Posted on 01/30/2005 3:17:11 PM PST by Aussie Dasher
THE following is the full text of US President George W. Bush's statement from the White House today on the Iraqi elections:
"Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the centre of the Middle East. In great numbers and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins.
And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the foundation of self-government. Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens.
We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their lives today (overnight AEDT). Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, peace in a troubled region and a more secure future for us all.
The Iraqi people themselves made this election a resounding success. Brave patriots stepped forth as candidates. Many citizens volunteered as poll-workers.
More than 100,000 Iraqi security force personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against terrorist groups.
One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in a terror attack last year and went to the polls today despite threats of violence. He said, 'I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am voting for peace.'
Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and peace.
In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process.
The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless. And their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day.
The people of the United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.
The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government.
Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them.
We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security.
There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy, yet Iraqis are proving they are equal to the challenge.
On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement. Thank you very much."
Bush KNEW!
As difficult as it sometimes is, promoting freedom is rarely a losing proposition.
So! Now Teddy Kennedy should get out his ouija board and ask Mary-Joe what she thinks.
My guess is she approves of the Iraqi elections. Well he's talking to her, he should ask her how the water is down there.
I'm feeling so happy for the Iraqis right now. Good for Bush!!
Anything the MSM said about President Bush has been proven WRONG. Nuff said...
Congratulations to the courageous Iraqi people, the courageous coalition forces, the courageous United States President, the courageous British Prime Minister, the Courageous coalition government leaders. And Thank God!
It's a good feeling!
I'm not usually too emotional about stuff, but seeing the massive lineups in Iraq despite the obvious dangers truly made me cry. The power of democracy, the power of freedom, is real, and it is being enjoyed by Iraqis all over the world for the first time.
President Bush's administration and its foreign policy will go down in history as the most successful and influential of all time. But we all knew that. Today's events merely confirmed it for us, and hopefully the rest of the world.
God bless GWB.
Pray for the President as he continues to lead the global war on terrorism. May God bless our troops and their families.
It is inspiring to see that those brave souls who gave their lives in Iraq have not died in vain.
"I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement. Thank you very much."
The 'I' which began this quote was the only 'I' or 'me' contained in this speech. GWB is a true leader.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.