Posted on 05/16/2006 1:50:33 PM PDT by naturalman1975
GEORGE W. Bush may be deeply unpopular at present but it doesn't bother John Howard.
Under a brilliant blue Washington sky, the Prime Minister, who was effusively welcomed by the US President, returned the lavish praise.
With key members of the Bush cabinet - including Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US military, Peter Pace, looking on, Mr Bush welcomed Mr Howard on the south lawn of the White House as an ally on the "front line" in the war against terrorism.
"American people know that the Australian people are strong allies. We admire your courage and honour your sacrifice," Mr Bush said.
Mr Bush's welcome also reinforced Australia's shared commitment to free trade, saying the two nations speak with "one voice" in the world trade lobbies.
As wife Janette, in an apricot suit, looked on, Mr Howard spoke passionately of shared values between the US and Australia and heaped praise on Mr Bush.
Also in attendance were federal Liberal Party director Brian Loughnane and former party president Shane Stone alongside Former ambassador to the US Michael Thawley and the US ambassador-designate to Australia, Robert McCallum.
The state ceremony yesterday stood in stark contrast to the stiffness of last month's official ceremony for Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Speaking without notes, Mr Howard spoke of the "common commitment to liberty" of the two countries that have fought together in every major battle since World War I and he reaffirmed Australia's resolve in the fight against terrorism.
"It will be a long and difficult fight ... much progress has been made, but much work needs to be done," Mr Howard said. "Our cause is a just cause."
In a glowing personal tribute that will cause some angst in Australia, Mr Howard spoke of his personal friendship with Mr Bush and lauded his leadership. "The world needs a bold, committed, concerned United States years into the future," Mr Howard said.
Mr Bush, who tonight will host a rare black-tie dinner for Mr Howard, said: "Freedom was on the march" in a speech that played to his domestic audience, increasingly agitated about America's military involvement in Iraq.
Mr Bush said: "Together we are fighting and winning the global war on terror. War has reinforced the strength of our alliance."
In a ceremony with full military honours, and with more than 1000 invitees on the south lawn of the White House, Mr Bush then led the Prime Minister for an inspection of the guard. It was full-on military pomp and ceremony, appropriate for two leaders who have brought the alliance closer than ever before.
Very inspiring.
The Aussies are one of the true friends we have left. There's Britain, too, mostly; the Canadians hate us, as, of course,as do the French (the feeling's returned)but the Aussies (except for some of their looney university profs)are Okay.
"Deeply unpopular" by media construct...just think if only the worlds "free" media held themselves to some sort of factual, intellectually honest, standard. The POTUS wouldnt be that unpopular.
Do these journalist ever concieve that the right thing to do might be unpopular? Do they think that public opinion is infallible? What about something that lasts more than a week, such as a war? If it's popular to start it but then becomes unpopular is the country supposed to bail? Would the former South Vietnam be surprised if we did (if any of them are still alive).
Exactly. The Aussies are alot like us and won't back down from a fight. I am glad they are in our corner. As Pres. Bush once said, "They are the Sheriff of the Pacific". :)
(I think that was the quote).
Will the black tie dinner be on cspan??
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.