Courage then is the Answer
Most of you know I served in the USN just after Viet Nam, but you may not know that I was a Firefighter for about 4 1/2 years after my enlistment. I likened entering a building that was on fire with a certain amount of recklace abandon. In my heart of hearts, I knew that if I didn't get after that fire with EVERYTHING I had, there was a chance the fire would get after me. That was unacceptable. Choosing the battles was critical, but once the battle was chosen, it was all out, 100%.
Below is an exerpt from Mike Pence's speech given Tuesday on the floor. While listening to talk radio yesterday afternoon, and hearing this portion played, something Mike said rang true in my ears. Courage.
MikePence
..."Mr. Speaker, listening to this debate today and to the opposition to the 'surge' being espoused by the Democratic majority, I have begun to wonder…what if?
"I have made it clear that I support the “surge” and the President’s new strategy. My Democratic friends have made it clear that they oppose the 'surge' and the President’s new strategy, and that is their right. At this moment, a majority of Americans appear to be with the Democrats. But, what if?
"What if they're wrong?
"What if you're wrong?
"What if the 'surge' and General Patraeus and our brave men and women in Iraq succeed?
"My Democratic colleagues would do well to reflect on this truth: the American people hate losers, but they hate quitters even more. If this new strategy in Iraq succeeds, what will my friends in the Democratic party say?
"The truth is we must fight and win a victory for freedom in Iraq. We have no option but victory. In their hearts, the American people know this, and the American people are willing to make the hard choices to choose victory.
"Courage.
"Courage is the key.
"Courage is the watchword.
"C.S. Lewis said 'courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.'
"Courage then is the answer – not recrimination and retreat. We are at a moment when the American people and the Members of this body must take a stand. This is a moment for courage. Our brave men and women in Iraq exhibit courage every day. Let us, in this House, follow their lead and show them that courage still exists in Congress. Let us vote down this resolution and find it within ourselves to bring forward the resources and support necessary to see freedom win in Iraq."
Below is an exerpt from Mike Pence's speech given Tuesday on the floor. While listening to talk radio yesterday afternoon, and hearing this portion played, something Mike said rang true in my ears. Courage.
MikePence
..."Mr. Speaker, listening to this debate today and to the opposition to the 'surge' being espoused by the Democratic majority, I have begun to wonder…what if?
"I have made it clear that I support the “surge” and the President’s new strategy. My Democratic friends have made it clear that they oppose the 'surge' and the President’s new strategy, and that is their right. At this moment, a majority of Americans appear to be with the Democrats. But, what if?
"What if they're wrong?
"What if you're wrong?
"What if the 'surge' and General Patraeus and our brave men and women in Iraq succeed?
"My Democratic colleagues would do well to reflect on this truth: the American people hate losers, but they hate quitters even more. If this new strategy in Iraq succeeds, what will my friends in the Democratic party say?
"The truth is we must fight and win a victory for freedom in Iraq. We have no option but victory. In their hearts, the American people know this, and the American people are willing to make the hard choices to choose victory.
"Courage.
"Courage is the key.
"Courage is the watchword.
"C.S. Lewis said 'courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.'
"Courage then is the answer – not recrimination and retreat. We are at a moment when the American people and the Members of this body must take a stand. This is a moment for courage. Our brave men and women in Iraq exhibit courage every day. Let us, in this House, follow their lead and show them that courage still exists in Congress. Let us vote down this resolution and find it within ourselves to bring forward the resources and support necessary to see freedom win in Iraq."
posted by Gary | 3:07 PM
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