Bush Middle East Speech Discussion Thread

[RCW2001]

Bush Middle East Speech Discussion Thread

[FranklinsTower]

The Israelis have been held back by us. We introduced 2 UN resolutions demanding that Israel pull back from its military response 5-6 weeks ago; Powell made numerous statements calling on Israel to restrain its response, and Bush did the same.

It is true that the Israelis have been told to stand down by us in the recent past -- the "Powell" doctrine. However, the speech I heard today sounded very much like the "Cheney-Rumsfeld" doctrine has won the debate. He basically called Arafat a terrorists without using his name directly. The quote goes something like this:"The Palistinian people deserve new leadership not compromised by terrorism." Using logical inference that means Arafat. The reason he didn't use Arafats name directly may include that he wants to save that card for another day when it will be a better play. From this alone, I am quite satified that he is not caving in. Instead he was wise and disciplined enough to stick with diplomatic speak.

Secondly, Israel just anounced that it was going to do major military operations to root out terrorist organizations. So far, I havn't heard Pres. Bush or Powell for that matter, tell the Isrealis to stand down on their current operation. That might change if things start to get too hot. I did hear Pres. Bush say that Israel has the right to defend itself. To me that is giving tacit approval to the current major military action.

Finally, the Israeli response to the speech has been quite postive so far. So it seems to me they are singing from the same song sheet.

[OldFriend]

LOL and now you are bashing the President for something he hasn't done yet. Gun control bill indeed! Why not take your meds and watch an old Reagan movie.

[Amelia]

And you both are shameless.

*GASP*

And, you, sir, are no gentleman!

::removing white glove and striking holdonnow across the face with same::

Good day to you!

[holdonnow]

You don't agree with Bush!!! Well, you better duck, because you're apparently not supposed to that.

[holdonnow]

You don't agree with Bush!!! Well, you better duck, because you're apparently not supposed to that.

[Nix 2]

As we said in my Air Force days, "The fit is about hit the shan."

AMEN!!!

[holdonnow]

Thanks for clearing that up. Very compelling.

[OldFriend]

As far as rush, levin, and sean are concerned.......nothing this president does is quite conservative enough for their personal taste.

[Texasforever]

He would only be following the Reagan model just as he has done his entire 17 months in office. As to Israel here is what President Reagan said about Sharon whu=ich is FAR different than what Bush has said about Sharon

"As these events were unfolding, we continued to receive what appeared to be credible reports from Israel that Begin, who believed in the biblical maxim or "an eye for an eye," and his defense minister, Ariel Sharon, a bellicose man who seemed to be chomping at the bit to start a war, were preparing for a full-scale invasion of Lebanon against the PLO, waiting only for the slightest provocation to launch it....
"I emphasized my personal commitment and that of the United States to the support of Israel. I supported its right to defend itself against attack, but appealed for Israel not to go on the offensive...
"Israel's response was, in effect: Mind your own business."

Ronald Reagan, from his autobiography, An American Life

[holdonnow]

Gee, another Robert Frost.

[Miss Marple]

I defy anyone to read the speech and see that it supports a terrorist state.

[Dane]

I'm sorry if calling another hit-and-run poster a "little puke" offends. I'll keep that in mind.

LOL! I am a hit and run poster now. Oh well I'd rather be a supposed "hit and run" poster, than being a pompous ass.

Someday you may get over yourself.

Oh BTW, I had to pick up my father whose car is in the shop, thus the reason for my absense.

[kristinn]

None of us are perfect. But it'd be nice if folks wouldn't start reaching for the daggers whenever President Bush is criticized by those of us on the right who wish him well but believe certain of his policies to not be the right ones.

[OldFriend]

Are you denying that Sean was reading on the air exactly what you were writing to him? Either on email or IM?

[Howlin]

Well, if you ever find a policy if his you agree with, I'd love to see it.

[Miss Marple]

Really, you are not who you purport to be, are you? The real holdonnow wouldn't be so rude. You MUST be someone who got his password!

[holdonnow]

I agree completely.

[Carolinamom]

Sarcasm?

[OldFriend]

Are you forgetting that Reagan gave amnesty to all illegal immigrants.....no questions asked?

[holdonnow]

And I guess you listen to Rush and Sean on your fillings, too. Come up for air, my friend!