"In this young century, our world
needs a new definition of security. Our
security is not merely found in spheres of influence or some balance of power;
the security of our world is found in the advancing rights of mankind.
These rights are advancing across the world, and across the world the
enemies of human rights are responding with violence. Terrorists and their allies believe the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights and the American Bill of Rights and every charter of liberty
every written are lies, to be burned and destroyed and forgotten.
They believe that dictators should control every mind and tongue in the
Middle East and beyond. They believe that suicide and torture and murder are fully
justified to serve any goal they declare and they act on their beliefs.
I have faith in the transforming power of freedom."
Excerpts from George
Bush, "President Speaks to the U.N. General Assembly," (Sept. 21, 2004): http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040921-3.html
"At its heart, Bush's vision is
lofty and idealistic but may appear incomplete to others.
Unlike Kerry -who is more of a 'realist' in the mode of Henry
Kissinger-Bush has been willing to upset the established order to achieve
his aims. Bush, more than other leaders, sketched out a stark, almost
apocalyptical view of the world, a battle between good and evil that will end
only in the destruction of terrorists. Balanced against the focus on terrorism
is Bush's fervent belief that freedom and democracy will eventually emerge in
the most autocratic states, thus smothering the aspirations of terrorists."
Glenn Kessler,
"Bush Stands His Ground, Sets Himself Apart," Washington
Post (Sept. 22, 2004): 23.