Freedom’s Commander-in-Chief: Former Foe Explains Why Bush is Man of Year (John McCain)

Human Events ^ | Posted 12/19/1, at 3:30 p.m. | John McCain

[Jean S]

On September 11, America and the world were confronted with the challenge of whether the 21st century would be one of freedom or barbarism.

In the aftermath of this barbaric attack on America, we have witnessed countless acts of heroism and leadership by so many Americans who have well earned the distinction of men and women of the year.

The brave firefighters and police who gave their lives so others might live. The soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have gone into harms way to vanquish the terrorist foe. A mayor, Rudy Giuliani, who personally embodied the grit and courage of a city and a nation. The wise counsel and guidance of Powell, Rumsfeld and Rice who have built a coalition and directed a war against evil.

And there’s no doubt that President Bush, who grasped the magnitude of that challenge, has provided the leadership for this moment. He rallied our nation and much of the world, in this righteous cause to defend our values, our liberty and our very lives.

President Bush understood that this is not just a battle to destroy the al Qaeda terrorist network and their Taliban henchmen. It is a war against all terrorists and the states that harbor them, whether they reside in Damascus, Teheran, Baghdad, or the West Bank.

He has led the world in a heroic campaign to vanquish freedom’s foe and issued a warning to all nations that neutrality in this war is not an option. "Either you are either with us, or you are with the terrorists."

The President has shown the determination needed to prevail against this international network of terrorists who hate the values we hold dear, and he has shown compassion for the victims of this abominable hate. He has extended America’s hand of friendship to Muslims who reject the hateful purpose of terrorists.

To see this mission through, President Bush has wisely counseled Americans to be patient as our soldiers, sailors, and airmen bravely fight on foreign soil against these hostile forces. He has helped us realize that this war will be long and hard; it will be waged on tough terrain and in the shadows.

Today, we find ourselves in a new era as Americans respond to these challenges with a display of patriotism and a new spirit of unity. President Bush has sought to capture this uniquely American moment by channeling it into what historian Stephen Ambrose describes as "common-patriotism."

He has issued a call to service, declaring that "our citizens have new responsibilities" and endorsing the creation of new opportunities within AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs for public safety and public health efforts. In recognizing the untapped desire of Americans to contribute to their country during war, he is encouraging a citizen army of individuals who can unite all citizens in service to their nation, in both civilian and military capacities, to win this war.

In 2001, President Bush was summoned to serve as freedom’s Commander-in-Chief. And he understands, as General MacArthur did fifty years ago, "There is no substitute for victory."

[SharonLorraine]

Sorry, I don't buy it. The man is a self serving, egotistical SLIMEBALL that's not to be trusted. Can you say " R I N O ? "

[yikes]

I defer to no one in my distaste for McCain. But today he gave a magnificent off-the-cuff speech to the Senate about pork that was spot on.

It was heart felt and sincere. He blasted the defense appropriation bill which they received this morning, just hours before the Senate was to adjourn. Looking like it weighed 3 or 4 pounds, the bill was loaded with lard like the reindeer preservation part, $160 million for the winter olympics, the shibuilding scam in Mississippi, and the plan for the feds to lease Boeing 767s for ten years, turn them into military planes, and then convert them back to commercial planes after 10 years at $30 million a pop.

As McCain pointed out, our war against terrorism is going to be a long one and to waste resources so early in the game is outrageous.

Flame all you want but ask yourself, honestly, is he not on the money?

Behind McCain as he spoke were some senators, Dems natch, who were talking and paying no attention.

[meandog]

I believe most who read this thread can attest to my one-time loyalty to Sen. McCain. I defended him tirelessly against the kind of assaults you see...however, when he came out in favor of what I believe to be a direct assault on the 2nd Amendment two months ago, I jumped ship. Big John is now Pig John!