President Cogratulates Iraqis on Successful Elections

(The South Grounds)

President's Remarks

12:47 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:
Quote:
"On behalf of the American people, I'd like to congratulate the people of Iraq for the successful completion of a vote on their draft constitution. By all indications, the turnout was greater than the turnout from the last January election, which is good news. By all indications, the Sunnis participated in greater numbers in this election than last time. And that's good news. After all, the purpose of a democracy is to make sure everybody is -- participates in the process. I'm also pleased, from the initial indications, that the level of violence was considerably less than the last election. That's a tribute to the Iraqis -- forces who we've trained, as well as coalition forces that worked hard to make sure that democracy could move forward in Iraq. This is a very positive day for the Iraqis and, as well, for world peace. Democracies are peaceful countries. The vote today in Iraq stands in stark contrast to the attitudes and philosophy and strategy of al Qaeda and its terrorist friends and killers. We believe, and the Iraqis believe, the best way forward is through the democratic process. Al Qaeda wants to use their violent ways to stop the march of democracy because democracy is the exact opposite of what they believe is right. We're making progress toward peace. We're making progress toward an ally that will join us in the war on terror, that will prevent al Qaeda from establishing safe haven in Iraq, and a country that will serve as an example for others who aspire to live in freedom. So, again, I congratulate the Iraqi people. I thank you for meeting this milestone. Thank you for doing what is right, to set the foundations for peace for future generations to come. Appreciate it."

END 12:51 P.M. EDT
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(The back yard)

L-Mans Remarks

11:45 central

Funny how some don't realize this is a statement of opinion by the President and his advisors. At the time that the President made this statement there had not even been any actual vote count. I hope that the voting goes the way we "need" it to go so we can get our troops out sooner but I'm not willing to accept any opinion from the President since his opinions and miss-guided principles may be what got us into this war for who-knows-what.......I prefer to wait until I know how the voting really went. It may well be that more Sunnis voted but did not vote the way we need them to vote so that we may start to pull out troops. It also may be that more Sunnis turned up to vote due to the increased security and lull in insurgency activities partially due to the ban on automobile during this event. (I don't understand why this isn't made permanent while we are in occupation there. It's not like the Iraqis need to drive to thier Sunday picnics. Most are terrified to even leave shelter except to scrounge what they need to survive).Believe it or not , I'd truly like to be able to trust President Bush. It really doesn't feel very good to feel betrayed as many of us do. I usually just distance myself from those I do not trust but it is next to impossible when that person has as much control over the lives of myself and others as President Bush has. This is a statement of opinion by myself.......not necessarily fact.


END: 11:51 central
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