Bush’s fifth State of the Union address

America rejects the false comfort of isolationism.  We are the Nation that saved liberty in Europe, and liberated death camps, and helped raise up democracies, and faced down an evil empire.  Once again, we accept the call of history to deliver the oppressed, and move this world toward peace.

We remain on the offensive against terror networks.  We have killed or captured many of their leaders – and for the others, their day will come.  

We remain on the offensive in Afghanistan – where a fine president and national assembly are fighting terror while building the institutions of a new democracy. 

And we are on the offensive in Iraq, with a clear plan for victory.  First, we are helping Iraqis build an inclusive government, so that old resentments will be eased, and the insurgency will be marginalized.  Secondly, we are continuing reconstruction efforts, and helping the Iraqi government to fight corruption and build a modern economy, so all Iraqis can experience the benefits of freedom.  And third, we are striking terrorist targets while we train Iraqi forces that are increasingly capable of defeating the enemy.  Iraqis are showing their courage every day, and we are proud to be their allies in the cause of freedom.

Our work in Iraq is difficult, because our enemy is brutal.  But that brutality has not stopped the dramatic progress of a new democracy.  In less than three years, that nation has gone from dictatorship, to liberation, to sovereignty, to a constitution, to national elections.  At the same time, our coalition has been relentless in shutting off terrorist infiltration, clearing out insurgent strongholds, and turning over territory to Iraqi security forces.  I am confident in our plan for victory … I am confident in the will of the Iraqi people … I am confident in the skill and spirit of our military.  Fellow citizens, we are in this fight to win, and we are winning. 

The road of victory is the road that will take our troops home.  As we make progress on the ground, and Iraqi forces increasingly take the lead, we should be able to further decrease our troop levels – but those decisions will be made by our military commanders, not by politicians in Washington, D.C.

Our coalition has learned from our experience in Iraq.  We have adjusted our military tactics and changed our approach to reconstruction.  Along the way, we have benefited from responsible criticism and counsel offered by Members of Congress of both parties.  In the coming year, I will continue to reach out and seek your good advice. 

Yet there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success, and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure.  Hindsight alone is not wisdom.  And second-guessing is not a strategy.     

With so much in the balance, those of us in public office have a duty to speak with candor.  A sudden withdrawal of our forces from Iraq would abandon our Iraqi allies to death and prison … would put men like bin Laden and Zarqawi in charge of a strategic country … and show that a pledge from America means little.  Members of Congress:  however we feel about the decisions and debates of the past, our Nation has only one option:  We must keep our word, defeat our enemies, and stand behind the American military in this vital mission.

Our men and women in uniform are making sacrifices – and showing a sense of duty stronger than all fear.  They know what it is like to fight house to house in a maze of streets … to wear heavy gear in the desert heat … to see a comrade killed by a roadside bomb.  And those who know the costs also know the stakes.  Marine Staff Sergeant Dan Clay was killed last month fighting in Fallujah.  He left behind a letter to his family, but his words could just as well be addressed to every American.  Here is what Dan wrote:  “I know what honor is.  It has been an honor to protect and serve all of you.  I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to…  Never falter!  Don’t hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting.”

Staff Sergeant Dan Clay’s wife, Lisa, and his mom and dad, Sara Jo and Bud, are with us this evening.  Welcome.  Our Nation is grateful to the fallen, who live in the memory of our country.  We are grateful to all who volunteer to wear our Nation’s uniform – and as we honor our brave troops, let us never forget the sacrifices of America’s military families.

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