The following is a video excerpt of her remarks:
"If not for America, who would rally freedom-loving nations to defend liberty and democracy in our world? ...
The weight of international leadership is not borne easily. But we in America are more than equal to this challenge and we must be. For as we imagine a world without American leadership, we are led inescapably to this solemn conclusion:
If America does not serve great purposes, if we do not rally other nations to fight intolerance and to support peace and to defend freedom, and to help give all hope who suffer oppression, then our world will drift toward tragedy.
The strong will do what they please. The weak will suffer most of all and inevitably, inevitably, sooner or later the threats of our world will strike once again at the very heart of our nation.
So together, let us continue on our present course. Let us reaffirm our belief that in the words of Thomas Jefferson "The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time....
finally, more than anything, let us resolve to deal with the world as it is, but never to accept that we are powerless to make it better than it is. Not perfect, but better.
America will lead…America will lead the cause of freedom in our world, not because we think ourselves perfect. To the contrary, we cherish democracy and champion its ideals because we know ourselves to be imperfect. "
The full text, along with video and audio links are here.
I am always extremely proud and pleased with the performance of Dr. Rice as she undertanks this most difficult these past five years. Never more so than to hear words of such simple power and eloquence.
They say the truest mark of a great leader is one who finds the best, most capable minds to serve alongside him. In that President Bush has already achieved a legacy that outshines many others by comparison.
Linked to at Chatterbox Chronicles and Assorted Babble
No comments:
Post a Comment