A day in the life of President Bush (and RBC tribute) 8/20/05; many photos

WhiteHouse.gov; various news sources ^ | 8/20/05

[Wolfstar]

PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: Following is and excerpt from the AP story published just a few minutes ago on Yahoo about the President's bike ride with Lance Armstrong. (Click the link on the headline below to read the whole article.) The two Texans have been friends for years, although Armstrong's politics are Left of center.

Armstrong, Bush Ride 'Tour De Crawford'
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer
3 minutes ago

WACO, Texas - It's no yellow jersey, but President Bush on Saturday presented Lance Armstrong with another shirt to show off his biking experiences — a red, white and blue T-shirt emblazoned "Tour de Crawford."

The leader of the free world and the world's biking master rode for 17 miles on Bush's ranch for about two hours at midmorning. Bush showed Armstrong the sites of the ranch that he calls "a little slice of heaven," including a stop at a waterfall midway through the ride.

They were accompanied by a small group of staff and Secret Service agents and a film crew from the Discovery Channel, Armstrong's Tour de France sponsor, which had exclusive media access for the ride. Footage was shot for a program on Armstrong to air next week.

At the end of the ride, Bush gave Armstrong and the rest of the riders the T-shirts, which said "Tour de Crawford" on the front in Western-style rope script and "Peloton One" -— a reference to the densely packed group of riders in a race -— on the back. Bush also gave them red, white and blue riding socks with the presidential seal on the inner ankle.

After the presentation, Duffy said, they posed for pictures and the president announced, "OK, let's go swimming." Armstrong and the rest of the group were invited to stay for lunch.

THE WEEK AHEAD:On Monday, August 22nd, the President will make remarks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention that's being held in Salt Lake City, Utah; open press. He will remain overnight in Donnelly, Idaho.

Tuesday, there are no public events. However, he will remain in Donnelly for some fishing.

Wednesday, August 24th, the President will make remarks on the war on terror in Nampa, Idaho. And then he'll return to the ranch that night.

DUMB MEDIA QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK: From the press gaggle conducted by assistant WH press secretary Dana Perino on Thursday. Note how the print and broadcast media seem annoyed that they don't get to cover the bike ride. Of course, most of them haven't seen the sunny side of a bike ride since they were kids (if then), and would be unable to keep up with GWB and Lance Armstrong. And they all hate the Texas heat. But they're annoyed anyway.

Q What are the coverage plans for Lance Armstrong's visit on Saturday?

MS. PERINO: It is closed press. The White House will release a photograph. Discovery Channel has an exclusive to tapes and video.

Q So Discovery Channel is doing filming?

MS. PERINO: Yes.

Q I can't hear a thing. That was Lance Armstrong?

MS. PERINO: Lance Armstrong will be here on Saturday to --

Q That's closed press?

MS. PERINO: It is closed press.

Q No pool, nothing?

MS. PERINO: No pool.

Q They're going to be biking entirely within the confines of the ranch. Is that true?

MS. PERINO: That's my understanding, yes.

Q And Discovery Channel has an exclusive what? How are they doing that?

MS. PERINO: To shoot some video.

Q Can you repeat what -- I couldn't hear Dick. Your understanding is what about the biking?

MS. PERINO: He asked if they riding within the confines of the ranch boundaries, and I think that's true.

THEME -- SALUTING DICK AND LYNNE CHENEY: On September 11, 2001, a scene Hollywood has enjoyed portraying many, many times met real life in deadly earnest as a Vice President of the United States rose to face and help manage an immense national crisis.

In contrast to typical Hollywood characters, however, the real Vice President on that dark day was anything but the politically correct figure tinsel-town always chooses for it's fictional VP. Dick Cheney was -- horrors! -- a graying, balding, sixty-ish, overweight, white male Republican from deepest fly-over country. He was also a former heavy smoker with a history of heart trouble. As such, he was anathema to the Left.

Yet on 9/11, Dick Cheney was rock-steady, calm, and able to draw on one of the most impressive resumes ever brought to the vice presidency. It was as if his entire life had been forged -- indeed, spared several times -- to prepare him for his service to the nation that singular day. We should all humbly thank God for giving us this quiet, reserved, resolute, great man in our time of greatest need. He is one of the most historically significant vice presidents in our history other than those who went on to become presidents.

The vice presidency is a largely ceremonial office endowed under the Constitution with only two official duties, president of the Senate and replacement if the POTUS becomes incapacitated or dies in office. Thus, Vice President Cheney could have left Washington on that day, but he didn't. He could have gone to the secure bunker deep under the White House and stayed out of the decision-making loop, but he didn't. He could have worried more about his own political and personal future, and his own family, but he didn't. Instead, he stayed in the White House, manning the National Presidential Emergency Operations Center, working closely with the President, and coordinating the response in the nation's capitol. The Vice President on that day was incredibly brave, selfless and heroic. No matter what the moonbat Leftists say about him, Dick Cheney deserves every respect and honor our nation can bestow.

Secretary of Defense Richard B. Cheney was awarded our nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush. He may not be eligible to receive it again (don't know if they award it more than once). So, as the 4th anniversary of 9/11 rapidly approaches, the Dose takes this moment to thank Vice President Cheney and his wonderful wife, Lynne, for their long service to our great nation.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: Excerpts from "The Wisdom of Choosing Dick Cheney," by Gerald R. Ford and Bob Dole, Op-Ed piece, The New York Time, Monday, July 31, 2000 (entire Op-Ed can be found at the Ford Library with this link: www.ford.utexas.edu/library

...we are delighted by the selection of Dick Cheney to help implement Mr. Bush's inclusive vision. Ironically, the shrill reaction of some Democrats to the Cheney nomination only confirms the timeliness of Governor Bush's pledge to restore civility to Washington.

Like Dick Cheney himself, most Americans evince a basic fairness. They know decency and character when they see it. They also recognize a manufactured controversy when it spills across their television screens. Political labels aside, such voters share a bipartisan disdain for the sterile name-calling that has crowded honest debate off the political stage. And debate, after all, is what a campaign should be all about. The honest airing of our differences, not the poisonous rhetoric that demeans even as it disillusions.

If experience counts for anything -- and it ought to -- the Bush-Cheney slate is one of the most abundantly qualified in memory. As the youngest ever White House chief of staff, Mr. Cheney displayed the qualities instinctively recognized by Governor Bush and most fair-minded voters: a towering intelligence and probity, razor-sharp judgment, and a seriousness of purpose that is the antithesis of modern political spin. Yet there is much more to Dick Cheney than his resume. We know him as a man of conviction, whose principles include respecting others with whom he differs. He has adversaries but no enemies.

Mr. Cheney also represents an unconventional choice, if only because of the transparent merit which motivated his selection. This alone makes him a refreshing alternative to the usual electoral calculations. He was selected less because he could help Governor Bush get elected than because he could help a president Bush govern. And to do so in a way that will help restore popular respect for tarnished institutions.

[txrangerette]

Sheryl is quite leftwing, and I have read that Lance is rather liberal but not as far left as she.

[snugs]

That is my understanding as well

[snugs]

Now I am really off to bed night all

[STARWISE]

I might've missed this earlier in the week, but here is one I hadn't seen. That is one MAJOR TEXAS smile ;).

President Bush smiles as he arrives at Caterpiller's Aurora facility in Montgomery, Ill., Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005. With anti-war protesters continuing their vigil outside U.S. President Bush's ranch, the president began a five-day push Saturday, Aug. 20, 2005, to tell the U.S. why he thinks U.S. troops must continue the fight in Iraq.

Article about President Bush's Radio Address, with upcoming Schedule: 8-20-05

President Offers Thanks to Past, Present Servicemembers
By Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2005 – With the four-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States three weeks away, President Bush used his weekly radio address to offer appreciation to current and former military veterans for their sacrifices in the war on terror.

"In this war, our nation depends on the courage of those who wear the uniform," the president told radio listeners.

Bush said the mission is clear to the nation's men and women serving in the armed forces. "Our troops know that they're fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere to protect their fellow Americans from a savage enemy," he said. "They know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to face them one day in our own cities and streets, and they know that the safety and security of every American is at stake in this war, and they know we will prevail."

During the coming weeks, the president said he plans to meet with servicemembers who have been on the front lines in the war on terror.

Next week in Idaho, the president said, he will visit with soldiers of the Idaho National Guard, and with airmen at Mountain Home Air Force Base who played a leading role in the air campaign in Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Later in Utah, Bush said, he will attend the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, and then will travel to San Diego to observe the 60th anniversary of Victory in Japan Day with World War II veterans and current servicemembers.

"I will thank all of them for their service in the war on terror, and I will thank the families who make their essential work possible," he said.

The president acknowledged that the war on terror involves sacrifices.

"By their courage and sacrifices, today's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines are taking their rightful place among the heroes of history, and the American people are thankful and proud," Bush said. "In this war, many of these brave men and women have given their lives to defend their fellow citizens and to bring the hope of freedom to millions who have not known it. We owe these fallen heroes our gratitude, and we offer their families our heartfelt condolences and prayers."

The president reminded listeners that the United States must "finish the task" that troops have given their lives for and honor their sacrifice by completing the mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We can be confident in the ultimate triumph of our cause," he said, "because we know that freedom is the future of every nation and that the side of freedom is the side of victory." =====================================================

USS Kearsarge

"At approximately 8:44 a.m. local time, a suspected mortar rocket flew over the USS Ashland's (LSD 48) bow and impacted in a warehouse on the pier in the vicinity of the Ashland and the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)," U.S. 5th Fleet officials said in a statement. "The warehouse sustained an approximate 8-foot hole in the roof of the building."

According to news reports, a Jordanian soldier was killed and another severely wounded when the rocket hit the warehouse. A second rocket hit near a Jordanian hospital and a third partially exploded, damaging a road and a car. A third rocket reportedly landed in the nearby Israeli city of Eilat, with no casualties and only minor damage.

Can you imagine having to do this??? GOD BLESS OUR COURAGEOUS, ENDURING TROOPS

LOW CRAWL – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam G. Schlegel and Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth R. Myers low-crawl through mud-filled trenches during jungle warfare training held in the northern training area on the island of Okinawa, Aug. 17, 2005. The Seabees are assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Unit 74. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric S. Powell.

[GretchenM]

I thought that too, snugs -- re a set in a museum. The unusual lighting adds to the effect. Also, as Wolfie mentioned, so do the uniforms. Star, he does look like Truman in that photo.

[SoCalPol]

Hiya, just got back to the dose.
They are not sure yet where the Prez will be here
but am keeping up with this.
Have you been to the harbor to see the tall ships?

[SoCalPol]

Snugs, a wonderful group of photos of the V.P. and
his family. Besides his dau., I wouldn't doubt that
other family members way down the line will be involved
in Government work.

[GretchenM]

Cheney certainly has aged gracefully. I think he looks better with the white hair than he did with dark hair. He stands out more, too; he isn't one to push himself to the forefront.

[luvie]

That is a wonderful cowboy picture! I love to see the VP in his casual, western clothes, just as I love to see the President in his! Thanks for posting it! :o)

[GretchenM]

I'm doing okay, plugging along. How about you?

[MamaB]

I am doing fine except for my arm. It still bothers me a lot. Have to go back to the doctor Monday morning. I may have to have another cortisone injection and those hurt.

[GretchenM]

Arnold has a tendency to overwhelm anyone with whom he appears. But not in this photo. AS met his match in the VP.

[mupcat]

Sheryl is quite leftwing, and I have read that Lance is rather liberal but not as far left as she.

Thanks for the clarification, txrangerette.

[SevenofNine]

Actually I ask my dad and my mom do you remember Rummy they said no they only remember when Rummy was in this administation

I think my parents didn't pay attention to Nixon or Ford administation My dad thought Richard Nixon look like gangstra I think HR Haldemna scare my mom

Look like psycho marine with that crewcut

Now tell you one thing they remember President Reagan OH YEAH

They do remember when John Wayne and Frank Sinatra used go to Sac-Town close the bars down my parents were living temporality in Frisco and Sac-Town this before I was born

They hear from bartender how John and Frankie used close the bars down LOL!

BY CHOICE

[tioga]

homework

[ZOTnot]

Snugs, aren't you a BIG fan of Chaney?

[RonDog]

See also THIS thread:

late August 2005:
NOW is your chance to support President Bush -- in Utah, Idaho and SAN DIEGO!
www.whitehouse.gov/news ^ | August 20, 2005 | President George W. Bush
Posted on 08/20/2005 10:55:51 AM PDT by RonDog

-- snip --

"...In this war, our nation depends on the courage of those who wear the uniform. During the coming weeks, I will meet with some of the brave men and women who have been on the front lines in the war on terror.

Next week in Idaho, I will visit with some of the fine citizen soldiers of the Idaho National Guard. I will also see the men and women of the Mountain Home Air Force Base who played a leading role in the air campaign in Afghanistan after the September the 11th attacks. I will thank all of them for their service in the war on terror and I will thank the families who make their essential work possible.

Our troops know that they're fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere to protect their fellow Americans from a savage enemy. They know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to face them one day in our own cities and streets, and they know that the safety and security of every American is at stake in this war, and they know we will prevail.

Next week, in Utah, I will also address the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention and thank the proud veterans who have given today's troops such a noble example of devotion and courage.

At the end of the month, I will join our veterans and current service members in San Diego to commemorate the 60th anniversary of V-J Day, the day that ended World War II, the bloodiest conflict in human history..." - President George W. Bush

-- snip --

FReeper help needed:

Exactly WHERE, and WHEN will these events be held?

And, what is the best way for us to show our support for the President?

CLICK HERE for the rest of that thread

[SevenofNine]

My dad said very intersting during 2004 elections he said way Dick Cheney treated My pretty little Pony John Edward it seem that Johnny is asking Dick the Dad for keys to his cars and Dick the dad said NO

[jtill]

What a terrific Dose.

Thank you for putting these marvelous pictures together.

[SevenofNine]

I am glad that Dick Cheney stop smoking Dick you don't need it you still a hottie