For those like me who don't have cable:
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20040524_1784.html
~I'm excerpting a couple of sections of last night's
speech and commenting.
"...The return of tyranny to Iraq would be an
unprecedented terrorist victory and a cause for
killers to rejoice. It would also embolden the
terrorists, leading to more bombings, more beheadings
and more murders of the innocent around the world.
The rise of a free and self-governing Iraq will deny
terrorists a base of operation, discredit their narrow
ideology and give momentum to reformers across the
region.
This will be a decisive blow to terrorism at the heart
of its power and a victory for the security of America
and the civilized world..."
~I wasn't aware that, other than some groups active
against Israel (which is of course reprehensible, but
hardly qualifies as "the heart of its power"), Iraq
supported terrorism world-wide.
"...The swift removal of Saddam Hussein's regime last
spring had an unintended affect. Instead of being
killed or captured on the battlefield, some of
Saddam's elite guards shed their uniforms and melted
into the civilian population..."
~Hardly unexpected, however, and even predicted by
many.
"...There are five steps in our plan to help Iraq
achieve democracy and freedom: We will hand over
authority to a sovereign Iraqi government; help
establish security; continue rebuilding Iraq's
infrastructure; encourage more international support;
and move toward a national election that will bring
forward new leaders empowered by the Iraqi people...."
~Is there anything new here, a change of direction or
something besides 'continue as currently doing?'
"...Iraqi oil production has reached more than 2
million barrels per day, bringing revenues of nearly
$6 billion so far this year, which is being used to
help the people of Iraq..."
~Does anyone have a decent handle on where that money
is actually going? [not a rhetorical question]
<shrug> That I am unimpressed is hardly surprising; I
await the opinion from Americans, Iraqis and the rest
of the world.
Debbi
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