Speech by President Bush

Last Wednesday as I mentioned in my blog on the Asia Society, I got to hear President Bush speak. President Bush's staff had apparently asked the Society if they would welcome him speaking on India and Pakistan before he left for his trip to those two countries. The Society gladly accepted and quickly made arrangements for the speech. It was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington D.C. The hotel is a very posh hotel and is located close to the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument.

Bush's speech was informative. He stated how important India and Pakistan are. He told about some of the things he planned to discuss with each of its leaders. He planned to further cooperation between India and the U.S. in matters of terrorism, promoting democracy, free trade, the environment, and energy. Bush urged India to allow international scrutiny of its civilian nuclear program. He also argued that a prospering India is good for the U.S. economy. He acknowledged that the U.S. had lost jobs to India in the service industries such as computer support help lines. But, he felt the U.S. should be preparing U.S. workers for jobs in the 21st century vice advocating protectionism. He also planned to talk with Indian Prime Minister Singh about Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and a nuclear Iran.

In regards to Pakistan, Bush acknowledged the great risk Pakistani President Musharraf took in aligning his country with the U.S. in the war against terrorism. President Bush wants to build on the friendship between the U.S. and Pakistan and make it a lasting friendship. He plans to continue to work with Pakistan on the issues of terrorism, democracy, a free press, and building civil institutions. Bush pointedly mentioned that the U.S. very much wants to see legitimate elections in Pakistan next year. Bush also plans to do what he can to help Pakistan become more prosperous. He feels that by making Pakistan a more prosperous country, it will reduce the appeal of radical Islam. He also intends to continue work in education including the education of girls and women in Pakistan.

Concerning the speech itself, Bush did stumble on some of the technical terms he used in his speech. Some people may say this show Bush's lack of brain power. I don't see it that way. I think the terms would've been hard to say smoothly in any speech. Some plusses I saw in Bush's speech was the very honest upfront down to earth man that was giving it. There was no mistaking that Bush is from Texas and Texas isn't slick and high falutin. It is a down to earth state that is also honest and hard working. Texas is also no nonsense. If a Texan says he or she believes in something, they do. If they say they're going to do something, they do it. If they promise to do something, they'll do their best to keep their promise. All these traits show in Bush. I personally found it exciting to get to hear his speech and see him only 20 feet away. I hope I get another chance to hear him speak.