Bush: 'Our Mission Is Clear'["My job is to protect America." Any questions?]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/24/iraq/main541815.shtml ^ | Friday, March 7, 2003

[JohnHuang2]

(CBS) President Bush set the stage Thursday night for what could be the final act in the diplomatic drama over Iraq, telling the White House press corps that, if necessary, he will wage war with or without United Nations approval. Continues

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"My job is to protect America." Any questions?

If I had to think of one *sum-up* sentence for tonight's East Room event, I'd say this was a 'I'm-Not-Going-To-Let-You-Off-The-Hook' news conference.

To France, Germany and Russia, who were hoping their show of defiance would scare the U.S. and Britain away from proceeding with a final Security Council vote, the President had a message: I'm not going to let you off the hook. He vowed to force the issue, win or lose, to a head.

"No matter what the whip count," Bush said, "we're calling for the vote. We want to see people stand up and say what their opinion is about Saddam Hussein...It's time for people to show their cards, to let the world know where they stand when it comes to Saddam."

To Bush, what matters most aren't final vote tallies -- but right or wrong. This isn't a popularity contest; his purpose tonight was not to win votes or break deadlocks at the U.N. It's a question of moral leadership -- a question of taking a principled stand, popular or not. The time for hemming and hawing is over. Time to choice sides: Are you with us, or with the terrorists?

Hints the resolution would be pulled in the face of certain defeat served an evident purpose, to wit: Smoking out the French, Russians and Germans. They've made their bed, now let 'em sleep in it. Know this, however: Bush won't forget who friends and enemies were when it mattered.

To the U.N. on the eve of another Blix report, the President's message was the same: I'm not going to let you off the hook.

"This," he said, "is not only an important moment for the security of our nation, I believe it's an important moment for the Security Council itself."

He left no doubt as to why: "This issue has been before the Security Council -- the issue of disarmament of Iraq -- for 12 long years. And the fundamental question facing the Security Council is, will its words mean anything? When the Security Council speaks, will the words have merit and weight?"

And if the U.N. balks?

"When it comes to our security, if we need to act, we will act, and we don't need United Nations approval to do so."

Any questions?

And, finally, to the Butcher-of-Baghdad, the President's warning was emphatic: I'm not going to let you off the hook. He reminded the dictator the stark, yet clear cut, choice before him: You will either disarm voluntarily, and now, or a U.S.-led coalition will do it for you.

Saddam's actions -- his ongoing weapons concealment, intimidation of scientists, planting of bugs -- amount to nothing more than more of the same.

"These are not the actions of a regime that is disarming," said Bush. "These are the actions of a regime engaged in a willful charade. These are the actions of a regime that systematically and deliberately is defying the world."

The President -- poised, somber, yet firm and resolute -- left no doubt Saddam's days are numbered, boldly reaffirming what it's all about, the central nature of the mission.

"My job," he noted, "is to protect America, and that is exactly what I'm going to do...I swore to protect and defend the Constitution; that's what I swore to do. I put my hand on the bible and took that oath, and that's exactly what I am going to do."

To the long-suffering people of Iraq, his message was simple: Help is on the way.

Anyway, that's...

My two cents...
"JohnHuang2"

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

So your saying that you didn't support the "Commander in Chief" when Clinton sent our troops out?

Have you ever served? Do you know how imperative it is that the troops obey the Commander in Chief?

Also, you ignored almost all of my post. Why not comment on the other aspects of it? Did you EVER hear Presidents Bush and Ford speak out against a sitting President?

I'm waiting... because you are missing my points entirely.

I tried to see if there was anything on your homepage that would indicate if you had ever served, and can't find anything.

But I can assure you that we serve at the command of our Commander in Chief and that thier political party doesn't matter a hoot.

[KC_for_Freedom]

Last night he hit a grandslam home run.

I am with you in this view, when Bush pushes for more immigration, I am not one of his supporters. With respect to the war on terror, and the Iraq intervention, I believe he is correct to be doing this in the name of defending the people of this country. (As I have said before to his detractors, there is a ballot in 2004)

[dalebert]

My only question is when are we going to bomb France.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Your post 34 deserves a HUGE BTTT!!

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Heck no you're not alone. I'm also happy to report that FR is going to support Rallies on the 22nd and 23rd of March!! Look here to see if there is one in your area. The dates and locations will be up on Monday the 10th.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/860466/posts

"We" are out here,... the media just isn't reporting us.

[Protagoras]

(As I have said before to his detractors, there is a ballot in 2004)

As of this moment, I will not be voting for him.

[Protagoras]

So your saying that you didn't support the "Commander in Chief" when Clinton sent our troops out?

Yes, I don't know how to say it any more clearly. When troops are sent to do immoral things, I do not support the people who send them. If a future President sends troops to enslave people or capture territory, will you support him?

Did you EVER hear Presidents Bush and Ford speak out against a sitting President?

It is irrelevant to my point, and I addressed it in anycase. I am not a past President and their silence doesn't not signify support, only lack of speaking out against. They have their way and I have mine.

I'm waiting... because you are missing my points entirely.

That may be more due to your communication skills than my perception skills, but it is a mute point in anycase.

I tried to see if there was anything on your homepage that would indicate if you had ever served, and can't find anything.

My page is purposely empty to deny those who cannot address points from changing the subject and attacking me instead of the subject matter. It is very telling that you look there for things about me instead of making your points.

But I can assure you that we serve at the command of our Commander in Chief and that thier political party doesn't matter a hoot.

Goody, when Hillary becomes President you can serve her too. Blind patriotism is blind. Your blindfold seems to be the flag.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Your comments speak volumes about your cognitive process.

Since you feel knowing "anything" about you could "taint" a persons opinion of you when debating, that leaves me to ponder a multitude of things. Heck, for all I know you could be a serial murderer, a White Supremist, or a ton of other things I would find disgusting or contrary to my own beliefs.

One thing is certain, you obviously do not understand the role of a person serving in our nations military.

How we felt about Clinton as President and as a person are totally different than how we felt when he was "Commander in Chief" sending our troops into harms way. For the sake of our troops we stand behind a "Commander in Chief" during times of conflict or war. To do otherwise weakens us and as we are witnessing today, can severely hamper our nations strength and security in the world.

We adamantly oppossed Clinton and supported him being impeached. We are talking about two totally different things regarding the presidency.

You seem unable to contemplate those ideals and to seperate them..

I Leave you with a quote:

"A closed mind is like a parachute that won't open"

Hopefully, you will allow yourself "time" to ponder those words.

[Protagoras]

Heck, for all I know you could be a serial murderer, a White Supremist, or a ton of other things I would find disgusting or contrary to my own beliefs.

Which of course would be irrelevant to my point.

It's about ideas not people.

[Protagoras]

One thing is certain, you obviously do not understand the role of a person serving in our nations military.

Incorrect. But since it was not ever addressed by me and is off topic, it's irrelevant. Again.

[Protagoras]

How we felt about Clinton as President and as a person are totally different than how we felt when he was "Commander in Chief" sending our troops into harms way. For the sake of our troops we stand behind a "Commander in Chief" during times of conflict or war. To do otherwise weakens us and as we are witnessing today, can severely hamper our nations strength and security in the world.

Faux patriotic blather. You are saying you support the President under all circumstances, including evil ones. Like say, attacking Mexico and using it's citizens as slaves and gassing anyone who can't work. You say that's not true, but it is. You claim it yourself and didn't address it when I asked.

You seem unable to contemplate those ideals and to seperate them.

You seem to be unable to think clearly, blinded by the flag you have wrapped your eyes in.

Hopefully, you will allow yourself "time" to ponder those words.

When you say anything worth pondering, I'll ponder it. So far you have espoused only childish pap.

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

We don't feel America is our enemy. But you are "free" to express your thoughts, strange as I might feel they are.

Whew!!! You fit right in with the "Hate America" crowd. What the heck are you doing here?

I looked at several pages of your "postings"..and can see your a proclaimed Libertarian. Guess that kind of says it all.

LASTLY,.. May I suggest you read up on some groups, groups like MEChA, Intl. A.N.S.W.E.R, Workers World Party. They seem more in tune to your way of thinking.

FRegards, Vets

PS. I'll wrap my eyes and body in this flag until the day I die as many of our fallen hero's have done and will do. This "Flag" has served our country well. God Bless America!!

[Publius6961]

I can't help wondering if it will ever be as clear to him that protecting our southern border is also "critical" to the defense of the American people?

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

I can't help wondering if it will ever be as clear to him that protecting our southern border is also "critical" to the defense of the American people?

I think I can safely say "NO". :o)

FRegards, Vets

[Protagoras]

We don't feel America is our enemy.

Oh goody, me either.

But you are "free" to express your thoughts, strange as I might feel they are.

That's why I love my country. Even if strange people like you live here and espouse goofy ideas.

Whew!!! You fit right in with the "Hate America" crowd.

You must be demented.

What the heck are you doing here?

I live here, was born here and love my country. For you to imply anything else is dispicable.

I looked at several pages of your "postings"..and can see your a proclaimed Libertarian. Guess that kind of says it all.

Still "mining" for material for a personal attack? LOL, sad and pathetic.

LASTLY,.. May I suggest you read up on some groups, groups like MEChA, Intl. A.N.S.W.E.R, Workers World Party. They seem more in tune to your way of thinking.

Shove it.

FRegards, Vets

I hold you in no regard because of your dispicable attacks on me personally.

The people of Germany and Japan felt the same way as you about their leaders as they murdered in the name of patriotism.

God Bless America!!

[Protagoras]

Clear to whom?

[JohnHuang2]

Aw, shucks -- thanks, y'all! :^)