Good morning readers. . .
Sorry about all the quiet. I showed up to work this morning blessed with a Defense Appropriations conference report, so I'm going to be busy, busy, busy for a few days. I also would like to thank House Republicans for attaching the ANWR drilling provision to the defense bill, practically ensuring that Senate Democrats will filibuster the legislation and prevent me from doing my job. Gee, thanks guys, appreciate the help!
Grrr.
As for yesterday's quiet, I got suckered into both the Redskins/Cowboys and Bears/Falcons games, both of which turned out very well indeed. Although, to be honest, I could have done without watching the Bears game given how effectively it reminded me that I'm going home to a freakin' icebox for Christmas.
I also caught the President's speech. I thought it was delivered a little oddly-- who bumped the teleprompter off center? It looked as if Bush was eying somebody sitting *next* to me. That said, the words were simple, direct, and effective, if only because they pretty much matched what I wrote myself a couple of weeks ago.
So, hello to everyone at the White House reading Garfield Ridge. I'd love to hear from you sometime.
Anyway, I thought these was the best parts:
Defeatism may have its partisan uses, but it is not justified by the facts. For every scene of destruction in Iraq, there are more scenes of rebuilding and hope. For every life lost, there are countless more lives reclaimed. And for every terrorist working to stop freedom in Iraq, there are many more Iraqis and Americans working to defeat them. My fellow citizens: Not only can we win the war in Iraq — we are winning the war in Iraq.
It is also important for every American to understand the consequences of pulling out of Iraq before our work is done. We would abandon our Iraqi friends — and signal to the world that America cannot be trusted to keep its word. We would undermine the morale of our troops — by betraying the cause for which they have sacrificed. We would cause the tyrants in the Middle East to laugh at our failed resolve, and tighten their repressive grip. We would hand Iraq over to enemies who have pledged to attack us — and the global terrorist movement would be emboldened and more dangerous than ever before. To retreat before victory would be an act of recklessness and dishonor and I will not allow it.
...
I also want to speak to those of you who did not support my decision to send troops to Iraq: I have heard your disagreement, and I know how deeply it is felt. Yet now there are only two options before our country — victory or defeat. And the need for victory is larger than any president or political party, because the security of our people is in the balance. I don't expect you to support everything I do, but tonight I have a request: Do not give in to despair, and do not give up on this fight for freedom.
Good stuff that also shares the virtue of being true.
More later tonight when I get home.
Until then . . COURAGE.
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