Bush supporters' aftermath thread

Can all those Iraq critics please keep in mind that Americans are the ones bearing the cost in blood and treasure?

Boxer was out of line in blaming Rice for mistakes made by the intel folks and mistakes of the Pentagon - Rice didn't handle those, then or now.

Does Boxer have any better ideas for how to extricate ourselves from Iraq? Kerry didn't.

Then, Bernie, we have to sit through PDiddie's lament "We wuz robbed." Which we're doing right now <G>

The pictures coming out of Iraq are stunning. From the mainstream media, you expected to see nothing but disheveled, abused, intimidated people, war strewn rubble, and carnage. Instead you see well dressed men and women, exhuberant, joyous, and dancing in the streets.

Thank you, PDiddie, for this courteous and constructive exchange of views. Nothing you have to say bothers me in the least - rest assured on that part - but it seems to bother you, if all this foaming-at-the-mouth verbosity you exhibit is any indication.

From the mainstream media, you expected to see nothing but disheveled, abused, intimidated people, war strewn rubble, and carnage.

Boxer really ought to have, at the very least, kissed a shoe or scrambled over on her knees holding a tasseled-pillow weighty with gift, or DONE SOMETHING TO SHOW FEALTY! Goodness knows, the 'advice and consent' role of the Senate ought really to be not other than pennants waving and the high shout of trumpets. Condiness is a Queenly aspect, after all. And it is deeply improper - deeply - to imply the Queen has behaved like a low-class obfuscation slut.

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Note to Ticomaya: your opening statement that you didn't expect too many posts was proven wrong - why, do you think? The blue caterpillars (ahem!) are a suspect <G>

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For goodness sakes...Bill Bennett's site is just the place to go for your objective information on what's going on. "Polling and reports on the ground"? Polling of whom done by whom and verified by whom? It's so unsafe even for Iraq-experienced reporters than they can get almost nowhere and talk to very few people.

"And so the conversation turned,
until the sun went down,
and many fantasies were learned..."

(thanks, Human League)

Good Americans have died in duels before. And as sexually uncomfortable as it would make me to see George in white gloves, certain intractable arguments might be well settled in that manner.

President Congratulates Iraqis on Election
The Cross Hall

1:00 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Today the people of Iraq have spoken to the world, and the world is hearing the voice of freedom from the center of the Middle East.

In great numbers, and under great risk, Iraqis have shown their commitment to democracy. By participating in free elections, the Iraqi people have firmly rejected the anti-democratic ideology of the terrorists. They have refused to be intimidated by thugs and assassins. And they have demonstrated the kind of courage that is always the foundation of self-government.

President George W. Bush leaves the podium after delivering a statement on Iraq's elections from the Cross Hall of the White House, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2005. White House photo by Eric Draper. Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens. We also mourn the American and British military personnel who lost their lives today. Their sacrifices were made in a vital cause of freedom, peace in a troubled region, and a more secure future for us all.

The Iraqi people, themselves, made this election a resounding success. Brave patriots stepped forward as candidates. Many citizens volunteered as poll workers. More than 100,000 Iraqi security force personnel guarded polling places and conducted operations against terrorist groups. One news account told of a voter who had lost a leg in a terror attack last year, and went to the polls today, despite threats of violence. He said, "I would have crawled here if I had to. I don't want terrorists to kill other Iraqis like they tried to kill me. Today I am voting for peace."

Across Iraq today, men and women have taken rightful control of their country's destiny, and they have chosen a future of freedom and peace. In this process, Iraqis have had many friends at their side. The European Union and the United Nations gave important assistance in the election process. The American military and our diplomats, working with our coalition partners, have been skilled and relentless, and their sacrifices have helped to bring Iraqis to this day. The people of the United States have been patient and resolute, even in difficult days.

The commitment to a free Iraq now goes forward. This historic election begins the process of drafting and ratifying a new constitution, which will be the basis of a fully democratic Iraqi government. Terrorists and insurgents will continue to wage their war against democracy, and we will support the Iraqi people in their fight against them. We will continue training Iraqi security forces so this rising democracy can eventually take responsibility for its own security.

There's more distance to travel on the road to democracy. Yet Iraqis are proving they're equal to the challenge. On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Iraq on this great and historic achievement.

Thank you very much.

END 1:05 P.M. EST