Statement On The Passing Of Marco Rubio’s father

Miami, FL – Surrounded by family and loved ones, Marco Rubio’s father, Mario Rubio, passed away tonight at Baptist Hospital in Miami. He was 83 years old. Mario Rubio suffered from a long bout with emphysema and lung cancer.

In his final moments, Mario was accompanied by his loving wife of 61 years, Oria, his children Mario, Barbara, Marco and Veronica, and his extended family.

On the passing of his father, Marco Rubio issued the following statement:

“My father knew hard work and struggle from very early in his life. His mother died when he was only 9 years old. The day after his mother was buried he went to work with his father and did not stop working until he was 78 years old.

“He was by far the most unselfish person I have ever known, always focused on others, and never on his own well being. He was especially determined to provide his children opportunities he himself never had.

“My dad worked as a street vendor, security guard, apartment building manager and crossing guard. But for most of his life he was a bartender, and by all accounts a great one. But his greatest success came from the two most important jobs he ever had: husband and father.

“He was very proud of my public service. And over the last 18 months he became an expert channel surfer, constantly searching for my next television interview.

“I was blessed to be raised by a world class father. And I thank God for allowing my father to live long and healthy enough to see that the sacrifices he made for us were not in vain.”

For the entire Rubio family, as well as our campaign, politics will now be placed on temporary hold. We will resume our full schedule some time in the coming days. During this time, we respectfully ask for privacy for Marco and his family so they may mourn their loss in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the Rubio family requests honoring Mario Rubio’s memory by supporting the League Against Cancer/Liga Contra El Cancer ligacontraelcancer.org/.

TEXT CREDIT: Marco Rubio for US Senate

Bill Flores Unemployment Rate is Totally Unacceptable

STATEMENT: Flores: Unemployment Rate is Totally Unacceptable Amid Massive Spending and the Failed Stimulus, Unemployment is Rising.

BRYAN, TX – Bill Flores, the Republican nominee for Congress in Texas’ 17th District, released the following statement today amid the jobs report showing that the national unemployment rate has increased to 9.6 percent:

“Today we received yet another discouraging sign about our economy, as the national unemployment rate increased to 9.6 percent in August. While Democrats have promised a “Recovery Summer,” the truth is that 283,000 jobs were lost during the summer. It is clear to all Americans that the job killing agenda of Obama and Pelosi, which Congressman Chet Edwards has supported, is damaging our economy and hurting middle class families.

“The so-called stimulus bill, which cost $814 billion, has failed to keep unemployment below 8 percent as the White House promised it would. Since the bill passed, unemployment has increased in all 12 counties in this District, and across the country we have lost over 2.5 million jobs.

“If I am elected to Congress, we will defund (and eventually repeal) Obamacare, kill Cap and Trade, cut spending, extend current tax rates (by preventing the largest tax increase in history) and begin to grow our economy and spur private sector job creation.” # # #

TEXT CREDIT: Bill Flores for Congress

IMAGE CREDIT: BillFlores4Congress

Sharron Angle places the blame for Nevada's devastated economy directly at the feet of Harry Reid VIDEO

The Sharron Angle for Senate campaign released a new television ad entitled, “Faces.” In the ad, Sharron Angle places the blame for Nevada's devastated economy directly at the feet of Harry Reid. The ad details just how destructive Reid's policies as Majority Leader have been to Nevada with the highest unemployment in the nation, the highest foreclosure rate in the nation, and home values that have been cut in half.



"With this latest ad, Sharron puts faces on the tragic statistics which have resulted from Harry Reid's policies as Majority Leader," said Jerry Stacy, Press Secretary for Sharron Angle. "Senator Reid wants to spend this campaign talking about Sharron, but this election is about the economy and the Nevadans that are struggling because of Harry Reid. These are not just numbers, these are people that Harry Reid has hurt while he's made deals to help other states."


VIDEO CREDIT: sharronangle

TEXT CREDIT: Friends of Sharron Angle PO Box 33058 Reno, NV 89533 (775) 787-6017 (Reno) (702) 243-1976 (Las Vegas)

Congressman Geoff Davis Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 09/04/10

Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. Video of the address will be available here once the embargo is lifted. 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, September 04, 2010 || MP4 File || MPEG File ||

Washington (Sep 3) In the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY) discusses one of Republicans’ better solutions to help small businesses create jobs after the latest unemployment report revealed that the Obama Administration’s “Recovery Summer” failed to materialize as promised. To rein in the barrage of mandates and regulations being handed down by Washington, Rep. Davis has proposed common-sense legislation requiring that Congress take an up-or-down vote on every new major rule before it can be enforced on the American people. This would improve the way Washington does business and restore checks and balances in our government. This idea is part of the national dialogue being fostered by the America Speaking Out project, which engages the American people in the creation of a new governing agenda for Congress. Now in his third term in Congress, Rep. Davis is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

“Hi, I’m Geoff Davis, and I work for the people of Kentucky’s Fourth Congressional District.

“Yesterday, Americans from coast to coast began their day with the news that our economy has lost jobs for three months in a row. The nation’s unemployment rate has now been above nine percent for 16 consecutive months. This is despite the fact that the Obama Administration promised that the trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ would keep unemployment below eight percent. So the question remains: where are the jobs?

“The Obama Administration told the American people this would be a ‘Recovery Summer.’ But, our economy continues to lose jobs. Growth has slowed to anemic levels. Our national debt is growing by more than four billion dollars per day. So as it turns out, ‘Recovery Summer’ was nothing more than a meaningless slogan.

“Americans don’t want slogans, they want solutions, which is exactly what Republicans are offering.

“‘Stimulus’ spending, permanent bailouts, government takeovers, and federal mandates have all failed our nation. America’s employers are afraid to invest in an economy racked with uncertainty over what Washington’s next set of rules, regulations, mandates, and tax hikes will look like. This uncertainty is one of the main reasons our economy is not creating enough jobs.

“Republicans believe we need to get away from these policies and instead take action on common-sense steps to help small businesses get back to creating jobs. We’ve called on President Obama to abandon his plan to impose job-killing tax hikes on families and small businesses. We’ve urged Democratic Leaders in Congress to allow a vote on $1.3 trillion in immediate spending cuts. And we’re listening to the people, getting their input on ways to help our economy start creating jobs again. Today, I’d like to talk with you about one of those ideas.

“As we speak, the Obama Administration has lined up 191 rules and regulations that could each have an estimated annual cost to our economy of $100 million or more. That’s 191 layers of red tape waiting in the wings. Last year, the federal government issued 3,316 new rules and regulations – that amounts to more than a dozen per day. All of these rules go on the books without being approved by Congress.

“Many of these mandates affect small business owners who don’t have the resources to hire an army of lawyers and accountants to comply with all these burdensome regulations. The more time small business owners spend pushing paper, the less time they have to focus on creating jobs.

“The new health care bill is a perfect example of how unelected bureaucrats can wreak all kinds of havoc. This is a law that, upon its enactment, triggered the creation of roughly 160 boards, bureaus, bureaucracies, and commissions. It took less than four months for the feds to rack up 3,833 pages of regulations pertaining to ObamaCare.

“When Congress forces through controversial legislation by purposefully leaving blanks for executive agencies to fill in, unelected bureaucrats end up writing laws with no accountability whatsoever. This has to stop.

“Last year, a local resident came to me about a significant increase in sewer rates to help pay for storm water upgrades mandated by the federal government. Of course, Washington wasn’t offering to help pay for the upgrades – only issuing the orders to get them done. My constituent wanted to know whether Congress had any say in these new federal mandates before they were handed down. The answer was ‘no.’

“So with my constituent’s help, I introduced the REINS Act, a common-sense initiative that would require Congress to take an up-or-down vote on every new major rule before it can be imposed on the American people. This legislation would serve as a much-needed restraining order against unelected busybodies and bureaucrats whose actions could make it harder to create jobs.

“The sooner we rein in the red tape factory in Washington, DC, the sooner small businesses can get back to creating jobs and helping more Americans find an honest day’s work.

“I’ve also posted the REINS Act as an idea on America Speaking Out, a national initiative Republicans launched this spring to engage the American people in the creation of a clear and positive governing agenda. At AmericaSpeakingOut.com, Americans can share their own solutions or comment and vote on someone else’s.

“So what began as a conversation between a constituent and his congressional representative is now part of a national dialogue about a new governing agenda – an agenda Republicans will unveil later this month. These are just the first steps towards putting power back where it belongs: in the hands of the people.

“Visit AmericaSpeakingOut.com now to have your say and to share your ideas.

“Thank you for listening.”

AUDIO/VIDEO CREDIT: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

TEXT CREDIT: gopleader.gov Contact H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

IMAGE CREDIT: CongressmanDavis

Scott Walker Make It Right VIDEO

Scott Walker Knows How to Get the Job Done.

Voters in this year’s campaign for Governor are offered a clear choice – those candidates who talk about saving tax dollars and one who has a demonstrated track record of reducing the size and expense of government.

When Scott Walker campaigned for Milwaukee County Executive, he pledged to spend the taxpayers’ money as if it was his own. He’s kept that promise. But it hasn’t been easy.

Eight years ago, Milwaukee County was on the brink of financial and organizational meltdown, thanks to greedy politicians who schemed to allow themselves and their cronies to retire as millionaires at the taxpayers’ expense.

Angered by the actions of their county leaders Milwaukee County residents called for new leadership and a top down reform of government.

My good friend Scott Walker answered the call and has delivered on what he promised.

As a member of the Milwaukee County Board, I’ve seen him Scott Walker take on the big spenders first hand. I’ve watched him fight for the taxpayers and win time after time. And thanks to Scott, we’ve cut the county debt by 10 percent, reduced the workforce by one-fifth and introduced eight budgets without a property tax levy increase from the previous year – last year, we even had an $8.9 million surplus!

Significantly, Scott Walker’s commitment to reducing the size of government is best demonstrated by his personal commitment and self-sacrifice. Not only did he reduce the extravagant pension benefits of county employees, he gave back $370,000 of his own salary to the taxpayers because he thought the job paid too much.

With a record like that, it’s laughable that Scott’s opponents are trying to portray him as anything other than a protector of the taxpayers’ dollars who has not only proposed tight budgets, but also used his veto authority over 100 times to keep taxes and spending low.

And Scott never stops challenging the status quo because he knows it’s his job to find ways to run county government more efficiently, especially at a time when so many families and business are struggling to make ends meet. He calls his approach to finding ways to do more with less his “Brown Bag Guide to Government” – I call just call it common sense!

For example, the county budget Scott introduced last Fall included a proposal to hire private contractors to perform services like cleaning the courthouse, saving $3.2 million for the taxpayers. He even included a provision to give county workers first crack at interviewing with the private contractor the county hired.

Scott has changed the culture of Milwaukee County government. Before he took office, few questioned the board’s runaway spending increases. It's really frustrated the big spenders on the county board that he’s stuck to his guns and delivered on his promises

Scott’s track record of success is exactly the kind of discipline we need to cut state government spending and to fill our $2.7 billion deficit without raising taxes on families and employers.

Now, Wisconsin needs Scott Walker’s leadership to help put government back on track and back on our side.

If you want lower taxes and less government spending, Scott Walker knows how to get the job done.

Joseph Rice is a member of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors representing the 6th District.

VIDEO CREDIT: supportscottwalker

TEXT CREDIT: Friends of Scott Walker, Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jill Bader (414) 453-2010 By Joseph Rice

California Chamber of Commerce endorses Meg Whitman

Meg Whitman during luncheon with Senator Scott Brown, Sacramento, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010. Photo by Eric Draper/Meg Whitman for Governor 2010, By megwhitman2010 Meg Whitman for Governor Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

CUPERTINO - Meg Whitman today announced that the California Chamber of Commerce, which represents 15,000 California employers, is endorsing her campaign. The California Chamber of Commerce is the largest, broad-based business association in the state. For more than 100 years, the CalChamber has worked to enhance the California economy. CalChamber's members employ one quarter of the private-sector workforce in California. Three of four CalChamber members have 100 or fewer employees.

"I am honored to accept the endorsement of the California Chamber of Commerce. In order to rebuild California's economy, we must create jobs and make it easier to start and grow a business in California. There is no organization that better understands this than the CalChamber," Whitman said. "I look forward to working with the chamber's members to ensure that California is once again open for business and we can effectively compete in the global economy."

Whitman is only the second gubernatorial candidate to be endorsed by CalChamber in its history.

CalChamber joins a growing list of prominent business associations, representing tens of thousands of employers, which have endorsed Meg and support her vision for fixing California. They include the National Federation of Independent Business, the California Restaurant Association, Western Growers Association, Associated Builders and Contractors of California, California Farm Bureau, Orange County Business Council, Small Business Action Committee, the Neighborhood Market Association, the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce Political Action Committee.

For more information, go to www.calchamber.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Pompei 408.457.1369 Communications@MegWhitman.com

TEXT CREDIT: Meg Whitman For Governor 2010

Kelly Ayotte’s conservative positions VIDEO

Ayotte for Senate today announced that it has launched a new television ad contrasting Bill Binnie’s liberal views with Kelly Ayotte’s conservative positions. The spot – entitled “Liberal” – is broadcasting now on WMUR and cable.

SCRIPT FOR “LIBERAL” (:30)

ANNOUNCER: Bill Binnie’s false attacks.

Newspapers call Binnie a quote “attack dog” and a “bully with a big bag of money.”

Binnie attacks to hide liberal positions, like on Arizona’s tough immigration law.

BILL BINNIE: I’m not going to pander to you. I don’t believe in the Arizona law.

ANNOUNCER: Amnesty. Bailouts. European-style taxes. Liberal Bill Binnie.

Kelly Ayotte is a strong conservative who supports the Arizona law and will cut spending.

I’m Kelly Ayotte and I approved this message.

VIDEO CREDIT: KellyAyotte

TEXT CREDIT: Friends of Kelly Ayotte, 101 Charles Street, Manchester, New Hampshire 03101 Phone: 603-232-1162

Republican Governors Association A New Jersey VIDEO

10 Weeks - 'A New Jersey' Teaser 2 from Republican Governors Association.

We "Remember November" so that we can prevent the fiscal disaster waiting for our children and grandchildren. No longer will we allow politicians concerned with their political career to choose debt and irresponsibility over making the difficult choices. Soon America will be unable to dig itself from the burden of growing debt.

America was never intended to be a country recklessly ruled by a partisan national government that ignored the will of the states. Partisan leaders have rammed through massive, job-killing legislation without working across party lines on common sense reforms. They are standing with big labor, trial lawyers and liberal activist groups against the American people.

Sweetheart deals, vote buying, and lavish taxpayer-funded lifestyles. These are all too common among our current Washington politicians. We will "Remember November" because our Founding Fathers fought so that we would inherit an honest government of the people.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: remembernovembe

Christine O'Donnell: Citizen, Not Professional, Politician VIDEO

Christine O'Donnell: Citizen, Not Professional, Politician From: Christine4Senate. Here is Christine O'Donnell for US Senate's first radio ad.

VIDEO CREDIT: Christine4Senate

Cory Gardner leads Democrat Congresswoman Betsy Markey by a 50 to 39 percent margin

Outside groups spend $2 million on Markey, Gardner still leads by double digits According to a recent poll from American Action Forum Republican challenger Cory Gardner leads Democrat Congresswoman Betsy Markey by a 50 to 39 percent margin. “Being a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama’s failed economic policies and healthcare takeover has taken a heavy toll on Betsy Markey,” said Gardner spokeswoman Rachel Boxer, adding that the majority of voters in Markey’s district strongly opposed to Obamacare.

The poll also asked voters whether Markey deserves reelection or should someone else have a chance. Fifty-six percent of voters said they believe someone else deserves a chance.

Polling Data on House Districts CO 04 in PDF FORMAT.

• Memo
• Toplines
• Crosstabs

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Gardner for Congress Thursday, September 02, 2010

Eric Wargotz Make Political Insidersauruses Extinct VIDEO

Wargotz Releases First TV AD: Wargotz on Mission to Make Political Insidersauruses Extinct.

Annapolis - The Eric Wargotz Campaign for United States Senate released its first television advertisement. The advertisement will run statewide on broadcast and cable.

The ad targets Senator Mikulski as a "political insidersaurus" who has inhabited Washington for 34 years. Mikulski is famous for spending, raising taxes, and inhabiting Washington with other political insidersauruses like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. Marylanders are tired of the status quo and are looking for new leadership in the United States Senate.

Wargotz released the following statement on the release of his new ad:
"Barbara Mikulski is the ultimate political insidersaurus. She has been in office 34 years. During that time, she has increased spending, raised taxes, and destroyed our economy. We need new leadership in Washington.

Ad Text Transcript:
"This is a brontosaurus.

"This is a political insidersaurus. Barbara Mikulski. Inhabiting Washington for many years. Famous for spending, raising taxes, and roaming Washington with other political insidersauruses like Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.

This is Eric Wargotz - physician, family man, citizen just like you.

"Eric Wargotz is taking on political insidersauruses who have inhabited DC for to long. His mission - to make political insidersauruses extinct. I'm Eric Wargotz and I approved this message."

Recent polling by Rasmussen Reports showed Wargotz trailing Mikulski 55%-39%. In December of 2009, Republican Scott Brown trailed Democrat Martha Coakley by 19% and he went on to win.

Eric Wargotz M.D. is a Queen Anne's County Commissioner and a Republican running for the United States Senate against 34-year incumbent Senator Barbara Mikulski.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2, 2010

TEXT CREDIT: Wargotz for U.S. Senate

VIDEO CREDIT: WargotzforSenate

California Senate Debate: Barbara Boxer and Carly Fiorina 09/01/10 LIVE STREAMING PODCAST VIDEO

California Senate Debate: Barbara Boxer and Carly Fiorina. STREAMING VIDEO from c-span 09/01/10, Full debate in streaming video :57 minutes running time. KQED, KTVU and the San Francisco Chronicle host the first debate between Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer and Republican challenger Carly Fiorina. Senator Barbara Boxer and Republican Carly Fiorina in their first debate/ 57 minute running time, held at Saint Mary's College in Moraga, California. KTVU Political Editor Randy Shandobil moderated. The candidates answered questions from a panel of California political reporters. As soon as FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT of California Senate Debate: Barbara Boxer and Carly Fiorina, Downloadable mp3 for PODCAST Downloadable and embeded Video are available they will be posted here.

California Senate Debate: Barbara Boxer and Carly Fiorina LIVE STREAMING PODCAST from KQED Public Radio 09/01/10.

Club for Growth PAC Congratulates Senate Nominee Joe Miller

Image By JoeWMiller Joe Miller* All Rights Reserved

WASHINGTON – Club for Growth PAC today congratulated Joe Miller on his victory over incumbent Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Alaska’s Republican Senate primary. “Joe Miller represents a new generation of pro-growth conservative leadership committed to America’s founding principles of limited government and economic freedom,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “We congratulate Joe on his victory and Alaska Republicans on their courage and judgment.”

“We look forward to helping Miller win the general election in November , and helping him straighten out the Senate and the Republican Party once he gets here,” Chocola said. ###

TEXT CREDIT: Club for Growth

Joe Miller Reacts to Primary Victory Official Statement TEXT VIDEO

Joe Miller Reacts to Primary Victory Official Statement FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Fairbanks, Alaska. August 31, 2010 -- Earlier this evening, I received a call from Senator Murkowski honorably conceding the race. I want to thank her for a hard fought contest.

Tomorrow, the general election begins.

But tonight I'd like to reflect back on the amazing feat we accomplished together. We started from a handful of people knowing who we were and what we stood for to now being the Republican Party nominee.

I want to thank the many people that made it all possible. First the people of the Great State of Alaska. As I traveled throughout the state, I met and spoke with more and more people who shared the same concern that our nation has reached a critical point, and we needed to change course.

I would like to especially thank my wife and children who have sacrificed quite a bit during this primary campaign. I love you all, and you are the most important reason I decided to enter this race.

I need to thank others who provided vital support to this campaign including Governor Sarah Palin, Governor Mike Huckabee, and the Tea Party movement. I'd also like to thank current and former state officials including Lt. Governor Loren Leman, Senators Fred Dyson and John Coghill, and Representatives Wes Keller and Tammy Wilson. Additionally, I'd also like to thank national conservative leaders and our local voices here in Alaska, Dan Fagan, Glenn Biegel, and Michael Dukes. But without our incredible volunteer network, this victory could not have been possible. They worked day and night to ensure success in this race. Thank you!

Now is the time for all Alaskans to come together and reach out with our core message of taking power from the federal government and bringing it back home to the people. If we continue to allow the federal government to live beyond its means, we will all soon have to live below ours.

I look forward to the challenge of the general election ahead. I intend to continue to travel to every corner of Alaska talking to folks about the answers needed to get our nation back on track and keep the American dream alive for ourselves and our children.

Thank you once again to the great people of this wonderful state. I look forward to the campaign ahead. God bless you and God bless Alaska!

VIDEO CREDIT: FoxNewsChannel

TEXT CREDIT: Joe Miller for US Senate

Lisa Murkowski concedes Alaska Senate race to Joe Miller VIDEO

Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska conceded Tuesday night to Joe Miller in the state's Republican Senate primary.

"We know that we still have outstanding votes to count in this primary, but based on where we are right now, I don't see a scenario where the primary will turn out in my favor, I am now conceding the race for the Republican nomination."

VIDEO TEXT CREDIT: CNN.com

A New Generation of Conservative Leaders VIDEO

On September 14, the Young Guns Book will go on sale. It's time to move America forward with a clear common sense agenda for the common good. The Young Guns are changing the face of the Republican Party and putting us on the road back to the American dream.

VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: GOPYoungGuns

John Boehner Addresses the 92nd American Legion National Convention TEXT VIDEO

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

Washington (Aug 31) House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) Remarks to the 92nd American Legion National Convention – As Prepared For Delivery Milwaukee, WI August 31, 2010

Thank you for that introduction, Commander Hill. The American Legion made a great choice by electing an Ohioan to serve as national commander.

Thank you for having me - it is always an honor to be among those who wear and have worn our nation’s uniform.

Before I go any further, I want to thank the American Legion and all our veterans service organizations for supporting our troops wherever they are stationed and caring for them when they come home.

It is truly hero’s work and I know I speak for all the members of the United States Congress when I say ‘thank you.’

I also want to congratulate Commander Hill and the hundreds of bikers who participated in yet another successful Legacy Run. All told, you raised more than $360,000 for the families of servicemembers who have fallen in the line in the years following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Your efforts serve as a reminder of our shared resolve as a country to never forget 9/11 and to keep faith with the heroes who lost their lives that day -- often in the hope that others might live.

Those memories don’t fade and these colors don’t run. So we honor the sacrifices of our 9/11 heroes --- today… tomorrow…always.

Thank you for the work you are doing to help improve veterans’ access to the quality health care they deserve.

I was proud to work with the Legion last year to stop a severely misguided plan to bill veterans’ health insurance companies for combat injuries. Insurance companies don’t send men and women into combat, our Nation does – and our Nation should take responsibility for that momentous decision.

And I was proud to stand with the Legion this year to expose flaws in the new health care law that could have harmed veterans. With the Legion’s help, we successfully protected veterans’ health care benefits from new mandates and costly regulations.

JOBS AND THE ECONOMY

As important as our government’s commitment to provide quality health care for our veterans may be, just as important is a commitment to the dignity and respect that comes from holding a job.

Today, as thousands of our warriors come home seeking to provide for their families and realize the American Dream they have volunteered to defend, awaiting them is an economy that affords neither opportunities nor jobs. Veterans’ unemployment is now at 11 percent.

That is why I have called on my colleagues in the Congress and the president to join me in supporting a series of immediate actions to end the ongoing economic uncertainty and help more Americans find an honest day’s work.

‘Stimulus’ spending sprees, permanent bailouts, federal mandates and government takeovers have failed this nation and have failed our veterans.

It’s time for a fresh start so that every man and woman who has donned the uniform of our nation knows that when they leave the service, the opportunity for a good job in the private sector awaits them.

IRAQ

It is an honor to share the stage today with Secretary Robert Gates and I join him in thanking our brave men and women who have served and are currently serving in Iraq.

This day belongs to our troops, whose courage and sacrifices have made the transition to a new mission in Iraq possible. It is with profound gratitude that we reflect on all that our servicemembers and their families have done – and continue to do – during a time of peril. We also salute the work of their commanders, General David Petraeus and General Ray Odierno.

At this moment, I can’t help but think back to a time when the situation in Iraq was grim and the future seemed bleak.

When General Petraeus embarked on the surge strategy, it was widely viewed as our last chance to save Iraq from spiraling into an irreversible descent toward chaos. The consequences of failure then, as now, were severe.

Some leaders who opposed, criticized, and fought tooth-and-nail to stop the surge strategy now proudly claim credit for the results.

* One leader in the U.S. House of Representatives declared the surge a failure before it was even implemented.
* One leader in the United States Senate said, and I quote – ‘this war is lost’ – while additional forces were being mobilized.
* One lawmaker rejected the idea that the surge would reduce violence in Iraq, saying – and again I’m quoting – ‘in fact, I think it will do the reverse.’

These are lawmakers who supported – and accepted support from – an anti-war organization that ran a full page ad in the New York Times smearing a four star general, a commander of men and women in harm’s way as “General Betray Us.”

These are sad facts.

Today we mark not the defeat those voices anticipated – but progress.

And I want to thank President Obama for setting aside his past political rhetoric and recognizing the importance of the surge and the diplomatic agreement signed by President Bush and Prime Minister Maliki.

At this hour, 50,000 U.S. troops are still in Iraq. For those troops, and for their families, the war will not be over until they come home. And though the mission has changed, their work is no less critical.

For there is no stronger bulwark against the menace posed by the Iranian regime or other extremist forces in the region than a democratic Iraq. There is no greater inspiration to moderate governments and reformers in the region than a successful Iraq. And there is no better argument against those who preach intolerance and hatred than a free, stable, thriving Iraq.

Of course, true success in Iraq will be determined not by the words politicians speak today, but by their actions in the months and years ahead.

The hard truth is that Iraq will continue to remain a target for those who hope to destroy freedom and democracy.

The people of that nation – and this nation – deserve to know what America is prepared to do if the cause for which our troops sacrificed their lives in Iraq is threatened. I hope the president will address that question as early as tonight, when he speaks to the nation, and the world.

Over the past several months, we’ve often heard about ending the war in Iraq, but not much about winning the war in Iraq. If we honor what our men and women fought for, we cannot turn our backs now on what they have achieved.

When we support our troops, we support them all the way – there is no such thing as supporting our troops, but not their mission.

Victory in Iraq was the only option in 2007 – and it is the only option now.

The American Legion understands that, and the American people understand that. That is why we are here talking about our troops returning home in success instead of gradual surrender.

Of course, too many of our own have returned home from Iraq to be laid to rest. Their sacrifices have not been in vain, and I know Legionnaires give their all to ensure that the families of the fallen are held up in our hearts and deeds.

Staff Sergeant Daniel Clay is one of our fallen heroes. His wife, Lisa Bell Clay, once worked in my congressional office. Sergeant Clay was one of our United States Marines killed in Fallujah in 2006.

He left behind a letter to his family to be read in case of his death. In the letter, Sergeant Clay wrote: ‘What we have done in Iraq is worth any sacrifice. Why? Because it was our duty. That sounds simple. But all of us have a duty. Duty is defined as a God-given task. Without duty, life is worthless.’

This Marine understood his duty to God and country. We as elected leaders must understand ours as well.

COMMITMENTS TO OUR TROOPS

Our troops in harm’s way should never have to doubt Congress’s commitment to supporting their mission.

When asked to provide our troops in harm’s way with the resources they need, we should do so without delay. That means no more troop funding bills held up by unrelated, extraneous domestic spending and pork barrel projects.

We need a Congress that understands when we send our sons and daughters to risk all in defense of our security – victory is the only option – and we will do whatever it takes to provide them with the necessary support so they can return home swiftly and successfully.

No voice – no matter how strong or committed – can substitute for the voice of the Commander-in-Chief.

That is why the president must take the time to articulate in a coherent, consistent matter to their families and fellow citizens the cause, purpose, and goal of their mission.

These imperatives should not be communicated in the manner of ‘checking a box.’ These missions should not be bunched together among a laundry list of political challenges.

AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan is not just one of ‘two wars’ – it is central to the global struggle against extremism and intolerance.

The border Afghanistan shares with Pakistan is a virtual command and control center where al Qaeda leaders plan and plot their attacks against the United States and its allies.

Afghanistan must be resistant to the forces of extremism hell bent on returning to power and it must be resistant to becoming a potential safe haven for terrorist organizations.

I support our counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan, but the president must do more to emphasize his commitment to ensuring its success rather than focusing on arbitrary deadlines for withdrawal. And he must also place a greater emphasis on ensuring successful implementation of both the military and civilian components of his strategy.

Using campaign promises as a yardstick to measure success in Iraq and Afghanistan runs the risk of triggering artificial victory laps and premature withdrawal dates unconnected to conditions on the ground.

After years of hard fighting – which has come at a high price – we cannot afford to underestimate the impact our domestic debates and political hedging have on decisions made by friend and foe alike.

If we are successful in accomplishing our goals in Afghanistan, it will be because of the endurance, discipline, and patience of our troops. I know the American Legion joins me in expressing gratitude to our men and women serving in Afghanistan.

CONFRONTING AND DEFEATING THE TERRORIST THREAT

The United States certainly cannot afford to think short-term when our enemies have proven time and again they are in it for the long haul.

This is a war that began well before the tragic events of 9/11 – it is a war the American people did not seek, and did not start. This is an enemy that first tried to blow up the World Trade Center in 1993. This is an enemy that then took its desire to kill Americans abroad – to Riyadh in 1995, to Khobar Towers in 1996, to East Africa in 1998, and to the U.S.S. Cole off the coast of Yemen in 2000.

This is an enemy that seeks to impose a pernicious legal code and wills the death and destruction of anyone who opposes them.

Before 9/11, the United States treated terrorism like a law enforcement issue. We handled each incident as separate and unique, content with investigating after the fact rather than focusing on preventing the attack. We characterized the perpetrators as criminals to be tried and contained, rather than terrorists to be deterred and defeated.

We see signs of a return to this pre-9/11 mentality in proposals to house terrorists on American soil just to fulfill a political promise.

The American people were told last year that keeping open the Guantanamo Bay Prison, which houses the worst of the worst, served as a rallying cry for our enemies.

We were told that closing the detention facilities and importing the remaining terrorists into the United States would diminish the threat.

And then, starting with a plot to blow up the Manhattan subway system last September, we witnessed four terrorist incidents on U.S. soil in an eight-month period – including the Fort Hood shooting….the attempted Christmas Day bombing….and the failed Times Square bombing.

Each of these attacks represented new strands of terrorism. Each of these terrorists received varying degrees of support, but all had ties to international terrorist organizations and their radical extremist platforms.

Now more than ever, the American people deserve every assurance that their government has the right legal authorities and the right mindset in place to prevent future attacks.

Just days ago, the Justice Department announced it would not be pursuing charges against the terrorist who allegedly coordinated the bombing of the USS Cole.

This is no garden variety terrorist. This is a terrorist who has the blood of 17 American sailors on his hands. This is a terrorist who worked hand in hand with one of the 9/11 hijackers.

The commander of the Cole, who has fought for justice alongside the families of the fallen sailors, has said the Obama Administration is blatantly playing politics with this issue.

When it comes to holding those who kill innocent Americans responsible for their heinous acts, politics should be the last thing on our mind.

Over the course of the last 20 months, it is clear our country’s overarching detention policy has been lost. We do not know the parameters for when, how, and under what circumstances we will capture, solicit information from, and detain illegal enemy combatants.

We are a nation at war. A patchwork of political promises does not represent a coherent strategy to confront and defeat the terrorist threat.

We need a Congress that will hold our government accountable for an overarching capture, detention and interrogation policy. And we need a Congress that will use every tool at its disposal to keep terrorists off U.S. soil.

Stopping at nothing to confront and defeat the terrorist threat – that is how we can best protect the American people and set an example for the world.

IDEAS MATTER

Our missions in Iraq and Afghanistan are also critical to maintaining America’s centuries-old role as a selfless beacon of freedom and hope.

For America did not become ‘the last, best hope of man’ by accident or by force. It was a choice – a choice first made by revolutionaries who faced down what was then the most powerful empire in the world.

During his second Inaugural Address, President Lincoln talked about how the Union did not seek to make war, but chose to accept war in freedom’s defense rather than letting the nation perish.

And at the height of our test of wills against Soviet Communism, President Reagan reaffirmed America’s commitment to a genuine peace, but made certain the Evil Empire knew that “we will never compromise our principles and our standards, and we will never give away our freedom.”

Ideas matter.

When reports of President Reagan’s words reached the Siberian gulags, the Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky tapped them out to his fellow prisoners in code.

Years later, when finally he was free and his oppressors had been tossed to the ash heap of history, Sharansky visited the Oval Office. And he urged President Reagan to keep giving his speeches, so that others who aspired to liberty could hear his call to arms.

President Reagan’s rhetoric rang out to another dissident, an electrician by the name of Lech Walesa, who shaped the Solidarity movement that caused one of the first dents in the Iron Curtain.

When President Reagan died – 15 years after the Berlin Wall came down – Walesa wrote in America’s newspapers that “we in Poland took him so personally. Why? Because we owe him our liberty.”

Margaret Thatcher said of President Reagan: he took words and sent them out to fight for us.

What words are being sent out now from our government to fight for the cause of freedom and democracy? What words does a prisoner in Cuba’s gulag or a freedom fighter in Iran hear?

Or those who are struggling to hold onto newly formed democracies in places such as Georgia or the democracies in our own hemisphere threatened by Venezuela?

And if the prisoners of Belarus or North Korea hear nothing – if it is silence that echoes in their cells rather than the firm words of America’s support – if they hear nothing, will they one day be able to sit in the Oval Office or write in the pages of a free media to thank an American president?

Never forget that America remains the only nation on the face of the Earth founded on an idea, not an identity – an idea that free people can govern themselves, and that government’s powers are endowed only through the consent of the governed.

An idea that the rights of all will be respected and protected, and that no one’s opportunity to pursue happiness will be limited.

If America will not stand with freedom-loving peoples and those who seek to be free from evil – whether in the guise of petty tyranny, radical Islam, or any Marxist regime – then who on this Earth will?

Ideas matter. Our government must reawaken itself to the task of providing a more robust defense of freedom and liberty.

Because when America does not articulate these enduring values in a forceful, consistent manner – when we do not send these words out to fight for us – we cause turmoil and confusion.

Our enemies take this as a sign of weakness or a dimming of our belief in ourselves.

Our allies see cause to be uncertain and unsettled about what role the United States will play in the future.

When we do not speak out, our deeds are left to speak for themselves.

Every time we make a concession to countries acting against our national interests…every time we ignore or snub the commitments, shared values, and sacrifices of our allies…we pay a price.

IRAN AND ISRAEL

As we gather here, Iran is working to develop a nuclear weapons program. Contrary to the wishful thinking of some, the Iranian regime is capable of doing a cost-benefit analysis of pursuing these weapons in the face of international isolation.

Iran is more than prepared to sacrifice the well-being of its people for the chance to fundamentally change the balance of power in the region. It is the true source of instability in the region, and we must not naively assume a nuclear-armed Iran would be containable.

The destinies of Iran and Israel are often inter-linked, with good reason. Israel is an island of freedom surrounded by a sea of oppression and hate, surrounded by enemies who seek its destruction.

Israel is on the front lines of the ideological and violent clash we are confronting. The attacks against it – whether through acts of violence, international criticism, or manipulation of laws of war – are often the vanguard of what our country will face.

America has stood by Israel since Harry Truman sat in the Oval Office. Our commitment to this long-standing friendship should be no less strong today.

Where I come from, you stick by your friends, you stick by people who share your values. You do not send a message of strength to your enemies by shunning your friends and allies.

The foreign policy of the United States should not be built on a platform of apologies, corrections, and reset buttons. We will not confront and defeat the terrorist threat by blurring America’s exceptionalism and backing out on America’s commitments.

CLOSING

Our nation has paid a tremendously high cost these last nine years at war, and our military personnel and their families have paid the highest price.

We have had heart-wrenching debates regarding how best to address these challenges. These debates have left scar tissue – between parties and ideologies – but the challenges we face know neither.

We have serious decisions to make regarding our path forward, and these decisions will be made in an environment in which we borrow 41 cents of every dollar we spend. This means we must focus on working together to identify our national security priorities and ensure our continued military and economic superiority.

Just as America’s founding was a choice, maintaining its greatness is a choice as well.

Today, we choose to do what needs to be done – to do what we know to be right – and to never accept the next best thing for our families, for our country, and for freedom.

These are articles of faith worth fighting to the last for. You have done it. Your comrades have died for it. Our troops risk all for it.

All you’ve asked for, and all they ask for, is the full support of their elected leaders, and so long as I have anything to say about it – I give you my word – they will have it.

High atop the United States Capitol Dome stands the Statue of Freedom, completed in 1863 during some of the darkest and most divisive days in the history of our country.

What I love most about the Statue of Freedom is that she faces to the east … because the sun never sets on freedom’s face.

The sun never sets on an idea America pioneered…an idea America has championed…an idea generations of Americans have fought and died for, incurring a debt this nation can never fully repay.

Thank you. God bless you, God bless your families, and God bless America.

VIDEO CREDIT: JohnBoehner

TEXT CREDIT: Republican Leader John Boehner

President Obama Address End of Combat Operations in Iraq TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 08/31/10

Download Video: mp4 (171MB) | MP3 for PODCAST mp3 (17MB)

FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT:

8:00 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I’d like to talk to you about the end of our combat mission in Iraq, the ongoing security challenges we face, and the need to rebuild our nation here at home.

I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans. We’ve now been through nearly a decade of war. We’ve endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms, the future that we’re trying to build for our nation -- a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity -- may seem beyond our reach.

But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century.

From this desk, seven and a half years ago, President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. Much has changed since that night. A war to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorism and sectarian warfare threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives; tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad were strained. Our unity at home was tested.

These are the rough waters encountered during the course of one of America’s longest wars. Yet there has been one constant amidst these shifting tides. At every turn, America’s men and women in uniform have served with courage and resolve. As Commander-in-Chief, I am incredibly proud of their service. And like all Americans, I’m awed by their sacrifice, and by the sacrifices of their families.

The Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated a regime that had terrorized its people. Together with Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own, our troops fought block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future. They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi people, trained Iraqi Security Forces, and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians -- and because of the resilience of the Iraqi people -- Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny, even though many challenges remain.

So tonight, I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over, and the Iraqi people now have lead responsibility for the security of their country.

This was my pledge to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq’s Security Forces and support its government and people.

That’s what we’ve done. We’ve removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq. We’ve closed or transferred to the Iraqis hundreds of bases. And we have moved millions of pieces of equipment out of Iraq.

This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own security. U.S. troops pulled out of Iraq’s cities last summer, and Iraqi forces have moved into the lead with considerable skill and commitment to their fellow citizens. Even as Iraq continues to suffer terrorist attacks, security incidents have been near the lowest on record since the war began. And Iraqi forces have taken the fight to al Qaeda, removing much of its leadership in Iraqi-led operations.

This year also saw Iraq hold credible elections that drew a strong turnout. A caretaker administration is in place as Iraqis form a government based on the results of that election. Tonight, I encourage Iraq’s leaders to move forward with a sense of urgency to form an inclusive government that is just, representative, and accountable to the Iraqi people. And when that government is in place, there should be no doubt: The Iraqi people will have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq’s future is not.

Going forward, a transitional force of U.S. troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission: advising and assisting Iraq’s Security Forces, supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions, and protecting our civilians. Consistent with our agreement with the Iraqi government, all U.S. troops will leave by the end of next year. As our military draws down, our dedicated civilians -- diplomats, aid workers, and advisors -- are moving into the lead to support Iraq as it strengthens its government, resolves political disputes, resettles those displaced by war, and builds ties with the region and the world. That’s a message that Vice President Biden is delivering to the Iraqi people through his visit there today.

This new approach reflects our long-term partnership with Iraq -- one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect. Of course, violence will not end with our combat mission. Extremists will continue to set off bombs, attack Iraqi civilians and try to spark sectarian strife. But ultimately, these terrorists will fail to achieve their goals. Iraqis are a proud people. They have rejected sectarian war, and they have no interest in endless destruction. They understand that, in the end, only Iraqis can resolve their differences and police their streets. Only Iraqis can build a democracy within their borders. What America can do, and will do, is provide support for the Iraqi people as both a friend and a partner.

Ending this war is not only in Iraq’s interest -- it’s in our own. The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq, and spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home. We’ve persevered because of a belief we share with the Iraqi people -- a belief that out of the ashes of war, a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now, it’s time to turn the page.

As we do, I’m mindful that the Iraq war has been a contentious issue at home. Here, too, it’s time to turn the page. This afternoon, I spoke to former President George W. Bush. It’s well known that he and I disagreed about the war from its outset. Yet no one can doubt President Bush’s support for our troops, or his love of country and commitment to our security. As I’ve said, there were patriots who supported this war, and patriots who opposed it. And all of us are united in appreciation for our servicemen and women, and our hopes for Iraqis’ future.

The greatness of our democracy is grounded in our ability to move beyond our differences, and to learn from our experience as we confront the many challenges ahead. And no challenge is more essential to our security than our fight against al Qaeda.

Americans across the political spectrum supported the use of force against those who attacked us on 9/11. Now, as we approach our 10th year of combat in Afghanistan, there are those who are understandably asking tough questions about our mission there. But we must never lose sight of what’s at stake. As we speak, al Qaeda continues to plot against us, and its leadership remains anchored in the border regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt, dismantle and defeat al Qaeda, while preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. And because of our drawdown in Iraq, we are now able to apply the resources necessary to go on offense. In fact, over the last 19 months, nearly a dozen al Qaeda leaders -- and hundreds of al Qaeda’s extremist allies -- have been killed or captured around the world.

Within Afghanistan, I’ve ordered the deployment of additional troops who -- under the command of General David Petraeus -- are fighting to break the Taliban’s momentum.
As with the surge in Iraq, these forces will be in place for a limited time to provide space for the Afghans to build their capacity and secure their own future. But, as was the case in Iraq, we can’t do for Afghans what they must ultimately do for themselves. That’s why we’re training Afghan Security Forces and supporting a political resolution to Afghanistan’s problems. And next August, we will begin a transition to Afghan responsibility. The pace of our troop reductions will be determined by conditions on the ground, and our support for Afghanistan will endure. But make no mistake: This transition will begin -- because open-ended war serves neither our interests nor the Afghan people’s.

Indeed, one of the lessons of our effort in Iraq is that American influence around the world is not a function of military force alone. We must use all elements of our power -- including our diplomacy, our economic strength, and the power of America’s example -- to secure our interests and stand by our allies. And we must project a vision of the future that’s based not just on our fears, but also on our hopes -- a vision that recognizes the real dangers that exist around the world,
but also the limitless possibilities of our time.

Today, old adversaries are at peace, and emerging democracies are potential partners. New markets for our goods stretch from Asia to the Americas. A new push for peace in the Middle East will begin here tomorrow. Billions of young people want to move beyond the shackles of poverty and conflict. As the leader of the free world, America will do more than just defeat on the battlefield those who offer hatred and destruction -- we will also lead among those who are willing to work together to expand freedom and opportunity for all people.

Now, that effort must begin within our own borders. Throughout our history, America has been willing to bear the burden of promoting liberty and human dignity overseas, understanding its links to our own liberty and security. But we have also understood that our nation’s strength and influence abroad must be firmly anchored in our prosperity at home. And the bedrock of that prosperity must be a growing middle class.

Unfortunately, over the last decade, we’ve not done what’s necessary to shore up the foundations of our own prosperity. We spent a trillion dollars at war, often financed by borrowing from overseas. This, in turn, has short-changed investments in our own people, and contributed to record deficits. For too long, we have put off tough decisions on everything from our manufacturing base to our energy policy to education reform. As a result, too many middle-class families find themselves working harder for less, while our nation’s long-term competitiveness is put at risk.

And so at this moment, as we wind down the war in Iraq, we must tackle those challenges at home with as much energy, and grit, and sense of common purpose as our men and women in uniform who have served abroad. They have met every test that they faced. Now, it’s our turn. Now, it’s our responsibility to honor them by coming together, all of us, and working to secure the dream that so many generations have fought for -- the dream that a better life awaits anyone who is willing to work for it and reach for it.

Our most urgent task is to restore our economy, and put the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs back to work. To strengthen our middle class, we must give all our children the education they deserve, and all our workers the skills that they need to compete in a global economy. We must jumpstart industries that create jobs, and end our dependence on foreign oil. We must unleash the innovation that allows new products to roll off our assembly lines, and nurture the ideas that spring from our entrepreneurs. This will be difficult. But in the days to come, it must be our central mission as a people, and my central responsibility as President.

Part of that responsibility is making sure that we honor our commitments to those who have served our country with such valor. As long as I am President, we will maintain the finest fighting force that the world has ever known, and we will do whatever it takes to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. This is a sacred trust. That’s why we’ve already made one of the largest increases in funding for veterans in decades. We’re treating the signature wounds of today’s wars -- post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury -- while providing the health care and benefits that all of our veterans have earned. And we’re funding a Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps our veterans and their families pursue the dream of a college education. Just as the GI Bill helped those who fought World War II -- including my grandfather -- become the backbone of our middle class, so today’s servicemen and women must have the chance to apply their gifts to expand the American economy. Because part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it.

Two weeks ago, America’s final combat brigade in Iraq -- the Army’s Fourth Stryker Brigade -- journeyed home in the pre-dawn darkness. Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of vehicles made the trip from Baghdad, the last of them passing into Kuwait in the early morning hours. Over seven years before, American troops and coalition partners had fought their way across similar highways, but this time no shots were fired. It was just a convoy of brave Americans, making their way home.

Of course, the soldiers left much behind. Some were teenagers when the war began. Many have served multiple tours of duty, far from families who bore a heroic burden of their own, enduring the absence of a husband’s embrace or a mother’s kiss. Most painfully, since the war began, 55 members of the Fourth Stryker Brigade made the ultimate sacrifice -- part of over 4,400 Americans who have given their lives in Iraq. As one staff sergeant said, “I know that to my brothers in arms who fought and died, this day would probably mean a lot.”

Those Americans gave their lives for the values that have lived in the hearts of our people for over two centuries. Along with nearly 1.5 million Americans who have served in Iraq, they fought in a faraway place for people they never knew. They stared into the darkest of human creations -- war -- and helped the Iraqi people seek the light of peace.

In an age without surrender ceremonies, we must earn victory through the success of our partners and the strength of our own nation. Every American who serves joins an unbroken line of heroes that stretches from Lexington to Gettysburg; from Iwo Jima to Inchon; from Khe Sanh to Kandahar -- Americans who have fought to see that the lives of our children are better than our own. Our troops are the steel in our ship of state. And though our nation may be travelling through rough waters, they give us confidence that our course is true, and that beyond the pre-dawn darkness, better days lie ahead.

Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America, and all who serve her.

END 8:19 P.M. EDT

TEXT, AUDIO VIDEO CREDIT: The White House

Help stop OBAMACARE TALKPAC VIDEO

Help stop OBAMACARE TALKPAC VIDEO, Better late than never, this from earlier in the year too good not to post, enjoy.

VIDEO CREDIT: TalkPACTV

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VIDEO and TEXT CREDIT: kristiforcongress