Posted on 02/20/2005 3:41:04 PM PST by wagglebee
EXCERPTS OF PRESIDENT BUSH'S SPEECH IN BRUSSELS
Embargoed For Release Until 11:59 P.M. (EST), Sunday
"The alliance of Europe and North America is the main pillar of our security in a new century. Our robust trade is one of the engines of the world economy. Our example of economic and political freedom gives hope to millions who are weary of poverty and oppression. In all these ways, our strong friendship is essential to peace and prosperity across the globe - and no temporary debate, no passing disagreement of governments, no power on earth will ever divide us."
"Today, America and Europe face a moment of consequence and opportunity. Together we can once again set history on a hopeful course - away from poverty and despair, and toward development and the dignity of self-rule … away from resentment and violence, and toward justice and the peaceful settlement of differences. . . . As past debates fade, and great duties become clear, let us begin a new era of transatlantic unity. . . . "
"Our greatest opportunity, and our immediate goal, is peace in the Middle East. . . . "
"We seek peace between Israel and Palestine for its own sake. We also know that a free and peaceful Palestine can add to the momentum of reform throughout the broader Middle East. . . . "
"Lasting, successful reform in the broader Middle East will not be imposed from the outside; it must be chosen from within. . . ."
"Together, we must make clear to the Iraqi people that the world is also with them - because they have certainly shown their character to the world. . . ."
"All nations now have an interest in the success of a free and democratic Iraq, which will fight terror, be a beacon of freedom, and be a source of true stability in the region. . . . Now is the time for the established democracies to give tangible political, economic, and security assistance to the world's newest democracy. . . ."
"America supports Europe's democratic unity for the same reason we support the spread of democracy in the Middle East - because freedom leads to peace. And America supports a strong Europe because we need a strong partner in the hard work of advancing freedom in the world. . . ."
"The nations in our great alliance have many advantages and blessings. We also have a call beyond our comfort: we must raise our sights to the wider world. Our ideals and our interests lead in the same direction: By bringing progress and hope to nations in need, we can improve many lives, and lift up failing states, and remove the causes and sanctuaries of terror. . . ."
"Our alliance is determined to promote development, and integrate developing nations into the world economy. . . . "
"Our alliance is determined to encourage commerce among nations, because open markets create jobs, and lift incomes, and draw whole nations into an expanding circle of freedom and opportunity. . . ."
"Our alliance is determined to meet natural disaster, famine, and disease with swift and compassionate help. . . ."
Watch your back W!
We may irritate each other, but we need each other, and one would hope the latter would triumph over the former. That is how I would phrase it.
Well Mr President its a good thoughtm but if we have to rely on the EU as allies we are in trouble.
The Euros know we don't need them for anything.........which puts the President in a very good position on this trip, IMO.
Transatlantic unity is one thing, but I think he's saying "do what I tell you to do" and defining that as unity. Sorry Bush worshippers, but he isn't King of the world. Other nations have their own interests. Do we as Americans actually understand that, or do we expect everyopne to be lead by us?
Too many issues to point out.
Suffice to say, in the war on terror, there was a leadership "Vacuum" until President Bush stood up and took action.
There was no real choice in the matter. Europe was irrelevant. American had it's hand forced and had to protect itself.
Beyond that, there is a larger vision in play here. Imagine "reconstructing" the Middle East into a series of free Democracies? Imagine the shape of the world with a Middle East fully seated within the 21st Century. I believe these are the thoughts in the mind of the President.
Any yes, Bush isn't King of the world, but he is the leader of the free nations of the world, as short as that list has become.
Where America leads, only the brave follow. Sadly, I too, see no true way that "Old Europe" becomes part of the picture.
Bush is delusional if he thinks he can get the European fools back on track
Hell almost 50% of the US voters are just as bad and you can't convince them
I'm real sorry, but in my heart I believe Bush will make us more enemies, rather than solving the problem of terrorism with more violence. Lets define terrorism. Those who try to overthrow powerful governments are called terrorists. It doesn't mean the powerful governments are right. We overthrew the British government for our independence and we were right. I am not making a judgement, except to say that one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist. We the US define terrorists as those oppose US supported governments. Bull! Those who try to kill the Saudi royals (forgive me Christ, but I am sorry they don't succeed) , as far as I'm concerned, aren't terrorists. The Saudi royals are government-sponsored terrorists. DOWN with them! My brother has observed their "laws" first hand. He has a friend who was BEATEN on a joint US Saudi base for exposing his CROSS as he bent over!! Do we beat Saudi Muslims here for wearing head scarves?
The KLA were/are rabid terrorists, but we called them freedom fighters and turned over to them land which has been held on by Christians forever! And we attacked the wrong folks. Now Kosovo is the province of sex-slaving Muslim drug dealers. I am not ashamed to say I AM FOR SLOVO!!!!!
Our foreign policy is based on money, NOT PRINCIPLES. I am in favor of alternative energy so we can have a foreign policy based on values, not oil or politics!
Signed up in August hmm? :)
Bush is NOT leader of the free world. The free world makes their own decisions freely.
Do you think this creates resentment and anger in those countries? Some would call those attempting to convert others, terrorists.
The Jihadi's are just involved in a more violent version of the same process.
Then we have no basis for agreement. I would submit the free world is pretty much "free" only because of America. (IE: Largest "free" superpower and all. Greatest military force (not largest, but greatest. Greatest GDP and how it spent in foreign aide. Highest standard of living. Best example of "free" nation. So on...so forth...)
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