WOW! Who heard our president?

[Luv to Cook]

Was that a great speech or what? He did an amazing job! I feel so proud to be an American! What are your thoughts?

Anita

[BlueMoose]

I'm very proud of President Bush and I'm very glad I voted for him. I really trust in him!!!!!!!! He made me feel very strong and unified with my fellow Americans.

Chrisi

[maizeyoats]

He did a fabulous job and I thank God that he is the President.
Please remember to pray for him and our country everyday.

[kima]

Just wanted to say how impressed I was by Bush's speech- he said all the right things and with a conviction that was heartfelt and stirring. This Canadian says "Way to go"!!

[Meg O'C]

I agree. He did an excellent job (and I must admit, I was not a fan prior to the excellent leadership he has displayed in the last week).

[Beth]

I didn't get to hear most of it, but DH taped it. His reaction was the same as those already posted. I have to admit wondering what he would do if faced with a challenge like the Persian Gulf Was was for his father. The fumbling candidate has shown himself to be a compassionate leader. Guilioni has also raised his stature.

[HARRYET]

I have to agree w/everyone else, I was "wowed" by his speech and composure!

I was also in tears when he introduced the "widow" of one of the passengers of the PA plane that crashed! That woman is one strong "woman"

Ann

[Alisa]

It was a great speech but I was amazed that he didn't mention Canada - everyone I've spoken too feels very hurt by this, especially here in the military community I live in where DH and many of our friends have pledged their lives in support of whatever the U.S. decides to do against terrorism. Ouch.

[Angela]

Like Meg, I was not a fan of George W. AT ALL (gee, think I didn't vote for him?!), but he has done an excellent job this past week and a half and his speech last night was great! I was very impressed.

Alisa--I too thought it unkind that he did not mention Canada. It seems as though our neighbor to the North has been very kind to us and I think Canada and it's people needed to be thanked by him. Just be reassured that the American people are proud to have Canada as our neighbor and helper.

[emilycat]

I have to say that I was spewing bile during Bush's campaign -- I suppose you can say I wasn't a big fan. ;) But I've truly warmed up to him in the last week, and I was incredibly impressed with the delivery of his speech. He obviously gave it from the heart, with such passion and determination. It did make me very proud. :)

[beejayw1]

Originally posted by Alisa
It was a great speech but I was amazed that he didn't mention Canada - everyone I've spoken too feels very hurt by this, especially here in the military community I live in where DH and many of our friends have pledged their lives in support of whatever the U.S. decides to do against terrorism. Ouch.

Actually, I suspect he may not have mentioned Canada - or any other allies - because at this juncture it might have been judged unwise to 'connect' any other country with the US. Perhaps they envisioned the possibility of somehow inviting a terrorist attack against Canada or any other country mentioned closely with the US.

(Now, that's a terrible thought!)

And for all Canadians, I say The Maple Leaf Forever!

[Alisa]

Thanks for trying to make it better, but if you're right Bush sure has it in for these countries...

"America will never forget the sounds of our national anthem playing at Buckingham Palace, on the streets of Paris and at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate. We will not forget South Korean children gathering to pray outside our embassy in Seoul, or the prayers of sympathy offered at a mosque in Cairo. We will not forget moments of silence and days of mourning in Australia and Africa and Latin America. Nor will we forget the citizens of 80 other nations who died with our own. Dozens of Pakistanis, more than 130 Israelis, more than 250 citizens of India, men and women from El Salvador, Iran, Mexico and Japan, and hundreds of British citizens. America has no truer friend than Great Britain."

[beacooker]

I was very impressed with this story: Fans at the Philadelphia Flyers game last night protested when they tried to turn the President's speech off, so they stopped they game, and the whole stadium watched the speech instead.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/news/2001/09/20/flyers_president_ap/ (http://)

I, too, thought it was a good speech. I am so relieved to see our country coming together this way.

[christinew]

What an amazing delivery with such beautiful effective words.

Something that irked me was Hillary's smirks? I am hoping her pantyhose were too tight and she wasn't smirking at what the President was saying.

I am sorry that Canada wasn't mentioned. I love my fellow neighbors......

Christine

[emilycat]

Christine, I noticed that, too. I was wondering what she was saying, and I really didn't like the pompous expression on her face. :mad:

[christinew]

I like your avatar!

I really don't mind Hillary at all and think she is a smart woman but her body language disturbed me.

[beejayw1]

Originally posted by Alisa
Thanks for trying to make it better, but if you're right Bush sure has it in for these countries...

Geez louise! How did I miss that? What a blooper, and in face of all that was done by the Great Northern Neighbor in the time of need!

Well, I didn't vote for him (great speech, though) and I didn't vote for Gore, either. (If anyone's curious, I wrote in Senator Bradley's name).

[Nirak]

I was going to comment on Hillary, too. She all but rolled her eyes. I half expected to see her making that valley-girl gagging gesture. I thought everyone else in that room (with the possible exception of Schumer) was able to look dignified and supportive no matter what they might have been thinking. DH and I were so dispaointed. We've never liked her but I have tried to have an open mind this week. After last night, I don't think I can take her seriously.

[BlueMoose]

Originally posted by Nirak
I was going to comment on Hillary, too. She all but rolled her eyes. I half expected to see her making that valley-girl gagging gesture. I thought everyone else in that room (with the possible exception of Schumer) was able to look dignified and supportive no matter what they might have been thinking. DH and I were so dispaointed. We've never liked her but I have tried to have an open mind this week. After last night, I don't think I can take her seriously.

I was just going to say the same thing. I can't stand the woman, but have trying to give her the benefit of the doubt this week. After all, it's a time for all of us to put political differences on the back burner. But she really acted inappropriately last night.

[Alisa]

Maybe she was saying, "Geez, I can't believe I agree with a Democrat" or "Bill could never speak that well...":D

[Nirak]

Alisa,
You do have an open mind! I just can't buy it. And, I am from New York. I can't believe she won the election. She offended a lot of us non-NYC ers back then and it just isn't getting any better.

[SusieO]

I did not vote for George W. and I don't particularly care for him, but I have no choice right now but to support him and his decisions. And I was extremely impressed and amazed by his speech last night. It was incredibly moving, and effective.

We listened to it on the radio, so we missed out on Hillary's body language.

[Alisa]

Nirak,
I don't know beans about Hillary or her politics, it's just in my nature to look at every angle until I find the funny one....it's the Newfie in me.

[Jewel]

I missed the speech on TV last night, but I did get to hear highlights on the news, and again on the radio this morning driving to work. I was also impressed by our president. Some called his words 'extreme', but what else can he be!!?? I also noticed that this man that has never been that comfortable in front of the camera, seemed to blossom when he spoke so passionately about our nation and its people. Up until last night, the best 'speech' I ever saw him make on camera was when he was wearing his street clothes, speaking to us from Ground Zero in NYC. It seems like he's not himself in a suit and tie, but put his grubbies on him, and he's one of us...

One thing that I have realized, however, and I'm perplexed. Who is the NY Governer? We see Mayor Gulliani, and we see Aunt Hillary, but where has the NY Governer been during this tragedy? Maybe I've just missed it, but I've not seen or heard him (her?) since this thing began. I actually asked DH last night what his (her?) name was, and his face went blank...said he forgot that Gulliani wasn't the Gov! Can someone from NY enlighten me as to his (her?) precense or lackthereof?

As for Hillary, I've never liked that woman, and I never really liked her husband either. We as a nation were in danger of losing respect for the office of the Presidency, and I thank God that we now have a man in that office who will restore that respect and integrity. In MY opinion, the classiest person to come out of that family has been Chelsea. That woman's got some CLASS! Maybe her parents can take some lessons from their daughter...

[Laura]

Okay, I am not a Clinton fan (Bill or Hillary) so I will put that bias out front. Personally, I think Hillary is irritated that she is out of the limelight in all of this. Gov. Pataki (spelling?) has been with Guiliani but definitely has given Guiliani the stage. They were there together last night.

I think Bush did an awesome job and am very thankful he is our president.

[HARRYET]

I have to agree w/those of you re: Hillary!

IMO she is very pompus (sp?), I didn't want to post about her in my original post (didn't think she was worthy of any written word) but since someone else started and other chimed in, I will too.

I thought she looked like a "seal" the way she was clapping. Did she think the cameras wouldn't be on her at some point in time during the speech! The smirks were just killing me! I just wanted to go there and "Slap her silly". just MHO! sorry if I offened anyone, that was not my intent!

Ann :)

[Beth]

Ok, I watched the tape of the speech this morning. I had chills at times, tears welled at others. Not only at his speech, but at so many beautiful and strong people in that room.

I cannot explain why Canada was not mentioned. It appears to me that a couple of nations were mentioned as examples of striking televised scenes we will long remember. Other nations were listed as examples of the lives lost that were not American citizens. The majority of nations suffering loss of lives and those supporting the US were not listed. We know there is great support from Canada and most of the world, and appreciate it all.

I do think Hillary is a very intelligent and politically astute woman, but I can't help but wonder if she doesn't feel some embarrassment over these events. There is an article in today's paper about Clinton's failure to effectively deal with terrorism after the attacks on the USS Cole and 2 US embassies while he was having to defend his career against his own infidelities. If she has been working to get a ticket back to the White House under her own name, these attacks may have shot a bullet through that ticket before it was even printed. So many possibilities....even tight panyhose.

[kima]

Just wanted to add my disappointment to the fact Bush did not mention Canada. We had the largest memorial outside the Us in our capital Ottawa. Over 75,000 people attended and the ceremony ws broadcast live to the nation. Canadians are signing up in droves to the military. We are willing to risk our lives in this effort. Perhaps Bush will say something to make amends in the next few days. Anyway there are far important issues to deal with and Canada's support can be counnted on.

[Veronica]

Originally posted by Jewel
Who is the NY Governer? We see Mayor Gulliani, and we see Aunt Hillary, but where has the NY Governer been during this tragedy? Maybe I've just missed it, but I've not seen or heard him (her?) since this thing began. I actually asked DH last night what his (her?) name was, and his face went blank...said he forgot that Gulliani wasn't the Gov! Can someone from NY enlighten me as to his (her?) precense or lackthereof?

NY's governor--George Pataki--was standing next to Giuliani last night and has been just as involved in the rescue & recovery as Giuliani. Giuliani's speeches are getting more media coverage, so maybe that's why you haven't noticed the softer-spoken, more understated Pataki, but Pataki has been at his side constantly. Pataki's been VERY strong throughout this period. I'd hate to see him slighted.

btw, I thought Bush did an EXCELLENT job last night. The part when he held up the badge just about tore me apart. Bush is a tough man. I was impressed.

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by christinew
Something that irked me was Hillary's smirks? I am hoping her pantyhose were too tight and she wasn't smirking at what the President was saying

Tee hee - thanks for the good laugh about the panyhose! I too was completely baffled by her smirks. I was trying to be nice and give her the benefit of the doubt - that she's just worn out like so many of us - but the not-so-Christian side of me can't help wondering otherwise.

Jewel -
Governor Pataki (male) was right with Guliani last night at the speech. They have been together quite a lot, but Guliani has been the center of attention for the most part.

And Bush has never sounded better! I won't go into politics here, but I have had a lot of respect for all of those who have had to guide our nation this week while having to deal with their own personal tragedies. Especially Guliani who has lost colleagues and friends and was outrunning the building collapses himself!

[Jewel]

Thanks to Veronica and Lindrusso for clearing up the Governor thing for me! I just had realized that throughout this entire ordeal I'd never heard his name! Gulianni and Hillary have been getting much more media attention, as you said.

I also noticed the slight on Canada, but also have to give our President the 'e' for effort...he is doing his best, and has a lot on his plate right now. I know I'm not alone when I do MY part to thank our Canandian neighbors for their unwavering support! :D

[funnybone]

As a Canadian living in the US, I will try to shed some light on why Canada was slighted. Now, this is just my take on it, and since I have not lived there in the last four years, I can only speculate.

Canada does not have much of a military. They are basically "peace keepers" and they are already in Kosovo, Bosnia, etc. The US needs a country that can offer troops, such as the UK. Canada does not have such troops to offer.

Canada can help in terms of trying to thwart terrorrism. Canada has more "open" immigration compared to the US. Most immigration to the US is employment related. People with families wait many, many years to be able to bring their relatives over. This is not the case with Canada. They will have to start scrutinizing who they let in more now in the future, than they have had to in the past.

Any other Canadians out there who can offer some perspective?

[maizeyoats]

Jewel,
Governor Pataki has been around from the first and I am surprised you didn't notice that. He has gotten very high marks along with Guilliani.
Re: Hillary I think she realizes her future ambitions to be president are TOAST. It is true I am biased against her; but she has been a liar from the start beginning with her lie about the $100,000 she made overnight in the future's market. I could type for the rest of the afternoon about the rest; but I don't want to waste time on her.
Thank God Bush is the President. This is no time for a weenie to be in charge.
My one disappointment in the speech was that he did not acknowledge CANADA as being our greatest friend. My DH said it was because Tony Blair was in the audience.

[mandarin2j]

Originally posted by emilycat
I have to say that I was spewing bile during Bush's campaign -- I suppose you can say I wasn't a big fan. ;) But I've truly warmed up to him in the last week, and I was incredibly impressed with the delivery of his speech. He obviously gave it from the heart, with such passion and determination. It did make me very proud. :)

Ditto-beautifully stated, Emily!

-Amanda

[Wendy w]

I was extremely impressed and moved by what I had heard of his speech as I didn't catch it from the beginning - did not get to see Hillary's face but my coworkers told me about it.

Emily has so eloquently put my feelings into the right words as I have been very impressed with him during the last week. DBF who has always been a harsh critic of President Bush was impressed as well.

Mayor Gulliani is awesome! I was very moved when I had heard that that he escourted a bride who had lost her grandfather, father and brother within the same year down the aisle last Sunday. A shining example of the need to move on with our lives but never to forget.

[Alisa]

Funnybone, You're right that Canada's immigration policy is weaker than that of the U.S.

Do you really think the Canadian military is just about Peacekeepers? There are currently 2121 Canadians serving in peacekeeping missions around the world - a small fraction of the military's 60,000 members (ground troops too, many still suffering from effects of the Gulf War) - small compared to the numbers in the U.S. military but relative to our population.

DH flew surveillance flights over the mediterranean during the Gulf War - the longest time we've been away from each other and the only time he's been in a plane that was being actively shot at. He came home safe and sound and proud that they'd intercepted so many ships that had been trying to supply Iraq with weapons. Maybe this is why I'm over-reacting to this.

[emilycat]

Wendy and Amanda, thanks for your compliments. :)

I just wanted to point out that although I haven't heard anything regarding Bush's comments, Colin Powell today commended Canada for being such an excellent neighbor, reminding us that they were the first to respond after the attack, and so forth. Maybe our president will follow suit. :)

[Julia1Pin]

IMHO, yesterdays speech was one that will go down in history. It sounded like his speech writers really captures what Presodent Bush thought in his heart.

I thought one more interesting camara angle was when they panned to Barbara Lee (the one person in the WHOLE HOUSE, who didn't vote to give Bush the power to retaliate). She was very politely clapping, realizing that her political career is over.

[SueK]

I have to admit that I definitely was not a Bush supporter during the election fiasco. However, I think he is doing a great job, and also gave a great speech last night. I can't even imagine the pressure someone in his position must be in when something like this occurs.

I was also surprised when Bush announced that Tom Ridge was appointed to their new post. I truly thought Rudy Giuliani would get that position. He has done a remarkable job since everything happened. We get the NYC news here, and it has inspired me to see how he has dealt with the situation.

So, our state (PA) has lost a governor- Tom Ridge, but hopefully the country will benefit from his knowledge.

[Beth]

Originally posted by SueK
I was also surprised when Bush announced that Tom Ridge was appointed to their new post. I truly thought Rudy Giuliani would get that position. He has done a remarkable job since everything happened. We get the NYC news here, and it has inspired me to see how he has dealt with the situation.


I think taking Giuliani away from that now might not be seen as the best thing to do -- not that he hasn't earned an honor. You wonder what will be the next step for him when his term is up in January. The next mayor will have a huge job also.

[Leslie w]

Hmmm, I wonder if Hillary and Chuck Schumer felt a little slighted because Bush didn't mention them when he congratulated Pataki and Guliani for their outstanding job and leadership during this terrible attack. I personally can't stand the woman. She's always sucking up to the wealthy people who live in CT for campaign contributions and personal favors. I've read quite a few articles and books on her and Bill and it's very obvious that they are only in it for themselves. Why did she chose to run for senator of New York? It was her "ticket to the White House." Bobby Kennedy did it for the same reason but he had class, compassion and great leadership skills. I could go on and on but this subject isn't suppose to be about Hillary (I am enjoying the responses though!)

Bush has been doing a great job during this attack and although I didn't initially give the guy much credit when he was elected I have to commend him for his excellent choice in cabinet members,. and for his ability to rise above the occasion. If you believe in fate or divine intervention one can't help think that Bush was elected for a reason. I don't know how Gore would have handled the situation but he never struck me as a real strong leader, esp. when he chose to take the advice of Naomi Wolf and his daughters during the campaign and isolate himself from Clinton.

Our main focus should be to support Bush and our leaders through this entire operation, because unfortunately it's going to be a long one and mistakes will be made.

[christinew]

Good point about Bush not recognizing them but Pataki and Guiliani. I am hoping this is the reason and not because she has some horrid disdain for our President.

C

[funnybone]

Originally posted by Alisa
Do you really think the Canadian military is just about Peacekeepers? There are currently 2121 Canadians serving in peacekeeping missions around the world - a small fraction of the military's 60,000 members (ground troops too, many still suffering from effects of the Gulf War) - small compared to the numbers in the U.S. military but relative to our population.



Thanks for setting me straight, Alisa. All I know is that the Cdn military is NOT what it used to be. We are always hearing about their peacekeeping missions. They can be of assistance to the US, but not in the same capacity of some other countries. However, help IS help, and the US will take all they can get now.

By the way, we still subscribe to Maclean's magazine, and they had some great articles this past week. One that was of interest is the following:

http://205.150.121.181/xta-asp/storyview.asp?viewtype=browse&tpl=browse_frame&vpath=/2001/09/24/Cover/57070.shtml

[beejayw1]

Passing this on FWIW from someone who's fairly knowledgeable:

At the time of the speech, the governments of the countries mentioned had pledged support, etc. Apparently, the Canadian government is, or was at the time, reviewing the situation and had not come out with a formal statement of support.

Again, this is just FWIW, since I myself have not been keeping a tally of what each government has said. I'll check some other sources and update this post if I find anything.

Considering that we're neighbors, I'm surprised about what is not generally known by Americans about Canada (and vice-versa).

[christinew]

What is FWIW?

[food girl]

Being the avid NPR listener I heard the whole thing on the radio.
I felt like he did a great job. The next morning on NPR (again) someone made the quote : Some men are born to greatness, some aspire to it and some have it thrust opon them. The announcer was talking about how GW has risen to the occasion.

Driving home in the evening I heard this very interesting commentary (NPR again ;) )
http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/cmnpd01fm.cfm?PrgDate=09/21/2001&PrgID=2
click on Islamic reaction

It really made my stomach hurt! I now wonder "why" even more.

Lisa

[beejayw1]

Originally posted by christinew
What is FWIW?

Sorry; I keep forgetting that there is some 'e-shorthand' that isn't as well known as others:

FWIW = For What It's Worth
TIA = Thanks In Advance
BWDIK = But What Do I know?
IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
JMO = Just My Opinion
(My favorite) GSHMCH = Grinning So Hard My Cheeks Hurt

[Alisa]

Funnybone,
I hope I didn't come across as a Canadian who thinks her country is perfect just because it's her country. I am in the sad position of loving this country while being constantly upset at the the policies (and lack of) from an ineffective government. I am well aware of the problems with the military cutbacks in equipment & personnel from the many days & nights I have spent home alone worrying as DH tries frantically to do the jobs of two or three people.
I've also known for a long time that immigration policies here are terribly lax - but what to do? Many people here find the line between racism and strong immigrtion laws very fine. I do what I can to raise awareness, I have never voted for our present government, I have written letters...and though I thought I knew how bad it was, I have been shocked my the details these last few days.
I WAS hurt by the snub from Bush, but not because I think Canada is America's most important everything. I was thinking more of the rescue workers from this country who cancelled their vacations and left for New York on Sept 11 without a thought for safety or pay, for the people who took stranded passengers into their homes, of the massive outpouring of emotion from the whole country who all spoke the same sentance, "What can we do to help?" From an international perspective these things are small but they made a huge impression on me. I was posting with my emotions, and not my political brain (such as it is).

[funnybone]

Originally posted by Alisa
Funnybone,
I hope I didn't come across as a Canadian who thinks her country is perfect just because it's her country


Hey, never! Don't forget, I'm Canadian too. However, I do have to admit to being ignorant of some things that are happening over there now as we do not get any Cdn news here. Even being 6 hours from the border, we still don't hear much about Canada. We initally moved to the US because my DH's job transferred us. We do love it here, and do hope to stay. However, it would not be the end of the world if we had to move back to Canada as well.