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I'm not quite so pessimistic either.
We have challenges facing our country, no doubt about it. But America has overcome greater challenges.
Superior military and economic strength are important, but what ultimately prevails in cultural conflicts is superior culture. And that's ultimately what this "war on terror" is, a cultural war. Comparing our open, modern and free society with 9th century fundamental Islam makes it clear which side will ultimately prevail.
As long as we don't abandon freedom, personal dignity, and the rule of law, we will win. That's not all it takes, of course, but it is a vital part.
In my mind, the divide in this nation, and here on OT, centers abound an understandable but flawed instinct to fight like them, to abandon the qualities that make us superior in the name of supposed "strength."
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We will stay the course. [8/30/06]
We will stay the course, we will complete the job in Iraq. [8/4/05]
We will stay the course *** We’re just going to stay the course. [12/15/03]
And my message today to those in Iraq is: We’ll stay the course. [4/13/04]
And that’s why we’re going to stay the course in Iraq. [4/16/04]
And so we’ve got tough action in Iraq. But we will stay the course. [4/5/04]
Well, hey, listen, we’ve never been “stay the course” [10/21/06]
--- George W. Bush, President of the United States of America
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