"The advance of freedom always carries a cost, paid by the bravest among us," the President told the U.N. General Assembly this morning.
"President Bush opened his annual address to the United Nations Tuesday with remarks colored with optimism and emphasizing shared values between the U.N. and the United States," reports FoxNews. Our own live blogging notes:
Now we are at a time of tremendous opportunity for the U.N. and for all peaceful nations . . . to fight radicalism and terror with justice and dignity, to achieve a true peace founded on freedom . . . Every nation that seeks peace has an obligation to help secure that peace . . . Eventually there is no safety in looking away . . . In this new century our world needs a new definition of security . . . Our security is founded in the advancing rights of humankind . . . When we say serious consequences for the sake of peace, there must be serious consequences . . .
Because we believe in dignity [laundry list of initiatives, including anti-cloning resolution: “No human life should ever be produced or destroyed for the benefit of another.” Not exactly our cup of tea, but it will be music to the ears of many of GW's staunchest supporters.] . . . Peaceful nations must stand for the advancement of democracy . . . The desire for freedom resides in every human heart . . . Freedom is finding a way in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we must continue to show our commitment to freedom in those nations . . . We all have a stake in the world’s newest democracies . . . To anyone who would still question whether Muslim societies can be democratic societies, Afghanistan is giving its answer . . . The United Nations must respond more to Allawi’s requests for assistance . . . Iraq’s enemies know that a democratic nation in their midst will be a decisive blow for their goals . . . For too long many nations, including our own, have tolerated oppression in the Middle East in the name of stability . . . The U.N. should withdraw any support from any Palestinian leader [Yes, you, Yasser] who betrays their cause . . . We do not accept that democracy is a Western value . . . I propose establishing a Democracy Fund within the United Nations . . . The United States will make an initial contribution, and I urge all other nations to contribute as well . . . Each of us alone can accomplish only so much. Together we can accomplish so much more . . . Let history record that we followed through on these ideals, even in adversity . . . I’m confident that this new century will be Liberty Century . . . I have faith in the transformative power of freedom.
Out of the ballpark, GW. We tried to listen to Joseph Biden's Democratic response but had to surf away when he said sure, we mustn't cut and run, but we must change course. Can't you hear President Kerry's formulation? "I changed the course after I stayed the course."
Update: Here's the transcript.
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