Full text of (President!) Bush's inaugural address

The White House, via grandforks.com ^ | 1/20/05 | A great American

[Publius6961]

I would not be happy with a president who allowed himself to be manipulated by hotheads into insulting all members of one of the largest, fastest growing religions on the planet.

If that is the only alternative that comes to mind, "unremarkable" does not begin to describe it.

[Jay777]

This speech will go down in History. I hope we can achieve its goals. To change the world is a big job, and impossible if the democrats fight us. It is only possible through unity.

[LS]

Good points. In fact, if one is upset about the reference to the Koran (because it isn't "Christian") then one could argue that America is a Christian nation---not Jewish---and therefore references to Judaism are equally invalid.

I think Bush is adopting the right mix of respecting Islam as a viable (and important) world religion while at the same time making it as plain as day that he doesn't subscribe to any of it.

[Publius6961]

Aw, FCOL. That is what the "if" is for, you putz!

To make the creation of straw men seem intellectual?
You know, I always wondered where the word "putz" came from...

[Salvation]

I liked the Day of Fire reference!

Great sppech.

[Finny]

If that is the only alternative that comes to mind, "unremarkable" does not begin to describe it.

What is your alternative? What would you have Dubya do? Are you of the opinion that by omitting mention of the Koran entirely, it wouldn't be noticed or interpreted as a deliberate insult by Muslims? Again, what is YOUR alternative? And what do you think it would accomplish?

[LS]

Yep. He needs to just ignore these a-holes.

[Salvation]

Inauguration Speech Direct Link on WhiteHouse.gov

[Publius6961]

I can love my president and criticize his errors too, and I can love you and criticize yours, which are, right now, greater than his.

Not that it matters, but I have absolutely no problem with that. I have never had a need to feel that I am always right.
And if I may make the observation, spoken like a dedicated absolutist.

[Soul Seeker]

I'll comment specifically later when I've the time, but this speech is historic.

Well Done Mr. President.

[jmc813]

Once again, Bush has emphasized LIBERTY

I'd take him a bit more seriously on this if he did not appoint a gun-grabber to the AG post.

[Publius6961]

Define "compilsive." Don't understand.

Sure.
"compilsive" is a typo which most normal people would subconsciously "correct" upon the reading.
Among my many character flaws is the avoidance of spell check. I enjoy the challenge. I beg your indulgence.

In case it still befuddles you, the correct spelling is "compulsive". The "u" and the "i" are adjscent keys on our standard keyboard.
Please don't ask me to define "adjscent"!

[TheDon]

It has always been the way with we Americans. The Declaration of Independence, the USC.

After getting derailed by the Cold War, I, for one, am happy to see the US foreign policy based on our most cherished gift: FREEDOM!

[BibChr]

That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by ...the words of the Koran

Which words would those be?

Dan

[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.

[Publius6961]

What is your alternative? What would you have Dubya do?

See the last line of my post # 71...
Gratuitous kowtowing to primitive savages (as a group, not as individuals) is a poor choice.
With total deference and respect to individual "uncles", clearly, exceptions.

[liberty2004]

The key LIBERTY issue of the 21st century will be defeating the tort lawyers/trial lawyers, who are the single biggest force in growing government right now. I think there is a way to do this, but I can't find a genius lawyer to try my strategy

The lawyer "class" is truly a parasitic bunch of scum. Every day there must be a 1000 commercials by lawyers drumming up business over Vioxx and other drugs. I am sure drug prices will rise. The parasite lawyer class is obsessed with "stealing" as much wealth as possibl. They truly are without scrupples. I don't know what your idea is, but please tell us!! They need to be defeated along with the terrorists. Trial lawyers are truly the most arrogrant people you can run into. Damn them all.

[Vladiator]

Looks like he forgot Poland.

[ccmay]

Quiet, diplomatic silence, is an eloquent alternative.

Thank you Jimmy Carter for that valuable contribution. Not.

-ccm

[JesseJane]

Visionary, Lincolnesqe, hard for simple minded black hearted partisans to understand. A historical speech, and measureably so. I loved it.