[Wolfstar]

[In The Crease]

Great speech. Even better hearing it live.

[Grig]

Your Prime Minister, McKenzie King, gave this answer: "We cannot defend our country and save our homes and families by waiting for the enemy to attack us. To remain on the defensive is the surest way to bring the war to Canada. Of course, we should protect our coasts and strengthen our ports and cities against attack," but the Prime Minister went on to say, "we must also go out and meet the enemy before he reaches our shores. We must defeat him before he attacks us, before our cities are laid to waste." McKenzie King was correct then, and we must always remember the wisdom of his words today.

Go W!

[Wolfstar]

It's a very small thing, but there's a typo in the title of this thread. Instead of Bush' it should read Bush's. As I said, a very small thing, but if you have a spare moment, could you kindly correct the title. Thanks.

[OldFriend]

It was a wonderful speech, and well received.

Can't wait for the State of the Union speech.

[Wolfstar]

Thought you'd all enjoy being pinged to the transcript of the President's excellent speech in Halifax today. He was more warmly received that I expected he'd be. He told a couple of great jokes, including one that went over my head since I don't know much about Canada. But the crowd laughed heartily. After the speech, he went down into the audience to shake hands.

[Ksnavely]

Holy Sh*t that was a good speech. I am impressed. Makes me glad I voted for him. Go W!!!

[elbucko]

In the early days of World War II, when the United States was still wrestling with isolationism, Canadian forces were already engaging the enemies of freedom from the Atlantic.

Yes they were and there were Americans among them. Some Americans joined the Royal Canadian Army and some the Royal Canadian Air Force. Many of these American pilots later formed the core for the famous Eagle Squadrons and, subsequently, the 4th. Fighter Group of the US Army Air Corp.

At that time 1940 to 1942, any American that joined a "foreign service" was subject to a $10,000 fine and 5 years in prison by reason of the "Neutrality Act". They went anyway, and I am proud to know some of them.

[sgtbono2002]

Laura went home to Thank the White House staff that was working so hard to get the White House ready for Christmas.

Can you imagine Hillary lowering herself to thank a staff person for anything?

Laura has class.

[headsonpikes]

A very gracious speech. Bravo!

[balk]

Thank you for the transcript. This speech was very well researched. He scored so many hits that the Communist Broadcasting Corporation couldn't keep up. The commentators and producers were having trouble confirming all those quotes, because they themselves know so little about Canadian history pre-1970.

I also enjoyed W's humour at the beginning. It disarmed everybody watching who had negative preconceptions. W also showed a respect for Canada that surprised many (not me).

[CedarDave]

Three years ago, Halifax and other towns and villages -- from Newfoundland to Manitoba to the Northwest Territories to British Columbia -- welcomed, as the Prime Minister mentioned, more than 33,000 passengers on diverted flights. For days after September the 11th, Canadians came to the aid of men and women and children who were worried and confused and had nowhere to sleep. You opened your homes and your churches to strangers. You brought food, you set up clinics, you arranged for calls to their loved ones, and you asked for nothing in return.

One American declared, "My heart is overwhelmed at the outpouring of Canadian compassion. How does a person say 'thank you' to a nation?" Well, that's something a President can do. And so let me say directly to the Canadian people, and to all of you here today who welcomed Americans, thank you for your kindness to America in an hour of need.

A good story on this can be found in Jim Defede's book "The Day the World Came to Town, 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland."

That day Canada took in more than 250 aircraft with 43,895 people (the number the book gives). Gander, a town of about 10,000 received 38 planes with 6,595 passengers. The kindness, hospitality, and sharing by the Canadians that day and the week following do indeed deserve recognition and thanks by no less than the President of the United States.

[colorado tanker]

Wonderful speech. Great strategy. The President spoke over the political classes and CMSM and directly to the Canadian people.

Here's to the renaissance of Canadian conservatism.

[My2Cents]

As an aside, I wonder if Canadians appreciate the references to the U.S. as "America" and to their nation simply as "Canada."

[adaven]

Link to video on CSPAN:

Pres. Bush Address to Canadian Citizens in Halifax, Nova Scotia (12/01/04) (Real Player)

[pissant]

Excellent speech. The best part being no waffling or apologies for our smacking of Saddam. The man has a pair.

[hershey]

Tremendous speech. Wow! Maybe C-Span will run it again at two am.

[GretchenM]

I loved this line; emphasis mine.

"The affection that appeared in an instant will always be there, and it runs deep."