Hail to the Thief
Here are some highlights from the President's address last night.
"We can go forward with confidence and resolve, or we can turn back to the dangerous illusion that terrorists are not plotting and outlaw regimes are no threat to us"
Which will you choose? Dangerous illusion or paranoid delusion?
"Twenty-eight months have passed... over two years without an attack on American soil."
I think FDR said the same thing in his 1943 address.
"It is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting -- and false."
Hope. So comforting, and yet so false.
"The work of building a new Iraq is hard, and it is right."
Yeah, you're right it is hard.
"Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction programs."
Article: "Libya Disposes of Phantom Arsenal"
Actually if that article is correct, Libya's arsenal is no more phantom than Iraq's, so I guess it counts.
"I know that some people question if America is really in a war at all. They view terrorism more as a crime, a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments."
Hey, he's talking about me! Hi Mr. President!
Terrorism is a concept, an activity or tactic really. I didn't think you could drop bombs on concepts, but hey, GW has proved me wrong.
"Let us be candid about the consequences of leaving Saddam Hussein in power... Already, the Kay Report identified dozens of weapons of mass destruction-related program activities..."
Already?
Here I think the syntax speaks for itself: "weapons of mass destruction-related program activities..."
Qualifiers anyone?
"Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized. This particular criticism is hard to explain to our partners in Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands -- (applause) -- Norway, El Salvador"
Let's break this down:
Australia and Japan are providing troops on the ground.
The Phillipines have donated hundreds of Imelda Marcos' old shoes.
Thailand has provided delicious exotic spices.
Poland has troops on the ground.
Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania just like having their names mentioned.
Alright, that's enough. Here are some stats:
The words "September 11th" appear 3 times in the address.
"Terrorist or Terrorists" 13 times.
"America or American(s)" 65 times.
In the 2003 Address:
"September 11th" 3 times.
"Terrorist or Terrorists" 13 times.
"America or American(s) 58 times.
By comparing these numbers I have concluded that we are no more secure than a year ago, but somehow we are more American.
God bless America.
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