Text: George Bush's speech in Berlin (Before Parliament)

Guardian (U.K.) ^ | May 23, 2002

[Shermy]

I'd say a great speech. Knows his audience, and how to disarm them.

[Shermy]

I think he anticipated all the lefty expectations well. Interesting the focus and centering of the speech on Russia from the start - effective on different levels.

This speech was so little reported in the U.S., in favor of coverage of professional protestors. I think the media just doesn't understand subtleties, diplomacy, and what's happening with us and Russia - except some trashing. Like to see a poll from Germany about Bush now. Knighthawk, was the speech broadcast?

[knighthawk]

The press in the Netherlands questioned if Bush his words could convince a lot of people to enter the war on terror.

[Ingtar]

When Europe grows in unity, Europe and America grow in security.

(Shudders)

[Kaslin]

Posted already here

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/688247/posts

by Miss Marble

[mafree]

Too bad the whole speech probably won't be played on TV.

[Shermy]

The press in the Netherlands questioned if Bush his words could convince a lot of people to enter the war on terror.

Well yes - that's what the press was expecting - a speech to plea to the sensitivites of the media elites to validate a war on Iraq and terrorism. And since the speech did not focus on such expected pleas, they question its success. However, did Bush care? And what was his speech about - off the bat, Russia, soothing Europes fears that we would dump them by Russia, Europe and America together, but other times giving a warning by mentioning only Russia and America. Dutch media sounds like the American media.

Of course, maybe diplomatic nuance and subtlety is worthless in these more loud, television-defined times. I'm still laughing about how the media didn't examine Bush's previous speeches for signals, like to Iran.

[Shermy]

Thanks for the thread. I searched "Bush" but not "Bush's".

Miss Marple has some excellent points. I think Bush warned Germany that it could become "flyover country", not a final dictat.

And the focus on the foreign aid. I'm glad it's not going to the banks as "debt relief" but, hopefully, the direct targets of aid who will benefit, and whom fit our interests.

[windchime]

Fox News aired Bush Berlin speech this morning. All of it, including the standing applause (I hesitate to use ovation) at its conclusion.

[Shermy]

Were they a little restrained? At least he didn't crack a pretzel joke. ;)

[windchime]

My definition of ovation would include more energy than was exhibited. They were on their feet and moving palms together!

[Harrison Bergeron]

"We have a duty to share our wealth..."

No, we don't.

[newgeezer]

I searched "Bush" but not "Bush's".

I searched for "Bush" and it showed up for me.

[Lanza]

Great speech, but those stinky Europeans were protesting our President (BTW, does anyone know if Clinton attended-flag burning and all?). Gosh, If the Euro-loosers were to have a terrorist attack like our 9/11, I bet all of a sudden Bush would look like a great friend to have. I am so sick of the American bashing crap going on over there.

[Shermy]

Try just Bush, not "bush text"

Why it's different, I can't figure out.

[Kaslin]

Miss Marble always has excellent points IMHO. :)

And the focus on the foreign aid. I'm glad it's not going to the banks as "debt relief" but, hopefully, the direct targets of aid who will benefit, and whom fit our interests.

besides the banks, I hope it does not go to the Dictators or Tyrants but directly to the people

[Prodigal Son]

Gosh, If the Euro-loosers were to have a terrorist attack like our 9/11, I bet all of a sudden Bush would look like a great friend to have.

Nope, they'd probably say it's our fault and that of "Reckless Cowboy Bush" for bombing Afghanistan.

[Lanza]

Yep, your right. They would blame Bush.

[Lanza]

Oh yeah, we can't forget blaming Israel and the Jews too. The Euro-trash is getting awfully anti-semitic as of late.

[MarMema]

I'd say a magnificent speech. I was moved just reading it here.