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.)
I consider this paragraph one ofthe most important points in the speech. Bush is serving Europe notice that their freedom was the result of military force. He also let them know that they have lived in a "bubble" outside the real worldm which was made possible by the US security umbrella. The Europeans have led an insulated life after WWII and believe that they can negotiate and discuss their way out of military threats and attacks. Bush made it quite clear the real world is quite different.
Unfortunately, our media will decide that the Michael Jackson story is more significant than the Bush speech. Tough break on the timing.