Transcript of Carter speech

[kentuck]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/26/politics/campaign/26TEXT-CARTER.html

<snip>
We also were sure that these presidents would not mislead us when it came to issues involving our nation’s security. Today, our Democratic party is led by another former naval officer­one who volunteered for military service. He showed up when assigned to duty, and he served with honor and distinction.

He also knows the horrors of war and the responsibilities of leadership, and I am confident that next January he will restore the judgment and maturity to our government that is sorely lacking today. I am proud to call Lieutenant John Kerry my shipmate, and I am ready to follow him to victory in November.

As you know, our country faces many challenges at home involving energy, taxation, the environment, education, and health. To meet these challenges, we need new leaders in Washington whose policies are shaped by working American families instead of the super-rich and their armies of lobbyists. But the biggest reason to make John Kerry president is even more important. It is to safeguard the security of our nation.

Today, our dominant international challenge is to restore the greatness of America­based on telling the truth, a commitment to peace, and respect for civil liberties at home and basic human rights around the world. Truth is the foundation of our global leadership, but our credibility has been shattered and we are left increasingly isolated and vulnerable in a hostile world. Without truth­without trust­America cannot flourish. Trust is at the very heart of our democracy, the sacred covenant between the president and the people.

....much more

[Old and In the Way]

1. A most thoughtful and serious assessment of our country's state of

peril. He pulled no punches.

[Dudley_DUright]

2. For completeness, here is a link to Al Gore's speech as well

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/26/politics/campaign/26TEXT-GORE.html

[whistle]

3. Man, this speech should be replayed on every channel...

...and radio station for the next 98 days till the election, it was great!

[MrBenchley]

4. Thank you!

"Recent policies have cost our nation its reputation as the world’s most admired champion of freedom and justice. What a difference these few months of extremism have made!"

So true...

[kentuck]

5. Extremists! I was just going to post this.

"What a difference these few months of extremism have made!"
=========================
And they are extremists.

[kentuck]

6. ...and heavy criticism here...

<snip>
First, we cannot enhance our own security if we place in jeopardy what is most precious to us; namely, the centrality of human rights in our daily lives and in global affairs. (Applause.)

Second, we cannot maintain our historic self-confidence as a people if we generate public panic. (Applause.)

Third, we cannot do our duty as citizens and patriots if we pursue an agenda that polarizes and divides our country. (Applause.)

Next, we cannot be true to ourselves if we mistreat others.

And finally, in the world at large we cannot lead if our leaders mislead. (Cheers, applause.)

[UTUSN]

7. Dayum, This Is a Gettysburg Address n/t