Five years ago, Afghanistan was ruled by the brutal Taliban regime, and its seat in this body was contested.That's the truth. Those nations now are represented by freely elected governments and are eons ahead in terms of personal liberty for their people, then they were five years ago before Bush led us on this course.
Now this seat is held by the freely elected government of Afghanistan, which is represented today by President Karzai.
Five years ago, Iraq's seat in this body was held by a dictator who killed his citizens, invaded his neighbors and showed his contempt for the world by defying more than a dozen U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Now Iraq's seat is held by a democratic government that embodies the aspirations of the Iraq people. It is represented today by President Talabani.
With these changes, more than 50 million people have been give an voice in this chamber for the first time in decades.
It galls the liberals and naysayers that this is so...to the point of them almost Biblically knashing their teeth. They refuse to admit it...they hate the truth of it...but it is the truth nonetheless.
btt
Dean's response is out...and you can tell by reading it that is was written LONG before Bush gave his speech.
Ooopsy...my link isn't working...will be back.
bttt
Excellent points Jeff, thanks for making them...