"...as we plan a comprehensive assault on terrorism...This will be a different kind of conflict against a different kind of enemy."
Wise opening statement. Nothing is more common, or more stupid, than for generals and politicians to try to fight the last war.
"This is a conflict without battlefields or beachheads..."
Yes, we are going to need to go wherever they are---meaning that mobility and speed will be critical to success.
"...a conflict with opponents who believe they are invisible. Yet, they are mistaken."
Wow. Very revealing...we have assets that even the American people have not yet imagined. We know where they are!
"They will be exposed, and they will discover what others in the past have learned: THOSE WHO MAKE WAR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES HAVE CHOSEN THEIR OWN DESTRUCTION."
This may very well prove to be the defining sentence of the President's time in office. Let's hope and pray that it is.
"Victory against terrorism will not take place in a single battle, but in a series of decisive actions against terrorist organizations and those who harbor and support them."
I pray that we get them all, and rid the earth of the scourge they represent.
"We are planning a broad and sustained campaign to secure our country and eradicate the evil of terrorism. And we are determined to see this conflict through. Americans of every faith and background are committed to this goal."
Amen. It is our duty here to help build on, and maintain that commitment.
"Yesterday I visited the site of the destruction in New York City and saw an amazing spirit of sacrifice and patriotism and defiance. I met with rescuers who have worked past exhaustion, who cheered for our country and the great cause we have entered."
What a moment! And it appears to me that the President had a little New York attitude rub off on him too. ;-) Like he told them, "I hear you!!".
"A terrorist attack designed to tear us apart has instead bound us together as a nation. Over the past few days, we have learned much about American courage -- the courage of firefighters and police officers who suffered so great a loss, the courage of passengers aboard United 93 who may well have fought with the hijackers and saved many lives on the ground."
Keep telling their story, Mr. President!! "Now we honor those who died, and prepare to respond to these attacks on our nation. I will not settle for a token act. Our response must be sweeping, sustained and effective. We have much do to, and much to ask of the American people."
Ask away...We stand ready.
"You will be asked for your patience; for, the conflict will not be short. You will be asked for resolve; for, the conflict will not be easy. You will be asked for your strength, because the course to victory may be long."
However long it takes.
"In the past week, we have seen the American people at their very best everywhere in America. Citizens have come together to pray, to give blood, to fly our country's flag. Americans are coming together to share their grief and gain strength from one another. Great tragedy has come to us, and we are meeting it with the best that is in our country, with courage and concern for others. Because this is America. This is who we are. This is what our enemies hate and have attacked. And this is why we will prevail."
Yes indeed.
"Thank you for listening."
Backatcha, Mr. President.