The other day I watched President Bush speaking to reporters in
the East Room of the White House during a televised press
conference. It was embarrassing.
The other day I watched President Bush speaking to reporters in the East Room of the White House during a televised press conference. It was embarrassing.
Before taking questions, he gave a prepared statement that I felt was important for the world as well as all Americans to see and hear. In straight forward no-nonsense terms, President Bush presented once again, the reasons for our involvement in Iraq. He went over in some detail how 9/11 had completely changed the world picture.
He made no bones about the fact that America and the freedom loving people of the world are now engaged in a war with those who despise liberty. I was proud of his expression of compassion for those who have lost family and friends in the conflict as well as those who have family members in harm’s way.
Most of all, I liked the way he looked straight into the eyes of the world and made it clear that, “We are locked in a historic struggle in Iraq. On its outcome hangs more than the fate of the Iraqi people. Were we to fail, which we will not, it is more than ‘the power of America’ that would be defeated. The hope of freedom and religious tolerance in Iraq would be snuffed out. Dictators would rejoice; fanatics and terrorists would be triumphant. Every nascent strand of moderate Arab opinion, knowing full well that the future should not belong to fundamentalist (Moslem) religion, would be set back in bitter disappointment.”
I was embarrassed by the questions placed by the press corps. It seemed as though each question was structured along the lines of, “When did you stop beating your wife?”
In order to respond, one must either admit to wife-beating, or make a defensive denial statement.
It seemed apparent to me the questioners were not after facts, they were trying to create a “sound bite” his political opponents could use against him. I believe it is to his credit that the president called upon those particular reporters. I recognized at least one personal friend of mine I know to support the president. There should be no doubt in America or across the Middle East that America intends to stay the course. Our plan of action was made very clear.
At the end of the press conference, he focused squarely upon the group and said words to the effect, “When I say something, I mean it!” He turned sharply and walked away from the podium.
Here in South Santa Clara County the “Gilroy-Morgan Hill Republican Assembly” is joining thousands of groups and individuals across the country on Thursday, April 29, in hosting a President Bush Appreciation Party.
Ours will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, at the Holiday Inn near Dunne and Highway 101 in Morgan Hill. All Republican candidates wanting support from our area are invited. There will be a closed-circuit phone address at 5 p.m. from Vice President Dick Cheney.
I want to encourage every reader to join with us in showing support for our president. There is no charge for this event. On the other hand, should those supporting his political opponents succeed in defeating him next November, there could be a significant “penalty” for failing to show your support.
Ben Gilmore is a Morgan Hill businessman. The Board of Contributors is comprised of local writers whose views appear on Tuesdays and Friday.
