Posted on 11/16/2005 2:32:09 PM PST by Cautor
VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY: "As most of you know, I have spent a lot of years in public service, and first came to work in Washington, D.C. back in the late 1960s. I know what it's like to operate in a highly charged political environment, in which the players on all sides of an issue feel passionately and speak forcefully. In such an environment people sometimes lose their cool, and yet in Washington you can ordinarily rely on some basic measure of truthfulness and good faith in the conduct of political debate. But in the last several weeks we have seen a wild departure from that tradition. And the suggestion that's been made by some U.S. senators that the President of the United States or any member of this Administration purposely misled the American people on pre-war intelligence is one of the most dishonest and reprehensible charges ever aired in this city.
"Some of the most irresponsible comments have, of course, come from politicians who actually voted in favor of authorizing force against Saddam Hussein. These are elected officials who had access to the intelligence, and were free to draw their own conclusions. They arrived at the same judgment about Iraq's capabilities and intentions that was made by this Administration and by the previous Administration. There was broad-based, bipartisan agreement that Saddam Hussein was a threat … that he had violated U.N. Security Council Resolutions … and that, in a post-9/11 world, we couldn't afford to take the word of a dictator who had a history of WMD programs, who had excluded weapons inspectors, who had defied the demands of the international community, who had been designated an official state sponsor of terror, and who had committed mass murder. Those are facts. What we're hearing now is some politicians contradicting their own statements and making a play for political advantage in the middle of a war. The saddest part is that our people in uniform have been subjected to these cynical and pernicious falsehoods day in and day out. American soldiers and Marines are out there every day in dangerous conditions and desert temperatures – conducting raids, training Iraqi forces, countering attacks, seizing weapons, and capturing killers – and back home a few opportunists are suggesting they were sent into battle for a lie. The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone – but we're not going to sit by and let them rewrite history. We're going to continue throwing their own words back at them. And far more important, we're going to continue sending a consistent message to the men and women who are fighting the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other fronts. We can never say enough how much we appreciate them, and how proud they make us. They and their families can be certain: That this cause is right … and the performance of our military has been brave and honorable … and this nation will stand behind our fighting forces with pride and without wavering until the day of victory."
I agree 100% with every one of your words. Great post!
Shep just showed a clip of Cheney giving part of this speech--the part about undercutting our troops. I'd say Filthy Harry and his UnAmerican pals should rethink their strategy of trying to rewrite recent history, even if the MSM is willing to help them. While many Americans no doubt worry about Iraq, I doubt they will draw much comfort from a bunch of cut-and-run weasels.
He needs to call them what they are, traitors giving aid and comfort to the enemy and putting the troops in jeopardy for cheap political gain. That would be not pulling the punch.
LOL, I think you misunderstood me. Alan Simpson is the former (and aging) senator from Wyoming. John Thune is the new (and young) senator from So. Dakota. HE is the one to keep your eye on.
Snugs and Jonny, that artwork of Dick Cheney is superb. Is it a painting, Jonny, or a charcoal? Very, very good. I really wish you'd consider sending one of your pieces to the White House. You are very talented.
Re#103 I'm with you. Big time...
Thanks :) It's graphite pencil and charcoal. Snugs' birthday present :)
Yeah, Bush should hire General Honere for Press Sec.
Wonderful present, which I'm sure snugs appreciates greatly.
I'm floored by your talent, Jonny. You capture something beyond merely an image.
It's wpmderfi;//(Sorry, two year old grandson on my lap.)
Let's try that again.
It's wonderful. Are you selling copies?
That's one of the best compliments I've ever recieved--thank you :)
Gen. Honore (stuck on stupid) would make a fantastic, if confrontational press secretary. Confrontational is what's needed right now.
Are you selling copies?
I'm looking into it :)
You're so very welcome, Jonny. Keep doing your art. You'll leave a great legacy some day.
Can you imagine if a member of the administration would mention the "T" word? Instant squealing, wetting of pants, outrage. Meantime, I would be cheering and saying, "Yes, by God, finally...finally someone had the stones to call them what they are. Let them defend themselves in the court of public opinion".
Let the games begin!
"The President and I cannot prevent certain politicians from losing their memory, or their backbone."
I love that line. It hits the dems and the repubs.
Please let me know if you decide to share your awesome talent.
After the full court press this week, I believe that theory just grew legs. DeLay is fighting back, Libby is fighting back, Rove is free ... the time is right.
I'll forever be their loyal soldier as long as I know they WILL SOON FIGHT BACK AND WIN this propaganda war at home. Afterall, it is every bit as important as the one in Iraq and they need to understand that fact.
I can hear it now:
"He's saying we can't question the government, they are squashing disent..." along with the classic "questioning the government is being patriotic"
I agree. Only problem is Bozo keeps one step ahead of Condi and the press keys on Billy Bozo. Barf.
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