease. The United States and Great Britain share a mission in the world beyond the balance of power or the simple pursuit of interest. We seek the advance of freedom and the peace that freedom brings. Together our nations are standing and sacrificing for this high goal in a distant land at this very hour. And America honors the idealism and the bravery of the sons and daughters of Britain.

The last President to stay at Buckingham Palace was an idealist, without question. At a dinner hosted by King George V, in 1918, Woodrow Wilson made a pledge; with typical American understatement, he vowed that right and justice would become the predominant and controlling force in the world.

President Wilson had come to Europe with his 14 Points for Peace. Many complimented him on his vision; yet some were dubious. Take, for example, the Prime Minister of France. He complained that God, himself, had only 10 commandments. (Laughter.) Sounds familiar. (Laughter.)

At Wilson’s high point of idealism, however, Europe was one short generation from Munich and Auschwitz and the Blitz. Looking back, we see the reasons why. The League of Nations, lacking both credibility and will, collapsed at the first challenge of the dictators. Free nations failed to recognize, much less confront, the aggressive evil in plain sight. And so dictators went about their business, feeding resentments and anti-Semitism, bringing death to innocent people in this city and across the world, and filling the last century with violence and genocide.

Through world war and cold war, we learned that idealism, if it is to do any good in this world, requires common purpose and national strength, moral courage and patience in difficult tasks. And now our generation has need of these qualities.

On September the 11th, 2001, terrorists left their mark of murder on my country, and took the lives of 67 British citizens. With the passing of months and years, it is the natural human desire to resume a quiet life and to put that day behind us, as if waking from a dark dream. The hope that danger has passed is comforting, is understanding, and it is false. The attacks that followed — on Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Bombay, Mombassa, Najaf, Jerusalem, Riyadh, Baghdad, and Istanbul — were not dreams. They’re part of the global campaign by terrorist networks to intimidate and demoralize all who oppose them.

These terrorists target the innocent, and they kill by the thousands. And they would, if they gain the weapons they seek, kill by the millions and not be finished. The greatest threat of our age is nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons in the hands of terrorists, and the dictators who aid them. The evil is in plain sight. The danger only increases with denial. Great responsibilities fall once again to the great democracies. We will face these threats with open eyes, and we will defeat them. (Applause.)

The peace and security of free nations now rests on three pillars: First, international organizations must be equal to the challenges facing our world, from lifting up failing states to opposing proliferation.

Like 11 Presidents before me, I believe in the international institutions and alliances that America helped to form and helps to lead. The United States and Great Britain have labored hard to help make the United Nations what it is supposed to be — an effective instrument of our collective security. In recent months, we’ve sought and gained three additional resolutions on Iraq — Resolutions 1441, 1483 and 1511 — precisely because the global danger of terror demands a global response. The United Nations has no more compelling advocate than your Prime Minister, who at every turn has championed its ideals and appealed to its authority. He understands, as well, that the credibility of the U.N. depends on a willingness to keep its word and to act when action is required.

America and Great Britain have done, and will do, all in their power to prevent the United Nations from solemnly choosing its own irrelevance and inviting the fate of the League of Nations. It’s not enough to meet the dangers of the world with resolutions; we must meet those dangers with resolve.

In this century, as in the last, nations can accomplish more together than apart. For 54 years, America has stood with our partners in NATO, the most effective multilateral institution in history. We’re committed to this great democratic alliance, and we believe it must have the will and the capacity to act beyond Europe where threats emerge.

My nation welcomes the growing unity of Europe, and the world needs America and the European Union to work in common purpose for the advance of security and justice. America is cooperating with four other nations to meet the dangers posed by North Korea. America believes the IAEA must be true to its purpose and hold Iran to its obligations.

Our first choice, and our constant practice, is to work with other responsible governments. We understand, as well, that the success of multilateralism is not measured by adherence to forms alone, the tidiness of the process, but by the results we achieve to keep our nations secure.

The second pillar of peace and security in our world is the willingness of free nations, when the last resort arrives, to retain* {sic} aggression and evil by force. There are principled objections to the use of force in every generation, and I credit the good motives behind these views.

Those in authority, however, are not judged only by good motivations. The people have given us the duty to defend them. And that duty sometimes requires the violent restraint of violent men. In some cases, the measured use of force is all that protects us from a chaotic world ruled by force.

Most in the peaceful West have no living memory of that kind of world. Yet in some countries, the memories are recent: The victims of ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, those who survived the rapists and the death squads, have few qualms when NATO applied force to help end those crimes. The women of Afghanistan, imprisoned in their homes and beaten in the streets and executed in public spectacles, did not reproach us for routing the Taliban. The inhabitants of Iraq’s Baathist hell, with its lavish palaces and its torture chambers, with its massive statues and its mass graves, do not miss their fugitive dictator. They rejoiced at his fall.

In all these cases, military action was proceeded by diplomatic initiatives and negotiations and ultimatums, and final chances until the final moment. In Iraq, year after year, the dictator was given the chance to account for his weapons programs, and end the nightmare for his people. Now the resolutions he defied have been enforced.

And who will say that Iraq was better off when Saddam Hussein was strutting and killing, or that the world was safer when he held power? Who doubts that Afghanistan is a more just society and less dangerous without Mullah Omar playing host to terrorists from around the world. And Europe, too, is plainly better off with Milosevic answering for his crimes, instead of committing more.

It’s been said that those who live near a police station find it hard to believe in the triumph of violence, in the same way free peoples might be tempted to take for granted the orderly societies we have come to know. Europe’s peaceful unity is one of the great achievements of the last half-century. And because European countries now resolve differences through negotiation and consensus, there’s sometimes an assumption that the entire world functions in the same way. But let us never forget how Europe’s unity was achieved — by allied armies of liberation and NATO armies of defense. And let us never forget, beyond Europe’s borders, in a world where oppression and violence are very real, liberation is still a moral goal, and freedom and security still need defenders. (Applause.)

The third pillar of security is our commitment to the global expansion of democracy, and the hope and progress it brings, as the alternative to instability and to hatred and terror. We cannot rely exclusively on military power to assure our long-term security. Lasting peace is gained as justice and democracy advance.

In democratic and successful societies, men and women do not swear allegiance to malcontents and murderers; they turn their hearts and labor to building better lives. And democratic governments do not shelter terrorist camps or attack their peaceful neighbors; they honor the aspirations and dignity of their own people. In our conflict with terror and tyranny, we have an unmatched advantage, a power that cannot be resisted, and that is the appeal of freedom to all mankind.

As global powers, both our nations serve the cause of freedom in many ways, in many places. By promoting development, and fighting famine and AIDS and other diseases, we’re fulfilling our moral duties, as well as encouraging stability and building a firmer basis for democratic institutions. By working for justice in Burma, in the Sudan and in Zimbabwe, we give hope to suffering people and improve the chances for stability and progress. By extending the reach of trade we foster prosperity and the habits of liberty. And by advancing freedom in the greater Middle East, we help end a cycle of dictatorship and radicalism that brings millions of people to misery and brings danger to our own people.

The stakes in that region could not be higher. If the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation and anger and violence for export. And as we saw in the ruins of two towers, no distance on the map will protect our lives and way of life. If the greater Middle East joins the democratic revolution that has reached much of the world, the lives of millions in that region will be bettered, and a trend of conflict and fear will be ended at its source.

The movement of history will not come about quickly. Because of our own democratic development — the fact that it was gradual and, at times, turbulent — we must be patient with others. And the Middle East countries have some distance to travel.

Arab scholars speak of a freedom deficit that has separated whole nations from the progress of our time. The essentials of social and material progress — limited government, equal justice under law, religious and economic liberty, political participation, free press, and respect for the rights of women — have been scarce across the region. Yet that has begun to change. In an arc of reform from Morocco to Jordan to Qatar, we are seeing elections and new protections for women and the stirring of political pluralism. Many governments are realizing that theocracy and dictatorship do not lead to national greatness; they end in national ruin. They are finding, as others will find, that national progress and dignity are achieved when governments are just and people are free.

The democratic progress we’ve seen in the Middle East was not imposed from abroad, and neither will the greater progress we hope to see. Freedom, by definition, must be chosen, and defended by those who choose it. Our part, as free nations, is to ally ourselves with reform, wherever it occurs.

Perhaps the most helpful change we can make is to change in our own thinking. In the West, there’s been a certain skepticism about the capacity or even the desire of Middle Eastern peoples for self-government. We’re told that Islam is somehow inconsistent with a democratic culture. Yet more than half of the world’s Muslims are today contributing citizens in democratic societies. It is suggested that the poor, in their daily struggles, care little for self-government. Yet the poor, especially, need the power of democracy to defend themselves against corrupt elites.

Peoples of the Middle East share a high civilization, a religion of personal responsibility, and a need for freedom as deep as our own. It is not realism to suppose that one-fifth of humanity is unsuited to liberty; it is pessimism and condescension, and we should have none of it. (Applause.)

We must shake off decades of failed policy in the Middle East. Your nation and mine, in the past, have been willing to make a bargain, to tolerate oppression for the sake of stability. Longstanding ties often led us to overlook the faults of local elites. Yet this bargain did not bring stability or make us safe. It merely bought time, while problems festered and ideologies of violence took hold.

As recent history has shown, we cannot turn a blind eye to oppression just because the oppression is not in our own backyard. No longer should we think tyranny is benign because it is temporarily convenient. Tyranny is never benign to its victims, and our great democracies should oppose tyranny wherever it is found. (Applause.)

Now we’re pursuing a different course, a forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East. We will consistently challenge the enemies of reform and confront the allies of terror. We will expect a higher standard from our friends in the region, and we will meet our responsibilities in Afghanistan and in Iraq by finishing the work of democracy we have begun.

There were good-faith disagreements in your country and mine over the course and timing of military action in Iraq. Whatever has come before, we now have only two options: to keep our word, or to break our word. The failure of democracy in Iraq would throw its people back into misery and turn that country over to terrorists who wish to destroy us. Yet democracy will succeed in Iraq, because our will is firm, our word is good, and the Iraqi people will not surrender their freedom. (Applause.)

Since the liberation of Iraq, we have seen changes that could hardly have been imagined a year ago. A new Iraqi police force protects the people, instead of bullying them. More than 150 Iraqi newspapers are now in circulation, printing what they choose, not what they’re ordered. Schools are open with textbooks free of propaganda. Hospitals are functioning and are well-supplied. Iraq has a new currency, the first battalion of a new army, representative local governments, and a Governing Council with an aggressive timetable for national sovereignty. This is substantial progress. And much of it has proceeded faster than similar efforts in Germany and Japan after World War II.

Yet the violence we are seeing in Iraq today is serious. And it comes from Baathist holdouts and Jihadists from other countries, and terrorists drawn to the prospect of innocent bloodshed. It is the nature of terrorism and the cruelty of a few to try to bring grief in the loss to many. The armed forces of both our countries have taken losses, felt deeply by our citizens. Some families now live with a burden of great sorrow. We cannot take the pain away. But these families can know they are not alone. We pray for their strength; we pray for their comfort; and we will never forget the courage of the ones they loved.

The terrorists have a purpose, a strategy to their cruelty. They view the rise of democracy in Iraq as a powerful threat to their ambitions. In this, they are correct. They believe their acts of terror against our coalition, against international aid workers and against innocent Iraqis, will make us recoil and retreat. In this, they are mistaken. (Applause.)

We did not charge hundreds of miles into the heart of Iraq and pay a bitter cost of casualties, and liberate 25 million people, only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins. (Applause.) We will help the Iraqi people establish a peaceful and democratic country in the heart of the Middle East. And by doing so, we will defend our people from danger.

The forward strategy of freedom must also apply to the Arab-Israeli conflict. It’s a difficult period in a part of the world that has known many. Yet, our commitment remains firm. We seek justice and dignity. We seek a viable, independent state for the Palestinian people, who have been betrayed by others for too long. (Applause.) We seek security and recognition for the state of Israel, which has lived in the shadow of random death for too long. (Applause.) These are worthy goals in themselves, and by reaching them we will also remove an occasion and excuse for hatred and violence in the broader Middle East.

Achieving peace in the Holy Land is not just a matter of the shape of a border. As we work on the details of peace, we must look to the heart of the matter, which is the need for a viable Palestinian democracy. Peace will not be achieved by Palestinian rulers who intimidate opposition, who tolerate and profit from corruption and maintain their ties to terrorist groups. These are the methods of the old elites, who time and again had put their own self-interest above the interest of the people they claim to serve. The long-suffering Palestinian people deserve better. They deserve true leaders, capable of creating and governing a Palestinian state.

Even after the setbacks and frustrations of recent months, goodwill and hard effort can bring about a Palestinian state and a secure Israel. Those who would lead a new Palestine should adopt peaceful means to achieve the rights of their people and create the reformed institutions of a stable democracy.

Israel should freeze settlement construction, dismantle unauthorized outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people, and not prejudice final negotiations with the placements of walls and fences.

Arab states should end incitement in their own media, cut off public and private funding for terrorism, and establish normal relations with Israel.

Leaders in Europe should withdraw all favor and support from any Palestinian ruler who fails his people and betrays their cause. And Europe’s leaders — and all leaders — should strongly oppose anti-Semitism, which poisons public debates over the future of the Middle East. (Applause.)

Ladies and gentlemen, we have great objectives before us that make our Atlantic alliance as vital as it has ever been. We will encourage the strength and effectiveness of international institutions. We will use force when necessary in the defense of freedom. And we will raise up an ideal of democracy in every part of the world. On these three pillars we will build the peace and security of all free nations in a time of danger.

So much good has come from our alliance of conviction and might. So much now depends on the strength of this alliance as we go forward. America has always found strong partners in London, leaders of good judgment and blunt counsel and backbone when times are tough. And I have found all those qualities in your current Prime Minister, who has my respect and my deepest thanks. (Applause.)

The ties between our nations, however, are deeper than the relationship between leaders. These ties endure because they are formed by the experience and responsibilities and adversity we have shared. And in the memory of our peoples, there will always be one experience, one central event when the seal was fixed on the friendship between Britain and the United States: The arrival in Great Britain of more than 1.5 million American soldiers and airmen in the 1940s was a turning point in the second world war. For many Britons, it was a first close look at Americans, other than in the movies. Some of you here today may still remember the “friendly invasion.” Our lads, they took some getting used to. There was even a saying about what many of them were up to — in addition to be “overpaid and over here.” (Laughter.)

At a reunion in North London some years ago, an American pilot who had settled in England after his military service, said, “Well, I’m still over here, and probably overpaid. So two out of three isn’t bad.” (Laughter.)

In that time of war, the English people did get used to the Americans. They welcomed soldiers and fliers into their villages and homes, and took to calling them, “our boys.” About 70,000 of those boys did their part to affirm our special relationship. They returned home with English brides.

Americans gained a certain image of Britain, as well. We saw an island threatened on every side, a leader who did not waver, and a country of the firmest character. And that has not changed. The British people are the sort of partners you want when serious work needs doing. The men and women of this Kingdom are kind and steadfast and generous and brave. And America is fortunate to call this country our closest friend in the world.

May God bless you all. (Applause.)

END 2:03 P.M. (Local)

• restrain

By Lord Help Us

May 12, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Deranged Moron: Yes…It’s…Working…Bush is Great, Competent, Moral, Strong, He Speaks The Truth, I Have Been Weak and Unpatriotic, Oh, an epiphany…

Please do not stop, the rest of the ‘unclean’ are starting to turn…I can sense it

Thanks for saving me…

It’s The Liberals Fault, Stupid

By The Only Thing The AJC Won't Censor

May 12, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

By The AJC Promotes Hate And Ignorance May 12, 2006 06:21 AM- I like little boys, are there any little boys here?

By Midori

May 12, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

LOL, Lord Help Us

I’m getting a kick out of watching this moron self destruct :)

By Midori

May 12, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Snow Melts at Debut ‘Gaggle’

By The AJC Sucks

May 12, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

President Bush Meets with Troops in Fort Carson, Colorado Remarks by the President to the Troops Butts Army Air Field Fort Carson, Colorado

President’s Remarks view listen

1:28 P.M. MST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all.

AUDIENCE: U-S-A, U-S-A! (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m honored to be in the Rocky Mountain state. I’m honored to be in Fort Carson. (Applause.) More importantly, I’m honored to be in the presence of so many fine Americans, so many great citizens who proudly wear our nation’s uniform. (Applause.)

The soldiers of Fort Carson are now engaged in the largest deployment from this post since World War II. You reflect tremendous credit to the United States Army. You bring great pride to the people of the United States of America. (Applause.) The people of our armed forces are serving at a crucial period for America and for all free nations. We’re at war with terrorists who hate what we stand for: liberty, democracy, tolerance and the rights and dignity of every person. We’re a peaceful nation, yet we are prepared to confront any danger. (Applause.)

We are fighting the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan and in other parts of the world so we do not have to fight them on the streets of our own cities. (Applause.) And we will win. (Applause.) In this war, America depends on our people in uniform to protect our freedom and to keep our country safe. And all who serve depend every day on the support of your families. These are challenging times for military families. You in the Pikes Peak community know that very well. Military life makes many demands on wives and husbands and sons and daughters. You have faced hardships, and you have faced them together. And I want you to know, our whole nation is grateful to our military families. (Applause.)

America is also indebted to the men and women of the Guard and Reserve who are serving abroad. (Applause.) And to those who are called for homeland security assignments. Hundreds of reserve units across America have been activated in this time of war. Our country thanks these fine citizens, and we thank their employers for putting duty first.

I want to thank Major General Bob Wilson for his leadership and his strength of character. I want to thank General Larry Ellis, as well, for greeting me here today. It’s my honor to have met General Lance Lord, Commander of the Air Force Space Command. I appreciate Colonels Orr, Terry, Wininger and Resty for being such strong leaders and for greeting me here. It was my privilege to have lunch with Sergeant Major Mac McWilliams. (Applause.) He’s the kind of guy you don’t want to cross. (Laughter and applause.) He’s the kind of guy you want on your side. (Applause.) I’m glad he’s on my side, and I’m glad you’re on my side. (Applause.)

I appreciate Bill Hybl, who is the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. I want to thank the families of the fallen soldiers who are here with us today. Our prayers are with you. We ask for God’s strength and God’s guidance. (Applause.) I’m honored that the great governor of the great state of Colorado is with us today, Governor Bill Owens. (Applause.)

We’ve got some members of the United States Congressional delegation here who are strong supporters of our military and our military families: Congressman Hefley and McInnis, Tancredo, Beauprez and Musgrave, thank you all for coming. I’m honored you’re here. (Applause.) The Speaker of the House is here. Madam Speaker, thank you for coming, Lola Spradley. The Mayor of Colorado Springs and the Mayor of Fountain, Mayor Rivera and Mayor Barela are with us, as well. Thank you all for coming. I thank all state and local officials for being here. But most of all, I want to thank you all for coming. It’s my honor to be here. (Applause.)

When I landed, and I got off that magnificent bird, Air Force One, I was greeted by a lady named Diane Campbell. (Applause.) She brought her family with her. (Laughter.) She’s an active volunteer with the Army Family Team Building program. (Applause.) As I said, she brought her family with her. (Laughter.)

The reason I bring up Diane Campbell is, oftentimes, people measure the strength of America based upon the number of tanks and airplanes we have, or the size of our wallets. No, the strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of our citizens. You see, people like Diane Campbell are providing training and information to military spouses and families to help them adjust to the life in the Army. See, they’re reaching out. They’ve heard the universal call to love a neighbor just like they would like to be loved themselves. The true strength of America is the American people, because we’re a compassionate, decent, caring, loving people, just like Diane Campbell. (Applause.)

I want to thank Diane and all the Army Family Team Building members for your service. I ask you all to reach out a hand to somebody who hurts. I ask you to help us change our country one lonely soul at a time.

For more than 60 years, the units of Fort Carson have been known for training hard and being prepared at all times. Men and women have gone forth from this base to make history. From the Pacific Theater in World War II, to Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Many thousands who served in these causes still live here in this area. I don’t blame you. (Laughter.) It’s a beautiful part of our country.

Our veterans and military retirees play their part in maintaining the greatest fighting force in the world. They kept our country free, and we are grateful to the veterans who are with us here today. (Applause.) Today a new generation has been called to great challenges. The soldiers of the Mountain Post have been called to serve in the first war of the 21st Century.

This war began more than two years ago, on September the 11th, 2001, when America was attacked, and thousands of our fellow citizens were murdered. The events of that morning changed our nation. We awakened to new dangers and we accepted new responsibilities. That day we saw the harm that our enemies intend for us. And last week, we saw their cruelty again, in the murders in Istanbul. Today America, Britain and Turkey and all responsible nations are united in a great cause: We will not rest until we bring these committed killers to justice. (Applause.)

These terrorists will not be stopped by negotiations, or by appeals to reason, or by the least hint of conscience. We have only one option: We must, and we will continue to take the fight to the enemy. (Applause.)

We fight this war against terror on many fronts. Terrorists hide and strike within free societies, so we’re draining their bank accounts, disrupting their plans. We’re hunting them down one by one until they can no longer threaten America and other free peoples.

Terrorists need places to hide, to plot, and to train, so we’re holding their allies, the allies of terror to account. (Applause.) Working with a fine coalition, our military went to Afghanistan, destroyed the training camps of al Qaeda, and put the Taliban out of business forever. (Applause.)

In Iraq, where a dictator defied the world, cultivated ties to terror, armed with deadly weapons, America led a mission to make the world safer, and to liberate the Iraqi people. And that brutal dictator’s regime is no more. (Applause.) Thanks to our great military, Iraqi citizens do not have to fear the dictator’s secret police or ending in a mass grave. Thanks to our military, the torture chambers are closed, and the prison cells for children are empty. Thanks to our military, we have captured many members of the former regime, and the rest of them have a lot to worry about. (Applause.)

Recently, in Operation Iron Hammer, our coalition worked with the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps and police to strike hard against the forces of murder and chaos. We countered attacks, we seized weapons, we brought cold-blooded killers to justice. We’re proud of all who participated in these forceful and successful operations. And we’re sending a clear message: Anyone who seeks to harm our soldiers can know that our great soldiers are hunting for them. (Applause.)

Our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan is clear to our service members, and it’s clear to our enemies. America’s military is fighting to secure the freedom of more than 50 million people who recently lived under two of the cruelest dictatorships on earth. America’s military is fighting to help democracy and peace and justice rise in a troubled and violent region. And because we’re fighting terrorist enemies thousands of miles away, in the heart and center of their power, we are making the United States of America more secure. (Applause.)

Units from this base have been vital to our campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. The 7th Infantry Division has done fine work preparing guard brigades for combat duty overseas, with one battalion in Iraq from the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom; preparing a brigade to deploy and a brigade now in Afghanistan; helping to train the Afghan National Army. We’re grateful for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team — (applause) — the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment — (applause) — the 10th Special Forces Group — (applause) — the 43rd Area Support Group. (Applause.) These and other units are showing the skill and the discipline that define Fort Carson, and you’re showing the courage that defines the United States Army. (Applause.)

Today, American forces in Iraq are joined by about 24,000 troops from 32 other countries. Together, we’re helping the Iraqi people move steadily toward a free and democratic society. Economic life is being restored to cities of Iraq. A new Iraqi currency is circulating. Local governments are up and running. Iraq will soon begin the process of drafting a constitution, with free elections to follow. As Iraq joins — rejoins the world, it will demonstrate the power of freedom and hope to overcome resentment and hatred. And this transformation will help make America more secure. (Applause.)

The work we are in is not easy, yet it is essential. The failure of democracy in Iraq would provide new bases for the terrorist network and embolden terrorists and their allies around the world. The failure of democracy in those countries would convince terrorists that America backs down under attack. Yet democracy will succeed in Iraq, because our will is firm and our word is good. Democracy will succeed because every month, more and more Iraqis are fighting for their own country. People we have liberated will not surrender their freedom. Democracy will succeed because the United States of America will not be intimidated by a bunch of thugs. (Applause.)

This community knows firsthand that the mission in Iraq is difficult and the enemy is dangerous. Saddam loyalists and foreign terrorists are attacking the symbols of order and freedom, from international aid workers to coalition forces to innocent Iraqi citizens. Terrorists have chosen to make a stand and test our resolve. Our resolve will not be shaken. (Applause.)

It is the nature of terrorism that a small number of people can inflict terrible grief. And here, you felt loss. Every person who dies in the line of duty leaves a family that lives in sorrow, and comrades who must go on without them. The Fort Carson community said farewell to some of your best. One of them was Staff Sergeant Daniel Bader. This good man left behind his wife, Tiffany, and their 14-month-old daughter. Tiffany Bader said this to a reporter recently, “I’m going to wait until she is old enough to realize what happened, and I will tell her exactly what her daddy did for her. He died serving his country so that my little girl could grow up free.” (Applause.)

The courage of that soldier, and the courage of that wife, show the spirit of this country in the face of great adversity. And all our military families that mourn can know this: Our nation will never forget the sacrifice their loved one made to protect us all. (Applause.)

By the unselfish dedication of Americans in uniform, children in our own country and in lands far away will be able to live in freedom, and know the peace that freedom brings. As Americans, we believe that freedom is not America’s gift to the world, freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to every person who lives in the world. (Applause.)

As men and women who served the cause of freedom, each one of you has answered a great calling. You live by a code of honor, in service to your nation, for the safety and security of your fellow citizens. You and I have taken an oath to defend America. We’re meeting that duty together, and I’m proud to be the Commander-in-Chief of the greatest military, full of the finest people on the face of this earth.

God bless you all. God bless America. (Applause.)

END 2:01 P.M. MST

By AJC Don’t Censor Hate Only Conservatives

May 12, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

President Bush Discusses Iraq Policy at Whitehall Palace in London Remarks by the President at Whitehall Palace Royal Banqueting House-Whitehall Palace London, England

1:24 P.M. (Local)

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Secretary Straw and Secretary Hoon; Admiral Cobbald and Dr. Chipman; distinguished guests: I want to thank you for your very kind welcome that you’ve given to me and to Laura. I also thank the groups hosting this event — The Royal United Services Institute, and the International Institute for Strategic Studies. We’re honored to be in the United Kingdom, and we bring the good wishes of the American people.

It was pointed out to me that the last noted American to visit London stayed in a glass box dangling over the Thames. (Laughter.) A few might have been happy to provide similar arrangements for me. (Laughter.) I thank Her Majesty the Queen for interceding. (Laughter.) We’re honored to be staying at her house.

Americans traveling to England always observe more similarities to our country than differences. I’ve been here only a short time, but I’ve noticed that the tradition of free speech — exercised with enthusiasm — (laughter) — is alive and well here in London. We have that at home, too. They now have that right in Baghdad, as well. (Applause.)

The people of Great Britain also might see some familiar traits in Americans. We’re sometimes faulted for a naive faith that liberty can change the world. If that’s an error it began with reading too much John Locke and Adam Smith. Americans have, on occasion, been called moralists who often speak in terms of right and wrong. That zeal has been inspired by examples on this island, by the tireless compassion of Lord Shaftesbury, the righteous courage of Wilberforce, and the firm determination of the Royal Navy over the decades to fight and end the trade in slaves.

It’s rightly said that Americans are a religious people. That’s, in part, because the “Good News” was translated by Tyndale, preached by Wesley, lived out in the example of William Booth. At times, Americans are even said to have a puritan streak — where might that have come from? (Laughter.) Well, we can start with the Puritans.

To this fine heritage, Americans have added a few traits of our own: the good influence of our immigrants, the spirit of the frontier. Yet, there remains a bit of England in every American. So much of our national character comes from you, and we’re glad for it.

The fellowship of generations is the cause of common beliefs. We believe in open societies ordered by moral conviction. We believe in private markets, humanized by compassionate government. We believe in economies that reward effort, communities that protect the weak, and the duty of nations to respect the dignity and the rights of all. And whether one learns these ideals in County Durham or in West Texas, they instill mutual respect and they inspire common purpose.

More than an alliance of security and commerce, the British and American peoples have an alliance of values. And, today, this old and tested alliance is very strong. (Applause.)

The deepest beliefs of our nations set the direction of our foreign policy. We value our own civil rights, so we stand for the human rights of others. We affirm the God-given dignity of every person, so we are moved to action by poverty and oppression and famine and disease. The United States and Great Britain share a mission in the world beyond the balance of power or the simple pursuit of interest. We seek the advance of freedom and the peace that freedom brings. Together our nations are standing and sacrificing for this high goal in a distant land at this very hour. And America honors the idealism and the bravery of the sons and daughters of Britain.

The last President to stay at Buckingham Palace was an idealist, without question. At a dinner hosted by King George V, in 1918, Woodrow Wilson made a pledge; with typical American understatement, he vowed that right and justice would become the predominant and controlling force in the world.

President Wilson had come to Europe with his 14 Points for Peace. Many complimented him on his vision; yet some were dubious. Take, for example, the Prime Minister of France. He complained that God, himself, had only 10 commandments. (Laughter.) Sounds familiar. (Laughter.)

At Wilson’s high point of idealism, however, Europe was one short generation from Munich and Auschwitz and the Blitz. Looking back, we see the reasons why. The League of Nations, lacking both credibility and will, collapsed at the first challenge of the dictators. Free nations failed to recognize, much less confront, the aggressive evil in plain sight. And so dictators went about their business, feeding resentments and anti-Semitism, bringing death to innocent people in this city and across the world, and filling the last century with violence and genocide.

Through world war and cold war, we learned that idealism, if it is to do any good in this world, requires common purpose and national strength, moral courage and patience in difficult tasks. And now our generation has need of these qualities.

On September the 11th, 2001, terrorists left their mark of murder on my country, and took the lives of 67 British citizens. With the passing of months and years, it is the natural human desire to resume a quiet life and to put that day behind us, as if waking from a dark dream. The hope that danger has passed is comforting, is understanding, and it is false. The attacks that followed — on Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Bombay, Mombassa, Najaf, Jerusalem, Riyadh, Baghdad, and Istanbul — were not dreams. They’re part of the global campaign by terrorist networks to intimidate and demoralize all who oppose them.

These terrorists target the innocent, and they kill by the thousands. And they would, if they gain the weapons they seek, kill by the millions and not be finished. The greatest threat of our age is nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons in the hands of terrorists, and the dictators who aid them. The evil is in plain sight. The danger only increases with denial. Great responsibilities fall once again to the great democracies. We will face these threats with open eyes, and we will defeat them. (Applause.)

The peace and security of free nations now rests on three pillars: First, international organizations must be equal to the challenges facing our world, from lifting up failing states to opposing proliferation.

Like 11 Presidents before me, I believe in the international institutions and alliances that America helped to form and helps to lead. The United States and Great Britain have labored hard to help make the United Nations what it is supposed to be — an effective instrument of our collective security. In recent months, we’ve sought and gained three additional resolutions on Iraq — Resolutions 1441, 1483 and 1511 — precisely because the global danger of terror demands a global response. The United Nations has no more compelling advocate than your Prime Minister, who at every turn has championed its ideals and appealed to its authority. He understands, as well, that the credibility of the U.N. depends on a willingness to keep its word and to act when action is required.

America and Great Britain have done, and will do, all in their power to prevent the United Nations from solemnly choosing its own irrelevance and inviting the fate of the League of Nations. It’s not enough to meet the dangers of the world with resolutions; we must meet those dangers with resolve.

In this century, as in the last, nations can accomplish more together than apart. For 54 years, America has stood with our partners in NATO, the most effective multilateral institution in history. We’re committed to this great democratic alliance, and we believe it must have the will and the capacity to act beyond Europe where threats emerge.

My nation welcomes the growing unity of Europe, and the world needs America and the European Union to work in common purpose for the advance of security and justice. America is cooperating with four other nations to meet the dangers posed by North Korea. America believes the IAEA must be true to its purpose and hold Iran to its obligations.

Our first choice, and our constant practice, is to work with other responsible governments. We understand, as well, that the success of multilateralism is not measured by adherence to forms alone, the tidiness of the process, but by the results we achieve to keep our nations secure.

The second pillar of peace and security in our world is the willingness of free nations, when the last resort arrives, to retain* {sic} aggression and evil by force. There are principled objections to the use of force in every generation, and I credit the good motives behind these views.

Those in authority, however, are not judged only by good motivations. The people have given us the duty to defend them. And that duty sometimes requires the violent restraint of violent men. In some cases, the measured use of force is all that protects us from a chaotic world ruled by force.

Most in the peaceful West have no living memory of that kind of world. Yet in some countries, the memories are recent: The victims of ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, those who survived the rapists and the death squads, have few qualms when NATO applied force to help end those crimes. The women of Afghanistan, imprisoned in their homes and beaten in the streets and executed in public spectacles, did not reproach us for routing the Taliban. The inhabitants of Iraq’s Baathist hell, with its lavish palaces and its torture chambers, with its massive statues and its mass graves, do not miss their fugitive dictator. They rejoiced at his fall.

In all these cases, military action was proceeded by diplomatic initiatives and negotiations and ultimatums, and final chances until the final moment. In Iraq, year after year, the dictator was given the chance to account for his weapons programs, and end the nightmare for his people. Now the resolutions he defied have been enforced.

And who will say that Iraq was better off when Saddam Hussein was strutting and killing, or that the world was safer when he held power? Who doubts that Afghanistan is a more just society and less dangerous without Mullah Omar playing host to terrorists from around the world. And Europe, too, is plainly better off with Milosevic answering for his crimes, instead of committing more.

It’s been said that those who live near a police station find it hard to believe in the triumph of violence, in the same way free peoples might be tempted to take for granted the orderly societies we have come to know. Europe’s peaceful unity is one of the great achievements of the last half-century. And because European countries now resolve differences through negotiation and consensus, there’s sometimes an assumption that the entire world functions in the same way. But let us never forget how Europe’s unity was achieved — by allied armies of liberation and NATO armies of defense. And let us never forget, beyond Europe’s borders, in a world where oppression and violence are very real, liberation is still a moral goal, and freedom and security still need defenders. (Applause.)

The third pillar of security is our commitment to the global expansion of democracy, and the hope and progress it brings, as the alternative to instability and to hatred and terror. We cannot rely exclusively on military power to assure our long-term security. Lasting peace is gained as justice and democracy advance.

In democratic and successful societies, men and women do not swear allegiance to malcontents and murderers; they turn their hearts and labor to building better lives. And democratic governments do not shelter terrorist camps or attack their peaceful neighbors; they honor the aspirations and dignity of their own people. In our conflict with terror and tyranny, we have an unmatched advantage, a power that cannot be resisted, and that is the appeal of freedom to all mankind.

As global powers, both our nations serve the cause of freedom in many ways, in many places. By promoting development, and fighting famine and AIDS and other diseases, we’re fulfilling our moral duties, as well as encouraging stability and building a firmer basis for democratic institutions. By working for justice in Burma, in the Sudan and in Zimbabwe, we give hope to suffering people and improve the chances for stability and progress. By extending the reach of trade we foster prosperity and the habits of liberty. And by advancing freedom in the greater Middle East, we help end a cycle of dictatorship and radicalism that brings millions of people to misery and brings danger to our own people.

The stakes in that region could not be higher. If the Middle East remains a place where freedom does not flourish, it will remain a place of stagnation and anger and violence for export. And as we saw in the ruins of two towers, no distance on the map will protect our lives and way of life. If the greater Middle East joins the democratic revolution that has reached much of the world, the lives of millions in that region will be bettered, and a trend of conflict and fear will be ended at its source.

The movement of history will not come about quickly. Because of our own democratic development — the fact that it was gradual and, at times, turbulent — we must be patient with others. And the Middle East countries have some distance to travel.

Arab scholars speak of a freedom deficit that has separated whole nations from the progress of our time. The essentials of social and material progress — limited government, equal justice under law, religious and economic liberty, political participation, free press, and respect for the rights of women — have been scarce across the region. Yet that has begun to change. In an arc of reform from Morocco to Jordan to Qatar, we are seeing elections and new protections for women and the stirring of political pluralism. Many governments are realizing that theocracy and dictatorship do not lead to national greatness; they end in national ruin. They are finding, as others will find, that national progress and dignity are achieved when governments are just and people are free.

The democratic progress we’ve seen in the Middle East was not imposed from abroad, and neither will the greater progress we hope to see. Freedom, by definition, must be chosen, and defended by those who choose it. Our part, as free nations, is to ally ourselves with reform, wherever it occurs.

Perhaps the most helpful change we can make is to change in our own thinking. In the West, there’s been a certain skepticism about the capacity or even the desire of Middle Eastern peoples for self-government. We’re told that Islam is somehow inconsistent with a democratic culture. Yet more than half of the world’s Muslims are today contributing citizens in democratic societies. It is suggested that the poor, in their daily struggles, care little for self-government. Yet the poor, especially, need the power of democracy to defend themselves against corrupt elites.

Peoples of the Middle East share a high civilization, a religion of personal responsibility, and a need for freedom as deep as our own. It is not realism to suppose that one-fifth of humanity is unsuited to liberty; it is pessimism and condescension, and we should have none of it. (Applause.)

We must shake off decades of failed policy in the Middle East. Your nation and mine, in the past, have been willing to make a bargain, to tolerate oppression for the sake of stability. Longstanding ties often led us to overlook the faults of local elites. Yet this bargain did not bring stability or make us safe. It merely bought time, while problems festered and ideologies of violence took hold.

As recent history has shown, we cannot turn a blind eye to oppression just because the oppression is not in our own backyard. No longer should we think tyranny is benign because it is temporarily convenient. Tyranny is never benign to its victims, and our great democracies should oppose tyranny wherever it is found. (Applause.)

Now we’re pursuing a different course, a forward strategy of freedom in the Middle East. We will consistently challenge the enemies of reform and confront the allies of terror. We will expect a higher standard from our friends in the region, and we will meet our responsibilities in Afghanistan and in Iraq by finishing the work of democracy we have begun.

There were good-faith disagreements in your country and mine over the course and timing of military action in Iraq. Whatever has come before, we now have only two options: to keep our word, or to break our word. The failure of democracy in Iraq would throw its people back into misery and turn that country over to terrorists who wish to destroy us. Yet democracy will succeed in Iraq, because our will is firm, our word is good, and the Iraqi people will not surrender their freedom. (Applause.)

Since the liberation of Iraq, we have seen changes that could hardly have been imagined a year ago. A new Iraqi police force protects the people, instead of bullying them. More than 150 Iraqi newspapers are now in circulation, printing what they choose, not what they’re ordered. Schools are open with textbooks free of propaganda. Hospitals are functioning and are well-supplied. Iraq has a new currency, the first battalion of a new army, representative local governments, and a Governing Council with an aggressive timetable for national sovereignty. This is substantial progress. And much of it has proceeded faster than similar efforts in Germany and Japan after World War II.

Yet the violence we are seeing in Iraq today is serious. And it comes from Baathist holdouts and Jihadists from other countries, and terrorists drawn to the prospect of innocent bloodshed. It is the nature of terrorism and the cruelty of a few to try to bring grief in the loss to many. The armed forces of both our countries have taken losses, felt deeply by our citizens. Some families now live with a burden of great sorrow. We cannot take the pain away. But these families can know they are not alone. We pray for their strength; we pray for their comfort; and we will never forget the courage of the ones they loved.

The terrorists have a purpose, a strategy to their cruelty. They view the rise of democracy in Iraq as a powerful threat to their ambitions. In this, they are correct. They believe their acts of terror against our coalition, against international aid workers and against innocent Iraqis, will make us recoil and retreat. In this, they are mistaken. (Applause.)

We did not charge hundreds of miles into the heart of Iraq and pay a bitter cost of casualties, and liberate 25 million people, only to retreat before a band of thugs and assassins. (Applause.) We will help the Iraqi people establish a peaceful and democratic country in the heart of the Middle East. And by doing so, we will defend our people from danger.

The forward strategy of freedom must also apply to the Arab-Israeli conflict. It’s a difficult period in a part of the world that has known many. Yet, our commitment remains firm. We seek justice and dignity. We seek a viable, independent state for the Palestinian people, who have been betrayed by others for too long. (Applause.) We seek security and recognition for the state of Israel, which has lived in the shadow of random death for too long. (Applause.) These are worthy goals in themselves, and by reaching them we will also remove an occasion and excuse for hatred and violence in the broader Middle East.

Achieving peace in the Holy Land is not just a matter of the shape of a border. As we work on the details of peace, we must look to the heart of the matter, which is the need for a viable Palestinian democracy. Peace will not be achieved by Palestinian rulers who intimidate opposition, who tolerate and profit from corruption and maintain their ties to terrorist groups. These are the methods of the old elites, who time and again had put their own self-interest above the interest of the people they claim to serve. The long-suffering Palestinian people deserve better. They deserve true leaders, capable of creating and governing a Palestinian state.

Even after the setbacks and frustrations of recent months, goodwill and hard effort can bring about a Palestinian state and a secure Israel. Those who would lead a new Palestine should adopt peaceful means to achieve the rights of their people and create the reformed institutions of a stable democracy.

Israel should freeze settlement construction, dismantle unauthorized outposts, end the daily humiliation of the Palestinian people, and not prejudice final negotiations with the placements of walls and fences.

Arab states should end incitement in their own media, cut off public and private funding for terrorism, and establish normal relations with Israel.

Leaders in Europe should withdraw all favor and support from any Palestinian ruler who fails his people and betrays their cause. And Europe’s leaders — and all leaders — should strongly oppose anti-Semitism, which poisons public debates over the future of the Middle East. (Applause.)

Ladies and gentlemen, we have great objectives before us that make our Atlantic alliance as vital as it has ever been. We will encourage the strength and effectiveness of international institutions. We will use force when necessary in the defense of freedom. And we will raise up an ideal of democracy in every part of the world. On these three pillars we will build the peace and security of all free nations in a time of danger.

So much good has come from our alliance of conviction and might. So much now depends on the strength of this alliance as we go forward. America has always found strong partners in London, leaders of good judgment and blunt counsel and backbone when times are tough. And I have found all those qualities in your current Prime Minister, who has my respect and my deepest thanks. (Applause.)

The ties between our nations, however, are deeper than the relationship between leaders. These ties endure because they are formed by the experience and responsibilities and adversity we have shared. And in the memory of our peoples, there will always be one experience, one central event when the seal was fixed on the friendship between Britain and the United States: The arrival in Great Britain of more than 1.5 million American soldiers and airmen in the 1940s was a turning point in the second world war. For many Britons, it was a first close look at Americans, other than in the movies. Some of you here today may still remember the “friendly invasion.” Our lads, they took some getting used to. There was even a saying about what many of them were up to — in addition to be “overpaid and over here.” (Laughter.)

At a reunion in North London some years ago, an American pilot who had settled in England after his military service, said, “Well, I’m still over here, and probably overpaid. So two out of three isn’t bad.” (Laughter.)

In that time of war, the English people did get used to the Americans. They welcomed soldiers and fliers into their villages and homes, and took to calling them, “our boys.” About 70,000 of those boys did their part to affirm our special relationship. They returned home with English brides.

Americans gained a certain image of Britain, as well. We saw an island threatened on every side, a leader who did not waver, and a country of the firmest character. And that has not changed. The British people are the sort of partners you want when serious work needs doing. The men and women of this Kingdom are kind and steadfast and generous and brave. And America is fortunate to call this country our closest friend in the world.

May God bless you all. (Applause.)

END 2:03 P.M. (Local)

By getalife

May 12, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Hell, I tried posting at the so called “free republic” the other day and my posting privilige was revoked after two posts.

By The AJC Sucks Blame Bush

May 12, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

ACLU to Defend Pedophile Group Associated Press Aug.31.2000 Read THE ACLU NAMBLA RAGE PAGE! Sign THE ACLU NAMBLA RAGE PAGE!

Subscribe to the No Status Quo/ACLU mailing list.

BOSTON — The American Civil Liberties Union will represent a group that advocates sex between men and boys in a lawsuit brought by the family of a slain 10-year-old.

The family of Jeffrey Curley of Cambridge said the North American Man/Boy Love Association and its website which is now offline incited the attempted molestation and murder of the boy on Oct. 1, 1997.

One of two men convicted in the killing, Charles Jaynes, 25, reportedly viewed the group’s website shortly before the killing, and also had in his possession some of NAMBLA’s publications. Also convicted in the killing was 24-year-old Salvatore Sicari.

The ACLU said the case, filed in federal court in mid-May, involves issues of freedom of speech and association.

“For us, it is a fundamental First Amendment case,” John Roberts, executive director of the Massachusetts branch of the ACLU, told Boston Globe Wednesday. “It has to do with communications on a website, and material that does not promote any kind of criminal behavior whatsoever.”

ACLU officials said NAMBLA members deny encouraging coercion, rape or violence.

Attorney Lawrence Frisoli, who represents the Curleys, said he is glad the ACLU is defending NAMBLA, because he has had trouble locating the group’s members.

Harvey Silverglate, an ACLU board member, said Wednesday that the group’s attorneys will try to block any attempt by the Curleys to get NAMBLA’s membership lists, or other materials identifying members.

The ACLU also will act as a surrogate for NAMBLA, allowing its members to defend themselves in court while remaining anonymous.According to the Globe, NAMBLA officials in the past have said their main goal is the abolition of age-of-consent laws that classify sex with children as rape.

At two separate trials last year, prosecutors said Jaynes and Sicari were sexually obsessed with the boy, lured him from his Cambridge neighborhood with the promise of a new bike, and then smothered him with a gasoline-soaked rag when he resisted their sexual advances. They then stuffed him into a concrete-filled container and dumped it into a Maine river.

Sicari, convicted of first-degree murder, is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Jaynes’ second-degree murder and kidnapping convictions enable him to seek parole in 23 years.

The Curleys last week were awarded $328 million by a superior court jury in a civil suit against Jaynes and Sicari.

Copyright (c) 2000 The Associated Press

By The AJC Sucks Blame Bush

May 12, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

February 27, 2004, 9:20 a.m. No Boy Scouts The ACLU defends NAMBLA.

An old friend of mine once said this about the American Civil Liberties Union: “They’re a bunch of whale-saving, criminal-loving pinkos — and thank God for them.”

This remark nicely summarizes the ambivalence with which many people regard the ACLU. Few organizations dance closer to the very edge of the loony-Left precipice than it does. There seems to be no thug too hardened nor any cause too exotic for the ACLU to champion. At the same time, if America ever were unlucky enough to face a president who decided to remain in the Oval Office past her expiration date, the ACLU would battle her and her junta with every sharp courtroom argument, pointed legal filing, and well-aimed briefcase it could muster.

That said, the ACLU lately has stained the dark side of its reputation through its actions in two cases involving the treatment of vulnerable, young Americans. The ACLU is defending those who abuse children while attacking those who give them moral guidance. This contrast reveals the priorities of today’s ACLU.

The Manhattan-based public-interest law firm is defending the North American Man-Boy Love Association in a $200 million civil lawsuit filed by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Curley. The Curleys claim that Charles Jaynes was driven by the literature and website of NAMBLA, an outfit that advocates sex between grown men and little boys, reportedly as young as age 8.

Jaynes did not simply read NAMBLA’s materials and ponder its message. He and Salvatore Sicari actively sought a boy with whom to copulate. They picked 10-year-old Jeffrey Curley of Cambridge, Massachusetts. They lured him into their car as he played outside his home in October 1997. When Curley resisted their sexual advances, they choked him to death with a gasoline-soaked rag. Then they took the boy’s body across state lines to Jayne’s apartment in Manchester, New Hampshire. They molested the cadaver and stuffed it into a cement-filled Rubbermaid container. Finally, they crossed state lines again into Maine, whereupon they tossed Jeffrey Curley’s remains into the Great Works River, from which it was recovered within days. Jaynes and Sicari were convicted of these crimes in 1998, for which they are serving life sentences.

So why blame NAMBLA? Is it any more responsible for this atrocity than is Vintage Books, the publisher of Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita? Imagine that Jaynes and Sicari had read that 1955 novel about a middle-aged intellectual’s affair with a 12-year-old girl. What if these two men found an equally young female who they abused and killed, just as they murdered Jeffrey Curley in real life? Putting aside the fact that Lolita is a work of fiction, would Vintage Books face civil justice?

Probably not, nor would NAMBLA if it limited its output to fictional depictions of “man-boy love.” It is difficult to pin imaginary crimes on actual criminals who turn make-believe into mayhem.

Within the realm of nonfiction, as revolting as its ideas are, NAMBLA certainly has a First Amendment right to argue that America’s laws should be changed to permit sexual relations between adult men and third-grade school boys. Most Americans would disagree vehemently, as well they should. That’s called debate. It’s the American way.

As ACLU of Massachusetts Legal Director John Reinstein sees it: “Regardless of whether people agree with or abhor NAMBLA’s views, holding the organization responsible for crimes committed by others who read their materials would gravely endanger important First Amendment freedoms.”

However, as Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly noted, there is more at play here than pamphleteering. “According to lawyers familiar with [NAMBLA’s] website,” O’Reilly explained, “it actually posted techniques designed to lure boys into having sex with men and also supplied information on what an adult should do if caught.”

NAMBLA is “not just publishing material that says it’s OK to have sex with children and advocating changing the law,” says Larry Frisoli, a Cambridge attorney who is arguing the Curleys case in federal court. NAMBLA, he says, “is actively training their members how to rape children and get away with it. They distribute child pornography and trade live children among NAMBLA members with the purpose of having sex with them.”

Frisoli cites a NAMBLA publication he calls “The Rape and Escape Manual.” Its actual title is “The Survival Manual: The Man’s Guide to Staying Alive in Man-Boy Sexual Relationships.”

“Its chapters explain how to build relationships with children,” Frisoli tells me. “How to gain the confidence of children’s parents. Where to go to have sex with children so as not to get caught…There is advice, if one gets caught, on when to leave America and how to rip off credit card companies to get cash to finance your flight. It’s pretty detailed.”

“In his diary, Jaynes said he had reservations about having sex with children until he discovered NAMBLA,” Frisoli continues. “It’s in his diary in 1996, around the time he joined NAMBLA, one year before the death of Jeffrey Curley.”

The practical, step-by-step advice Jaynes followed goes far beyond appeals to sway public opinion in favor of pedophilia. Such language aids and abets felonious conduct. If such conspiracy results in homicide, it is reasonable for NAMBLA to face civil liability if not criminal prosecution.

Ohio’s Court of Appeals found NAMBLA complicit in an earlier child-rape case. NAMBLA’s literature, discovered in a defendant’s possession, reflected “preparation and purpose,” according to the Buckeye State’s top bench.

The ACLU has offered material support to those who openly preach pedophilia and arguably encourage kidnapping, rape, and murder. Yet this legal group is energetically hostile to an organization that tries to turn boys into men, with sex alien to the process.

Since 1915, the Boy Scouts have managed land within San Diego’s Balboa Park. It has built a swimming pool, a 600-seat amphitheater, and a camping facility that accommodates 300. Camp Balboa serves some 12,000 Boy Scouts annually through daylong events and weekend sleepovers. The Scouts’ tie to this land is a 50-year lease offered by the San Diego City Council and signed in 1957. In exchange for their stewardship — including private investment for maintenance and development — the Scouts hand the city an annual lease payment of $1.00.

This arrangement is too much for the ACLU to swallow. It sued the City of San Diego to expel the Boy Scouts from Balboa Park. The ACLU contends that the Scouts are a religious organization and thus should be dislodged from the facility. Never mind that the Scouts did not bar other groups from using the park. In fact, according to Hans Zeiger, an 18-year-old Eagle Scout who has written about this controversy, Balboa Park hosted last summer’s San Diego Gay Pride Festival.

Clinton-appointed U.S. District Judge Napoleon Jones deemed the Boy Scouts a religious organization last July and declared that their involvement with Balboa Park violated the separation of church and state. The ACLU used this ruling to secure a settlement wherein the City of San Diego cancelled the Scouts’ lease on the park, even though it did not expire until 2007 and, in fact, was extended in 2001 for 25 years. The ACLU also scored $950,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, thus fleecing taxpayers and deepening its pockets.

San Diego’s Boy Scouts are appealing Judge Jones’ ruling. A federal judge someday may decide whether or not the Scouts’ good deeds will go unpunished.

The ACLU’s supporters should contemplate where this organization has placed itself vis-à-vis NAMBLA and the Boy Scouts. The ACLU seemingly believes that everyone deserves a lawyer, no matter how odious his case. Perhaps, although it would be nice to see NAMBLA siphon its own bank account rather than the ACLU’s to justify its evil ways. The ACLU decides for itself where to devote its finite resources. Hence, its leaders freely chose to stand with cheerleaders for pederasty while torpedoing those who mentor rather than rape little boys.

Today’s ACLU makes one wish it would find some whales to save.

By The AJC Sucks Blame Bush

May 12, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

ACLU Statement on Defending Free Speech of Unpopular Organizations (8/31/2000)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK—In the United States Supreme Court over the past few years, the American Civil Liberties Union has taken the side of a fundamentalist Christian church, a Santerian church, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. In celebrated cases, the ACLU has stood up for everyone from Oliver North to the National Socialist Party. In spite of all that, the ACLU has never advocated Christianity, ritual animal sacrifice, trading arms for hostages or genocide. In representing NAMBLA today, our Massachusetts affiliate does not advocate sexual relationships between adults and children.

What the ACLU does advocate is robust freedom of speech for everyone. The lawsuit involved here, were it to succeed, would strike at the heart of freedom of speech. The case is based on a shocking murder. But the lawsuit says the crime is the responsibility not of those who committed the murder, but of someone who posted vile material on the Internet. The principle is as simple as it is central to true freedom of speech: those who do wrong are responsible for what they do; those who speak about it are not.

It is easy to defend freedom of speech when the message is something many people find at least reasonable. But the defense of freedom of speech is most critical when the message is one most people find repulsive. That was true when the Nazis marched in Skokie. It remains true today.