Bush Defends War In Iraq At Utah Meeting
Bush Defends War in Iraq at Utah Meeting
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bush
(Gold9472: He found time to go to Utah, but no time to speak with Cindy.)
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press Writer
8/25/2005
SALT LAKE CITY - President Bush defended the war in Iraq on Monday in the face of growing skepticism, asserting that "a policy of retreat and isolation will not bring us safety" from terrorism.
With U.S. casualties rising and his approval rating falling, Bush urged Americans to stand united in the war in Iraq and against terrorists everywhere.
While the United States has not been attacked since Sept. 11, 2001, Bush said, "We're not yet safe. Terrorists in foreign lands still hope to attack our country. We must confront threats before they fully materialize."
"The only way to defend to our citizens where we live is to go after the terrorists where they live," Bush said in a speech to the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Between 400 and 500 people gathered at an anti-war rally in Pioneer Park, about three blocks from the Salt Palace where Bush spoke. "It's like Vietnam all over again, and I opposed that too," said George Muller of Salt Lake, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who was dressed in desert fatigues.
Muller, who said he served from 1961-2002, said he was pleased to see so many people at the rally, and that he believed there was a shift in the country's attitude toward the war.
"That's what it's going to take — veterans groups, veterans and mothers who have lost kids speaking out," Muller said.
Bush spoke as negotiators in Iraq struggled against a midnight deadline to complete a draft constitution to present to parliament. He said it was a difficult process that required debate and compromise. He expressed confidence that negotiators will produce a constitution "that reflects the values and traditions of the Iraqi people."
Bush said that America's own history demonstrates that writing a constitution is a task complicated by political rivalries and regional disagreements. "So Americans understand the challenge facing the framers of Iraq's new constitution," he said. "We admire their thoughtful deliberations. We salute their determination to lay the foundation for lasting democracies amid the ruins of a brutal dictatorship."
The president also praised Israel for taking the "courageous and painful step" of removing Israeli settlements in the Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank. He said the move reflected the "bold leadership" of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
The speech marked Bush's first public appearance in more than a week.
While Bush has been secluded at his ranch in nearby Crawford since Aug. 13, anti-war protesters camped by the roadside have taken the limelight, complete with a Sunday evening concert by folk singer Joan Baez.
Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Hagel (news, bio, voting record), R-Neb., a prospective presidential candidate, said the war in Iraq has destabilized the Middle East and is looking more like the Vietnam conflict in which he fought a generation ago.
With so much attention focused on Iraq's problems, Bush planned to deliver two speeches this week to reaffirm his plan to stay the course. The Monday speech to the VFW was to be followed by one Wednesday to a National Guard group in Nampa, Idaho.
Bush has strong support in Utah, where he received nearly 70 percent of the vote last fall. But nationwide polls find the public growing more skeptical about his handling of the war.
Hagel, who received two Purple Hearts and other military honors for his service in Vietnam, said Sunday the United States needs to develop a strategy to leave Iraq. He told ABC's "This Week" that "stay the course" is not a policy.
"By any standard, when you analyze 2 1/2 years in Iraq ... we're not winning," he said.
Other Republican senators appearing on Sunday news shows advocated remaining in Iraq until the mission set by Bush is completed, but they also noted that the public is becoming more and more concerned and needs to be reassured.
