Amac:
First off, it is amazing this is what you want to discuss. Not the meat of the issue, just nuances of back-peddling and off topic claims. Ok for your benefit, I will play:
""a crass and overly premature victory message to not only the crew of the USS Lincoln but to the whole world? ""
The "victory message" claim is false (like all of Teejay?s claims on this issue).
Fact: The Lincoln did two tours of duty in two theaters of war. They were released of their duty. The mission was accomplished. They made their objectives. Are you somehow claiming that the Lincoln Crew was required to Administer the Iraqi reconstruction? Is this what you want us to believe?
What was the Mission for the Lincoln?
Fact: It was at first, to enforce the "No Fly Zone" in Iraq. The Mission then became support for the efforts in Afghanistan and then the overthrow of Saddam with Air support and Tomahawk Missel support. The Lincoln was replaced with the Nimitz Strike Group.
"It truly did signify a mission accomplished for the crew," Navy Cmdr. Conrad Chun said, adding the president's visit marked the end of the ship's 10-month international deployment.
What did Bush say about the Iraq War in his Speech?
""Admiral Kelly, Captain Card, officers and sailors of the USS Abraham Lincoln, and my fellow Americans: Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the Battle of Iraq , the United States and our allies have prevailed. And now our coalition is engaged in securing and reconstructing that country....""
(No "Mission Over" or "victory message" from Bush yet. This phase of the war for Iraq was over, still more to do...)
""We have difficult work to do in Iraq. We are bringing order to parts of that country that remain dangerous. We are pursuing and finding leaders of the old regime, who will be held to account for their crimes. We have begun the search for hidden chemical and biological weapons, and already know of hundreds of sites that will be investigated. We are helping to rebuild Iraq, where the dictator built palaces for himself, instead of hospitals and schools for the people. And we will stand with the new leaders of Iraq as they establish a government of, by, and for the Iraqi people. ""
(Wow, Bush is correct, Iraq is still dangerous no "victory message" here, where is it, TJ?)
Amac: Bush speech disagrees with your "Bush put his foot in his mouth comment"
The president said his statement "was a clear statement, basically recognizing that this phase of the war for Iraq was over and there was a lot of dangerous work. And it's proved to be right, it is dangerous in Iraq.
This is a case of "Perception becomes reality" in your and Teejay?s mind. But, the facts don't back it up.
Bush continues:
""The transition from dictatorship to democracy will take time, but it is worth every effort. Our coalition will stay until our work is done. Then we will leave, and we will leave behind a free Iraq.""
(Wow, Bush's words sure paints a different picture you are trying to make. No "victory message"here or "foot in the mouth" for Bush....???)
The rest of the Speech was about America?s resolve to fight terrorism abroad.
Funny, but the radical left never plays the sound bites of the president, they just show the image with the banner. I wonder why?
"""Do you Believe Bush......?""""
Unlike you, I cannot second guess what Bush knew or did not know. I do know that the crew of the Lincoln felt they completed their mission, based on the sign they put put. I can only observe the facts of the matter. And based on the Facts, your information was old, incomplete and the implications with the Picture was mis-used to prove your (false) point. Again, shame on you!
Amac, funny how you left out this part of the rebuttal:
"""The what I find absolutely fascinating is your seeming unwillingness, your abject REFUSAL, to admit to any error on Bush's part""
Teejay, in an effort to obfuscate the facts, Accused me of something that was not true. But hey, if he can mis represent the actions of the President, he can sure do it to me...
My only claims were: No dates on the story posted; this was old news; Bush did not even use the words "MA" in his speech on the Lincoln and the banner was the Crews request and Idea. And lastly, I do not think Bush is error free. Anyone who has researched my posts knows by beef with Bush.
Most appreciated Bush?s visit and the historic speech given on the Lincoln. It reflects the fact that the Military supports Bush 4 to 1 over Kerry. I wonder why?
Nice try, but the Facts of the matter prove otherwise..........