Another bright day for freedom
 

Another bright success for democracy and the Bush administration is quitely ignored by the main stream press.

Yushchenko Thanks America, Asks for Aid

NewsMax.com Wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2005

WASHINGTON -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, seen as living proof of the former Soviet republic's desire for democratic change, told Congress Wednesday that "a civil society has matured in Ukraine" and asked for economic support to spur further progress.

"Our goal is to place Ukraine among prosperous democracies," Yushchenko said, speaking through an interpreter. Addressing a joint meeting of Congress, he said his three-day visit was meant to ring in a new era of relations between Ukraine and the United States. "We do not seek only a thaw in the frosty relations of the past. We seek a new atmosphere of trust, frankness and partnership," Yushchenko said.

As Yushchenko entered the House chamber, lawmakers waved orange scarves and hats, the color supporters of his candidacy adopted during the Orange Revolution that peacefully ousted the Kremlin-backed government, and chanted "Yushchenko." Nine members of President Bush's Cabinet attended as did Vice President Dick Cheney, who wore an orange tie.

Yushchenko thanked the United States for backing his candidacy and the ouster of the pro-Russian government, saying the U.S. support was "clear and unambiguous. The U.S. condemned fraud and upheld Ukrainian's right to freely elect their government."

The Ukrainian president also sought U.S. lawmakers' support for his country's entrance into the European Union, the World Trade Organization and NATO, which he said would give his country new opportunities and help it continue on the path of democracy.

Reminding lawmakers of President Reagan's efforts to unite Germany in 1989, Yushchenko asked for the United State's support for Ukraine's European aspirations. "We do not want any more walls in Europe, and I am certain that neither do you," he said. "The time has come to make real steps toward each other."

He pressed lawmakers to exempt Ukraine from Cold War-era restrictions that tie U.S. trade with the former Soviet states to emigration rights and democratic advances. A bill to do that was introduced in the Senate shortly after Yushchenko took office in January.

"Please make this step toward Ukraine. Please tear down this wall," he said.

The populist politician overcame near-fatal dioxin poisoning last fall and won office over a Kremlin-backed candidate after a popular uprising in which masses of supporters camped out in Kiev and forced a second vote in a disputed election.

During his U.S. visit, Yushchenko was honored with this year's John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, presented annually to public servants who have made courageous decisions of conscience without regard for the consequences.

The slain president's brother, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, said the Ukrainian recipient's actions inspired those struggling for democracy across the globe.

"At a critical moment in his nation's history, he took a strong and courageous stand for what he knew was right. He risked his life, and nearly lost it, in the ongoing struggle for democracy in Ukraine," Kennedy, D-Mass., said.

After the election, Yushchenko claimed that the Russian-backed regime of his predecessor, Leonid Kuchma, had tried to assassinate him. The poisoning during last fall's presidential election left his once-smooth face sallow and pocked, and it took him off the campaign trail.

For months, he suffered from liver and pancreas troubles and severe back pain. Last week, Yushchenko said investigators were closing in on those responsible for the poisoning.

Very brave and strong man. Have been to the Ukraine and its a nice place in the world. Hope we support and help them as possible.

JoeA

Fint, I'd have a lot more sympathy if that article wasn't originally penned by Associated Press (not referenced as such by Newsmax) and a search for Yuschenko features 424 different news websites (right now, according to news.google.com) including the AP article on such horribly left wing "biased" publications NY Times, Washington Post and the Boston Globe.

(edit) oh yeah, and I really admire Yuschenko too - he showed awesome determination and obviously inspired his supporters.

There is only so much room on the front page and I think it's reserved for the Michael Jackson trial.

You lost me Cam. The point I am making is that any anti-american propaganda is repeated over and over for many days in the mainstream media...regardless of how clearly a hoax..Bush was a deserter, we shot up a wedding party, etc...
We heard about Ab Garib continuously for months.the recent Italian agent's death was repeated over and over....
Then the leader of a newly democratic government gives huge credit to the US...and I don't hear a anyone speaking about that angle on ABC, CBS, etc.

I would not call the Abu Ghraib prison abuse anti-US propaganda and the information did come out over a long time period. The agent item lasted maybe a week? And it certainly was an unfortunate death.

And I have seen Yuschenko on the news.
I don't think it is quite as bleak as you perceive.

Hey Fint, did you move to Vegas? You're not hanging out with Tabs, are you? He can do some crazy ***** to a guy's head. :D

Fint - you say "the Bush administration is quitely ignored by the main stream press."

And then follow it with an article from the mainstream press, which you weren't aware was mainstream. It is really, really clear that you have made a baseless allegation.

In trying to find out what ABC/CBS did cover, I came across this article instead:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A32554-2005Apr6?language=printer

See, Republicans can always sink to new political lows too - Democrats/liberals aren't the only politicians with no scruples.

Actually, NPR did cover this event right behind The Pope's funeral plans. NPR is easily defined as the main stream press.

Re: Another bright day for freedom
 

I like Yushchenko but sticking his hand out and asking for money/aid after thanking the US is politics as usual (and smart).

Everyone butters their toast before they eat it, don't they?

Yep, In Feb. I keep moving closer and closer to LA.
Nope, haven't seen Tabs. He only invites the liberals out when they visit. I am working 12-16 hrs a week and driving the 9 hrs to Albuquerque on many weekends to see the wife...so really too busy for fun...probably until fall.

AP is a wire service, not necessarily the "mainstream." The articles are picked up and published as each outlet desires..and pays. Even picking it up...and putting it on page 37 doesn't show me much. If it had made the US or the President look bad...you can bet it would be front page and all over the nightly news.

As far as your link and your lack of scuples remark...I just don't get your point. Can you explain?

Really? What did they say? Did they give the US and the administration credit for helping bring democracy to the Ukraine?

what do you expect, liberals are to busy blowing each other,they wouldn't know facts if they kissed them.

Come on guys, Yuschenko standing up and saying that is great, reflects really well on Bush, and doesn't sell papers. Right now, the Pope sells papers, and generally natural disasters, pain suffering and scandal sell papers. In a way, the Pope's death is a welcome respite.

Fint - you wonder what nefarious purpose of Republicans that article refers to. From the first paragraph:

I can see no other way of taking this than to see that certain Republican's chose to use the Schiavo situation to further there political agenda. Not protecting the late Mrs Schiavo's life, not promoting the culture of life. They were looking to further their political careers. If it was Democrats you'd be posting up a new topic wondering if there was no situation that they wouldn't take advantage of. Me - I just assume they're all politicians and they are all attention seeking and self interested, unless they prove otherwise.

Ps - I don't believe Martinez when he says that he doesn't know how he got it, and neither should you. Either way, it originated from his office, which means there are people in there who think this is an acceptable way to be.

Right, Cam, but as a consequence of social security reform, the horrors of public education and Shiavo, Bush's approval rating has fallen to 44-percent, and Congress is in the 30s. Tom DeLay isn't helping matters either. Neocons bringing up a special session of Congress for the Schiavo case will forever be suspect to government getting involved in personal matters. Not that Democrats were involved in this special session, but it was the Republicans who hogged all the microphones and publicity shots.

I actually thought that generally those politicians (and it included both sides) showed a tremendous lack of judgement in jumping in as they did.

Reportedly it was written by a staffer of one politician. That is their job. To evaluate rising political situations and analyze the impact of their office's/candidates/party's actions and possible ways to take political advantage.. It doesn't mean their boss followed it, agreed with it, or even read it.

You saw excerpts from the note. At very, very least you have to admit that Martinex employed a slimy staffer, who must be a Republican.

Ergo, some Republicans ***** DOES stink.

I really cannot even agree to that. Staffers are just employees hired for their specific skills. Although they were most likely a Republican, they could possibly have been a Democrat or Libertarian. That would certainly explain how the note got out to the Democrats.
I will agree that there are some slimey Republicans...but it seems a prerequiste for Democrats...and is so widespread that it is practically the party plank.