Posted by Mark Silva at 12:25 pm CDT
With a commencement address today to the graduates of West Point, which counts Gen. David Petraeus among its class of 1974, Vice President Dick Cheney commissioned a new generation of officers for "a war on terror,'' a war which the vice president suggested "does not have to be endless.''
"It is rare in West Point history for a class to join during wartime, and to graduate in the midst of that same war,'' the vice president said today. "But this, too, is part of the story of the Class of 2007. You came here knowing these four years would pass; the courses would be finished; this day of commissioning would arrive -- and you would then become responsible for the well being of men and women under your command. You are trained and prepared for battlefield leadership. And you follow in the path of many alumni already in the fight.
"We're fighting a war on terror because the enemy attacked us first, and hit us hard,'' said Cheney, with a speech long on the war and short on criticism for the Congress – now that it has handed the Bush administration a $100-billion war bill. "Down in Washington, D.C., we air differences and argue back and forth on matters of policy,'' he said. "It's always that way, and there's nothing wrong with it. But we need to remember that when all the speeches are given, and the debates fall silent, and the decisions are made, it falls to men and women like you to bear the battle.
"Scarcely 50 miles from this place, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens murdered, and 16 acres of a great city turned to ashes,'' Cheney said. "Others were killed within view of the White House, at the headquarters of our military at the Pentagon. Many heroes emerged that day, both on board an aircraft over Pennsylvania and among the rescue teams, and they, too, died in the hundreds.
"These are events we can never forget. And they are scenes the enemy would like to see played out in this country over and over again, on a larger and larger scale,'' he said. "For nearly six years now, the United States has been able to defeat their attempts to attack us here at home. Nobody can guarantee that we won't be hit again. But we've been safe because a lot of very dedicated professionals have been working relentlessly to protect the homeland.''
For the rest of the speech, read on:
The text of the vice president's commencement address, with applause lines added by the White House transcriber:
.
"Thank you very much. General Hagenbeck; members of Congress; Military Academy faculty and staff; distinguished guests; officers, cadets, members of the Class of 2007:
Thank you all for the welcome to West Point. I'm delighted to be here again, and to join in today's ceremony, and to stand before the newest graduates of the greatest military academy in the world. (Applause.)
Today the Class of 2007 leaves behind its leadership duties to the Corps of Cadets, and takes up leadership duty to the United States of America. As a class they've brought honor to Cadet Gray. As commissioned officers they'll bring the same honor to Army Blue. Graduates, this is a proud moment in your life, and in the life of our country. I count it a privilege to be in your company, and I bring warmest congratulations from our Commander-in-Chief, President George W. Bush. (Applause.)
There is one item of business to take care of today. Apparently some members of the Corps of Cadets are still on restriction for minor offenses. And I guess you're looking for a little compassion. Such matters are to be decided by the President himself, and so he and I had a discussion about it. He took the strong view that we ought to be lenient. Me, I could have gone either way. (Laughter.) But the President is in charge, so at his direction, I hereby grant amnesty for all cadets on restriction for minor conduct offenses. (Applause.) Now here's the fine print: For the definition of "minor offenses," you've got to check with General Hagenbeck. (Laughter.)
Like every Academy graduate who came before, each of you will leave here with a rucksack full of memories. After you've gone out Thayer Gate for the last time, I have a feeling you'll cherish above all the friendships you've made here. You'll remember the training and testing that you've faced together, as well as the challenges you faced alone. Wherever you go in life, you'll hear the voice of the BTO telling you to keep your elbows off the table. (Laughter.) You'll think of Lake Frederick whenever you get soaked in the rain. And of course, you'll think of your dean, General Finnegan, every time you see a pair of "really cool running shoes." (Laughter.)
A friend of mine, General Norman Schwarzkopf, once said that if you "ask any West Pointer what day they remember best … almost all of them will say it's that first day" -- R-Day -- maybe the longest in your cadet life. You didn't know any of your classmates, you weren't sure of all that lay ahead of you in Beast Barracks. If you had doubts, you overcame them. If you had fears, you mastered them. Inside of you was a basic confidence -- a sense of who you were, and of the officer you hoped to become.
But your making as an officer didn't really begin on R-Day. The process started out much further back, over many years of guidance from the ones who know you best and care about you the most. For them, too, this is an incredibly proud day. So may I suggest a grateful round of applause for the moms and dads of the Class of 2007. (Applause.)
I wish that all Americans could visit and see with their own eyes our service academies. Year in and year out, the academies prepare the finest of young Americans to protect our people, to defend the land we call home, and to serve the ideals that define this nation. In an often cynical age, the armed forces and their academies are all the more exceptional. The values of a military education -- the sense of rectitude, the devotion to duty, and the daily acceptance of personal responsibility -- are a credit to the students and to the instructors, and an example for our entire country.
Of course, as West Pointers, you belong to the very first of all of our academies, a place in steady service to the United States for more than two centuries. There's a saying here -- that "much of the history we teach was made by the people we taught." By training the senior leadership of the Army, this institution has been absolutely critical to fighting and winning America's wars. If there had never been a Long Gray Line, I doubt that America would still be a free nation today. Dwight Eisenhower, class of 1915, stated the case perfectly. "West Point," he said, "is a national asset beyond all price."
It is rare in West Point history for a class to join during wartime, and to graduate in the midst of that same war. But this, too, is part of the story of the Class of 2007. You came here knowing these four years would pass; the courses would be finished; this day of commissioning would arrive -- and you would then become responsible for the well being of men and women under your command. You are trained and prepared for battlefield leadership. And you follow in the path of many alumni already in the fight. More than 25 graduates of this Academy now on active duty have earned the Silver Star. And in Iraq, the Multinational Force is led by a superb officer, General Dave Petraeus, class of 1974. (Applause.)
In the group that graduates today, and among the cadets watching from the stands, we have dozens of future officers that are already combat veterans. You've been to Iraq and Afghanistan. You've seen the enemy and his tactics. You've been part of an Army that has faced unprecedented challenges; an Army at war that is, without question, the finest ever fielded by the United States of America. (Applause.)
We're fighting a war on terror because the enemy attacked us first, and hit us hard. Scarcely 50 miles from this place, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens murdered, and 16 acres of a great city turned to ashes. Others were killed within view of the White House, at the headquarters of our military at the Pentagon. Many heroes emerged that day, both on board an aircraft over Pennsylvania and among the rescue teams, and they, too, died in the hundreds.
These are events we can never forget. And they are scenes the enemy would like to see played out in this country over and over again, on a larger and larger scale. Al Qaeda's leadership has said they have the right to "kill four million Americans, two million of them children, and to exile twice as many and to wound and cripple thousands." We know they are looking for ways of doing just that -- by plotting in secret, by slipping into the country, and exploiting any vulnerability they can find.
We know, also, that they're working feverishly to obtain ever more destructive weapons, and using every form of technology they can get their hands on. And this makes the business of fighting this war as urgent and time-sensitive as any task this nation has ever taken on. As the Director of National Intelligence, Admiral Mike McConnell, said recently, "The time needed to develop a terrorist plot, communicate it around the globe, and put it into motion has been drastically reduced. The time line is no longer a calendar, it is a watch."
For nearly six years now, the United States has been able to defeat their attempts to attack us here at home. Nobody can guarantee that we won't be hit again. But we've been safe because a lot of very dedicated professionals have been working relentlessly to protect the homeland. Our government has used every legitimate tool to counter the activities of an enemy that likely has cells inside our own country. We've improved our security arrangements, reorganized intelligence capabilities, surveilled and interrogated the enemy, and worked closely with friends and allies to track terrorist movements.
All of these steps have been necessary to harden the target and to protect the American people. But we've also understood, from the early hours of September 11th, that we cannot wage this fight strictly on the defensive. We have to go after the terrorists, shut down their training camps, take down their networks, deny them sanctuary, and bring them to justice. In that effort, some of the most difficult and dangerous work has been carried out by the U.S. Army. America is the kind of country that stands up to brutality, terror, and injustice. And you are the kind of people we depend on to get the job done. (Applause.)
The standards of this Academy only highlight the deepest and most fundamental difference between the United States and our sworn enemies. A month ago, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Pace, spoke to this class about each officer's duty to follow a moral compass in all of his or her actions. In these four years you have learned the rules of warfare and professional military ethics. You've studied the tenets of morality. You've reflected on the seven Army values: of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. You have lived by a code of honor, and internalized that code as West Point men and women always do.
As Army officers on duty in the war on terror, you will now face enemies who oppose and despise everything you know to be right, every notion of upright conduct and character, and every belief you consider worth fighting for and living for. Capture one of these killers, and he'll be quick to demand the protections of the Geneva Convention and the Constitution of the United States. Yet when they wage attacks or take captives, their delicate sensibilities seem to fall away. These are men who glorify murder and suicide. Their cruelty is not rebuked by human suffering, only fed by it. They have given themselves to an ideology that rejects tolerance, denies freedom of conscience, and demands that women be pushed to the margins of society. The terrorists are defined entirely by their hatreds, and they hate nothing more than the country you have volunteered to defend.
The terrorists know what they want and they will stop at nothing to get it. By force and intimidation, they seek to impose a dictatorship of fear, under which every man, woman, and child lives in total obedience to their ideology. Their ultimate goal is to establish a totalitarian empire, a caliphate, with Baghdad as its capital. They view the world as a battlefield and they yearn to hit us again. And now they have chosen to make Iraq the central front in their war against civilization.
In Iraq today, the al Qaeda network that struck America is one of the elements trying to destroy a democratic government. They are surging their capabilities, attacking Iraqi and American forces, and killing innocent civilians. America is fighting this enemy in Iraq because that is where they have gathered. We are there because, after 9/11, we decided to deny terrorists any safe haven. We are there because, having removed Saddam Hussein, we promised not to allow another dictator to rise in his place.
And we are there because the security of this nation depends on a successful outcome. The war on terror does not have to be an endless war. But to prevail in the long run, we must remove the conditions that inspire such blind, prideful hatred that drove 19 men to get onto airplanes and come to kill us on 9/11. We know from history that when people live in freedom, answering to their own conscience and charting their own destiny, they will not be drawn to the ideologies of hatred and violence. We know, as well, that when people are given the chance to live in freedom, most of them will make that choice.
The people of Iraq now have a chance to secure their country's future. More than 300,000 of them have joined security forces -- despite all the threats, and murders, and car bombs at recruiting stations. And when it was time for national elections, the Iraqi people defied the killers and voted at a higher rate of turnout than we have here in the United States. In the struggle against terror, no country has had more battlefield deaths, or lost more civilians, than Iraq itself. They and their elected leaders are striving to preserve democracy against direct attack by merciless enemies. And they can know that our country, as in other times and other places, stands firmly for the cause of democracy.
The stakes are high on both sides, and it is still tough going in that country. General Petraeus has said the operational environment is the most complex and challenging he's ever seen. Yet there's reason for confidence as more locals get into the fight, as more good intelligence comes in, as the government stays focused on the hard work of national reconciliation.
There is another reason for confidence in this effort. The single most reliable fact of this war is the skill and courage of the American soldiers fighting it. You're about to become leaders in an amazing Army -- an all-volunteer force that has carried out tough missions in a time of great need for our country. They have endured long deployments, separation from family, and loss of comrades. They have fought boldly and courageously, from the cold mountains of Afghanistan to the dust and heat of the Middle Eastern desert. Now they're going to look to you for leadership, and it'll be your job to provide that leadership and to take care of them.
With your commissions, a great deal will be expected of you. And you're entitled to expect some things in return. You deserve the tools and the backing to do your work, wherever duty takes you. At the same time, you deserve the support that makes life easier for your loved ones, because uniformed service is a shared commitment, and nobody in America shows more patience and understanding than our military families. (Applause.)
Down in Washington, D.C., we air differences and argue back and forth on matters of policy. It's always that way, and there's nothing wrong with it. But we need to remember that when all the speeches are given, and the debates fall silent, and the decisions are made, it falls to men and women like you to bear the battle. May all of us who sit at desks and set policy never fail to appreciate that. (Applause.)
Last night, President Bush signed into law the war supplemental that we worked hard to achieve. As we look to the future, I want to say this to the graduates, and to all the men and women of the Corps, and to the families gathered in this stadium today: Whatever lies ahead, the United States Army will have all the equipment, supplies, manpower, training, and support essential to victory. I give you this assurance on behalf of the President. You soldier for him, and he will soldier for you. (Applause.)
With each man and woman who passes through this Academy, the mission of West Point -- to build a "leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation". Today, the 26th of May, 2007, West Point has again fulfilled that mission, with nearly one thousand exceedingly well prepared second lieutenants.
Many in this country dream of becoming commissioned officers in the United States Army. Yet of these, only a small fraction ever reach that goal. The ones who have done so today have chosen a motto for their class: "Always Remember, Never Surrender." Those are not idle words for a group in which more than 70 percent are going into combat arms. And it makes everyone in this stadium all the more proud to witness your commissioning. (Applause.) We admire the Class of 2007 for the men and women you are, and for the officers you've now become.
As we meet, members of the United States armed forces are serving in nearly 80 different countries -- from the broader Middle East, to Europe, to Southeast Asia, to Latin America, and to Africa. At every post, they serve honorably to keep the commitments of our great nation. We're a country that proclaims high ideals. And more than that, we're a country that stands up for those ideals, by defending the innocent, bringing hope and relief to the helpless, and confronting the violent. This world we live in is a better place for the power, and influence, and the values of the United States of America. Americans are rightly proud of our country. We're a patriotic people, and we show that devotion in many different ways. And the bravest way of all is to take up the profession of arms.
On your first day of Army life, each one of you raised your right hand and took an oath. And you will swear again today to defend the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That is your vow, that is the business you're in. Your country has prepared you, and now your country is counting on you. I know that each one of you will serve with skill, and carry yourself with honor, and take care of your soldiers, because that is the way of the West Point officer.
Thank you for your service. Godspeed to the United States Military Academy Class of 2007. ''
Comments
Why do the military academies continue to let guys like Buckshot Cheney and W. give commencement speechs?
W. was drunk as a skunk and hiding out in a home bound National Guard unit during Vietnam and Cheney, Mr. 5-6 deferments, had "better things to do" during Nam.
These ChickenHawk Republicans make me sick!
Posted by: Reagan Republican | May 26, 2007 12:49 PM
"For nearly six years now, the United States has been able to defeat their attempts to attack us here at home."
I say with such a track record I'm surprised they were able to in the first place. Hmmm, who dropped the ball on this one?
"Nobody can guarantee that we won't be hit again."
With raging Latin American countries interested in nuclear weapons, Iran and Korea fast on the track to securing them, a constantly shifting Middle East on the verge of more conflict once the US leaves, and a Russia reawakening to assert itself with the coming elections; who is less than thrilled with the nuclear what you ma call it the US wants to build facing them. No one can predict we won't get hit again. All thanks to an administration who has opened a can of worms in the name of terrorism. Something that has been around forever, and no one has yet put an end to. War on terror = endless, and will be if someone doesn't take over an realize that it will never go away if we only play a reactionary role. The US should have been proactive in preventing terrorism. Weather through monitoring who comes in to our boarders and better inter agency communication, or through the policies outside our boarders that contribute to economic disparities (wealthy getting wealthier and the poor, poorer)and policies that produce heresy (we set rules we refrain from following).
Posted by: AR | May 26, 2007 1:51 PM
Well spoken,especially for someone who was "too busy or had better things to do" when their opportunity to defend this nation arose! Whether as a coward or a opportunist our leadership should be held accountable for their every thought and deed,those who can't reconsider bad moves in a "War on terror" should quit or be fired!
Posted by: MadMax | May 26, 2007 2:19 PM
But we need to remember that when all the speeches are given, and the debates fall silent, and the decisions are made, it falls to men and women like you to bear the battle.
Sure doesn't fall on chickenhawks like DICK.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | May 26, 2007 4:03 PM
Why anyone would want this lieing sack to give them a speech is beyond me.Not only does he lie,he then says he never said that lie,and a few weeks later repeats the lie....sheeesh...Wake up America...time to take this country back...
As for the war budget Bush just got...I would rather Bush kick and screem like a baby till he got his money,that way this is only on him and dead eye dick and his new test tube Grand Baby,lol....
Posted by: Lance | May 26, 2007 5:46 PM
It's easy for someone like Cheney who eluded military service and is now profiting through Haliburton's role in the war, to distort facts by intimating that the Iraqis attacked us. Does he care that so many young men and women have been killed and/or permanently mamed or disfigured due to a big lie? His cowardly actions are proof that he doesn't.
Posted by: Dee Del | May 26, 2007 6:06 PM
As a former Army Officer I would say to those critical of Cheney to understand that a commencement address and commissioning ceremony for those who will serve and defend us is not the place to engage in hateful rhetoric of our nation's leaders. I wonder how many of these arm chair critics have left their computer blogs to engage in defending this country. My guess is most have sacrificed little and if called upon would take the same path of avoiding service as the elected officials they loath to hate.
Posted by: Dale | May 26, 2007 6:38 PM
Richard Cheney addressing a military academy's graduating class is like Richard Simmons addressing the graduating class at a boxing academy.
-- SCAM
Posted by: so-called "Austin Mayor" | May 26, 2007 6:49 PM
"The US should have been proactive in preventing terrorism. Weather through monitoring who comes in to our boarders and better inter agency communication, or through the policies outside our boarders that contribute to economic disparities"
I completely agree, but even you must see that not all the blame can be put on Bush's administration. The policies you talk about were set up by Clinton, and even presidents before him. It's not exactly fair to expect Bush to change every single law the second he steps into office. It's hard enough to get legislation passed even without opposition trying to tear it apart as "warmongering" (damned if you do, damned if you don't).
Anyway, I thought Cheney delivered a great speech, and if you disagree, it's probably because you're so blinded by hate you have to resort to calling him names.
Posted by: JB | May 26, 2007 7:01 PM
Isn't the Bush slogan war on terror.......... more a WAR ON PEACE!
Posted by: tom | May 26, 2007 7:19 PM
Good speech delivered by a good man. The West Point class of 2007 will encounter many adversities in their careers, they are up to the challenge. They are the very best that this, the greatest country on earth, has to offer. The dedication, sacrifice, and honor they give to world is truly remarkable and greatly appreciated by Americans who dearly love this country. Godspeed and good luck.
Posted by: Chris | May 26, 2007 7:22 PM
Good Man? You can't be talking about that treasonous lout Cheney. He is happy to talk to those youngsters; their blood split will keep him a rich man.
Guess he's never heard of West Point Graduates Against the War. They have all the laws, treaties and military justice code, as well as constitutional violations buy Bush/Cheney and other high ranking officals listed on their website. Should have been in this article to make it complete-tell what some grown up West Pointers have to say...
Posted by: Captain America | May 26, 2007 8:06 PM
Anyone who believes that the "War on Terror" does not have to be endless is less than educated on the facts surrounding that line of thought. So long as terrorists exist there will always be someone to war against. Furthermore, by stating that we were hit hard and then had to hit back is once again the misleading lies that were used to distort our original "mission" in the first place.
Again, Iraq had nothing to do with September 11. Osama Bin Laden has been left to roam free for 4 years after our occupation of Iraq began, and it is sheer cowardice and morally remiss to use another country as a human shield for our own purposes. If Iraq is vital to terrorism it is only because we have manufactured it to be so; weather by our own creative license or because we invited chaos into that country. Absolution of any one or multiple administrations is irrelevant - what is relevant is that we are finding ourselves as citizens as negligent as the men and women we appoint and sustain in office who continue to deceive us.
Posted by: Thomas | May 26, 2007 8:09 PM
More meat for the grinder......
Anyone with just one per cent of geopolitical awareness, knowledge of history and sense of the US's place in the world will see through this BS.
Without Darth Cheny and his evil empire, there would be no need for a "war on terror".....
Posted by: Richard | May 26, 2007 8:12 PM
I think Cheney may have forgotten a few lines from his speech...
"Many in this country dream of becoming commissioned officers in the United States Army. Yet of these, only a small fraction ever reach that goal. I myself was once one of those dreamers. However higher education and a crooked spine kept me from those dreams, fighting communism and the yellow man. Yes unfortunately I had to take a series continued deferments that were quite difficult to arrange with my limited funds at the time."
Cheney is continuing with his disgracefull propaganda and its a shame to waste what should be a day to celebrate the cadets work with false rederick.
Virtually statement of how horrible the "terrorists" are could easily be applied to Bush/Cheyney. Very sad to say.
Posted by: George | May 26, 2007 8:22 PM
As those of you inclined to post your vitriol against the Bush Administration do so, please offer a "breath of fresh air" by also suggesting a solution to our problems worldwide. Reading between the lines of the aforementioned postings, it is obvious that most, if not all, of those so vehemently opposed to our policies have never served, would never serve and are of the opinion that the way we live in this country is somehow their birthright. This incredible sense of entitlement, coming from a group who has had it so good for so long, offering nothing in return, will surly take this country down faster than any external threat on the planet. Until the sons and daughters of the professors at Harvard are willing to serve along with the sons and daughters of the janitors at Harvard, we will stay on a downward spiral.
Posted by: MrFungo | May 26, 2007 9:20 PM
"OIL SLICK DICK" & GEORGE W imp BUSH" Are two COWARDS that suround them self with the most powerful military in history, the same military that THEY REFUSED TO REPORT TO WHEN THEIR COUNTRY CALLED THEM! IMPEACH & REMOVE!!!!!
Posted by: GB | May 26, 2007 9:50 PM
"As a former Army Officer I would say to those critical of Cheney to understand that a commencement address and commissioning ceremony for those who will serve and defend us is not the place to engage in hateful rhetoric of our nation's leaders. I wonder how many of these arm chair critics have left their computer blogs to engage in defending this country. My guess is most have sacrificed little and if called upon would take the same path of avoiding service as the elected officials they loath to hate."
Dare I say, as someone who has sacrificed you have found the time to sit in your arm chair and post. Why wouldn't someone else be able to?
Good guess but try again.
Quite typical too to assume the worst of a person who just might not share the same opinion as you, and then feel compelled to multiply that and speak on behalf of that group (ie most). Coming from an Army Officer I would assume you would abstain from passing uninformed guesses all the while failing to recognize others are just expressing their opinions.
Regardless, commencement or not, I would think a computer blog the most appropriate time and the place to comment on whatever anyone might want in any piece, just like you sir, and without having caused anyone any harm. After all, our society thrives on the collective collaboration of everyones opinion, analysis, thought, conclusion, etc. I don't see any one crashing the ceremony, or taking away from it by commenting on a web blog, of all places. Especially, when the subject of their critique aren't those brave young women and men.
JB
I see where your coming from. My hopes are that whoever comes along will consider that terrorism is by its very nature an endless war so as not to end up in more endless and expensive, in lives and money, ventures. This "war" has been fought for ages, and still is in many countries; since, there is always someone using terror as a tool to make a statement. I hope that person will be as willing to be reactive as proactive to fight it. (Ignoring intelligence information, as this administration did, defeats both.) If we didn't do it before I hope we can learn from it for the future. Terrorism = Endless war. Terrorism + Reactionary Role = Enables Endless War. We need to be both reactionary and proactive to combat terrorism. That's all.
I do recognize the Bush Administration inherited a host of ill fit policies from previous administrations. I also recognize that the Bush Administration (undid)hastily declined or re-tracked from the good policies previous Administrations put forth. I'm also aware that this administration found the time to rewrite or write their own way of how we do business with other countries. How long it takes, how popular, or age old precedents seem to be a non issue for this administration. In comparison this Administration is very set, and gets their agenda through. I hoped they would have been as aware of how to get things done as what they were ultimately doing; you know, not the goal they have set for themselves, but the ramifications beyond that goal. So far, what they did was play a reactionary role in the fight against terrorism. No that effectively considering the snubbing of intelligence, and, as of yet, we still have not caught Osama. However, they managed to change the role we play in the world ten fold. From that perspective I think this administration had enough in them to be as proactive in preventing terrorism weather through monitoring who comes in to our boarders and better inter agency communication, or through the policies outside our boarders that contribute to economic disparities and policies that produce heresy. Can't do that if that wasn't in your agenda. Clearly, not this administrations anyway. It was all about stay the course, and forget the intelligence.
Posted by: AR | May 26, 2007 10:49 PM
"As those of you inclined to post your vitriol against the Bush Administration do so, please offer a "breath of fresh air" by also suggesting a solution to our problems worldwide."
Part of the problem is that this administration is too set on "staying the course," and probably allergic to "breaths of fresh air" as they seem highly disinclined to care what other people think; just looking at the steady decline of approval ratings throughout the time the administration served.
"Reading between the lines of the aforementioned postings, it is obvious that most, if not all, of those so vehemently opposed to our policies have never served, would never serve and are of the opinion that the way we live in this country is somehow their birthright."
Hate to break it to you, but all people who serve can have a different opinion on this administration. Further, the way we live in America is our birth right. It is according to our founding fore fathers. Who hold certain truths to be self evident, and certain unalienable rights among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They go on to say governments powers derive from the consent of the governed. A regulated militia is necessary for that state. So you see the militia protects the state the people give power to. In reality, the military plays a peripheral role in securing our rights. First and foremost, it is the people who make sure their rights to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness (the way we live in this country) isn't jeopardized by the government they give power to. We can only do that if we question the policies of our government who employs the military in our name.
"This incredible sense of entitlement, coming from a group who has had it so good for so long, offering nothing in return, will surly take this country down faster than any external threat on the planet. Until the sons and daughters of the professors at Harvard are willing to serve along with the sons and daughters of the janitors at Harvard, we will stay on a downward spiral."
Though, the military's importance should not be trivialized, the military is not what runs this country. The people run it. Any contribution, how ever grand or small, to our society should be given the same respect. It is not necessary for someone to serve to make a meaningful impact. There are choices, and as long as we pick the right choices, in whatever capacity of job we chose to do them in, our nation will be strong. Everyone was not born a soldier. A soldier was not meant to be like everyone.
Posted by: AR | May 27, 2007 12:03 AM
Seems the "Truthers" and the "MoveOn-ers" are rapt listeners to Cheney--given the posts I've seen so far. As usual, they are sad, sad, sad. A lot like the candidates they've put up for prez over the past three decades or so. Cheney's words were fine and very inspiring--save to those were are witless to the danger facing this nation; who do not listen to what the enemy is saying. READ and LEARN, ye witless ones, what the enemy says about their intentions. Know that your freedom and your way of life is in peril if their way succeeds. Please, evolve from your naivety and understand that your own country--the USA--is the best hope for the world.
Remember JFK's inaugural address? If not, I suggest that you read it, word for word. GWB and Dick Cheney would be soul mates to the JFK that spoke those words. By contrast, those who speak and lead today's Democratic Party should be ashamed of themselves for their meekness in the defense of liberty for others--more so for our own nation's survival!!!
JUST READ WHAT THE TERRORISTS ARE SAYING AND WHAT THEY WANT TO DO!!!
Posted by: Chuck | May 27, 2007 12:58 AM
Seems the "Truthers" and the "MoveOn-ers" are rapt listeners to Cheney--given the posts I've seen so far. As usual, they are sad, sad, sad. A lot like the candidates they've put up for prez over the past three decades or so. Cheney's words were fine and very inspiring--save to those were are witless to the danger facing this nation; who do not listen to what the enemy is saying. READ and LEARN, ye witless ones, what the enemy says about their intentions. Know that your freedom and your way of life is in peril if their way succeeds. Please, evolve from your naivety and understand that your own country--the USA--is the best hope for the world.
Remember JFK's inaugural address? If not, I suggest that you read it, word for word. GWB and Dick Cheney would be soul mates to the JFK that spoke those words. By contrast, those who speak and lead today's Democratic Party should be ashamed of themselves for their meekness in the defense of liberty for others--more so for our own nation's survival!!!
JUST READ WHAT THE TERRORISTS ARE SAYING AND WHAT THEY WANT TO DO!!!
Posted by: Chuck | May 27, 2007 1:34 AM
MrFrungo: "Our problems worldwide" have a deep meaning in the context you present them only if you are a large, usually transnational corporation. The Sep 11 attack was carried out by people who had requested for many years that our troups be withdrawn from their country, Saudi Arabia. What were our troups doing there, you ask? They were protecting the regional interests of big oil companies, who are gauging us at the pump and make billions and billions of dolars in profits. Our real problems worldwide have been created since 2003 by the terrible policies of this administration, and the price will be paid by our children and our children's children for many years to come.
Posted by: MA | May 27, 2007 2:05 AM
I wonder how many of these arm chair critics have left their computer blogs to engage in defending this country. My guess is most have sacrificed little and if called upon would take the same path of avoiding service as the elected officials they loath to hate.
Posted by: Dale | May 26, 2007 6:38:33 PM
Most likely the same amount as there are in the White House. Look with all due respect, to cover this guy 6:00 position is senseless. He's a scumbag.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | May 27, 2007 2:45 AM
VP Cheney- please, go away. Resign. And take Mssrs. Bush, Gonzales and Rove with you.
And God Bless your souls. May the Lord forgive what you've done to America.
Posted by: jim kube | May 27, 2007 3:03 AM
So, "it is obvious that most, if not all, of those so vehemently opposed to our policies have never served," is it?
No comment on Mr. Cheney's service?
No comment on Mr. Bush's service?
I served six years on active duty and I have always respected service of others. I respect those with conscientious objections. I do not respect lying draft dodgers who wrap themselves in the flag.
They soil the flag.
They have no shame.
They have no honor.
Posted by: nuc | May 27, 2007 3:05 AM
I am a Vietnam era army veteran, and
I implore these West Point graduates
to question their commander and chief.
Please do not march blindly into Iraq or any
other unwise and unjust war. Have the
courage to stand up and challenge your
senior officers and the politicians who
start these wars.
Posted by: tony romo | May 27, 2007 3:08 AM
Yes, the war on terror doesn't have to be endless. Remember how quickly the Republicants ended the war on drugs?
And Cheney is still dishonestly talking about Iraq and the 9/11 attack as if they were related.
Posted by: Brian Westley | May 27, 2007 3:10 AM
Mr. Fungo obviously never HAD a mind to lose. You can't seriously suggest that the children of Harvard grads are serving in the Middle East. We all know that is a lie. There is no sense of entitlement. We DO have a Constitution which jerks like you seem to think is a fluid document with which you can tamper at your convenience. I agree with you on one point, the Bush administration doesn't need vitriol... They need to be charged with TREASON! A charge punishable by death.... Every single one of them. Bush, Cheny, Rummy, Condi, John Roberts, Gonzales, Ashcroft, .... the list goes on and on and on....
As for the problems world wide. STOP CREATING THEM!!!! And quit cowering behind Bush and believing that the "Boogie Man" is out to get you. Grow a back bone. What US fabricated war did you serve in?
As for your comment about our "birthright". It's called the US Constitution which was written to protect us from the vile disease you are spouting. And once again, since you're such a great Patriot: Which US government war did you murder people in. Sounds like you still get a hard on just thinking about it.
Posted by: gypsy | May 27, 2007 3:15 AM
"We're fighting a war on terror because the enemy attacked us first, and hit us hard,'' said Cheney.
...So we decided to pick on someone smaller.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | May 27, 2007 4:57 AM
"The foundation of the ethical code at West Point is found in the Academy's motto, "Duty, Honor, Country." Cadets also develop ethically by adhering to the Cadet Honor Code, which states "A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do."" http://www.usma.edu/about.asp
There is one exception to this - BushCo.
You have to tolerate them no matter what.
Posted by: EvilPoet | May 27, 2007 5:41 AM
For a funny cartoon on the fighting in Iraq, see
http://www.daybydaycartoon.com/2007/05/27/#a004144
Posted by: Bruce | May 27, 2007 7:53 AM
The war doesn't have to be endless, but since there is no goal and consequently no strategy, it will be endless. Someone defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. That sounds like our war "strategy"; it never changes.
I'll bet every person in Cheney's audience knows that an army can't win a war (however win is defined) by getting ambushed in the same place day after day by remotely triggered devices. I'd even bet some of the readers here know that.
Posted by: Doneggjr | May 27, 2007 8:19 AM
Bruce,
If you truly believe Iraqi's are better off today than before the start of the war, than you are even sicker and more deluded than I thought! Did you see the video of the 14 year old girl stoned for falling in love with someone from another sect? We've replaced an isolated, secular murdering thug with an enlarging theocratic cauldron of murdering thugs...nice going Ruplipukes!
Posted by: Neal | May 27, 2007 8:37 AM
It's funny to hear the 28%ers declare that none of the left have ever served. They support the troops, but only if they do their bidding. I would say there are probably more silver spoons on the right than the left. Mommy and Daddy found ways to keep them out of the service. I might add Mr Fungus...That you have brought this country down with your need to release that testosterone on anybody just so you can feel as though you have struck back...even if it is the wrong country. Afganistan is where they are...why did you cut and run? I hate to say it but, there are 28% of you that support this war. That number isn't because you happen to be smarter, just more willing to follow if you wrap it up in a flag and talk about the American way. Occupying a country is not the American way...and truly not the way just to make you feel better about 9/11.
Posted by: bill r. | May 27, 2007 8:54 AM
Cheney:
"Capture one of these killers, and he'll be quick to demand the protections of the Geneva Convention and the Constitution of the United States. Yet when they wage attacks or take captives, their delicate sensibilities seem to fall away."
This man just hates the Geneva Conventions. The true mark of someone who has never been in a position to be a prisoner of war.
Posted by: athena | May 27, 2007 9:16 AM
Thanks chuck, it’s good to hear from someone that has a sense of history, a knowledge of the present and a brain capable of understanding the potential presented by the Islamic fascists. It is amazing to me how hate mongers like ‘bill r’ and ‘logic prisoner’ are tolerated by so many other bloggers. These dimwits make me wonder how they find their mouths to strap on the feed bags.
Posted by: Joe Stirumup | May 27, 2007 9:24 AM
Perhaps the "Iraqi phase" of the WAR ON TERROR ended in 2003. That was signaled when Mr. Bush did his loop-de-loop in an aircraft and landed on a carrier. The Iraq war was over.
A sitting government was removed and replaced with NOTHING. That shows how well the Bush team had transformed Iraq. It was likely only one of a handful/"fingerful" of countries that could operate without a government. So, with the Iraq war over and done with, it was time for the Bush team to further expand its effort to WORLD TERRORISM.
Working from home base Iraq, the Bush team started telling America about all the terror spots of the world - we talking WORLD TERROR.
So, that could explain why things are not always what they seem. It looked like the Bush team was mired in Iraq terror fighting for four years, but actually it was WORLD TERROR that the Bush team had on its mind...understand?
Posted by: bezelt | May 27, 2007 9:34 AM
Ah....Joe stirumup...A legend in his own mind. this from a man that takes "stirumup" as a handle because he is a testosterone filled oaf. Yeah...lets get revenge for 9/11..it doesn't matter who..they're muslim right? They're dark skinned right? They got to be the ones.
Posted by: bill r. | May 27, 2007 10:26 AM
HEY BEZELT-
Two elections - Millions of Iraqis risked their lives to vote -TWICE–
How can you sit there and lie with such ease? Where is your honor?
Liberals in America and have no idea how good they have.
When will the left stop their LIES ??
Posted by: cj | May 27, 2007 10:35 AM
I'll say it time and time again, we need to have an outpost of the White House in Baghdad city (not the Green Zone) have our illustrative Dick Cheney serve there for the remainder of his term. No, this is not to offer a sacrificial lamb! This will give him a chance to hasten the end of the war with direct face to face meetings with the Iraq leaders; let the troops know that their government is really behind them; give Cheney a chance to know what war is really like up close; reassure George II that the surge is working without having to rely on press, his generals, or body counts to find out.
Posted by: GW | May 27, 2007 10:52 AM
This class deserves a better commencement speaker. One who represents the best honor of our military and their sacrifice. On this Memorial Day weekend, the least we could do is to put someone in front of these graduates who represents what we are remembering. Neither Cheney nor Bush is qualified to stand in front of these kids. Each one of them is a better American than these leaders.
As for Cheney's fear rhetoric, I am fairly sure that New York would rather hear about how it is being helped to rebuild, and about the spirit we show as Americans when bad things happen, not used as a bludgeon to keep us scared. I understand poetic license, but how stupid does he think we all are?
Our VP should scare everyone much more than the things he speaks of. Our children's children will be paying for the policies that he has pressed.
Our troops deserve better. If not leaders, at least commencement speakers.
Posted by: ChiPol | May 27, 2007 11:38 AM
"As those of you inclined to post your vitriol against the Bush Administration do so, please offer a "breath of fresh air" by also suggesting a solution to our problems worldwide. "
How about impeach, arrest, and try the lot of them for treason and crimes against humanity?
Posted by: Cheryl | May 27, 2007 11:39 AM
CJ Said:
HEY BEZELT-
Two elections - Millions of Iraqis risked their lives to vote -TWICE–
How can you sit there and lie with such ease? Where is your honor?
Liberals in America and have no idea how good they have.
When will the left stop their LIES ??
Posted by: cj | May 27, 2007 10:35:31 AM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sometimes MOUTH best left SHUT.
When you have nothing to say, why talk?
Posted by: bezelt | May 27, 2007 3:08 PM
HEY CJ -
Which one of these 237 misleading statements restored "honor and dignity" to the White House?
http://democrats.reform.house.gov/IraqOnTheRecord/
Posted by: EvilPoet | May 27, 2007 3:29 PM
Ah....Joe stirumup...A legend in his own mind. this from a man that takes "stirumup" as a handle because he is a testosterone filled oaf. Yeah...lets get revenge for 9/11..it doesn't matter who..they're muslim right? They're dark skinned right? They got to be the ones.
Posted by: bill r. | May 27, 2007 10:26:54 AM
Hey bill r.- you sound like a racist pig.
Posted by: Joe Stirumup | May 27, 2007 4:28 PM
Dispite the mean spirited rederic in these posts the news is good and Cheney and Bush will be vidicated.
The surge is working! Thank you troops, a job being done well- we know you can do it!
Iraq (CNN) -- Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said Wednesday he foresees Iraqi forces taking over security in all 18 Iraqi provinces by the end of the year. ...
And yesterday it was revealed that plans are being made to bring our men and women home beginning next year. Let’s get behind them and bring them home as the heroes they are.
Posted by: VP | May 27, 2007 5:28 PM
Jabba the Veep's premises are flawed, as usual, as all he can hear is his own egomania at work.
Iraq is going Shiite, plain and simple. The Shia militia have driven the Sunnis out of many areas in Baghdad, and have settled in their place. The Shia have no patience whatsoever with al Qaeda. Al Q promised protection to the native Sunnis, in return for allowing them a base of operations. The Sunnis don't approve of al Q tactics, and al Q really has no support in Iraq.
I see the progression as follows:
a). The longer U.S. troops are there, the more the Shiites feel free to drive out the Sunni minority. The real "civil war" is between the Shia factions and militia. One of the "benchmarks" is de-Baathification, which is irrelevant if the Sunnis are driven out.
b). al Maliki is useless, and it's a matter of time until he's replaced. The Kurds have economic power, and their problem right now is Turkey (with a Kurdish minority resident) threatening to invade the Kurdish regions of Iraq.
c). Our patience will begin to run out in September, and Republicans looking to get re-elected will complain privately to the White House. The problem there is Cheney, who seeks an attack on Iran, even though we cannot follow through with ground troops. Sec'y Rice and State are against Cheney, as well as the DOD, but Cheney persists, as it's all a rabid dog can do.
d). Eventually, the Democrats will find a way to attain a veto-proof majority, and you'll see a shift in policy. Bush recently referred to "Plan 'B'" as "Plan 'BH'" for Baker-Hamilton, and the Iraq Study Group. Bush has wasted 6 months, and many lives, by not heeding the recommendations of the ISG. Now, of course, he pretends that it was HIS idea, all along.
The White House should plant corn on the front lawn, since there's a LOT of fertilizer going to waste in the Oval Orifice.
Posted by: pb | May 27, 2007 5:38 PM
NO Way bezelt!
Your wrong and I am telling the world that you’re wrong! - you are not going to shut me up.
Fools like you need to be called out.
People- read his posts and question them. They are lies!
The news from Iraq is good- pay attention- our men and women are doing a great job helping the Iraqi’s build their government- an elected government- support the great work your noble troops are doing!
Stand up to the hate- the lies – the distortions brought to you by people like ‘bezelt’ and so many others that post to this blog.
This is an important time for freedom, indeed perhaps pivotal - help our brave men and women by telling these liars you’re not going to take them any more!
Posted by: cj | May 27, 2007 5:53 PM
Hey cj - What say ye?
Doubts Grow as G.I.’s in Iraq Find Allies in Enemy Ranks
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/world/middleeast/28cnd-delta.html?ex=1337918400&en=fc2e242c52e79554&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
Posted by: EvilPoet | May 28, 2007 12:22 PM
cj said,
NO Way bezelt!
Your wrong and I am telling the world that you’re wrong! - you are not going to shut me up.
Fools like you need to be called out.
People- read his posts and question them. They are lies!
The news from Iraq is good- pay attention- our men and women are doing a great job helping the Iraqi’s build their government- an elected government- support the great work your noble troops are doing!
Stand up to the hate- the lies – the distortions brought to you by people like ‘bezelt’ and so many others that post to this blog.
This is an important time for freedom, indeed perhaps pivotal - help our brave men and women by telling these liars you’re not going to take them any more!
Posted by: cj | May 27, 2007 5:53:44 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
One of the most overused words in some neo-con's vocabulary is the word "LIE". And it's the neo-cons who decides whether an opposing comment is a LIE or not.
The first time I saw a website produce so many "Lies" in a rebuttal was when I was trying to find out more about whether Iraq's WMDs, as outlined in the President's 2003 State of the Union Address, were true or false.
Ex Ambassador, Joe Wilson went to Niger looking for evidence of the Niger - Iraq uranium oxide connection. He found none and he so reported - but apparently that report had the "wrong" answer.
Mention Joe Wilson at a neo-con website and you may likely hear:
JOE WILSON LIED. HE LIED, LIED, LIED. He LIED. That was my first experience with the abundant use of the word "LIE" from a poster.
And I was "instructed" to prove that Joe Wilson did not lie. I came to the website trying to prove something about WMDs. But I left with the task of proving that Mr. Joe Wilson did not lie.
Was this string of lies uttered by that website referring to the task Mr. Joe Wilson was asked to perform? NO! The website poster's focus was on Mr. Joe Wilson.
Why would that website want to remove the focus from WMDs and instead place it on the ethics of Mr. Joe Wilson?
That was, of course, a cheap strategy to move the talk away from an unpleasant subject. It is a well worn strategy of neo cons. And neo cons will tell you there is some kind of Congressional(The Old Congress) report that says the same thing about Mr. Joe Wilson
But if you need to make abundant use of the word "lie" to get your message across, then perhaps you might want to consider investing a little more time in your research so that you can truly focus on and then rebut an opposing poster's comments.
On the Internet, there is a ton of information on the Iraq war. I don't recall seeing anything positive recently.
Your comment about Iraqis voting seems to be of not much consequence in light of the current problems facing Iraq.
Posted by: bezelt | May 28, 2007 1:33 PM
It is amazing to me how hate mongers like ‘bill r’ and ‘logic prisoner’ are tolerated by so many other bloggers. These dimwits make me wonder how they find their mouths to strap on the feed bags.
Posted by: Joe Stirumup | May 27, 2007 9:24:14 AM
Read your own comments. The pot calling the kettle black. Your a divisive clown who brings no ideas whatsoever to the discussion. I take exception to your slandering me as a hate monger, but then again that's all those of your ilk are capable of. By the way I still think Cheney is a scumbag!!! Maybe you two should go hunting together.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | May 28, 2007 1:38 PM
cj,
It looks like my first response to your "The news from Iraq is good, pay attention..." post failed to "pass muster" and thus has not - to this time - been published.
But the news from Iraq is not good. Iraq is in crisis. It may be a good idea for you to expand your sources of information about Iraq.
Posted by: bezelt | May 28, 2007 4:19 PM
EvilPoet wrote:
Hey cj - What say ye?
Doubts Grow as G.I.’s in Iraq Find Allies in Enemy Ranks
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/world/middleeast/28cnd-delta.html?ex=1337918400&en=fc2e242c52e79554&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
Posted by: EvilPoet | May 28, 2007 12:22:35 PM
I say you ought to find I better source if you want to be considered credible… Who among us with a brain would trust the NY Times - That’s what first comes to mind - I won’t waist any more thought on a point poorly made by a fool like you.
That’s what I’d say…
Posted by: cj | May 28, 2007 4:26 PM
cj said:
NO Way bezelt!
Your wrong and I am telling the world that you’re wrong! - you are not going to shut me up.
Fools like you need to be called out.
People- read his posts and question them. They are lies!
The news from Iraq is good- pay attention- our men and women are doing a great job helping the Iraqi’s build their government- an elected government- support the great work your noble troops are doing!
Stand up to the hate- the lies – the distortions brought to you by people like ‘bezelt’ and so many others that post to this blog.
This is an important time for freedom, indeed perhaps pivotal - help our brave men and women by telling these liars you’re not going to take them any more!
Posted by: cj | May 27, 2007 5:53:44 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Whenever you see a poster throwing the word "lie" around, know that it is likely a filler for content. It is likely just a distracter.
Iraq is in Chaos. The United Nations and the Red Cross are asking countries to take in refugees from Iraq. Independent bloggers in Iraq tell the stories of their daily lives struggling for survival.
One foreign publication said the exodus from Iraq is approaching the numbers of the 1948 exodus.
And in the meantime, a "what me worry" attitude prevails in some quarters.
Iraq's pain and turmoil are not IRREVELANT. In denial will not make it dissappear. And yes, if America, in 2003, had full knowledge of the Bush team's plans, many would have called it DOA.
Was it really going to take four years before a fledging government was to be put in place?
How many takers would there be for a free two week vacation to Baghdad? And even in the Green Zone, civilians wear bullet-proof vests. It was said the vests are removed when dignitaries visit.
Posted by: bezelt | May 28, 2007 5:06 PM
cj said to EvilPoet:
I say you ought to find I better source if you want to be considered credible… Who among us with a brain would trust the NY Times - That’s what first comes to mind - I won’t waist any more thought on a point poorly made by a fool like you.
That’s what I’d say…
Posted by: cj | May 28, 2007 4:26:11 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Perhaps now some light is being shed on cj's problem with lack of Iraq content in his posts. Perhaps now one is begining to see why the word "lie" is his "filler" of choice.
And likely he would choose the Washington Times over the New York Times. If that is the case, this poster may also believe the story that WMDs were found in Iraq. Only those WMDs were large gas filled shells. Actually dynamite (in sufficient quantity) might also fit the bill of a Weapon of Mass Destruction.
And this reader of whatever his choice of newspaper is, believes that Iraq is doing fine.
It is unlikely that he reads the New York Times. The New York Times, the Washington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, the BBC news, npr, etc. Maybe those news sources are IRREVELANT.
Posted by: bezelt | May 28, 2007 5:31 PM
cj - What you say says a lot about you. I think you will find this website much more to your liking...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1840687/posts
Posted by: EvilPoet | May 28, 2007 7:23 PM
cj said to EvilPoet:
(Referring to the NY Times)
I say you ought to find I better source if you want to be considered credible… Who among us with a brain would trust the NY Times - That’s what first comes to mind - I won’t waist any more thought on a point poorly made by a fool like you.
That’s what I’d say…
Posted by: cj | May 28, 2007 4:26:11 PM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Perhaps now some light is being shed on cj's problem with lack of Iraq content in his posts. Perhaps now one is begining to see why the word "lie" is his "filler" of choice.
Posted by: bezelt | May 28, 2007 5:31:59 PM
----
bezelt,
I think you have hit it right on the mark… YOU ARE SO RIGHT. the word "lie" Is a "filler" of choice.
Now lets go back to where the “hate speech” all started back to Teddy Kennedy’s liberal mantra “Bush lied” two- three years back. Certainly an example that proves your point. There is no apparent substance in that statement as it relates to Iraq. No one has ever been able to make a point to substantiate the outrageous emptiness you so effectively point out is just “ filler” . So let’s start with that.
Then lets move on to Valerie Plame and her treasonous involvement with her husband Joe Wilson… oh the news ain’t good on that front is it…maybe you haven’t heard - probably hasn’t made it to the NY Times yet. I’ll let you come up with that detail on your own.
But let us first address the unsubstantiated points made by Teddy “the swimmer” Kennedy. “Bush Lied”… so- details- you got any?
Oh ya, we should also plan on discussing Sandy “the socks” Burger… Some are calling him Sandy “Burglar”, but I think stealing from the national archives and getting away with it deserves a more humorous accolade, so I’m sticking with Sandy “ the Socks” some might say Sandy “the muncher” is a better one - but why argue at this point.. I think history will be on my side, you gotta be able to laugh at this stuff.
Now, let’s get back to my lack of knowledge on this issue - you couldn’t hold a candle to me on this stuff. But go ahead and try. I got plenty more. There is not a chance you will win; the truth is overwhelmingly against you.
Now that I have goaded you out, let’s play!
Posted by: cj | May 28, 2007 8:07 PM
War not 'endless'??
History has so far proved, 'war is endless'.
Posted by: C.Morris | May 28, 2007 8:11 PM
EvilPoet said –
cj - What you say says a lot about you.
Posted by: EvilPoet | May 28, 2007 7:23:32 PM
I should hope so; unfortunately what you say says a lot about you also.
Posted by: cj | May 28, 2007 8:14 PM
cj - Unfortunately? I suppose that all depends on your perspective. In the end, when all is said and done, history will be the voice of authority.
Later,
EP
Posted by: EvilPoet | May 28, 2007 8:42 PM
C. Morris wrote-
War not 'endless'??
History has so far proved, 'war is endless'.
Posted by: C.Morris | May 28, 2007 8:11:22 PM
C. Morris – You should not put a timeline on success, this is not a football game. And 4 years is certainly not an “endless” struggle- you sound foolish to imply so. Get a couple of good books on history, focus on the crusades- the battle is… – well, check it out.
Posted by: vp | May 28, 2007 8:44 PM
cj,
Following your suggestion that I come up with the details of the "T" word relating to Valerie Plame and her husband, I used Goggle to search the Internet. Here is a partial listing (sequential) of the results that I found.
..............................................
www.talkleft.com/story/2004/12/31/308/16815 - 31k - Cached - Similar pages
Is Karl Rove the New Benedict Arnold?The Valerie Plame affair has all the trappings of a Rovian smear campaign — demolish ... Rove committed treason, but he's a criminal among criminals and the ...
www.thesimon.com/magazine/articles/canon_fodder/0886_is_karl_rove_new_benedict_arnold.html - 26k - Cached - Similar pages
Ben Affleck: Bush 'Can Be Hung' for 'Probably' Leaking Plame's ...So let's be clear, Bush didn't leak Valerie Plame's name -- not that we know of.” Affleck: “Because if he did, you can be hung for that! That's treason!” ...
newsbusters.org/node/4815 - 36k - May 28, 2007 - Cached - Similar pages
FindLaw's Writ - Dean: A Further Look At The Criminal ChargesThat ...Slowly, and steadily, more information about the unauthorized disclosure of Valerie Plame's CIA identity, and the reasons for it, have become available. ...
writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20031010.html - 53k - Cached - Similar pages
Who Outed Valerie Plame?In fact, these journalists, by actually making Valerie Plame’s name public ... the political criminals who outed Valerie Plame aided an act of treason — and ...
www.commondreams.org/views05/0316-25.htm - 16k - Cached - Similar pages
Op Ed News Subjects Page for People Valerie Plame WilsonBrent Budowsky: Valerie Plame Stands Tall (2 comments) I know and admire Valerie Plame .... Man who queried that outing Plame was treason, dead of 'apparent ...
www.opednews.com/maxwrite/showsubjects.php?tid=/People+Valerie+Plame+Wilson - 29k - Cached - Similar pages
TomPaine.com - A Case Of Treason19: CIA operations managers—not Valerie Plame—decide to send Joseph Wilson to Niger ... There is no other word for it. Except, some might call it treason. ...
www.tompaine.com/articles/2005/10/06/a_case_of_treason.php - 27k - Cached - Similar pages
lubablog: TreasonTreason. I didn't used to find much of Bill Maher's stand-up to be particularly funny. ... Valerie Plame was the CIA's operational officer in charge of ...
lubaluba.blogspot.com/2007/03/treason.html - 15k - Cached - Similar pages
...............................................
From scanning the above list, I did not see much/any support for your "Valerie Plame and her treasonous involvement with her husband Joe Wilson" statement.
Where did you get your information regarding Valerie Plame, her husband and the "T" word from? And creativity in this area is not allowed.
Posted by: bezelt | May 28, 2007 9:21 PM
Final Score:
bezelt - 1
cj - 0
Great job bezelt, you handed Neonut cj his Memorial Day lunch.....again
Posted by: John E | May 28, 2007 9:21 PM
Wingnut cj,
Bill Clinton is NOT the President anymore.
Quit trying to pass off the failures and outright lies from the current NeoNut administration to the Dems, crybaby.
Posted by: John E | May 28, 2007 10:44 PM
There is not a chance you will win; the truth is overwhelmingly against you.
Now that I have goaded you out, let’s play!
Posted by: cj | May 28, 2007 8:07:31 PM
Save play time for your analyst. Neo-cons, stay on your meds please!!!
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | May 28, 2007 10:52 PM
cj said:
bezelt,
Now lets go back to where the “hate speech” all started back to Teddy Kennedy’s liberal mantra “Bush lied” two- three years back. Certainly an example that proves your point. There is no apparent substance in that statement as it relates to Iraq. No one has ever been able to make a point to substantiate the outrageous emptiness you so effectively point out is just “ filler” . So let’s start with that.
bezelt said:
I drew no true/false conclusions about the WMD statements of Mr. Bush during his 2003 State of the Union Address. My question was/is "what did Mr. Bush know and when did Mr. Bush know it?
The Boston Globe said:
Kennedy to assail Bush over Iraq war
By Anne E. Kornblut, Globe Staff | October 16, 2003
WASHINGTON -- Ratcheting up his criticism of the war in Iraq, Senator Edward M. Kennedy accuses the Bush administration of telling "lie after lie after lie" to defend its policy in a fiery speech prepared for delivery today on the Senate floor.
Breaking News Alerts "The trumped up reasons for going to war have collapsed," Kennedy says in a speech that underscores his opposition to President Bush's request for $87 billion to fund military operations and rebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan. An advance copy of the speech was obtained by the Globe.
"The administration still refuses to face the truth or tell the truth," Kennedy says,
That full Boston Globe news story can be seen at:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2003/10/16/kennedy_to_assail_bush_over_iraq_war/
bezelt said:
I am not sure if America knows Mr. Bush's justification for his Iraq War. I doubt that WMDs would again be "floated".
But I don't think the Bush team has, publicly, modified its 2003 reason(WMDs) for going to war with Iraq. And some of the Bush team faithful are still waiting for a EUREKA!
However much of the press today calls the document that purported to establish a uranium sales transaction between Niger and Iraq, "now discredited".
I am not sure my response successfully relates to your, "outrageous emptiness" comment. Actually, I don't see where it fits.
Posted by: bezelt | May 29, 2007 6:51 AM
Cheney is a Republican chickenhawk. He's a draft dodger and a drunk driver. He has zero credibility. He tells nothing but lies. Run away to your secret undisclosed location. We don't need you.
Posted by: Doug R. | May 29, 2007 8:24 AM
What is the current status of the Iraq war? Wasn't it declared over after the aerobatics. If the war did restart what conditions are now necessary to, once again, declare it over?
Were the GOALS of the Iraq war operation met?
(1) Remove Saddam Hussein (met 2003)
(2) Export Democracy (?)
(3) Ignore the oil (?)
(1) The military removed Saddam Hussein.
(2) Now comes a heavy Bush team function.
How did the export of democracy fare? Democracy provides a tool for governing a country. How was Iraq governed after the Saddam government was removed?
It is common knowledge that terrorist's training flourishes in areas where there is a weak or no central government. Did the Bush team provide a strong central government for Iraq after the Old central government was removed in 2003? Common sense would strongly urge that a new central government be promptly established.
And in 2003 Iraq, a senior British diplomat was trying to find an American General whose job it was to start that new government. But he found no one. So, the streets of Baghdad provided the early training ground for terrorists who might later become a part of WORLD TERRORISM.
(3) The then Secretary of Defense said it wasn't about the oil. Below is a exerp from that inteview:
Presenter: Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld Thursday, November 14, 2002
Secretary Rumsfeld Live Interview With Infinity CBS Radio
Kroft: Mr. Secretary, what do you say to people who think this is about oil?
Rumsfeld: Nonsense. It just isn't. There are certain things like that, myths, that are floating around. I'm glad you asked. It has nothing to do with oil, literally nothing to do with oil.
It has nothing to do with the religion. People who have a viewpoint frequently throw up those two issues, and say, well, this is really against Muslims, which it certainly isn't.
The United States is the country that went in and helped Kuwait, a Muslim country. We worked in Bosnia to stop ethnic cleansing. We've done Afghanistan. And it's certainly not about oil. Oil is fungible, and people who own it want to sell it, and it will be available.
..............................................
Now there is talk of a BIG OIL interest in Iraq's oil fields. Wars have started for less.
Sure, there is a chance that the Iraqi war will end. But first, the current Iraqi war managers need to go away.
Posted by: bezelt | May 29, 2007 9:40 AM