Thursday, January 15, 2009

Thank You President Bush

President George W. Bush gave his farewell address to the nation tonight. (Video here, text here)
As we address these challenges - and others we cannot foresee tonight - America must maintain our moral clarity. I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause of peace.

President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.

The President showed the grace and class he has always shown under fierce and vicious attacks. While he has made his share of mistakes, I believe the perspective of history will be kinder and more realistic than the emotions of our time.

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