Although I admittedly lean right, which I think may be fairly apparent from my blog, I find myself taking a step back as super Tuesday quickly approaches.
I listened to President Bush's final State of the Union Address Monday night, and I was pleasantly surprised. Admittedly, he has little to no hope of achieving any of his departing wishes with a Democratic Congress and minimal support from the public, yet he said what he felt he needed to say, and even threw a few punches toward the left. With the beating he has endured over the past seven years, I say they were long overdue.
He did not mince words when it came to the war in Iraq, his pride in our military, and his trust in General Petraeus.
We have had a president in office for eight years who had to lead this country through one of the greatest tragedies in American history. He had to make a decision on how to deal with 9/11, and he did just that with compassion and fervor. He also never second guessed his choice and willingly forged ahead.
What was the best possible solution to 9/11 and the perilous situation in Iraq and Afghanistan? I would like to meet the one man or woman who thinks they have that answer.
As for our troops overseas, I thought Bush's statement directed toward them was one that they, as well as Congress, needed to hear.
"This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the frontlines. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the past year, you have done everything we have asked of you, and more. Our Nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight in this hallowed chamber, with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our Nation. And I ask the Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops."
There's no better way to show our support for our troops than by providing them with what they need from artillery to a wash cloth.
I pray for our troops every single day, and now I pray for a leader for our nation that will find a way to lessen the demand for our services in Iraq and Afghanistan without erasing the accomplishments our troops have achieved. I also pray for a leader who understands the severity of the threats against our country and is willing to continue to fight those who want to hurt the people of this free country.
November 2008 is going to be the most important election in my lifetime, and I am proud to say that I will be able to cast my vote toward the candidate who I believe will fulfill my dreams as an American citizen, and support our military who allowed and granted me that privilege.
Transcript of the 2008 State of the Union Address
"This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the frontlines. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the past year, you have done everything we have asked of you, and more. Our Nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight in this hallowed chamber, with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our Nation. And I ask the Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops."
There's no better way to show our support for our troops than by providing them with what they need from artillery to a wash cloth.
I pray for our troops every single day, and now I pray for a leader for our nation that will find a way to lessen the demand for our services in Iraq and Afghanistan without erasing the accomplishments our troops have achieved. I also pray for a leader who understands the severity of the threats against our country and is willing to continue to fight those who want to hurt the people of this free country.
November 2008 is going to be the most important election in my lifetime, and I am proud to say that I will be able to cast my vote toward the candidate who I believe will fulfill my dreams as an American citizen, and support our military who allowed and granted me that privilege.
Transcript of the 2008 State of the Union Address
