Posted on 01/04/2006 8:18:56 PM PST by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2006 – The war on terror has been a fight unlike any the United States ever has experienced, but the country has proven its resolve and will continue to do so as it faces the challenges that lie ahead, Vice President Dick Cheney said today at the Heritage Foundation here. "The United States will keep our commitment," Cheney said. "We will continue the work of reconstruction; our forces will keep going after the terrorists; we will continue training the Iraqi military so that Iraqis can eventually take the lead in their country's security and our men and women can come home."
The Iraqi forces continue to improve and gain experience and capability, Cheney said, while the political process marches forward right on cue. Iraqi citizens have stepped forward as active participants and guardians of the new democracy, whether as police officers, soldiers, or conscientious citizens exercising their right to vote, he said.
"Day after day, month after month, the Iraqis have proven their determination to live in freedom, be in charge of their own destiny and to defend their country," he said.
The safety the United States has experienced on its own soil since Sept. 11, 2001, has not been due to luck, but to sound policies, decisive action and the hard work of the men and women in the military, Cheney said.
America is a democracy defended solely by volunteers, Cheney said, and every one of the servicemembers is appreciated for the job they do and the sacrifices they make.
"The people in our military today are some of the bravest men and women this nation has ever produced," he said.
Victory in Iraq and Afghanistan will be an inspiration for democratic reformers in other lands and will demonstrate the power of freedom to change societies, Cheney said. As people in the broader Middle East and beyond experience new hope, progress and control over their lives, freedom will spread to other countries and a threat will be removed from the future, he said.
"America will continue to encourage free institutions, individual liberty and tolerance, because these are the ideas and aspirations that overcome ideologies of terror and violence and can turn societies to the pursuit of peace," he said.
The enemy that struck on Sept. 11 is weakened and fractured, but still dangerous, and the United States will face many challenges in 2006 and beyond, Cheney said. However, America will have the strength and resolve to meet all the challenges because it is a country that believes in and upholds ideals, he said.
"We will engage these enemies to total victory, and with the American military in the fight, that victory is certain," he said.
Message from the Vice President.
"The safety the United States has experienced on its own soil since Sept. 11, 2001, has not been due to luck, but to sound policies, decisive action and the hard work of the men and women in the military, Cheney said."
Says it all.
Drudge has a highlight just now:
Gertz: NSA whistleblower asks to testify; Vows to describe illegal intelligence operations... DEVELOPING...
Who is this Gertz fellow and why is he not yet behind jail cell doors for treason?
15 minutes of fame de jour.....
Gertz is a reporter....from which outlet, I don't recall.
The Washington Times
http://www.gertzfile.com/gertzfile/
BTTT
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