[FBRhawk]

I am blessed with the opportunity to work with some of the Pro-democracy Freedom Fighters in Burma. Some will be given hope by statements like:



"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."



"The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it. America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause."



“...the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.

Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.

The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it." “



This is a BOLD and historic policy with the goal of ending tyranny in the world. The words are glorious, but what actions will take place to further these goals? Tyrants do not go quietly into that good night. The status-quo worship at the State Department will have to change. (Good luck Condi!) A principled foreign policy that is pro-liberty and anti-evil could be simple and powerful but very hard to implement in a world where we rely on a dictator in Pakistan and trade with Communists (really fascists) in China.



I hope that the United States has the courage to act on these statements. Those who fight for liberty around the world will be waiting for DEEDS NOT WORDS.

[liberty2004]

The status-quo worship at the State Department will have to change. (Good luck Condi!)

I love Condi, but wonder just what change she will effect within the bureaucracy. It is a shame that ALL employees of the State Department couldn't be fired. Fresh blood is needed. The State Dept underlings have been against Liberty and Bush for years. To think our tax dollars pay these people.

[Yardstick]

I am blessed with the opportunity to work with some of the Pro-democracy Freedom Fighters in Burma. Some will be given hope by statements like:

Good to hear they'll find hope in them. The words of an American president have a real impact. It's kind of like the way the market watchers parse every line of Greespan's comments on reserve policy. The dissidents listen with the same kind of intensity.

Those who fight for liberty around the world will be waiting for DEEDS NOT WORDS.

Absolutely true, but I think President Bush has already been walking the walk. He's used the language of liberation and freedom when speaking of Afghanistan and Iraq, and he's delivered. One thing this president has established about himself is that he means what he says. I'm confident that Bush will do as much as he's able to do given the constraints you mentioned.