Why we must never abandon this historic struggle in Iraq (Tony Blair - Please read)

The Observer ^ | Sunday April 11, 2004 | Tony Blair

[aquila48]

But our greatest threat, apart from the immediate one of terrorism, is our complacency. When some ascribe, as they do, the upsurge in Islamic extremism to Iraq, do they really forget who killed whom on 11 September 2001? When they call on us to bring the troops home, do they seriously think that this would slake the thirst of these extremists, to say nothing of what it would do to the Iraqis?

This is the essence of our problem - the enemy within, not the islamists. Were we united, the islamists would have already been banished.

But I would not characterize it as Blair does - the compacent ones - wish we were so lucky. Far from being complacent the enemy within is active and shrill. It is the left who would rejoice to see America defeated; it is the democrats who want to get back to power so badly that they would sacrifice America to unseat bush, it is their collaborators, the mass media, demoralizing our population with the nightly pounding of doom and gloom, it is the intelligenzia demagoguing our children at every school grade.

But as I think about it, perhaps the complacent ones that Blair is referring to are not the ones that want America to fail. Rather it is you and me, freepers and others who want us to win but are letting the other side make all the noise and setting the agenda. Where are our street demonstrations and rallies supporting what we believe in, where are our Soros's funding new media outlets flooding the printing press and the airways. Where is the strength of our convictions?

We often complain of the moderate Iraqis and Muslims not speaking up and standing up to their extremists - are we not guilty ourselves (freedom lovers) of that same charge? Both Bush and Blair have taken tough stands and stuck their necks way out - isn't it time that we take to the streets to provide them and the values we hold dear the support they need?

[Eurotwit]

aquila48, Great post...

I agree with all the points you make. I just want to make one comment: I think Blair is aware of the fifth coloumn in our midst:

"The truth is, faced with this struggle, on which our own fate hangs, a significant part of Western opinion is sitting back, if not half-hoping we fail, certainly replete with schadenfreude at the difficulty we find. "

But, I think your observations are profound. Particularly, where I live. Norway is practically enemy territory. If you break from the party line you risk social riddecule. Many people are cowed into silence.

No more. This is a struggle we have to win, and everyone has a part to play.

Have a good night and a great easter.

Cheers.

[america-rules]

"With the risk of being flamed, I wish Bush wasn't in Crawford at the moment. He should be our leader at the baricades. "

This really gets me. If people in any other religion take off for weeks during their holy days it's OK but they bash Bush for going home for Easter the second most holy christian day to honor ?

[Eurotwit]

To be fair, I am not bashing Bush. Never have, never will.

I must admit he sounded tired when he made his weekly radio adress earlier today.

I hope he has a great easter with his family, and come back rested and ready for the struggle at hand.

God bless the President!

[GopherIt]

A humble bump to what you say. 225 years ago, we were the crucible of liberty. My fondest dream is that 225 years from now, Iraqi's can say the same of their ancestors living today. Blair's words again embody the movement of liberty. He points to the true patriots of Iraq. Perhaps the next chapter for us is to give them voice, loud and clear. (Meanwhile, God bless the soldiers and marines of the coalition).

[Travis McGee]

Amen.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Like Lincoln in 1864 this election will determine the shape of the world to come.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Our principle task is a full strength frontal assault on the RATmedia. There is where the core of the Enemies' strenght lies. There is where the LIE campaigns start and are carried forth. Without the 24/7 Bush bashing and RAT support our enemies would have no chance whatsoever as you note. The artifically created disunion is the only change the Evil ones have.

This force of the Evil ones must be confronted constantly.

[Free_at_last_-2001]

this election will determine the shape of the world to come. - Agreed!

[LisaFab]

Bump for a great post.

[NordP]

You are so right.

Doesn't it seem as if the enemy within were of a demonic nature? Their actions are so venomous. It's so illogical to me. That's why the demonic theory is the only one that sticks IMHO.

[truthandlife]

Good stuff Tony. Good will prevail in this struggle but it won't be easy.

[aquila48]

But, I think your observations are profound. Particularly, where I live. Norway is practically enemy territory. If you break from the party line you risk social riddecule. Many people are cowed into silence.

I don't know how you can stand it, eurotwit. But then I'm not in much better shape - I live in the san francisco bay area - the front line of the "enemy within". I've lost several "friends" in this culture war...

[CedarDave]

BUMP for Monday readers.

[votelife]

was just going to post this, glad you already did!

Bump for Blair!

[votelife]

for those who don't know (I think you do) shaudenfruade means celebrating other's misery, ie rooting for terrorists because it hurts America or something along those traitorous lines.

[Boston]

Send a message to Tony and the Brits at www.thankyoutony.com