Tony Blair delivered this speech to the American Congress on 18th of July, 2003
"...Members of Congress, if this seems a long way from the threat of
terror and weapons of mass destruction, it is only to say again that
the world security cannot be protected without the world’s heart being
one. So America must listen as well as lead. But, members of Congress,
don’t ever apologize for your values.
Tell the world why you’re proud of America. Tell them when the Star-Spangled Banner starts, Americans get to their feet, Hispanics, Irish, Italians, Central Europeans, East Europeans, Jews, Muslims, white, Asian, black, those who go back to the early settlers and those whose English is the same as some New York cab drivers I’ve dealt with, but whose sons and daughters could run for this Congress.
Tell them why Americans, one and all, stand upright and respectful.
Not because some state official told them to, but because whatever
race, color, class or creed they are, being American means being free.
That’s why they’re proud.
As Britain knows, all predominant power seems for a time invincible,
but, in fact, it is transient. The question is: What do you leave
behind? And what you can bequeath to this anxious world is the light of
liberty.
That is what this struggle against terrorist groups or states is about. We’re not fighting for domination. We’re not fighting for an American world, though we want a world in which America is at ease. We’re not fighting for Christianity, but against religious fanaticism of all kinds.
And this is not a war of civilizations, because each civilization has a unique capacity to enrich the stock of human heritage. We are fighting for the inalienable right of humankind - black or white, Christian or not, left, right or a million different - to be free, free to raise a family in love and hope, free to earn a living and be rewarded by your efforts, free not to bend your knee to any man in fear, free to be you so long as being you does not impair the freedom of others. That’s what we’re fighting for. And it’s a battle worth fighting.
And I know it’s hard on America, and in some small corner of this vast country, out in Nevada or Idaho or these places I’ve never been to, but always wanted to go. I know out there there’s a guy getting on with his life, perfectly happily, minding his own business, saying to you, the political leaders of this country, ‘Why me? And why us? And why America?’
And the only answer is, ‘Because destiny put you in this place in history, in this moment in time, and the task is yours to do.’
And our job, my nation that watched you grow, that you fought alongside and now fights alongside you, that takes enormous pride in our alliance and great affection in our common bond, our job is to be there with you. You are not going to be alone. We will be with you in this fight for liberty. We will be with you in this fight for liberty. And if our spirit is right and our courage firm, the world will be with us.
Thank you."
___________________________________________________________________________________
This is the end of Tony Blair's speech. I remember watching him give this speech. He inspired me and the many in the world this night. I hope you'll go here to read the entire speech. This is a historical speech that should be in all of our history books.
The copy of this speech came to me by way of Blair Supporter - Blair Supporter and Jack Yan.
Comments
But I think the public are beginning to appreciate the military a lot more since Iraq, despite the press having the backbone of a squidge of jellyfish - COMPLETELY unlike the forces themselves. They wither and die EVERY time a soldier is killed or injured as though it's somehow a surprise to sacrifice in a war theatre.
The press have a lot to answer for.
Your site looks great. I'll spend some more time at it later.
I posted this post recently to thank our troops.
Many thanks to you and yours too.
http://keeptonyblairforpm.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/thanks-to-the-british-troops-youre-the-best/
This is the crux of it, isn't it. Some are willing to step up and take responsibility, and some aren't, even if they don't have to personally give.
And America ALWAYS steps up to the mark when needed. Thank you, America. And believe it or not some of us Brits are still with you - and always will be. We know who our friends are.
By the way, I just visited your blog and left a comment which I thought I'd paste here too for your readers:
.......................................................
The reason that Blair wanted to go back to the UN SC was that Britain is not as well protected by international law as is the USA. Bush is immune from being tried by the International Criminal Court because the American Service Members Protection Act declares that the US military may use "all necessary means" to recover any US personnel detained by the ICC. (Perhaps they'd bomb The Hague!?)
But Blair could, in principle, be charged at any time, anywhere. And if he were charged, he would also be putting the British forces' generals in the dock with him. The hope that one day HE will carry the whole can is what keeps many in my country hot in his pursuit.
A second Security Council resolution on Iraq would have been belt and braces. It isn't actually a legal requirement, considering the many other UN resolutions that Saddam had ignored, but in the end it looked as though it WAS a requirement by the very fact of their asking for it. So, the naysayers accuse the coalition of failing to get legal backup.
Iraq was in breach of the ceasefire agreement from 1991 and had failed to do what UN resolutions required. Technically it had actually already been caught developing missiles that broke the range limits allowed and that had been found by the arms inspectors. That's enough for a legal case if you have to find one.
No country actually NEEDS a UN resolution to act. If the UN fails to act everyone is on their own. Just as well, as the UN is now as deadlocked by China and Russia voting against the US and Britain on most issues as it was in the Cold War - hence China protecting Zimbabwe and stopping any response to Darfur. All you might get from the UN on most difficult issues is a majority of votes which doesn't mean much. In 2002 France was more interested in being against the US on anything and getting back the money it had loaned Saddam. If you had the vote now it might well vote with the US as it did in 1990. Three out of 5 vetoing members looks better than two but does it matter when the UN as a whole can't agree to do anything.
.......................................................
The UN lesson you gave us is great. Thanks for the information. You're always welcomed here. Thanks again.