(2007-09-11) — As Gen. David H. Petraeus and U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker testify this week before Congress about the release of their Iraq progress report, an alleged draft of the upcoming speech by President George Bush has leaked to the media through the usual channels.
Below is the unedited text of the speech scheduled for delivery later this week.
THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, a handful of you this week have listened in on what passes for Congressional hearings. You’ve endured the speeches of politicians who arrived with their minds set in concrete, as bulwarks against the truth. You have watched as one of our nation’s brave, devoted, valiant soldiers was ignored and described (in so many words) as a liar.
These broadcasts brought joy to the caves of al Qaeda, the halls of al-Jazeera, and to the streets of places where 9/11 is celebrated with dancing as the day America was devastated.
If you have watched or listened to these hearings, you can bear witness now that many so-called ‘representatives of the people’ have no clue what the people believe.
These sessions should have brought the nation together to focus on victory and to sound a warning to our enemies that we are united — committed to defend freedom and to defeat freedom’s opponents.
Instead we watched as career fund-raisers and clever lawyers used the opportunity to make moves on a political chessboard.
In Arlington National Cemetery, just a few miles from here, you can visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the unidentified body of a brave soul rests and receives daily visitors on pilgrimage to honor his sacrifice. On the side of the sarcophagus you can read this inscription:
HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN
SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GODThe Tomb of the Unknowns symbolizes a nation from which millions have arisen to fight for freedom around the world at the cost of their own comfort, safety and even breath. These are folks who know there’s something more precious than this fleeting life. With eternity in their hearts, and pictures of loved ones in their wallets, they thrust themselves into the breach where evil had threatened to break out and overwhelm. They showed themselves willing to go the distance, even to go to a nameless grave, in order to preserve something with blood that can’t be bought with money, or negotiated with subtle speech.
You can search all of the cemeteries, public parks and national monuments across this land and never find a marble or bronze tribute to a soldier who fled the field of battle because his courage failed, his hope gave out, or political expediency drove him to retreat.
You’ll find no statues honoring those who succumbed to public pressure, steered a middle course to safety, sacrificed their honor in order to achieve unprincipled consensus.
There is no tomb of the unknown politician, because the politician’s stock-in-trade is to make himself known at all costs, even if it hurts the anonymous citizen whom he is called to represent…even if it steals the glory from the unknown soldier by yanking the rug on the doorstep of victory.
There are no such memorials because Americans are a people who pay tribute to valor, boldness, integrity and victory against all odds. We are a people who treasure the rough-and-ready attitude of men who train to kill in order to protect — men who conquer in order to restore, and who never claim an inch of subdued territory for themselves.
This week’s congressional hearings might lead you to believe that the important issues in this current conflict are body counts, troop counts and withdrawal dates.
For the United States military and the people in whose name they fight, the important issue is always and only victory.
But the cynics in Congress and their publicists in the news media have seemingly convinced us that this war is un-winnable and the best we can hope for is so-called ‘peace with honor’, which is synonymous with retreat. This mindset demonstrates a colossal ignorance of history.
Rarely have we engaged in a battle whose outcome was certain from the beginning. Often war has taken us to the brink, and stretched us beyond all known human limits. Yet, by the grace of God, we have prevailed.
And in this current battle in Iraq, part of the larger war on Islamic jihad, we shall prevail…not because it seems from today’s vantage point that we can, but because we must. The alternative is too bleak for words.
Two thousand one hundred and ninety days have slipped by since lower Manhattan slipped below the cloud of dust and smoke thrown up by the falling towers. The initial shock, outrage, grief and unity have begun to fade. As a result, we now face a threat worse than any individual attack. It’s called complacency. It’s the attitude that since nothing has happened to us here since 9/11, nothing will. It’s a suicide potion that politicians, pundits and pollsters dispense, and that far too many Americans have drunk.
If you think Iraq is just a trivial civil war that we have gone to referee, then ponder what your life will be like when the kind of people who blew up and crushed 3,000 Americans in a single morning have access to one of the world’s largest oil reserves.
If they could plan 9/11 from caves and primitive mountain training camps, what will they do when they possess a land of 25 million people with factories, farms, airports, barracks and huge numbers of munitions.
This is not an intramural scrimmage. This is the most important contest the world will ever see.
We must win.
That’s not a topic for debate, or a political position. It is the most compelling fact of our time: We must win.
My fellow politicians in Congress, as we enjoy the luxury of playing the electoral game, seeking power, influence and fame; please realize that we can do that only because our military has surrounded us with a blanket of protection. The terrorists who plant roadside bombs in Iraq are eager to see how those explosive devices work against Congressional limousines here in the streets of D.C.. Shall we let them?
This week, some in Congress have appeared on global TV and questioned the integrity of a four-star general, and told our enemies that the U.S. Commander in Chief has sent his lackey to Congress to lie for him.
Whose cause do you advance with those verbal tactics?
Which side rejoices to hear such words?
What great objective can be accomplished through such speech?
They say history is written by the victors. When you envision this page of history being recorded, thanks to a grant from the National History Foundation of the Islamic Republic of America, no doubt you can already hear the accolades.
Recent polls show that 64 percent of Americans oppose the war. Let me tell you, on behalf of Gen. David Petraeus and the men and women who fight under the banner of freedom, 100 percent of our troops oppose the war. Our troops would rather be home holding their babies, mowing their lawns, taking the boys to football practice, eating a home-cooked meal.
But war
has been declared on us. In time of war you do what you hate to preserve what you love.
In time of war, the question is never, ‘How soon can we bring the troops home?’ The question is: ‘How can we win?’ The question is: ‘What will it take to crush the enemy to the point of absolute surrender or impotent insignificance?’
Our troops understand what they signed up for. It’s about time our politicians figured it out.
May God continue to bless America with clear minds, selfless love, and the freedom to exercise both.
33 responses so far ↓
1 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:00 am
God Bless America
2 Darthmeister // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:11 am
I weep when I contemplate how inarticulate President Bush and his own speech writers have been in cogently explaining the challenges before this great nation. I pray to God that your speech somehow reaches the hands of POTUS himself and some version of it can reach the ears of every American who loves this country and supports the mission of those troopers who are in harm’s way.
BTW, has anyone seen the excellent “Victory Is America’s ONLY CHOICE” ad in the USA Today?
Excerpt:
On September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacked America, killing thousands of innocent people. This was followed by terrorist attacks in Spain, London, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and in other places.
Just last week, a major terrorist attack was prevented in Germany.
The war against terrorism is real and is not going away. It is a global war that must be fought and won.
Now Congress must make an important and historic choice: Surrender to terrorists in Iraq or help that government defeat the terrorists.
Today is a day of reflection, of rememberance and resolve. Let us reflect on the lessons learned on 9/11 - the terrorists attacked us before and they are trying to do so again.
Let us remember those who died that day. And let us resolve to never let it happen again.
3 ACHefty // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:27 am
As a veteran of the Marine Corps, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Till there be no enemy but peace!
4 Fred Sinclair // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:29 am
If the President doesn’t deliver this speech to Congress - verbatim, he will have missed a golden opportunity. Great work, Sir Scott! Truely great! I thank you.
Heirborn Ranger
5 boberinyetagain // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:31 am
Very well put Mr Ott, I salute you
6 nylecoj // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:35 am
If only……
7 diamond jim // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:36 am
Scott- your words make the unbearable diatribe of the house traitors yesterday bearable. As eloquent as this speech is , it will take one 10 fold as good to offset what is sure to be utterly disgusting discourse today from the Senate traitors.
Keep up the good, no …..great! , work.
8 conserve-a-tips // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:44 am
Beautiful Scott. Perhaps the President will hire you as his own writer.
9 conserve-a-tips // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:46 am
Jim, I am going to be really surprised and disappointed if the Senate shows a traitorous butt on this day of days. If they do, then we can truly ask, “Have you no shame at all left?”
10 LEAK: Draft of Bush Iraq Report Speech at ~/my-other-beans // Sep 11, 2007 at 9:54 am
[…] Read the rest here…. […]
11 wildhowd // Sep 11, 2007 at 10:17 am
This was sent to me from a friend but I believe it to be the truth.
This is something I’ve wondered about for some time now: How & why do the Muslims hate us & everyone else so much? Doesn’t their God teach them to love?
Can a good Muslim be a good American?
I sent that question to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years.
The following is his reply:
Theologically - no. Because his allegiance is to Allah, the moon god of Arabia .
Religiously - no. Because no other religion is accepted by his Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256)
Scripturally - no. Because his allegiance is to the five pillars of Islam and the Quran (Koran).
Geographically - no. Because his allegiance is to Mecca , to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no. Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews.
Politically - no. Because he must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and Destruction of America , the great Satan.
Domestically - no. Because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34).
Intellectually - no. Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no. Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no. Because when we declare “one nation under God,” the Christian’s God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran’s 99 excellent names.
Therefore after much study and deliberation….perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. They obviously cannot be both “good” Muslims and good Americans.
Call it what you wish….it’s still the truth.
If you find yourself intellectually in agreement with the above statements, perhaps you will share this with your friends. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future.
Pass it on, Fellow Americans.
This war is MUCH bigger than most Americans know or can understand.
12 nylecoj // Sep 11, 2007 at 10:19 am
My favorite, and most tear provoking section of this is the one that begins; Recent polls show…….
As my brother and my nephews can attest what he says about the troops is true.
13 gafisher // Sep 11, 2007 at 10:24 am
Well said, Scott. God has indeed blessed America, and you are part of that blessing.
Sadly, even if this speech were delivered verbatim, all most Americans would hear of it would be a few clips carefully chosen to support our enemies.
14 Dennis Duggan McMahon // Sep 11, 2007 at 10:41 am
Wonderful column.
Would that God would bless Iraq, even a little bit.
15 boberinyetagain // Sep 11, 2007 at 10:42 am
wildhowd…oh my!
Are you suggesting that the war/fighting/dying to help these folks is not a good idea?
That’s blasphemy here my freind! You may well be taken out back and shot for such talk.
16 Gotcha // Sep 11, 2007 at 10:50 am
Why don’t you take your sour grapes, “nuthin’s worth fighting and dying for” and just go away for a while. We already know you’re a coward, bob. Can’t you just give it a rest for a day?! We honor and remember the brave today…not the whiney scare-d-cats! Thank God we are blessed with many more of the bravest and best!!
17 woodnwheel // Sep 11, 2007 at 11:53 am
Scott: “I thank my God every time I remember you” — especially when you write things like this!
18 Ms RightWing, Ink // Sep 11, 2007 at 12:31 pm
What time is this to be broadcast? sigh, we could only wish for the likes of that.
19 JIMINSTLOUIS // Sep 11, 2007 at 1:39 pm
If only POTUS was that articulate. Whoops. Am I allowed to use that word?
20 Tinman // Sep 11, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Kind of on topic. I was just watching the Gen. David Petraeus inquisition and a Sen. Ben Cardin, D, Mass. says reducing the troops to 130 thousand is no reduction, that only brings them down to a level where they were before the surge.
Now out of the other side of their mouths they will say that if they get only 70% of a tax hike, that is in fact a tax reduction.
ARRRGGHH.
21 Hawkeye // Sep 11, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Great words from a great man!
22 The Great Santini // Sep 11, 2007 at 2:27 pm
“In time of war you do what you hate to preserve what you love.”
That statement goes to the heart of the matter…so eloquent and so cogent. Well said, indeed, Scott. Bravo, Maestro Ott.
23 Hang Right Politics - Archives » There Is No Tomb Of The Unknown Politician… // Sep 11, 2007 at 4:45 pm
[…] response to the handling of the Patraeus report from Scrappleface: These sessions should have brought the nation together to focus on victory and to sound a warning […]
24 SnakeDoctor // Sep 11, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Scott,
As amazing as you are when you are writing satire, you are even better on those all too rare occasions when you are writing straight from the heart.
If only we had a politican in this country with the courage to give that speech. Why, he could be elected President.
You said, in the few minutes it took to read, everything… and more than the Bush Administration has been able to say in four and a half years. Every point spot on.
God Bless America, and may God continue to bless you.
25 woodnwheel // Sep 11, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Re. #23: I say amen to that!
26 camojack // Sep 11, 2007 at 6:20 pm
“…the cynics in Congress and their publicists in the news media have seemingly convinced us that this war is un-winnable and the best we can hope for is so-called ‘peace with honor’, which is synonymous with retreat. This mindset demonstrates a colossal ignorance of history.”
There it is, “in a nutshell”. Quite eloquent, indeed…
27 onlineanalyst // Sep 11, 2007 at 7:42 pm
You truly have a gift with words, Scott. This was the most heartening message that I have heard today.
September 11, 2001: Never forget!
28 Effeminem // Sep 11, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Eh, I think we’re winning, so I won’t worry too much about it. When the USA crumbles under the weight of its own entitlement programs and Europe has the next in a long line of ethnic cleansings, freer and happier countries will probably rise up.
29 rv // Sep 11, 2007 at 8:27 pm
If the President would really say these words, the resulting display of moonbat heads exploding woud be awesome.
30 old cro // Sep 12, 2007 at 3:23 am
(Standing) Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, etc.
31 Pros and Cons » Wouldn’t it be nice… // Sep 12, 2007 at 8:51 am
[…] Scrappleface took a break from satire to write a what-if piece, the speech we’d love to hear President Bush deliver. […]
32 MargeinMI // Sep 12, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Scott, Your speeches for Bush are always inspired and inspiring, and this one is no exception. One of your best, imo, very moving. You ROCK!
[Bic lit, waving in air]
33 Steve EVfuture // Sep 14, 2007 at 1:33 am
This was funnier when I thought it was just satire.
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