Posted on 12/21/2007 5:27:59 PM PST by silent_jonny
President & Mrs. Bush left the White House this morning for Camp David, Maryland, where they will spend the weekend before Christmas. Accompanying the First Couple were daughter Jenna Bush and Laura Bush’s mother Jenna Welch.
Before leaving, the president released his annual Christmas message, reminding us of the reason for the season. (Transcript)
And sent a message to our soldiers and Marines serving overseas, and to their families here at home.
President Bush: Our Nation is thankful for the many sacrifices you and your families make every day. During the holidays and throughout the coming year, we ask the Almighty to bestow His protection and care on you and your loved ones. We pray for your safety and for liberty, justice, and peace on Earth.Laura and I wish you a joyful holiday season. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America. (Transcript)
President & Mrs. Bush will travel to their home in Crawford, Texas on December 26th and will return to Washington on New Years Day.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held a news conference today at the State Department, where she referred to recent comments made by a certain president-wannabe from Arkansas as “simply ludicrous”. You rock, Condi! (Source) (FR Thread)
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman General James Cartwright held a news conference at the Pentagon.
And Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen met with troops today in Kandahar, Afghanistan and introduced the USO Holiday Tour, which included performances by Kid Rock, Miss USA Rachel Smith, Irish tenor Roanan Tynan and many others.
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
Quote of the Day:
President Bush: During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source of joy and hope born in a humble manger on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. Each year, Christians everywhere celebrate this single life that changed the world and continues to change hearts today. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus fills our souls with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and promises that God's purpose is justice and His plan is peace.At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ's message of love and mercy, and we are reminded of our responsibility to serve. America is blessed to have fine citizens who reach out with a compassionate hand to help brothers and sisters in need.
We also remember our brave men and women in uniform who have volunteered to defend us in distant lands. Many of those who have answered the call of duty will spend Christmas far from home and separated from family. We honor their sacrifice, ask God to watch over them and their families, and pray for their safe return.
Christmas is a time to rejoice and remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Laura and I pray your Christmas will be blessed with family and fellowship, and we wish you a day of glad tidings. Merry Christmas.
Photo of the Day:
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush walk towards the Marine One helicopter on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, as they depart for Camp David, Md. where they will spend the Christmas holiday.
“I just love this thread. After the Clinton presidency the news media stopped showing what this President does during the day. It was a subtle shift and probably not noticed by most citizens however, with this thread it comes front and center. Thank you and all posters of the Day in the life of President Bush to remind us that he and his administration work hard every day.”~ mojo114
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A Marine stands at attention as Jenna Bush and her grandmother, Jenna Welch, walk toward Marine One.
President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush depart the White House in Washington for the Presidential retreat in Camp David, Maryland, December 21, 2007.
In a brief foray into politics, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Friday denounced comments by a leading Republican presidential candidate that the Bush administration's foreign policy is arrogant and unilateral."The idea that somehow this is a go-it-alone policy is just simply ludicrous," she said at a State Department news conference.
"One would only have to be not observing the facts, let me say that, to say that this is now a go-it-alone foreign policy."
Her remarks came in response to a question about criticism from former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who … recently said the administration's foreign policy was characterized by a "bunker mentality."
Rice did not mention Huckabee by name in her response and at first declined to respond, saying dismissively: "Look, I don't comment on other people's comments. I don't have time, all right. I really don't have time to worry about this." …
"We have right now probably the strongest trans-Atlantic relations ... I would say in a very long time," Rice said, noting in particular Britain, France and Germany.
"We're working with allies in Europe, Russia and China on Iran. The (NATO) alliance is mobilized together in Afghanistan," she said. "We had 50-plus countries at Annapolis to launch the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. We're working together with allies in Lebanon.
"I can go on and on and on and on," Rice concluded. "And so, I would just say to people, look at the facts.”
(Source)
Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. James Cartwright, right, accompanied by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, gestures during a news conference at the Pentagon, Friday, Dec. 21, 2007
Nobuaki “Warren” Iwatake speaks during an interview with The Associated Press, next to a Christmas tree and a 2002 photograph showing him with former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, in his house in Tokyo, Friday, Dec. 7, 2007.
On September 22, 1942, he was digging bunkers in the hills of the Japanese controlled island Chichi Jima when he heard word that a plane had just been shot down. From his vantage point he saw a lone pilot on a bright yellow life raft paddling furiously away from the island. American planes provided cover, and the submarine USS Finback surfaced and collected him. The aviator was 20-year-old George H. W. Bush, who would later become president.
Iwatake met him years later and went back with him to the island. Signed photos of the two, smiling, are placed prominently about Iwatake's apartment.
An interesting fact found on Wikipedia:
Iwatake was present when Japanese Imperial forces captured a Texas American pilot "Warren Vaughn" in February 1945. According to Iwatake, the pilot was executed at the harbor by beheading. Mr. Iwatake was assigned to guard and work with Warren Vaughn on Chichi Jima. He and Warren spent many hours talking and developed a personal relationship. One day Warren was taken away by other Japanese soldiers and executed. On that day Mr. Iwatake adopted and kept the name "Warren" in honor of his American friend Warren Vaughn. The story of Warren Vaughn, Iwatake's observation of the rescue of George H.W. Bush, and the experiences of other American "Flyboys" is recounted in the book Flyboys: A True Story of Courage by James Bradley. Warren Iwatake and President George H.W. Bush met on Chichi Jima in 2002 in a symbolic reunion of veterans from both sides of the conflict.
President Bush: On behalf of a grateful Nation, Laura and I send our best wishes for the holidays.In this season of giving, we remember our duty to others, and we see that sense of duty fulfilled in the men and women who wear our Nation's uniform. Our country owes you a debt of gratitude for your courage and resolve to serve the cause of peace. Americans are proud of your dedicated service, and I am proud to be the Commander in Chief of the greatest force for freedom in the history of the world.
Our Nation is thankful for the many sacrifices you and your families make every day. During the holidays and throughout the coming year, we ask the Almighty to bestow His protection and care on you and your loved ones. We pray for your safety and for liberty, justice, and peace on Earth.
Laura and I wish you a joyful holiday season. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen gives commerative coins to troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Wilson near Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2007. Mullen arrived with the USO for a show at the base. Defense Dept. photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen introduces the USO Holiday Tour during a stop at Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
Airman cheer during the Kid Rock set of the USO Holiday Tour stop at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, Dec. 21, 2007. Defense Dept photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
Kid Rock signs autographs after the USO Holiday Tour stop in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
Miss USA Rachel Smith, comedian Lewis Black, Irish tenor Roanan Tynan, seven-time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong and comedian Robin Williams thank the crowd at the conclusion of the USO Holiday Tour stop at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, Dec. 21, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
Airman collect autographed publicity photos at the conclusion of the 2007 USO Holiday Tour stop at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, Dec. 21, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley
Hi all!
Jonny
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