Quotes of the Morning: Celebration, Dubya Style!

“America's strength is found in the spirit and character of our people. During National Character Counts Week, we renew our commitment to instilling values in our young people and to encouraging all Americans to remember the importance of good character.
[…]
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 15 through October 21, 2006, as National Character Counts Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, parents, students, and all Americans to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.”
-Proclamation by the President of the United States, October 13, 2006

“Fantastic! It is National Character Counts Week! Fearless Leader, how do you intend to celebrate?”
-Skippy

“Some of the most notorious names in the war on terror are headed toward prosecution after President Bush signed a law Tuesday authorizing military trials of terrorism suspects.
The legislation also eliminates some of the rights defendants are usually guaranteed under U.S. law, and it authorizes continued harsh interrogations of terror suspects.
[…]
Civil libertarians and leading Democrats decried the law as a violation of American values. The American Civil Liberties Union said it was ‘one of the worst civil liberties measures ever enacted in American history.’ Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin said, ‘We will look back on this day as a stain on our nation's history.’
‘It allows the government to seize individuals on American soil and detain them indefinitely with no opportunity to challenge their detention in court,’ Feingold said. ‘And the new law would permit an individual to be convicted on the basis of coerced testimony and even allow someone convicted under these rules to be put to death.’"
-Associated Press, October 17, 2006

“Oh.. You signed into law a bill that allows torture and does away with habeas corpus.. One of those little legal points dating back to 1215. Personally I would have thought that cake or maybe ice cream would have been sufficient for the celebration. Just remember though, National Character Counts week is just one week in October, and we all know what October is...”
-Skippy

“Domestic violence has no place in our society, and we have a moral obligation to help prevent it. The terrible tragedies that result from it destroy lives and insult the dignity of women, men, and children. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to underscore our commitment to bringing an end to violence in the home.
A home should be a place of stability, comfort, and love. Domestic violence shatters this important foundation. My Administration is strongly committed to addressing domestic violence and helping those who have been victimized.
[…]
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2006 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to reach out to victims and help end domestic violence. “
-Proclamation by the President of the United States, September 29, 2006

“That’s right! National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Whoo hoo! Fearless Leader, do you have any NDVAM parties to attend?”
-Skippy

“Bush to attend Sherwood fundraiser next week at Keystone President Bush’s appearance Oct.19 in Northeastern Pennsylvania will be for a $350-per-person fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood at Keystone College, LaPlume Township.”
-Times-Tribune (Scranton, PA), October 12, 2006

“Don Sherwood? Hmm.. the name sounds familiar. Would that be this Don Sherwood?..”
-Skippy

“Police responded to the Washington, D.C., apartment of U.S. Rep. Don Sherwood seven months ago after a woman who was visiting called 911 and reported he choked her. Sherwood, R-Tunkhannock, says he was falsely accused. He pointed to a police report that stated the woman backed off the claim. He also said he’s the victim of a political smear. No one has been charged in what the police termed a domestic incident.”
-Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, April 30, 2005

“In the ad, he acknowledges that the affair nearly cost him [Sherwood] the love of his wife and his daughters. He said his family has worked through it ‘because of my deep regret, our love and the fact that the allegation of abuse was never true.’
‘While I’m truly sorry for disappointing you, I never wavered from my commitment to reduce taxes, create jobs and bring home our fair share,’ Sherwood said, addressing viewers. ‘Should you forgive me, you can count on me to keep on fighting hard for you and your family.’”
-Associated Press, October 4, 2006

“The one accused of choking his mistress? Fearless Leader, I have to give you credit. This kind of thing is the bold kind of ‘in-your-face’ contradiction between your words and actions that we have come to know and expect from you. Well done sir. Well done.”
-Skippy