In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character - on integrity, and tolerance toward others, and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self. That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran, and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before - ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today, and forever.
I must say, I am taken aback by the hatred spewed forth on this thread by those who were so offended by that reference.
Noonan says the speech was "God drenched"
It's ok, the Holy Name of Jesus, the "Name under Heaven given to men whereby we must be saved," made up for the PC. As we say in the Roman Catholic tradition, "Sit Nomen Domini benedictum" (Blessed be the Name of the Lord).
Sadly some posters here think Bush's job is to lead a holy war against Islam.