In 2001, We Summoned The Heroes; In 2005, We Remember Them
From the WaPo: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/21/AR2005122100874.html
BETHESDA, Md. -- Since the Iraq war began in 2003, it has become an annual pre-Christmas rite for President Bush to personally comfort wounded soldiers. He continued that tradition Wednesday, going bed-to-bed in an intensive care unit and handing out Purple Hearts to the valiant.
Bush was visiting with Marines wounded in Iraq and the medical staff treating them at the National Naval Medical Center here. Before going behind closed doors to spend about two hours with servicemen and women, Bush spoke briefly to medical care givers and troops able to leave their rooms.
He said the troops' sacrifices are serving an important goal.
"What we're seeing today is brave troops and committed citizens who are not only determined to chase down the killers and bring them to justice before they hurt us again, but understand that by spreading freedom and democracy we're battling an ideology of darkness with an ideology of hope, and we're laying that foundation for peace for generations to come," the president said.
"The task at hand is one that requires determination and discipline and great faith in the ideals of human freedom and human liberty. And so coming here today is a chance to not only thank you for being a part of this incredible team of healers, but also being a part of this historic moment."
The president and his wife, Laura, were seeing Marines in the intensive care unit, and awarding Purple Hearts to two of them. On another ward, he was visiting more Marines and their families and giving out three Purple Hearts, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said.
The president makes occasional visits to either the Navy facility or Walter Reed Army Medical Center, nearby in Washington, to talk with soldiers recovering from injuries suffered in Iraq or Afghanistan. The pre-holiday pilgrimage to one of the facilities has become a staple on the president's schedule in each of the past three years.
I know the MSM will try to spin this as another public relations stunt; "to bolster his poll ratings," or some such nonsense. But as the piece states, this has been a staple of his administration. They claim it has been 2003, but I will argue that point. I know that in 2001 and 2002 he was visiting Afghanistan wounded. His visit has nothing to do with PR. His visit has everything to do with the fact that he does care. Not in the phony Clinton sort of caring, but real caring.
This man carries a burden on his shoulders heavier than anyone--even the self-proclaimed "leaders" who think they are qualified to serve as president within the Senate--can possibly imagine. I am pretty good at reading people, and despite my lack of knowledge regarding his daily routine, I know that the man carries America on his shoulders in ways that have not been seen in nearly twenty years. No, I am not comparing him to Pres. Reagan, but I am comparing the struggle he is engaged in with what Pres. Reagan went through in the end of the Cold War.
Regardless, and telling by my off topic touch I am tired, the president visited these soldiers. He understands their plight. These people did not want to get hurt. They did not go out of their way to get hurt. This is no photo-op. And yes, we are at war with people who want to kill us. The president visited these soldiers because they are making a difference. They are helping to change a region that has always been openly hostile to Western ideals, even if we are not the ones to formally introduce it, and have declared war on anyone who does not share in their ideals. We do not declare war on nations if they choose to be socialist, or they choose to embrace rap, or if they opt to establish a theocracy. We stand opposed to nations that threaten our freedom and survival, and those of our allies, and those that have decided that oppression is the best way to control their populace even to the point of violence against them.
The soldiers in Bethesda did their job. They did their duty. The president ordered them to engage hostile nations, and they did so; they have done so splendidly. There are those that wholeheartedly disagree. Fine, you may do so, but have your facts straight before you argue the point. Too many of these talking points fall apart with relative ease. Their positions do not strengthen their debate especially when they refuse to concede a fact; the NSA leak is a prime example that has brought every loony moonbat out of the woodwork to challenge the president's authority.
The president wanted to visit the troops to wish them well, wish them a Merry Christmas, and to spend time with the young men and women injured in the service of their nation. At the very least the press can lay off of him, and let him do one of the hardest jobs that a president has to bear: Humility in front of those that stand and defend this nation, day in and day out, and know that their recognition for doing so is too small for a job so large.
To all the troops this Christmas season, Thomas, Sabrina, and I wish you and yours many safe and happy returns. God Bless You for your sacrifices, and thank you for your service to this nation. Your efforts are a debt we can never fully repay.
The Bunny ;)
From the WaPo: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/21/AR2005122100874.html
BETHESDA, Md. -- Since the Iraq war began in 2003, it has become an annual pre-Christmas rite for President Bush to personally comfort wounded soldiers. He continued that tradition Wednesday, going bed-to-bed in an intensive care unit and handing out Purple Hearts to the valiant.
Bush was visiting with Marines wounded in Iraq and the medical staff treating them at the National Naval Medical Center here. Before going behind closed doors to spend about two hours with servicemen and women, Bush spoke briefly to medical care givers and troops able to leave their rooms.
He said the troops' sacrifices are serving an important goal.
"What we're seeing today is brave troops and committed citizens who are not only determined to chase down the killers and bring them to justice before they hurt us again, but understand that by spreading freedom and democracy we're battling an ideology of darkness with an ideology of hope, and we're laying that foundation for peace for generations to come," the president said.
"The task at hand is one that requires determination and discipline and great faith in the ideals of human freedom and human liberty. And so coming here today is a chance to not only thank you for being a part of this incredible team of healers, but also being a part of this historic moment."
The president and his wife, Laura, were seeing Marines in the intensive care unit, and awarding Purple Hearts to two of them. On another ward, he was visiting more Marines and their families and giving out three Purple Hearts, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said.
The president makes occasional visits to either the Navy facility or Walter Reed Army Medical Center, nearby in Washington, to talk with soldiers recovering from injuries suffered in Iraq or Afghanistan. The pre-holiday pilgrimage to one of the facilities has become a staple on the president's schedule in each of the past three years.
I know the MSM will try to spin this as another public relations stunt; "to bolster his poll ratings," or some such nonsense. But as the piece states, this has been a staple of his administration. They claim it has been 2003, but I will argue that point. I know that in 2001 and 2002 he was visiting Afghanistan wounded. His visit has nothing to do with PR. His visit has everything to do with the fact that he does care. Not in the phony Clinton sort of caring, but real caring.
This man carries a burden on his shoulders heavier than anyone--even the self-proclaimed "leaders" who think they are qualified to serve as president within the Senate--can possibly imagine. I am pretty good at reading people, and despite my lack of knowledge regarding his daily routine, I know that the man carries America on his shoulders in ways that have not been seen in nearly twenty years. No, I am not comparing him to Pres. Reagan, but I am comparing the struggle he is engaged in with what Pres. Reagan went through in the end of the Cold War.
Regardless, and telling by my off topic touch I am tired, the president visited these soldiers. He understands their plight. These people did not want to get hurt. They did not go out of their way to get hurt. This is no photo-op. And yes, we are at war with people who want to kill us. The president visited these soldiers because they are making a difference. They are helping to change a region that has always been openly hostile to Western ideals, even if we are not the ones to formally introduce it, and have declared war on anyone who does not share in their ideals. We do not declare war on nations if they choose to be socialist, or they choose to embrace rap, or if they opt to establish a theocracy. We stand opposed to nations that threaten our freedom and survival, and those of our allies, and those that have decided that oppression is the best way to control their populace even to the point of violence against them.
The soldiers in Bethesda did their job. They did their duty. The president ordered them to engage hostile nations, and they did so; they have done so splendidly. There are those that wholeheartedly disagree. Fine, you may do so, but have your facts straight before you argue the point. Too many of these talking points fall apart with relative ease. Their positions do not strengthen their debate especially when they refuse to concede a fact; the NSA leak is a prime example that has brought every loony moonbat out of the woodwork to challenge the president's authority.
The president wanted to visit the troops to wish them well, wish them a Merry Christmas, and to spend time with the young men and women injured in the service of their nation. At the very least the press can lay off of him, and let him do one of the hardest jobs that a president has to bear: Humility in front of those that stand and defend this nation, day in and day out, and know that their recognition for doing so is too small for a job so large.
To all the troops this Christmas season, Thomas, Sabrina, and I wish you and yours many safe and happy returns. God Bless You for your sacrifices, and thank you for your service to this nation. Your efforts are a debt we can never fully repay.
The Bunny ;)
posted by Syd And Vaughn | 1:12 AM
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