Thursday, January 20, 2005
More Thoughts on The Speech
Many have posted, today, about various parts of The Speech. For me the following words spoken by President George Bush are the most striking and world changing. Think of Iran now with its mobs of citizens yearning for the yoke of Islam to be gone. Think of Saudi Arabia held together by a royal family that funds the Osamas to fight elsewhere, but is threqtened at home by people wanting what Iraq now has: Democracy. I am reminded of Czechoslovakia and those we did not support in the uprising, crushed by the Soviets. I am reminded of the Solidarity movement in Poland. I am reminded of the Kurds that we abandoned after the first Gulf War.
Mover Mike
What now of the struggles for human rights in Cuba, today, and China in Tiananmen Square, yesterday. If this is now our policy, the world has changed. The change was enunciated today. I will remember this day for the rest of my life!
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:
All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.
Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.
The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side.
Mover Mike
