Bush on 9/11

W gave a very good speech last night in prime time, remembering the attacks of 9/11, naming the enemy, and calling this struggle the challenge of this generation.

Since the horror of 9/11, we've learned a great deal about the enemy. We have learned that they are evil and kill without mercy -- but not without purpose. We have learned that they form a global network of extremists who are driven by a perverted vision of Islam -- a totalitarian ideology that hates freedom, rejects tolerance, and despises all dissent. And we have learned that their goal is to build a radical Islamic empire where women are prisoners in their homes, men are beaten for missing prayer meetings, and terrorists have a safe haven to plan and launch attacks on America and other civilized nations. The war against this enemy is more than a military conflict. It is the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century, and the calling of our generation.

Perhaps we are moving to a time when we can actually speak of the enemy as it is, and fight it like it must be fought.  Perhaps.  But only if we have the right leaders and if we support our men and women on the front lines - wherever that may be.