Republicans & Democrats Draw the Line on Genocide

President Bush is welcomed in the Republic of Georgia. (US Embassy in Georgia May 10, 2005)

President George W. Bush
2005 Inauguration Speech
January 20, 2005:

America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time.

So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.

This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way.

...America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.


Baku, Azerbaijan- June 4, 2005

Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals. Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. Liberty will come to those who love it.

Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world:

All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.

Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country.

The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen Barack Obama, D-Ill., shakes hands in the rain during a campaign stop at Sunapee Harbor on Lake Sunapee in Sunapee, N.H., Thursday, July 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Democratic Senator and Presidential Candidate Barak Obama
Political Stump Speech
July 19, 2007:

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said Thursday the United States cannot use its military to solve humanitarian problems and that preventing a potential genocide in Iraq isn't a good enough reason to keep U.S. forces there...

"There's no doubt there are risks of increased bloodshed in Iraq without a continuing U.S. presence there."

Sorry, Senator Obama, but this American will always choose freedom, life, liberty, hope and democracy over a little genocide.

UPDATE: In related news, John F. Kerry denies genocide in southeastern Asia after American troops pulled out (video at link).
-- Well, that's one way to ease your conscience!

UPDATE 2: BG adds this below- "If we're not careful, self serving political saviors will have us hating the liberating forces of good, and supporting the forces of evil, whom amongst other atrocities, commit genocide.. innocent victims be damned!!"

UPDATE 3: Democracy Project reflects upon the Genocide Generals and the Genocide Senators