I can hardly believe it. I was excited about Ukraine, but astonished at Lebanon. I am so excited for the possibilities for freedom in the Middle East, but we have to strike while the iron is hot and help these countries as the opportunities are now and will probably never raise their heads again if they don't happen now.
President Bush's Inaugural 2005 ......All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.
Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
And all the allies of the United States can know: we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat. ......
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050120-1.html
I'm less surprised but equally excited. But, we need to remember where this could go. Remember what almost happened in Algeria? The radical islamic fundamentalists were set to win the government in a free election. The result? The military stepped in and took over.
Springtime in the Middle East will surely be exciting to watch.
I read on another thread the other day that all the Syrians would have to do is drive through the crowds with a few tanks, kill a few Lebanese, and this revolution would be over . . . that Arabs don't "really" understand Democracy . . . that the crowds were simpletons who were being used by another power-hungry dictator to get power.
Can you believe such statements in the face of the historical actions taking place all around us?
I replied thusly to the moronic assertions . . .
First of all . . . GW said the U.S. would support any citizens ANYWHERE on Earth if they acted to join the Democratic World. I suspect the Arab bullies have learned not to doubt GW's word. If the Syrian military starts to kill innocent Lebanese civilians, they should expect to see bombs and missiles falling all around them . . . our troops will be through to mop up later.
One had best not play military poker with GW.
What is there to "understand" about Democracy? I think GW's right . . . we're all born yearning for freedom. It's a God-given right and it would take the stupidest culture on Earth about three seconds to comprende what that means.
Lebanese "simpletons?" They're no more simpletons than our own Founding Fathers were. It doesn't take an Albert Einstein to realize the yoke of enslavement becomes far too burdensome when you've had just a sip of freedom.
The Lebanese were glued to their TV's when the Iraqi people voted for Freedom. The Lebanese have watched for over three years as American soldiers have fought and died so that Afghanis and Iraqis could be free . . . and GW hasn't blinked under the strain of the never-ending, world-wide criticism. The common Lebanese people recognize there's a New Sheriff on the World Stage . . . and that GW won't forsake them as past Presidents have done.
The Lebanese are no longer the Democracy students . . . and those who would denounce them and their movement are THEMSELVES the same simpletons who whined and moaned and protested in the streets before the U.S. Military freed TWENTY-FIVE MILLION Iraqis. It is THEY . . . the self-righteous America-haters . . . who should take lessons in Democracy. Democracy is flourishing all around them, yet they still see nothing but doom and gloom. THAT is why most Liberals look like a paper sack that has been left out in the elements for a few years . . . wrinkled, cracked, shriveled-up souls who have never known a day's joy in their lives.
This movement is EVERY BIT as glorious as the Berlin Wall being toppled . . . maybe even more so because Potentates and Dictators are falling like dominoes and the synergy just keeps on building.
Hang on, lawgirl, we're in for a glorious, glorious ride.
PS . . . GREAT HOMEPAGE! Is the walk you advertise this coming September or this past September. If it was September-past, did you reach your goal?