Posted on 01/30/2005 10:49:34 AM PST by NonValueAdded
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON THE IRAQI ELECTION
The Cross Hall
1:00 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.
In great numbers, and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the foundation of self-government.
Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens. We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.
The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens volunteered as poll workers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in a terror attack last year, and went to the polls today, despite threats of violence. He said, "I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am voting for peace."
Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.
The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security.
There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis are proving they're equal to the challenge. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement.
Thank you very much.
END 1:05 P.M. EST
Sorry, I meant at least until the Oscars.
:-)
One other thought. This proves my statement that unless the people are terrorized, terrorism isn't working is it?
Yes, there was fear today when they voted, I am sure, but they were not terrorized or they would have stayed home.
George W. Bush. The Great Liberator.
Check out this slideshow:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1332117/posts
Check out this slideshow:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1332117/posts
Beautiful and strong words.
Hey Cowboy, I'm not trying to mess with you, but since you pounced on me one thread, here you are. If you think "muzzies" are so terrible, why do you apparently think certain ones (i.e., Iraqis who vote) are good, and our efforts to help them are laudable? After all, they are muzzies who want to kill us right? I can find 100 of your posts saying so.
The ones I'm pissed at are the American Muslims. They are the ones who should have been out in protest rallies after 9-11 and every terrorist incident since then.
They're the ones who should have denounced Islam from the first beheading.
The American Muslims are living in our society even though their religion teaches them to kill everyone of us.
The Muslims in the MidEast have no choice. To denouce the terrorists acts over there marks them for death on someone's list.
For the Iraqis to come out in such numbers requires tremendous courage, and I applaud them for that. I still would never trust them. They believe in a cult of murder and death for all infidels.
That means us and every member of our military.
We have given them some semblance of freedom and justice. It's time to get out.
I understand, thanks for the reply.
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