"Imagine, for a moment, what we could have done in those days, and months, and years after 9/11."

[jefferson_dem]

Imagine, for a moment, what we could have done in those days, and months, and years after 9/11.

We could have deployed the full force of American power to hunt down and destroy Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, the Taliban, and all of the terrorists responsible for 9/11, while supporting real security in Afghanistan.

We could have secured loose nuclear materials around the world, and updated a 20th century non-proliferation framework to meet the challenges of the 21st.

We could have invested hundreds of billions of dollars in alternative sources of energy to grow our economy, save our planet, and end the tyranny of oil.

We could have strengthened old alliances, formed new partnerships, and renewed international institutions to advance peace and prosperity.

We could have called on a new generation to step into the strong currents of history, and to serve their country as troops and teachers, Peace Corps volunteers and police officers.

We could have secured our homeland—investing in sophisticated new protection for our ports, our trains and our power plants.

We could have rebuilt our roads and bridges, laid down new rail and broadband and electricity systems, and made college affordable for every American to strengthen our ability to compete.

We could have done that.

Instead, we have lost thousands of American lives, spent nearly a trillion dollars, alienated allies and neglected emerging threats – all in the cause of fighting a war for well over five years in a country that had absolutely nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks.

http://thepage.time.com/transcript-of-obamas-remarks-on-iraq-national-security/

[NatBurner]

1. but... "he tried to kill my daddy!" © GWB on Saddam Hussein

[Tim4319]

5. Yup!

He was talking about invading Iraq when he debated Al Gore.

[bunnies]

2. Loved that part.

Another kick-ass speech from Obama. So damn good.

[hedgehog]

3. Wow!

Just wow!

[Imagevision]

4. We could have remained on the road to those who attacked the WTC instead of invading Iraq

[DeepModem Mom]

6. K&R!

[Danger Mouse]

7. Holy shit...that was Obama? That's amazing!

Just when I thought he couldn't blow me away anymore...he does it again!

[phrigndumass]

8. Activist HQ Idea for an email ... Use Obama's own words

Use that exact quote, don't change a single comma. Get this out to everyone you know!

[cliffordu]

9. K&R

Nice.

[Think82]

10. Loved this the FIRST TIME I heard those words from Joe Biden in the primaries...

Seriously, it's practically verbatim. Don't get me wrong, it's great that Obama is going to steal from the best candidate we had, they are fabulous words... : p

[AtomicKitten]

11. I'm beginning to hope Obama persuades Al Gore to be his VP.

That would be really forward-thinking. Let Gore lead the global effort against global warming.

We have much work to do to repair the damage of the current administration.

[madura]

14. i'm really liking that Obama/Gore ticket more and more.

with gore, as you said ,some serious work on global warming could get started
plus gore has the 'respectable' old school politics about him. I don't know his record all that well and expect there are many skeletons rattling around as most politicians have them, but this could be a great signal of the change that is needed - the passing of the guard idea.

i really can't think of anyone else who i would be pleased with inthat spot, guess i'll have to wait like everyone and most likely I will agree with whomever obama chooses, as he is a pretty smart guy.

[liberalla]

12. Imagine

:kick:

[DesertRat]

13. Excellent

:kick:

[rucky]

15. John McCain, prepare to get schooled.

I can't wait til they debate.

[1Hippiechick]

16. Just needs Lennon's "Imagine" playing in the background.....n/t

[Cha]

17. With a president like Obama

certain countries may not feel the need to develope nuclear bombs.

"Senator McCain said – just months ago – that “Afghanistan is not in trouble because of our diversion to Iraq.” I could not disagree more. Our troops and our NATO allies are performing heroically in Afghanistan, but I have argued for years that we lack the resources to finish the job because of our commitment to Iraq. That’s what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said earlier this month. And that’s why, as President, I will make the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban the top priority that it should be. This is a war that we have to win."

Senator mccain says a lot of dumb things to excuse his 100 year war on Iraq.

[DevonRex]

18. Read the whole thing. It's amazing. Thanks for the link. nt