An Address from the Oval Office
March 11, 2003
By Bernard Weiner, The Crisis Papers
My fellow Americans. I am speaking to you tonight to thank you
for the overwhelming support you have given our Administration in
confronting Saddam Hussein. Because the American people, and the nations
of the world, have stood together, Saddam has had to rein in his
grandiose plans for regional domination and possible use of weapons of
mass destruction.
He didn't want to let United Nations weapons inspectors back in his
country under Resolution 1441, but, because of the pressure America
exerted - with our armed forces camped on his doorstep - he felt obliged
to invite the inspectors to return, and, in some fashion, to cooperate
with them.
He didn't want to follow the U.N. inspectors' firm order to destroy his
illegal missiles, but, because of the pressure of our troops surrounding
his country - and our telling him what would happen if he didn't follow
through on his promise to disarm - he had to start demolishing those
weapons of mass destruction.
He didn't want to reveal aspects of his chemical warheads program, but,
because of our aggressive policies, he was forced to do so.
In short, the Persian Gulf region can breathe a sigh of relief. Saddam
Hussein is no longer an immediate threat to his neighbors or - as long as
the weapons inspectors are roaming his country and as long as U.S. forces
are out there ready to come back and finish the job - Iraq is not an
immediate threat to the United States and the rest of the world.
Our military and diplomatic policies have triumphed.
Given this turn of events, as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces I am
today ordering the bulk of our military to stand down and return to their
bases. They performed a dangerous job with utmost skill, and the victory
cheers today should go mainly to them.
We spent a lot of time, money and effort moving them into the Persian
Gulf region, and there were those critics who said it unnecessary and too
expensive. I hope that they now see the wisdom in our policy, and will
not carry on in the same manner in possible future campaigns against
other evildoers in other nations.
But, though the main body of our military will be leaving the Persian
Gulf - we will keep a sizable emergency strike-force in the general area
- make no mistake about it: We will be keeping a close eye on Saddam
Hussein, and if and when he begins his aggressive policies again, rest
assured that he will have to face the hellish wrath of the United States
and of a world united.
Again, thank you for your support, and congratulations to all of you for
this victory of morality and democracy over the forces of violence and
evil. Goodnight, and God bless America!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/articles/03/03/11_address.html
