Posted on 01/14/2005 1:42:57 AM PST by kattracks
WASHINGTON - President Bush has a message for the Indonesian big who said U.S. troops delivering tsunami relief should leave sooner rather than later: Tell it to the victims."You know, there's a lot of talk about how some in the world don't appreciate America," Bush said after a Pentagon briefing yesterday on tsunami aid efforts and the terror war.
"Well, I can assure you that those who have been helped by our military appreciate America," Bush emphasized.
Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla caused the flap when he said of U.S military assistance: "Three months are enough. In fact, the sooner [they leave] the better."
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher also scoffed at the remark. "The Indonesians are not saying, 'We don't need the help, go home,'" Boucher told reporters.
In an interview that airs tonight on ABC's "2-0/20," Bush tells Barbara Walters that U.S. relief efforts should help America's image in the Muslim world.
"Our public diplomacy efforts ... aren't very robust, and aren't very good, compared to the public diplomacy efforts of those who would like to spread hatred and ... and vilify the United States. But in ... responding to the tsunami, many in the Muslim world have seen a great compassion in the American people."
A foreign diplomatic source familiar with Indonesian affairs told the Daily News that Kalla is "a kook" with a reputation for cozying up to Islamic militants who operate in that island nation.
So far, those rebels - some of whom were believed to have trained in Al Qaeda camps in Afghanistan - have observed a ceasefire while the relief efforts continue.
The Indonesians banned pilots on the Abraham Lincoln from flying training missions in their air space - even though the aircraft carrier has played a major role in the U.S. relief mission.
But Boucher stressed that the U.S. has no designs on expanding its role.
"We have no desire to extend any military operations. We're looking to see how roads can be opened, civilian operations can be brought up to speed, and that the delivery of aid supplies can be done through civilian operations," Boucher said.
"But for the moment, it appears that [U.S.] military helicopters are the best way to get food to people who need it."
Originally published on January 14, 2005
bump for our guys and gals, all the work they do,
and the people being helped who have the clearheadedness to not bite the hand that feeds them.
The Islamic World has this annoying, yet consistent, habit of biting the hands that feed them. I can imagine the US pulling out in March. I can just hear the cries of the Islamists saying "SEE, THE INFIDELS DON'T WANT TO HELP!!! DEATH TO AMERICA, DEATH TO AUSTRAILA!!!!!!". Maybe I'm being too cynical, but...........
We do the right thing for as long as possible and go home with our head held high.
Go, W!! Now, also assert our military's right to be armed!
but....no buts....that, my friend, is exactly what will happen...
I agree. Sending the military in as meals on wheels without the ability to defend themselves is asking for trouble. When something nasty occurs, America haters, and that includes democrats, will have a new stick to beat GW with.
A few more politicians like him and we might actually restore some decency to the country and be brave enough to infect the world with it.
posted on a similar thread:
Posted by highflight to Convert from ECUSA
On News/Activism 01/14/2005 9:57:22 AM EST · 171 of 172
Published 2089 - "An Analysis of the Bush #43 Era."
will include the paragraphs: "Even his staunchest supporters often times misunderestimated this Texan, George Bush. In part because of his self-deprecating and humble oratory. Uncounted thousands of his adversaries, propagandists and protaganists at home and abroad- were never able to convert this cowboy into a manipulative chicken counter. He was rigid in his principles, a study in tenacity...... and it drove his critics insane."
Following his successful second term, George Bush was hailed internationally, by the World's populace, (never by the World's leaders or news organs), as the most effective proponent of democracy and freedom the World has ever known.
We're doing the right thing by helping - appreciated or not. Remember, "Whatever you do for the least of my brothers..."
The point is what's in you heart.
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