A Day in the Life of President Bush - (photos) - 1.10.06

Whitehouse.gov, Yahoo.com | 1.10.06 | ohioWfan

[ohioWfan]

This morning, President Bush, accompanied by Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice and Attorney-General Alberto Gonzalez, signed H.R. 972, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Later the President spoke to members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars at their meeting in Washington, highlighting progress in fashioning democracy in Iraq, rebuilding the economy and training Iraqi forces. He then welcomed the 2005 Little League Softball World Series Champions, from McLean, Va, in the Oval Office.

First Lady Laura Bush today delivered a speech at the National Conference on At-Risk Youth, opening the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquincy Prevention's first national conference.

Enjoy your trip to Sanity Island on the Daily Dose!!

[ohioWfan]

Quote of the Day: Our work in Iraq in 2006 will be focused on three critical areas. On the political side, we will help Iraqis consolidate the democratic gains they made last year, and help them build democratic institutions, a unified government, and a lasting free society. On the security side, we will stay on the offense against the terrorists and Saddamists. We will continue to strengthen the Iraqi security forces -- with an emphasis on improving the capabilities of the Iraqi police, so that over the next 12 months, Iraqi forces can take control of more territory from our coalition and take the lead in the fight.

And on the economic side, we will continue reconstruction efforts, and help Iraq's new government implement difficult reforms that are necessary to build a modern economy and a better life. In all three aspects of our strategy -- democracy and security and reconstruction -- we're learning from our experiences, and we're fixing what hasn't worked. And in the year ahead, we will continue to make every change that will help us complete the mission and achieve the victory we all want.

On the political side, we've witnessed a transformation in Iraq over the past 12 months that is virtually without precedent. Think back to a year ago. At this time last year, the Iraqi people had an appointed government, no elected legislature, no permanent constitution and no recent experience with free national elections. Just one year later, they have completed three successful nationwide elections.

Iraqis voted for a transitional government, drafted the most progressive, democratic constitution in the Arab world, approved that constitution in a national referendum and elected a new government under their new constitution. Each successive election has seen less violence, bigger turnouts, and broader participation than the one before. One Iraqi voter in Tal Afar described the December elections this way: "We want democracy. This is our answer to the decades of slavery we had before."

When the final election results come in, Iraqi leaders will begin working to form a new government. And in the weeks ahead, Americans will likely see a good deal of political turmoil in Iraq as different factions and leaders compete for position and jockey for power. Our top commander in the region, General John Abizaid, has said he expects the coming weeks to produce "some of the hardest bare-knuckle politics ever in the Arab world." We should welcome this for what it is -- freedom in action.

Dictatorships seem orderly -- when one man makes all the decisions, there is no need for negotiation or compromise. Democracies are sometimes messy and seemingly chaotic, as different parties advance competing agendas and seek their share of political power. We've seen this throughout our own history. We've seen this in other democracies around the world. Yet out of the turmoil in Iraq, a free government will emerge that represents the will of the Iraqi people -- instead of the will of one cruel dictator. (Applause.)

Here's winking at you, kid.......

[ohioWfan]

DOSE PING!! Please refrain from posting or reposting photos until the ALL CLEAR!

[ohioWfan]

A nice one here, but the wink had to be first. :)

This morning, signing the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act......

[tiredoflaundry]

Nice pics!

[ohioWfan]

At the Veterans of Foreign Wars.......

[mafree]

Top 10? Happy New Year folks!

[ohioWfan]

[ohioWfan]

[MamaB]

Hey.

[ohioWfan]

[ohioWfan]

In the Oval office with the champs........

[ohioWfan]

I like this one a lot..................a latecomer from yesterday...........

[ohioWfan]

And Laura at the National Conference of At-Risk Youth..........

[ohioWfan]

You're FIRST, tired! Good JOB!

[ohioWfan]

Number TWO..........and Happy New Year to you too!

[tiredoflaundry]

WOOHOO!!!!!!!! :-D

[ohioWfan]

Number THREE, Mama! Congrats!

THAT'S ALL the pics I have. Off to supper.

I'll be back soon!

(Behave yourselves, everyone........ ;)

[leapfrog0202]

Awesome dose today!

[MEG33]

President Bush ..when asked about how he thought Alito was doing in the hearings. (grin)

[DollyCali]

Thank you dear ohio for the work tonight on the Dose.. is is a great set of pix reflecting a great day.

LOVE THE WINK