THE PRESIDENT IN LONDON

New York Post ^ | 11/20/03

[kattracks]

November 20, 2003 -- President Bush's opening speech of his state visit to the United Kingdom yesterday was a triumph: confident, considered and packed with resonant historical references and phrases that will resound long after the trip has come to an end. Bush reiterated recent Wilsonian themes like America's commitment to a "democratic revolution" in the Mideast after decades of "tolerating oppression for the sake of stability" - while making it clear he realized that "the movement of history will not come quickly."

[McGavin999]

Well, if you look at American papers, they don't even seem to know he's out of town.

[exit82]

Bush could teach Churchill a thing or two. God bless him.

[shteebo]

It's so refreshing to have a President that says what needs to be said, rather than what wants to be heard. Bush is leading. Clinton was just running out in front. There's a difference.

[Quix]

Hmmmmm, too sadly true.

[fly_so_free]

It was an outstanding speech. How I wish everyone in America could have heard it. But, no- The media focused entirely on Michael Jackson. President Bush got hardly a mention, and the press said "the wide-spread protests" not his speech.

Michael Jackson is a has-been "pop star" and now he's an accused pervert. This will NOT come as a suprise to anyone. It was worthy of maybe 20 seconds in G-Block (or whatever the other celebrity news sections are called on the other channels).

To have the President of the United States given secondary coverage behind "Michael Jackson" is downright disgusting. The press plays a big part in keeping people "dumbed down".

I do hope Rush, Hannity and the rest of the talk radio hosts will replay President Bush's speech . The people here in the USA need to hear it.

[jazzlite]

I watched his speech yesterday and I was mesmerized by the clear message and the strength of his presence in that place with the people we have been allied with for so long. It was a very moving experience for me as I explained to the small child watching with me that this President is a great man who is our leader and is protecting us from bad people in the world. The clapping of her tiny little hands in response to the audience applause was so symbolic of the hope this President engenders for future generations. Without a willingness to confront terrorists, the hope of a decent future for today's children is in grave danger. I hope our allies will remember the mistaken judgments made prior to WWII so they will not be repeated in the current situation.

[tkathy]

Bush is proving himself to be a great leader, the right man at the right time.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

"Those in authority are not judged only by good motivations," he said. "The people have given us the duty to defend them. That duty sometimes requires the violent restraint of violent men.

A Christian who judges himself "only by good motivations" is self-righteous.

But to suppose that no one can get by on mere good intentions is to ignore the entire history of socialism. Socialism has no legitimate claim to beneficial results over any length of time. What it does have is natural support in the horror-show industry, which in a free society includes journalism and indeed most of entertainment. With the propaganda organs of society at their back, socialists have engaged in a massive campaign to shift blame, second guess the capable/responsible, and exploit the weakness of the least capable/responsible in society. A campaign, that is, to constantly diddle for short-term political advantage, of symbolism without substance.

"Those in authority are not judged only by good motivations," is perfectly true--but only when those in authority consider themselves responsible to the people rather than to journalism's image. If you are willing to flatter journalism unreservedly, "good motivations" are everthing.

[Savage Beast]

"Strong words, clearly spoken. Bush's enemies in America - and America's enemies overseas - will ignore them at their peril."

Yes. And the rest of us will ignore these domestic and foreign enemies at our peril.

[MainFrame65]

"... It was an outstanding speech. How I wish everyone in America could have heard it. But, no- The media focused entirely on Michael Jackson. President Bush got hardly a mention, and the press said "the wide-spread protests" not his speech. ..."

Well, at least it was not the perverse reverse, like the "wag the dog" distractions perpetrated by the previous tenant of the White House to drown out news of the self-generated scandal of the moment. Integrity is refreshing after that 8 year dry spell, isn't it?

[mewzilla]

Thank goodness we no longer have to rely on American papers :)

[Savage Beast]

"Well, if you look at American papers, they don't even seem to know he's out of town."

Well said, Gav. And we ignore America's domestic and foreign enemies at our peril! That includes so-called "journalists".

[Savage Beast]

Post #4: Nicely said, Shtee. Unfortunately, millions of people can't tell the difference--or don't want to.

[Savage Beast]

"Without a willingness to confront terrorists, the hope of a decent future for today's children is in grave danger."

My parents, grandparents, and great grandparents were all Democrats. My children and their spouses are all Republicans.

[freeangel]

One of the reasons the media focused on Jackson was because the thousands of British protestors did not materialize. Theere was no news value to the lib media in confirming that the majority of Brits side with Bush and Blair on terror and, heck, it could have only harmed the liberals campaign of Bush bashing to show the non-protests.

[exit82]

"Bush is leading."

You hit that nail square on the head, FRiend.

[exit82]

Agreed. Bush's words, and actions, will stand the test of time.

[CGVet58]

you have made an excellent point; our media gave more coverage to a pop icon's sexual transgressions, then to an important speech given before the leading government figures of our most loyal ally in this war on terror. It's a classic example of that pearl of wisdom which beckons us to mind what is not said as much as what is.

And some folks say there is no leftist, anti-American bias within our media... (/sarcasm)

Thank you for an excellent riposte,

Juan