How could any man do what President Bush did last night? Can you imagine the pressure that was upon him? It's more than any human being can be called upon to bear....in their own strength. Surely, God was with President Bush and with Laura Bush in tangible, visible ways last night, upholding them both, giving clarity and strength to both of them through that incredible speech....and the long walking in and walking out which had to also be difficult. What we also saw was a man with self-discipline, self-control, and one with a job to do and one who was doing it superbly.
I am very happy that Governor Ridge is now by our President's side on his cabinet. When all this began, I said, Governor Ridge needs to be involved in helping our country at this time. I don't know why I said that - because I know some do not like his views on all things. But something about Governor Ridge - including especially his great loyalty to and friendship with President Bush, qualities our President must have right now - just made me yearn for him to be right there in the White House helping.
Now he will be!
I was also so very glad he did not end with the now somewhat tired (though still true) phrase: God bless America. I don't remember now what he said at the end - something like God be with America or something like that. Basically the same sentiments as God bless America, yet somehow whatever the exact phrase was it conveyed to me his genuine faith and trust in the God upon whom we must all depend for our sure refuge and strength at this time of our greatest danger as a nation. It was more than just rote words - it expressed truth.
Was watching the horrible Diane Sawyer this morning with a group of soldiers and citizens who were asked for their comments on the speech. It was entirely obvious that she was hunting for criticisms!!!!!! One Arab American young man said that he appreciated what President Bush said in that he addressed the fact that Arab Americans are American citizens who must not be discriminated against, etc, etc, etc. He liked the fact that this war is not against Arab-Muslim people. Diane Sawyer then said - but did he say everything you wanted him to say on this? The young man (I bet) had been primed to spout criticism - and that's why he was there. But now, on camera, he agreed with his "Coach" Sawyer - "the speech didn't say everything I wanted him to say on this subject...." (but then his true thoughts came out...thank God!)...."but he had so many subjects to cover ...he did a good job."
The best response was from a black American serviceman who has been working in the rubble of NYC. He said something to this effect:
"I listened to this speech as coming from my Commander in Chief. After working in the rubble, I will never forget what I have seen there - continue to see these images every time I close my eyes. I have seen that the people who did this to us are willing to die for their beliefs. President Bush was making clear that Americans, and our members of our armed forces, are ready to give our lives for freedom!"
Diane Sawyer, no doubt, wished she had not brought that fine young man before the cameras. He exemplified what all Americans should be understanding and considering. Are we, indeed, willing to give our lives to preserve our freedom? The days ahead will tell.
Finally (and I apologize for this long commentary - I don't post much so when I do I pack it in)....my husband who doesn't make many comments on our country or our political wars said this last night: He looks very strong and determined. I needed to see that.
All America needed to see that. We did. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to the team that helped you put the needed words into that speech and for your refinement and presentation of them and the truths they represented. And thank you, dear God, for giving our President the strength in word and appearance and in will that will help lead us through this dark night. In truth, all America must seek and learn what we saw clearly evidenced in our President's speech last night: the total reliability of our God to strengthen and help us and to carry us through whatever lies ahead.