Posted on 11/05/2006 3:35:33 PM PST by Wolfstar
PRESIDENTIAL NEWS OF THE DAY: On their 29th wedding anniversary, President and Mrs. Bush spent only a few hours together before GWB flew to Nebraska for a campaign rally. At Waco airport, he make brief remarks about the conviction and sentencing of Saddam Hussein today.
For history buffs, this is not the first time Hussein has been convicted and sentenced to death. Years ago he was convicted of a murder, but escaped prison before his sentence could be carried out. This time escape is not likely with American troops guarding him. This time, he will finally make it to his long-overdue execution.
Statement by President Bush on the Saddam Hussein Verdict
Sunday, November 5, 3:58 pm ETWASHINGTON, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush on the Saddam Hussein Verdict:
THE PRESIDENT: Today, Saddam Hussein was convicted and sentenced to death by the Iraqi High Tribunal for the massacres committed by his regime in the town of Dujayl. Saddam Hussein's trial is a milestone in the Iraqi people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law -- it's a major achievement for Iraq's young democracy and its constitutional government.
During Saddam Hussein's trial, the court received evidence from 130 witnesses. The man who once struck fear in the hearts of Iraqis had to listen to free Iraqis recount the acts of torture and murder that he ordered against their families and against them. Today, the victims of this regime have received a measure of the justice which many thought would never come.
Saddam Hussein will have an automatic right to appeal his sentence; he will continue to receive the due process and the legal rights that he denied the Iraqi people. Iraq has a lot of work ahead as it builds its society that delivers equal justice and protects all its citizens. Yet history will record today's judgment as an important achievement on the path to a free and just and unified society.
The United States is proud to stand with the Iraqi people. We will continue to support Iraq's unity government as it works to bring peace to its great country. We appreciate the determination and bravery of the Iraqi security forces, who are stepping forward to defend their free nation. And we give our thanks to the men and women of America's Armed Forces, who have sacrificed so much for the cause of freedom in Iraq -- and they've sacrificed for the security of the United States. Without their courage and skill, today's verdict would not have happened. On behalf of the American people, I thank every American who wears the uniform, I thank their families -- and I thank them for their service and continued sacrifice.
Thank you very much.
Source: White House Press Office
For those who are interested in what the typical chorus of naysayers spouted about the verdict, go here.
In contrast to the typical whining seen in the above article, the AP suprised me by also publishing this piece about Hussen's bloody reign. It's a good summary of why Hussein deserved hanging a hundred times over. Too bad they can only do it once.
Hi.
Hey
Pinging you to the Sunday afternoon Dose.
Gosh, it doesn't seem like it has been that long ago.
Hola
Candidate Smith gets a presidential handshake.
Good evening. How are you? I think I should make me something to eat. Have not had anything today. Guess that would explain my headache. Oh well, it sure has been a very interesting day. I stayed up last night until about 5 AM watching the Saddam stuff. Maybe they should keep Clark over there but the way that judge talked, they do not want him either. Poor thing. He must have his feelings hurt being talked to like that.
His will be a presidential library well worth visiting for generations to come.
Boarding AF1 on his way to Nebraska.
I wish you would have joined us on the LIVE thread last night as we watched the verdict come in! I stayed up and I'm paying the price today --- dragging around and tired.
I have to say I am so glad he did not put that hat on. He is very smart unlike our senator from Mass who loves costumes.
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