George W Bush's Statement at Pentagon

Federal News Service 10may04

[With Comments in Blue]

Washington, DC—Mr. Secretary, thank you for your hospitality, and thank you for your leadership. [There is a chasmous void of it presently] You are courageously leading our nation in the war against terror. [Terror R Us] You are doing a superb job. [Especially at Abu Ghraib] You are a strong secretary of defense. [Strong like bull...] And our nation owes you a debt of gratitude. [Oh, don't worry George, he'll see to that. The people of this country aren't totally devoid of logic and eventually they will turn on you and through you out of office. It's what will replace you—Kerry—that is troublesome too. ] 

I've just completed a meeting here at the Pentagon with members of my national security team, as well as a meeting with generals on the ground in Iraq. We discussed the needs of our military personnel, the status of current operations in Iraq, and the progress of that nation toward security and sovereignty. [Of course he kept in mind the interests of the multinational corporations that are profiting from this war] 

The United States has a vital national interest in the success of free institutions in Iraq as the alternative to tyranny and terrorist violence in the Middle East. [Free? How about starting right here in the US? ] As we carry out this mission, we are confronting problems squarely, and we are making changes as needed. [Really? ] 

Our priorities, however, remain the same: the protection of our country, the security of our troops, and the spread of freedom throughout the world. [This has nothing to do with the protection of the US, if you include all of its citizens. If you want to make our troops secure as much as we do, then you'll bring them home today. We are not spreading freedom and the rest of the world knows it. We have become worse than Sadam and Hitler ] Like other generations of Americans, we have accepted a difficult and historic task. [Please do not make a connection between yourself and US citizens—past, present, or future. ] 

We have made clear commitments before the world, and America will keep those commitments. [The list of treatise we've broken is very long indeed. For starters, how about the Geneva Conventions? Rumsfeld has admitted on national TV that he had no intention of upholding prisoners' rights. ] First, we will take every necessary measure to assure the safety of American and coalition personnel, and the security of Iraqi citizens. We're on the offensive against the killers and terrorists in that country, and we will stay on the offensive. [NOT ! We are on the defensive buddy. We know it. You know it. You know that we know. We know that you know. . . ] 

In and around Fallujah, U.S. Marines are maintaining pressure on Saddam loyalists and foreign fighters and other militants. We're keeping that pressure on to ensure that Fallujah ceases to be an enemy sanctuary. In northern sectors of the city, elements of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force are prepared to strike at terrorist fighters and prevent a resurgence of violence and chaos. South of the city, the Marines are disrupting enemy attacks on our supply routes and routing out anti-coalition fighters. [Wishful thinking] 

In towns of Ramadi and Husaybah and Kharma, Marines are on the offensive [They're on the defensive. Get it straight], conducting hundreds of patrols and raids every day. The enemy in Fallujah is hiding behind an innocent civilian population and calculating that our coalition's use of force will alienate ordinary Iraqis.   [Those innocent civilians ARE the insurgents, the enemy, the militia, or what ever else you want to call them. These are people fighting  ] 

Yet every day our troops are responding with precision and discipline and restraint. [Abu Ghraib and other prisons? ] 

We're taking every precaution to avoid hurting the innocent as we deliver justice to the guilty. [Really George, who wrote your script? Not only are you killing am maiming Iraqi civilians by the hundreds on some days, but you are knowingly exposing all of our troops to radioactive depleted uranium, along with countless other toxicants. The combinations that they are being exposed to act in synergy, making the real toxicity far higher than each one individually. Remember Gulf War syndrome? Well you haven't seen anything yet. Just wait until our valiant soldiers come home and their wives start having babies. It will be just like what's happening with the deformities and spontaneous abortions that we've caused the Iraqi families to experience. Read more about depleted uranium ] We're helping to build Iraqi forces that can take responsibility for security. [. . . and keep US corporations safe] And our forces are also helping to ensure the delivery of humanitarian supplies to families that suffer as a result of the chaos in certain communities created by the terrorists and those who want to halt the advance of freedom. [Do you think they would take our food if they weren't starving? They don't trust anything that has to do with the USA ] 

In Najaf, a major Shi'a population center and a holy site, our military is systematically dismantling an illegal militia that has attempted to incite violence and seize control. [It is the US that incited violence and seized control ] Soldiers from the 2nd Light Cavalry Regiment are conducting reconnaissance to learn the precise strength and location of enemy forces. The 1st Armored Division is steadily defeating these enemy forces while seeking to protect the people and holy sites of that city.

Elements of this militia have been ejected from the Najaf governor's office and a legitimate governor has been appointed. The people of Najaf and Shi'a leaders oppose the occupation by this illegal militia [It's only illegal if you're on the wrong side . . . the USA. Just put yourself in their shoes, knowing what little the US government hasn't managed to censor. ] and are putting pressure on the militia to withdraw. We're encouraged to see more Iraqis take responsibility for resolving the standoff in Najaf.

In all these ongoing operations, our troops continue to face serious danger, and this government is giving them every means of protecting themselves and every means necessary to gain victory. We're fielding the most technologically advanced military forces ever assembled, forces that are agile and flexible, able to strike in darkness and in light. [This is a good point. That we are the most technologically advanced is a gross understatement, and yet, the Iraqis are holding their own ground in spite of the overwhelming military superiority. The one thing your money can't buy is logic. ] 

Supplying and protecting our forces in Iraq is a long-term responsibility. So I've asked Congress to provide an additional $25 billion for a contingency reserve fund that can be used for ongoing operations in Iraq.  [Well, there goes the chances of a decent education for many thousand more children in the US. Our cities are nearly bankrupt and are finding it necessary to shut down all so-called nonessential services. ] I have pledged, as has the secretary of Defense, to give our troops everything that is necessary to complete their mission with the utmost safety, and I urge Congress to join me in fulfilling this important commitment.   [BRING 'EM HOME NOW !!!!!] 

Our military, from this building to the streets of Fallujah, is performing with exceptional skill and courage. They and their families are making tremendous sacrifices for the security of our nation and for the freedom of others. And all the hardships and sacrifices are not behind us. Our nation is caring for the wounded and grieving for the lost and praying for families who live in sorrow. We will always remember the ones who have died, and we will honor their sacrifice by completing the mission.

Our second great commitment in Iraq is to transfer sovereignty to an Iraqi government as quickly as possible. Decades of oppression destroyed every free institution in Iraq, but not the desire to live in freedom.

Like any proud country, the Iraqi people want their independence. The Iraqi people need to know that our coalition is fully committed to their independence and we're fully committed to their national dignity.   [. . .as long as their national dignity allows the US to take what ever it wants, as well as leave what ever it wants.] This is the reason the June 30th transfer of sovereignty is vital. The Iraqi people, and men and women across the Middle East, are watching closely, and they will see America keep its word.

The United Nations special envoy, Mr. Brahimi, is now back in Iraq consulting with diverse groups of Iraqis. In the next few weeks, important decisions will be made on the makeup of the interim government. As of June 30th, Iraqi's interim government will assume duties now performed by the coalition, such as providing water and electricity, and health care and education.

A key strategic goal of our coalition is to help build a new Iraqi army and Civil Defense Corps and police force and facilities protection service and a border guard capable of defending and securing the country. Major General Dave Petraeus, who commanded the 101st Airborne in Iraq, has returned to oversee the training and equipping of these all-Iraqi forces. Once constituted, they will protect a free Iraq from external aggression and internal subversion.

Yet the vital mission of our military in helping to provide security will continue on July 1st and beyond. Having brought freedom to Iraq, America will make sure that freedom succeeds in Iraq, a nation we will be proud to call a friend and partner in the pursuit of peace.

Third, because America is committed to the equality and dignity of all people, there will be a full accounting for the cruel and disgraceful abuse of Iraqi detainees.   [What about the top level military, intelligence and administration members who knew about the abuse more than a year ago!!! Serve justice on them first because it was their decision to allow it to happen and even instruct it to be done .] 

The conduct that has come to light is an insult to the Iraqi people and an affront to the most basic standards of morality and decency.

One basic difference between democracies and dictatorships is that free countries confront such abuses openly and directly. In January, shortly after reports of abuse became known to our military, an investigation was launched. Today, several formal investigations led by senior military officials are under way.

Secretary Rumsfeld has appointed several former senior officials to review the investigations of these abuses.   [Only independent reviewers will do.] Some soldiers have already been charged and those involved will answer for their conduct in an orderly and transparent process. We will honor rule of law.   [. . . except for me and my administration. . .] All prison operations in Iraq will be thoroughly reviewed to make certain that such offenses are not repeated.   [Just close them.] 

Those responsible for these abuses have caused harm that goes well beyond the walls of a prison. It has given some an excuse to question our cause and to cast doubt on our motives. Yet who can doubt that Iraq is better for being free from one of the most bloodiest tyrants the world has ever known? Millions of Iraqis are grateful for the chance they have been given to live in freedom, a chance made possible by the courage and sacrifice of the United States military.

We have great respect for the people of Iraq and for all Arab peoples -- respect for their culture and for the history and for the contribution they can make to the world.

We believe that democracy will allow these gifts to flourish, that freedom is the answer to hopelessness and terror, that a free Iraq will lead the way to a new and better Middle East, and that a free Iraq will make our country more secure.

I understand the difficulty of the mission of our men and women in uniform. They're facing an enemy in sand and heat and blasting winds, often unable to tell friend from foe.

I know how painful it is to see a small number dishonor the honorable cause in which so many are sacrificing. What took place in the Iraqi prison does not reflect the character of the more than 200,000 military personnel who have served in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

All Americans know the goodness and character of the United States armed forces. No military in the history of the world has fought so hard and so often for the freedom of others. Today our soldiers and sailors and airmen and Marines are keeping terrorists across the world on the run. They're helping the people of Afghanistan and Iraq build democratic societies. They're defending America with unselfish courage. And these achievements have brought pride and credit to this nation.

I want our men and women in uniform to know that America's proud of you and that I'm honored to be your commander in chief.   [The US adminstration doesn't want the soldiers to know the truth though. And that is that the rationalization for this whole war is a lie. Bush and gang had it in mind to invade Iraq long before 9/11. Terrorism was an excuse that came after 9/11. In other words, they are dying to ensure the safety and profit of corporations like Halliburton and ExxonMobil. ]