Bush UN Policy Address On Iraq
By Irwin N. Graulich (09/19/03)
George: Here is the latest version (draft #3) with all the corrections we discussed. If you deliver this version, Andy Card feels the poll numbers will rise significantly. Irwin (from undisclosed sources).
Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen:
A great deal has occurred in the world in the 2 years that have transpired, since America endured a horrendous terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001. We destroyed the evil regimes of The Taliban and Saddam, and many al Qaeda terrorists have been killed, jailed or are on the run. There has been no other successful attack on American soil. Unfortunately, the terrorists have succeeded in other areas of the world.
Last month, terrorists brought their war to the United Nations itself. The UN headquarters in Baghdad stood for order and compassion; and for that reason, the terrorists decided it must be destroyed. We all mourn the loss of 22 innocent people, along with Sergio Vieira de Mello, a wonderful and brave Brazilian representative who helped afflicted peoples in Bangladesh, Cyprus, Mozambique, Lebanon, Cambodia, central Africa, Kosovo, East Timor and now was presently working in Iraq.
There are nations sitting in this chamber today, members of this institution, who have sponsored, aided and financed terrorism. There are nations who have committed unspeakable harm on their own people. This organization was founded to rectify these horrors.
Those who incite murder and celebrate suicide reveal their contempt for life itself. They have no place in any religious faith, they have no claim on the world's sympathy, and they should have no friend in this chamber.
Unfortunately, the UN itself has become a victim of hijacking. The focus of attention for this once optimistic institution has been a tiny, tiny flourishing democracy in the Middle East called Israel. 700 General Assembly resolutions have been passed since the United Nations founding, and 450 of them concern Israel. Something is very wrong with this picture.
The history of anti-Semitism has taught us that initially, anti-Semites go after the Jews. However, Jews are only their first target. Just like the Nazis did not stop with the Jews, but sought world destruction and domination; today, the ideology of religious fundamentalism holds those same principles, strategies and goals.
And that was the reason for 9/11. First, evil focused on the Jewish target of Israel and now they have moved on to the entire West, with a particular focus on America. The most brutal megalomaniac since Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, began his reign of terror in 1978 by publicly declaring his dream of dropping an atomic bomb on Israel. The world should have learned a lesson from those evil intentions. Saddam has been the only modern day dictator to invade 2 sovereign neighboring countries, Iran and Kuwait; completely raping and pillaging Kuwait in 1990.
In addition, he attacked 2 other neighbors, Saudi Arabia and Israel, with Scud missiles. Had he possessed a totally operational capability to launch nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, there is no doubt they would have been unleashed. This man was more than evil. His psychotic mentality would have permitted him to destroy a substantial part of the region, if his desires could not be fulfilled. Evidence the environmental disaster he created by blowing up the Kuwaiti oil fields.
Every nation in the world should be appreciative of the role played by America and our coalition forces for destroying this monstrous Iraqi tyrant. It was not easy, although we made it look so. The costs were high, but nowhere near the price the world would have paid, had Saddam and his sons continued their reign of domestic and regional terror.
America lost precious sons and daughters. They will never be forgotten and we owe them and their fellow armed forces members a debt of gratitude and appreciation.
After a great deal of careful thought and discussions, my administration is embarking a a new policy. Americans are a generous people. The Marshall Plan and its philosophy were effective for a different time and under very specific circumstances. The recent conflict in Iraq and rebuilding costs are quite substantial, both financially and in human terms.
The people of Iraq are a proud people and need the opportunity to become self sufficient. The country is already being turned over to them in an organized, methodical fashion. This will take time. All costs associated with the conflict and rebuilding must be assumed by the proud nation of Iraq.
Although a wise American senator once said, "To the victor belong the spoils," America has never subscribed to this philosophy. Our great democracy is proficient at teaching self sufficiency, and we will do just that for the people of Iraq. Americans are a generous people, and in the end the world will benefit from a free, successful, decent Iraq.
After a military cost in excess of $100 billion, $87 billion is presently needed for specific projects, troop maintenance, security, infrastructure, etc. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq is blessed with being an extremely wealthy nation with the second highest proven oil reserves in the world. Our great nation with its engineers, scientists, business people and leaders will be assuming full responsibility for the revamping of this vital industry for the benefit of the Iraqi people, and to allow the repayment of all its debts. We will determine oil flows, not a small cartel who at times seem to hold the world hostage.
This strategy will eventually give the Iraqi people freedom and independence, and not create a welfare mentality; but reinforce a feeling of self sufficiency. The Iraqi people's dignity is important to us. The success of a free Iraq will be watched and noted throughout the region. Millions will see that freedom, equality and material progress are possible in the heart of the Middle East.
Finally, as far as preemptive wars against evil are concerned, which is a particular focus of this organization's authority today, let it be known that when this chamber does not act, decent nations must respond independently. This body has proven time and again that it can work very effectively on world health issues, constitutional/election programs and organizational needs.
The United Nations must understand its own limitations and look back at its history. Morality and fighting evil cannot be accomplished simply by a majority vote. Unfortunately, the great values and freedoms held by many democracies, are not something that all nations sitting here today espouse. We feel sorry for that.
Let every nation in the world know that America is the greatest force for good and will act accordingly when the world is threatened. We will not permit the terrorists or some of their partners in this very room succeed. Let us be clear again. You are either with us, or with the terrorists.
God blessed America with powers and strength far beyond those of other nations. We were also blessed with a high degree of morality. Some call these ideas arrogant, imperialistic, expansionist and dangerous. We simply call it, "the right thing to do!"
Let me just wait for the French translation on this to complete (only kidding on this last line George!)
The founding documents of the United Nations and the founding documents of America stand in the same tradition, but have distinct differences. Both assert that human beings should never be reduced to objects of power or commerce, because their dignity is inherent. But it is America that stands for the power of the individual to pursue life, liberty and happiness, and a moral law that stands above men and nations which must be defended and enforced.
We are proud to be a leader in that regard. May God bless you all. (Smile, George!)
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