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The Acceptance Speech Bush Should Give
By Doug Patton
August 31, 2004
It is every speechwriter's dream to put words into the mouth of the President of the United States. Since I am no exception, here is the essence of the acceptance speech I would write for George W. Bush to deliver at the Republican National Convention:
Thank you. Four years ago, in Philadelphia, I accepted your nomination to run for the presidency. Tonight, I accept your call to finish the job we have started.
These are very serious and dangerous times in which we live, and I want to be very candid with you tonight, because I have come to some conclusions about what will be necessary for America to survive and prosper in the 21st Century.
Many issues loom large for our nation in the years ahead: the right to life; the sanctity of marriage; an honest debate on environmental policy, energy independence and a complete overhaul of our tax system.
But there is a primary responsibility of your federal government, as spelled out in the Constitution and in the Presidential Oath of Office, and that is to protect this nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Any American old enough to comprehend what happened to our country on that beautiful September morning three years ago understands that the issue of homeland security trumps all others at this juncture in our history.
America came face to face with its destiny that day. This generation has learned the hard way that we must stand strong against the tyranny of evil forces bent on our annihilation as a culture and as a free nation.
Believe me when I tell you that no president has ever desired that his primary legacy come in his role as commander in chief. I did not ask for this burden, any more than did Abraham Lincoln or Franklin Roosevelt. Americans are a peaceful people who wield great power in our world. And while presidents always prefer to serve in peacetime, we do not have the luxury of choosing the times in which we live. When war comes, we are a fierce and a noble adversary, and like those who have served in this office before me, I have done my best to rise to the task at hand.
We have done much to crush this enemy called terrorism. Al-Qaida, though still in existence, is scattered, fragmented and on the run. Brave young Americans have fought to liberate millions of people on far away battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq, and contrary to what some on the Left would tell you, America is safer because of their sacrifice.
But this enemy is still very dangerous to America, and I have decided that two crucial actions must be taken immediately to keep our nation safe from this menace. The first I can do through the power of this office. The second will require an act of Congress.
I have concluded that the porous nature of our borders has become an enormous danger to our nation's security. Individuals who would do us harm are entering the United States, primarily through Mexico and Canada. Therefore, tomorrow morning I will sign an executive order mobilizing National Guard troops to aid our border patrol agents along these two borders. Effective immediately, our immigration laws will be enforced.
And on Tuesday morning, when Congress reconvenes, I will ask for a formal declaration of war against terrorism. We will root out those who threaten us wherever they may hide, just as we did two hundred years ago when Congress declared war on piracy.
My friends, my primary agenda for the next four years is a simple one:
KEEP AMERICA SAFE!
One last thing: My name is George W. Bush. I reported for duty four years ago, and I'm here to re-enlist! God Bless America!
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Doug Patton is a freelance columnist who has served as a speechwriter, policy advisor and communications director for federal, state and local candidates, elected officials and public policy organizations. His weekly columns are published in newspapers across the country and on selected Internet websites. Readers can e-mail him at dpatton@neonramp.com.
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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.
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