NH Delegates React to President’s Speech
WASHINGTON – New Hampshire lawmakers applauded President George W. Bush’s address to a joint session of Congress and the nation last night in which he called for strength and cooperation from the American people.
“His message was clear,” said Rep. Charles Bass (R-N.H.). “I think the tone provided comfort and courage as we face a very difficult time both domestically and internationally.”
“I had times when I had tears in my eyes and times when I was angry,” said Sen. Robert Smith (R-N.H.). “It was a lot of emotions there, and I have never seen a response that strong to any President.”
New York Governor George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani were present to hear Bush vow, “We will rebuild New York City.”
And to protect it from future attacks, Bush also announced the creation of a Cabinet-level position called the Office of Homeland Security. The New Hampshire delegation commended the President’s appointment of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge (R) as the director of this office.
“He’s a great governor,” Bass said. “I don’t think the President could have made a better choice.”
Bush warned terrorist organizations around the world that the United States would use every means at its disposal to fight terrorism “until every terrorist group in global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. รก We will not tire, we will not falter and we will not fail.”
“I think the President had to inspire the nation and the world against terrorism and he rose to the challenge,” Smith said. “That’s the bottom line – he rose to the challenge, and I have never been prouder to be an American.”
Bush also increased pressure on the Taliban presenting an ultimatum. “They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share their fate,” he said. “These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion.”
Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) said the President’s speech marked “a defining moment” in American history and that Bush gave America a “clear path to follow” to stop foreign countries from supporting or sheltering terrorist groups.
But Smith said that it was extremely important that Bush “made a distinct difference between the word ‘terrorist’ and the Islamic religion.”
“The enemy of America is not our many Muslim friends. It is not our many Arab friends,” Bush said. “Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists and every government that supports them.”
“The purpose of this speech,” said Rep. John Sununu (R-N.H.), was “to focus on who it is that we view as the enemy, the degree to which we distinguish our allies in this fight, and make clear the steps for moving forward.”
Sununu added, “I think this speech was very eloquent, especially talking about the great strengths of America, the commitment to stand against the threat of terrorism.”
Bass said he thought Bush prepared the nation for the kind of war it has never faced. “All I could think about was that all those people who died last week were the first casualties in a new war,” Bass said.
