Posted on 09/14/2001 6:57:10 PM PDT by Pokey78
And thanks Pokey 78 soooo much for posting this.
What a way with words.
And thank God for FreeRepublic and the good posters who hunt Steyn down wherever he is. "Stumped toothed,"--I really love this guy.
In a word, Bush's address yesterday at the Washington National Cathedral was simply magnificent.He more than rose to the occasion; the loftiest expectations were vastly surpassed.
Capping a week of pain and tragedy, the President sought to gird up morale in a nation deep in the throes of anguish and heartache.
To a people in sorrow, his voice was one of comfort, its pitch a stream of soothing serenity -- and strength.
To a country in mourning, his words were one of healing -- their heartfelt warmth, like a quieting sunrise in Spring, thawing the shivering soul.
Sooner or later, every President confronts his defining moment, or that definitive instant which long transcends his time in office.
For Reagan, it came when the Gipper thundered the words, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down these walls!".
Not long afterwards, the Cold War ended.
For Carter, it came during the depths of the energy crisis; the so-called "malaise speech" is well-remembered as emblematic of his failed presidency.
For Clinton, his definitive moment came at the end of a speech during the height of the Lewinsky imbroglio: Standing in the Roosevelt room, and looking straight into the camara, he wagged his finger as he angrily denied having sexual relations 'with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky.'.
He lied to his country. Not long afterwards, he earned the dubious distinction of being the first elected President ever to be impeached.
His tarnished legacy is indelible.
For George W. Bush, our nation's 43rd President, his poignant moment arrived yesterday.
Upon that Gothic stage, the President embodied our nation, reflecting America's indomitable spirit, her impregnable optimism and invincible hope.
And Patriotism. The stories of unbridled heroism amid this tragedy would take a lifetime to recount, as would the out-pouring of love and generosity we've seen gushing forth from sea to shining sea.
America can not -- and shall not ever -- be defeated.
No fear, no hate, no terror shall ever conquer us -- our triumphant spirit and character is integral to who we are as a people, and the mightiest forces of darkness and evil can never subdue it.
America shall never say die.
But woe unto him who tempts her righteous wrath and mighty sword!
The monstrous crimes of her enemies, Osama Bin Laden and his putrid ilk, shall not go unavenged. Of that, let there be no doubt.
Out of the ruins and ashes of September 11th, America shall rebuild, and shall emerge stronger and more united than ever.
God Bless America!
Amen.
Yesterday, I enquired about becoming a citizen. This article says why. Unfortunately we have to share this place with pantywaist liberal flatlanders but them's the breaks.
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