Posted on 05/22/2008 6:43:31 PM PDT by snugs
Today the President visited soldiers at Ft. Bragg, N.C., home of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Pray for President Bush -- Day 2807
Today Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband talked to employees at the Google Inc. headquarters in Mountain View, California
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Bush Attends Division Review Ceremony
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
10:54 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: I want to thank you for the warm welcome to Fort Bragg. It is good to be at the home of the Airborne and Special Operation Forces. This is my fourth visit to Fort Bragg since I have been honored to be the President. Somehow I always find my way back to the "center of the universe." (Applause.) And every time I come, I look forward to saying: Hooah!
AUDIENCE: Hooah!
THE PRESIDENT: I'm pleased to be with the paratroopers of the All American 82nd Airborne Division. You know, you and my dad have something in common: You both enjoy jumping out of airplanes. (Laughter.) He's jumped with the Golden Knights of Fort Bragg six times. Dad is America's only skydiving President -- and that's a distinction he's going to keep, as far as I'm concerned. (Laughter.) Speaking of which, he has a message for all of you -- those of you jumping tomorrow: "Airborne, all the way!" (Applause.)
This is the first time since 2006 that five brigades from your division have assembled together. Most of you recently returned from extended 15-month deployments to the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. We've asked a lot of you. You've achieved difficult objectives in a new kind of war. You've performed with skill and valor. And on behalf of a grateful nation: Welcome home. (Applause.)
I thank General Dave Rodriguez for his service to our country. I thank Pete Geren, Secretary of the Army, for joining us today. I appreciate Brigadier General Art Bartell, Colonel Victor Petrenko. I want to thank Sergeant Major Tom Capel. I'm honored to be here with the military families. I particularly want to say hello to Maureen McNeill, wife of General Dan McNeill. I know he'll be pleased that I recognized you here at this event when I see him. (Laughter.)
I want to thank all the families of the paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division who are here today. I welcome the families of the fallen heroes here today. It's such an honor to see the veterans of the 82nd Airborne Division, and other veterans who have joined us today.
I want to pay a special tribute to the Wounded Warriors from the 82nd Airborne. Thank you for your courage. (Applause.)
I welcome the state and local elected officials and members of the Fort Bragg community. Thank you for supporting these troops.
Looking out on the units this morning, I see why the 82nd Airborne is known as "America's Guard of Honor." In your ranks, I see the strength of the greatest military the world has ever known. And in the families of Fort Bragg, I see the love and support that makes your service possible. The United States of America owes our troops in uniform a debt of gratitude, and we owe our military families the strong support necessary to make sure that they understand that we appreciate their sacrifices.
Every trooper in the 82nd is a triple volunteer. You volunteered to join the Army. You volunteered to attend jump school. And you volunteered to undertake some of our military's most difficult missions by joining this elite division. Each of you is proud to wear the All American patch of the 82nd -- and I am incredibly proud to be the Commander-in-Chief of such noble, courageous men and women. (Applause.)
As members of the 82nd Airborne Division, you belong to a storied military tradition. When allied forces landed in Normandy, the paratroopers of the 82nd were among the first boots on the ground. When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, this division was among the first units to deploy to Operation Desert Shield. When our nation announced that the 82nd Airborne was flying toward Haiti in 1994, the country's oppressive leader began to make plans to fly out. Across the world, the 82nd has come to represent the vanguard of freedom -- and we salute all the brave veterans with us today who have ever marched in your ranks. (Applause.)
At the beginning of a new century, the men and women of the 82nd Airborne have once again stepped forward to advance the cause of liberty. Since the attacks of 9/11, you have deployed on more missions than any other division in the United States Army. You've taken the battle to the terrorists abroad -- so we do not have to face them here at home. (Applause.) And you've shown the enemies of freedom that the 82nd Airborne will never give any ground, and will always fight "all the way." (Applause.)
From the front lines in Afghanistan, we welcome home the 4th Brigade Combat Team -- which brought "Fury from the Skies" to America's enemies. (Applause.) We welcome home units of the Combat Aviation Brigade -- which flew on "Pegasus Wings." We welcome home your Division Headquarters, your Special Troops Battalion, your commander, Major General Dave Rodriguez -- "All American Six." (Applause.)
During your deployment in Afghanistan, you served under NATO Commander and longtime Fort Bragg resident, General Dan McNeill. Under his leadership, and because of your courage, you took the fight to the enemy. And thanks to you, the Taliban no longer controls the Sangin Valley. And thanks to you, the Taliban's stronghold in the town of Musa Qala has fallen -- and a flag of a free Afghanistan has risen. Thanks to you, hundreds of insurgents have been captured in eastern Afghanistan; many others have been killed. And thanks to you, a nation where al Qaida once plotted the attacks of 9/11 is now a democracy and an ally in the war against these extremists. (Applause.)
From the front lines in Iraq, we welcome home the "Falcons" of the 2nd Brigade, the "Panthers" of the 3rd Brigade, the "Providers" of the 82nd Sustainment Brigade, and units of the Combat Aviation Brigade. (Applause.)
When Operation Iraqi Freedom began, members of the 82nd Airborne helped remove Saddam Hussein from power. The decision to remove Saddam Hussein was the right decision at the time -- and it remains the right decision today. (Applause.)
With Saddam gone, our job was to help the Iraqi people defend themselves against the extremists and to build a free society. In 2006, that mission was faltering. I knew victory was essential to our security. So we implemented a new strategy. Instead of retreating, we sent in more troops. And the first troops in as part of that surge were the troops of the Falcon Brigade of the 82nd Airborne. (Applause.) Together with the Panther Brigade and other units of the 82nd Airborne, you pursued the enemy in its strongholds, you denied the terrorists sanctuary, you brought security to neighborhoods that had been in the grip of terror. And across Iraq, violence is down, civilian deaths are down, sectarian killings are down, and attacks on American forces are down. You did the job we sent you to do. You have returned home on success. And all of America is proud of the 82nd Airborne. (Applause.)
When I was looking for a commander to lead the surge, I turned to a former commander in the 82nd Airborne -- General David Petraeus. He's done a brilliant job leading our troops in Iraq. And when it came time to name a new leader for Central Command, he was my first and only choice. The United States Senate must give him a fair hearing and they must confirm him as quickly as possible. (Applause.)
General Petraeus has reported that security conditions have improved enough in Iraq to return by the end of July to the pre-surge level of 15 combat brigade teams. So far three brigades, including the Falcon Brigade, have redeployed without replacement as part of this drawdown. Two more brigades will follow in the months ahead. When we complete this drawdown, we will have reduced our combat brigades in Iraq by 25 percent from the year before. General Petraeus and our commanders will continue to analyze the situation on the ground and report back to me with their recommendations for future troop levels. But my message to our commanders is this: You will have all the troops, you will have all the resources you need to win in Iraq. (Applause.)
Often I've been asked: What will success look like in Iraq? So I want to share some thoughts with you. Success will be when al Qaeda has no safe havens in Iraq and Iraqis can protect themselves. Success will be when Iraq is a nation that can support itself economically. Success will be when Iraq is a democracy that governs itself effectively and responds to the will of its people. Success will be when Iraq is a strong and capable ally in the war on terror. And when our country succeeds in Iraq, generations of Americans will be more secure.
The first condition for success in Iraq is a country that can protect its own people. The paratroopers gathered here have seen the Iraqis in action. They're brave people. They're courageous people. And with our training, they're becoming better soldiers. They're assuming greater responsibility for fighting the terrorists, and policing the streets, and defending their territory. And as a sign of their commitment to this mission, the government in Baghdad launched a surge of 100,000 new troops.
In Mosul and other areas in northern Iraq, Iraqi forces have launched operations to drive al Qaeda from one of its few remaining major strongholds in the country. In Basra and Sadr City, Iraqi forces have led operations to clear out Iranian-backed special groups, illegal militias and criminal gangs. The capability of the Iraqi security force is improving -- they're winning battles.
In this fight, they have been joined by about 100,000 Iraqis who belong to citizens groups bearing the proud name of "Sons of Iraq." Many of these groups are Sunni, some are Shia, some are mixed. But whatever their makeup, these groups are determined to expel the enemies of freedom, and secure their communities and build a more hopeful future.
The enemies of free Iraq are determined to deny that future -- and that means we can expect more violence. We can also expect the Iraqi security forces to be better equipped, better trained, and better able to take the fight to the enemy. And as they do, they can count on the United States of America. (Applause.)
The second condition for success in Iraq is a country that can support itself economically. Iraq's economy has made tremendous strides since the beginning of the surge. Inflation is declining, economic growth is increasing, investment in the energy and telecom industries is increasing. Energy production is on the rise. Listen, there are many challenges that remain -- and there is work to be done to overcome decades of oppression and mismanagement. Yet Iraqis can take pride in the economic progress their country has made.
And they can take pride in the fact that they're paying a greater share of their own expenses. We provided critical help to Iraq early on. And now that the economy expands, the government in Baghdad has a solemn responsibility to invest in its people, pay for its infrastructure, and pay for its own security.
The third condition for success in Iraq is a democracy that governs itself effectively and responds to the will of its people. Security has improved, and Iraqis have realized they don't have to rely on militias or other extremists for protection. And they're taking a growing interest in their country's political future. In local communities, Iraqis are increasingly demanding reconciliation. They're demanding a better life for their families. In the provinces, the tribes that rose up to cast off al Qaeda now look forward to casting votes and rebuilding their neighborhoods.
And in Baghdad, the government is responding to these developments with an impressive string of legislative achievements. They passed a pension law, de-Baathification reform, a new budget, an amnesty law, a provincial powers law. And while there's still a distance to travel, they have come a long way. Their legislative accomplishments would be notable in any country. But they're even more impressive considering the conditions the Iraqis have had to overcome.
As we look ahead, we cannot expect Iraq to suddenly put aside all their political differences. Sometimes we have a few of our own in the United States. We can't expect them to reach agreement on every issue. But we can expect Iraqis of all backgrounds to take an increasingly active role in the democratic process, share power, and settle disputes by debating in the halls of government rather than fighting in the streets.
The fourth condition of success in Iraq is a country that is an ally in the war on terror. The people of Iraq have seen the dark vision the enemy offers -- they've rejected it. The Iraqis understand firsthand how the terrorists murder and maim with no respect for innocent life. It is no coincidence that a nation that has suffered mightily at the hands of terror is becoming a strong ally in the war against the terrorists.
And now the leaders of Iraq want to solidify their country's relationship with the United States. Last year, America and Iraq agreed to sign a long-term strategic partnership. This partnership would support future cooperation between our countries -- without establishing permanent bases, or without binding a future President to specific troop levels. Part of this agreement would provide legal protection for American troops in Iraq -- similar to those in other countries where our forces are deployed. And it would show our friends across the world that America will stand with them as they stand against terror.
The vision for success in Iraq that I just outlined will not come easily. There will be tough fighting ahead. But the progress is undeniable. Because of your bravery and your courage, the terrorists and extremists are on the run, and we are on our way to victory. (Applause.)
I know there have been some disagreements on the war on terror. But whatever -- wherever members of Congress stood on the decision to remove Saddam Hussein, we should be able to agree that our troops deserve America's full support. (Applause.) And that means the United States Congress needs to pass a responsible war funding bill that does not tie the hands of our commanders, and gives our troops everything they need to complete and accomplish the mission. (Applause.)
Some of our fellow citizens wonder whether the mission in Iraq is worth the cost. I strongly believe it is. And here is why: The enemy has made clear that Iraq is the central battleground of the great ideological struggle of our time. This is a struggle between those who murder the innocent to advance their hateful objectives and those of us who love liberty and long for peace. We saw that these enemies -- what these enemies intend for our country on September the 11th, 2001 -- and we must do everything in our power to stop the enemy from attacking us again.
Withdrawal from Iraq before we have achieved success would embolden al Qaeda and give them new safe havens from which to plot attacks on the American homeland.
Withdrawal before success would embolden Iran in its nuclear weapons ambitions and its efforts to dominate the region. Withdrawal before success would send a signal to terrorists and extremists across the world that America is weak, and does not have the stomach for a long fight. Withdrawal before success would be catastrophic for our country. It would more likely -- be more likely that we would suffer another attack like the one we experienced on September the 11th. It would jeopardize the safety of future generations. And we must not, and we will not, allow that to happen. (Applause.)
By contrast, success in Iraq would deny al Qaeda safe haven and hand Osama bin Laden a strategic defeat in the land where his terrorist movement has chosen to make a stand. Success in Iraq would deal a devastating blow to Iran's ambitions to dominate the region. Success in Iraq would show the people of the Middle East that democracy and freedom can flourish in their midst. And success in Iraq would send a signal to the world that America does not withdraw, does not retreat, does not back down in the face of terror -- and that will make us safer here in the United States of America. (Applause.)
America is fortunate to have courageous men and women who volunteer to protect us during these dangerous times. We've seen that courage in the story of Sergeant First Class Benjamin Sebban of the 82nd Airborne. As a senior medic in his squadron, Ben made sacrifice a way of life. When younger medics were learning how to insert IVs, he would always offer up his own arm for practice. And when the time came, Ben did not hesitate to offer his fellow soldiers far more.
On March 17, 2007, in Diyala Province, Ben saw a truck filled with explosives racing toward his team of paratroopers. He ran out in the field to warn them, exposing himself to a blast. Ben received severe wounds -- but this good medic never bothered to check his own injuries. Instead, he devoted his final moments on Earth to treating others. This morning, it was such a great honor to be able to present Ben's mom the Silver Star.
We pray that a loving God comforts his family. We pray that a loving God comforts the families of all the fallen. We will always honor their memory. And we pledge that their sacrifice shall not be in vain. (Applause.)
Our mission in Iraq has been long and trying. But when the history books are written, they will show that this generation of heroes was as great as any in the history of our nation. They will show that America refused to shrink in the face of terror. They will show that freedom prevailed.
Thank you for who you are. Thank you for what you do. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, you are America's Guard of Honor. May God bless you, and may God bless America. (Applause.)
END 11:16 A.M. EDT
PHOTOS OF THE DAY
President Bush kisses Erika Wyckoff, the widow of Army Sgt. Charles Wyckoff, of the 82nd Airborne Division who was killed in Afghanistan, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C., after the president posthumously awarded him with the Distinguished Service Cross at Fort Bragg, N.C., Thursday, May 22, 2008.
President Bush embraces Barbara Walsh, the mother of Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Sebban, who was killed in Iraq, Thursday, May 22, 2008, after the president posthumously awarded him the Silver Star, during the 82nd Airborne Division review at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Hi!
Good speech
President Bush waves as he walks to his helicopter, Marine One, prior to departing the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 22, 2008, for a visit with soldiers at Ft. Bragg, N.C., home of the 82nd Airborne Division.
President Bush walks through the dappled, early morning sunlight as he walks from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 22, 2008
Marine One takes off from the White House
President Bush, accompanied by Col. Eric A. Snadecki, Vice Commander, 316th Wing, waves upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Thursday, May 22, 2008, prior to departing on a day trip to North Carolina.
President Bush is saluted as he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Thursday, May 22, 2008, for a day trip to Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush waves from Air Force One before his departure from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Thursday, May 22, 2008, for a day trip to North Carolina.
President Bush and Army Secretary Pete Geren pause for the National Anthem, Thursday, May 22, 2008, during the 82nd Airborne Division Review at Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush speaks to Army Secretary Pete Geren, left, and Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, Thursday, May 22, 2008, during the 82nd Airborne Division Review in Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush shares a laugh with Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, right, during the 82nd Airborne Division Review, Thursday, May 22, 2008, in Fort Bragg, N.C
President Bush stands at attention as Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, right, and others, salutes during the 82nd Airborne Division Review, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush, seated between Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, right, and Army Secretary Pete Geren, left, watches members of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division parachute onto the field during a division review ceremony, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush stands with Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez as they watch aviation assets fly over head, Thursday, May 22, 2008, during a division review ceremony of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., Thursday, May 22, 2008.
President Bush, followed by Army Secretary Pete Geren, is applauded as he takes the stage to speak about Iraq and Afghanistan, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at the Army's 82nd Airborne Division review ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C
President Bush, flanked by Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas R. Capel, left, and Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, prepare to review troops during the 82nd Airborne Division Review, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C.,after the President spoke about Iraq and Afghanistan
President Bush stands with Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez during a division review ceremony of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C., after he spoke about Iraq and Afghanistan.
President George W. Bush (L) reviews troops alongside Major General David Rodriguez (2nd L) during a Division Review Ceremony for the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg in North Carolina
President Bush salutes during his review of the troops, Thursday, May 22, 2008, during the 82nd Airborne Division Review in Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush stands during a division review ceremony of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C.,, after he spoke about Iraq and Afghanistan
President George W. Bush holds Barbara Walsh as she accepts a medal for her deceased son, Sergeant First Class Benjamin Sebban, during a division review ceremony at Fort Bragg, home of the 82nd Airborne, in North Carolina May 22, 2008
President Bush kisses Erika Wyckoff, the widow of Army Sgt. Charles Wyckoff, of the 82nd Airborne Division who was killed in Afghanistan, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C., after the president posthumously awarded him with the Distinguished Service Cross at Fort Bragg, N.C., Thursday, May 22, 2008.
President Bush presents medals after speaking about Iraq and Afghanistan to the Army's 82nd Airborne Division review ceremony, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush salutes Sgt. Eric Moser, right, after awarding him the Distinguished Service Cross for exceptional valor and intrepid actions above and beyond the call of duty, Thursday, May 22, 2008, during the 82nd Airborne Division Review at Fort Bragg, N.C.
The photos of the day are very heart warming, especially the third one. Thanks for choosing them.
President Bush is led by 1st Sgt. David Santos as he tours the bathroom of the 82nd Airborne Division Barracks C-4122, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
President Bush tours the bathroom of the 82nd Airborne Division Barracks C-4122, at Fort Bragg, N.C., Thursday, May 22, 2008, which is the same bathroom filmed by a paratrooper's father and posted on the Internet, showing it overflowing with sewage and other substandard conditions. At right is Army Secretary Pete Geren, and Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez.
President Bush, accompanied by 1st Sgt. David Santos, tours the 82nd Airborne Division Barracks C-4122, at Fort Bragg, N.C., Thursday, May 22, 2008
President Bush speaks with Army Spc. Shannon Gardiner as he stops by her bedroom during a tour of the 82nd Airborne Division Barracks C-5624, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Marine One (lower) carrying U.S. President George W. Bush approaches the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, May 22, 2008
President Bush waves upon his arrival at the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 22, 2008, after a day trip to Fort Bragg, N.C.
President George W. Bush walks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, May 22, 2008.
President George W. Bush greets a young boy on his arrival to Pope Air Force Base in Fort Bragg, N.C., Thursday, May 22, 2008. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush and U.S. Army Secretary Pete Geren stand during the playing of the National Anthem Thursday, May 22, 2008 in Fort Bragg, N.C., for the 82nd Airborne Division Review. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush and U.S. Army Secretary Pete Geren watch members of the U.S. Army's 82nd AIrborne Division parachute onto the field during the President's visit Thursday, May 22, 2008 to Fort Bragg, N.C., for the 82nd Airborne Division Review. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
A member of U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division parachute team lands on the parade field during the President George W. Bush's visit Thursday, May 22, 2008 to Fort Bragg, N.C., on the occassion of the 82nd Airborne Division Review. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush, joined by Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez, watches a formation of helicopters fly pass during a troop review ceremony Thursday, May 22, 2008, during the President's visit to Fort Bragg, N.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush joins Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez at a review of troops ceremony of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush joins Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez at a review of troops ceremony of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, Thursday, May 22, 2008, at Fort Bragg, N.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush presents medals to members of the 82nd Airborne Division, Thursday, May 22, 2008, during ceremonies at the 82nd Airborne Division Review in Fort Bragg, N.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush embraces Barbara Walsh, mother of Sgt. First Class Benjamin Sebban, after receiving her son's posthumous Silver Star for gallantry presented by President Bush Thursday, May 22, 2008, during ceremonies at the 82nd Airborne Division Review in Fort Bragg, N.C. Sgt. First Class Sebban served valiantly as a Senior Medic in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush honors Erika Wyckoff and her children, wife of Sgt. Charles Wyckoff, after she received her husband's posthumous Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in action, presented by President Bush Thursday, May 22, 2008, during ceremonies at the 82nd Airborne Division Review in Fort Bragg, N.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush talks with soldiers during his tour of the 82nd Airborne Division barracks rooms and facilities Thursday, May 22, 2008 in Fort Bragg, N.C., on his visit to attend the 82nd Airborne Division review. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
President George W. Bush is given a tour of a 82nd Airborne Division barracks room by 1st Sgt. David Santos, during the President's visit Thursday, May 22, 2008 in Fort Bragg, N.C., for the 82nd Airborne Division review. White House photo by Chris Greenberg
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband talk to employees at the Google Inc. headquarters in Mountain View, California May 22, 2008.
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice walk to a news conference after addressing employees at the Google Inc. headquarters in Mountain View, California May 22, 2008
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice talks to reporters following their address to employees at the Google Inc. headquarters in Mountain View, California May 22, 2008.
God bless this good man. I will miss having him in the White House.
My bro was 101st Army Ranger - Bronze Star - Vietnam. It is so cool to see pics of where he trained.
I wrote an e-mail to him, and said, "Guess where the Pres was today!"
Thanks for letting us both see these pics!
How's your Dad? Give him a hug from me.
Hi snugs, thank you for posting the photos, they just tear my heart apart. Memorial Day is always heart wrenching and the photos tonight just leave me speechless.
Congratulations on your toaster win
snugs: THANK YOU for posting these extraordinary photos of an extraordinary Commander-in-Chief and his courageous troops!!
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MUST VIEW . . .
You will find 8 videoclips of the President’s visit to Ft. Bragg here:
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6158627
You will find more local coverage here:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2924613/
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HEADS UP . . .
Tonight, Laura and Jenna will appear on the Tonight Show (Jay Leno). [Note: David Cook will also appear.]
http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/calendar/
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Tomorrow morning (11:15 AM), CSpan will broadcast live the President’s remarks concerning World Trade Week — of course, CSpan couldn’t be bothered to broadcast the President’s awesome trip to Ft. Bragg!
http://inside.c-spanarchives.org:8080/cspan/fullschedule.csp?timeid=212078281254
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Tomorrow afternoon (4 PM), Neil Cavuto will talk with President Bush about the economy/oil prices.
http://www.foxnews.com/yourworld/index.html
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POLLING DATA THAT MATTERS
From the new BattleGround Poll:
“. . . like Ronald Reagan before him, voters seem able to disapprove of the President’s job performance (32%approve/63%disapprove // 41%(79%Republican)favorable/58%unfavorable) and still approve of him as a person. When respondents are asked for their impression of George W. Bush as a person, 56% approve and just 36% disapprove. This feeling about the President personally is so pervasive that even 25% of Democrats approve of him personally.
Hispanic voters follow this same trend, while African Americans and young people do not.
This is an important distinction for Democrat candidates to the degree they plan to run against Bush this cycle. Not only is Bush not on the ballot, but the voters make a clear
distinction between the man and his policies.
It is important to note that history tends to judge past President’s not so much on their success or failure in policy areas, but on the moral character of the individual. Former President Carter is perhaps our best living example. History will probably be kinder to President Bush. In focus groups throughout the country, voters continue to tell us that they view the President as a principled, honest and determined leader.”
http://www.tarrance.com/11633-GOP-analysis.pdf
Thanks
As I was reading the article, I told my hubby, SirKit, that the thought of either Obama or Her Heinous being Commander in Chief just turns my stomach. As I said that, he said “it makes me want to puke!”. So we share that idea! This President loves and respects all the members of our fighting forces, and I’m sure it hurts him every time he hears of another one who has died. You can tell that by the way he interacts with their surviving family members.
Review the “Slideshow” (right-hand sidebar) at the link below — you will find 21 AWESOME photos of the President’s trip to Ft. Bragg:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2924613/
Ahhhhh....you can tell that this president’s heart just breaks for the families of these fallen heroes!
God bless him...and God give these families the strength they will need to get past the pain of loss.
They really choose themselves they so sum up the character of this man.
I agree with your assessment. Thank you
Wonderful set of pictures tonight...especially the ones from Ft. Bragg!
Thanks for all your hard work, making Sanity Island a refuge!
The next few months I fear will rush by
They were wonderful photos today.
Hope your brother enjoys them.
Dad sends his thanks.
Indeed
President Bush talks with Amy Petrenko after he presented her with the Presidential Volunteer Award. at Red Ramp at Pope Air Force Base on Thursday May 22nd.
Gotta love the fact she has a stuffed panda on her bed in that last photo.
President George W. Bush stands with Spc. Rebekah Hoskins, left, and Spc. Shannon Gardiner, right, in the Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division Special Troops Battalion barracks Thursday morning on Fort Bragg.
I am glad you mentioned that because I thought the same when I saw the photo and nearly remarked on it.
OH mercy-my monitor has caught the fuzzy virus.....from the tears these pictures and the talk generate.
God bless our troops, our dead heroes, our wounded heroes, their loved ones, and our President and all those genuinely working to bring victory in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thanks for the lengthy and beautiful Dose, snugs. Much work. I always love to see our CIC with his beloved troops. Lots of fabulous pictures.
Thanks for the video and Laura and Jenna heads up, Deb .. watching them now.
And here’s some Jenna news I missed .. that WAS a short honeymoon. I thought I read it was going to be a month in Europe.
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For the Hagers, a Degree of Anonymity
By Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts
Thursday, May 22, 2008; Page C03
Well, that was a short honeymoon! Just eight days after they married at the Bush family ranch in Texas, Henry and Jenna Hager showed up Sunday in Charlottesville to attend his graduation from U-Va.’s Darden School of Business.
The newlyweds slipped into North Grounds Recreation Center about 30 minutes before the afternoon ceremony began, along with Henry’s parents, John and Maggie Hager— yet they went relatively unnoticed in the crowd.
Henry was among 335 full-time business students who earned an MBA and walked across the stage to receive his diploma. (Where are the cellphone pictures, people?!) At the end of the two-hour program, the young Hagers were escorted out before anyone could ask them embarrassing questions about their honeymoon.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/21/AR2008052103280.html
Thanks for the pics snugs!
Thanks for posting the speech. I phoned my local ‘conservative’ radio talk station this morning to share it with their audience, since the hosts were talking about ‘news not being reported if it was good news in Iraq,’ and another very negative caller was going on about how criminal it is that America does not have a draft for military service.
I wanted to say a few words of praise for the magnificient members of the 82nd Airborne that President Bush was praising yesterday.
People continue to believe that President Bush never does or says anything, because our major media outlets hide him!!! Their news producers must find his face and voice as distasteful as I find that of Ms Clinton or BHO. I automatically reach for the mute or off button, when I hear them.
I wrote an e-mail to him, and said, “Guess where the Pres was today!”
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Because we would not hear anything about it if we relied on the “news.” snugs did mention the the press were on Air Force One! I guess they did not find anything “reportable” on their trip.
Shameful.
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