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TONY TOUGHS IT OUT

Eloquent. That’s what comes to mind when hearing British Prime Minister Tony Blair giving forth in Parliament today. Media reported the assembly was uncharacteristically “hushed.” Further, at the conclusion of the Prime Minister’s delivery, there was a standing ovation.

“Stark choice.” That’s what Tony told his audience. Britain could either give support to the thousands of servicemen and servicewomen just moments away from conflict or Britain could play the part of the coward in support of Saddam Hussein. Which would it be?

Tony came close to saying the words without saying the words. He came close to saying that if the government didn’t support his principles in this critical time, he would quit.

Once again, the two countries — Britain and the United States — are shown to be led by two leaders who are more married to principle than polls. Neither man seems to care a twit about his own personal political longevity in the deliberations these days. They are giving themselves totally to what they believe is right.

When Diane Sawyer interviewed George Bush, Sr., as telecast Monday evening, the former United States President said the same. He was committed in his presidency to what was right. His son, now President, is likewise committed to what is right. It is not what is opportunistic nor political convenient, as Daschle’s wabbly remarks this morning revealed his motives to be. Instead, Bush Sr. and Bush Jr. know what it is to stand firmly upon their convictions.

Obviously, Mr. Blair is of the same ilk. The two countries should be exceedingly proud of such gentlemen leaders.

Mr. Blair went on to speak with aplomb: "Who will celebrate and who will weep if we take our troops back from the Gulf now? . . . If we do act, we should do so with a clear conscience and a strong heart. Our fault has not been impatience. The truth is that our patience should have been exhausted weeks and months and even years ago."

He went on: "I believe we must hold firm" otherwise the United Nations and cowardly countries in that entourage would prove themselves merely to be “talking shop” with Saddam Hussein reigning triumphantly. In addition, other dictators would likewise be encouraged to continue with their atrocities.

Mr. Blair delivered: "Back away from this confrontation now and future conflicts will be infinitely worse and more devastating." To retreat now, he stated emphatically, "would put at hazard all that we hold dearest . . . tell our allies that at the very moment of action, at the very moment they need our determination, that Britain faltered. I will not be party to such a cause."

"To retreat now, he stated emphatically, "would put at hazard all that we hold dearest . . . tell our allies that at the very moment of action, at the very moment they need our determination, that Britain faltered. I will not be party to such a cause."

I am astonished!! Go Tony Blair. Thank you, Chap Grant, for posting this elequent speech by Mr Blair.

Good evening, Grantswank. God bless Tony Blair. We couldn't have asked for a more loyal and steadfast ally than the Brits.