Pres. Bush Hits the Trail
To Boost Troop Support

In his weekly radio address on 20 August, President Bush said that he would be traveling to Idaho and Utah to thank the "brave" men and women who are now home for their efforts under his guidance as commander of the military. The president contends that he is fighting the enemy following attacks of 11 September 2001.

While not giving specific details, names, or data, President Bush said, "We have combated terrorists on the home front by disrupting terror cells and their financial support networks. We're fighting the terrorists in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around the world, striking them in foreign lands before they can attack us here at home."

The president also said that the troops have spread "the hope of freedom" across the Middle East, "by advancing the cause of liberty in a troubled region."

Idaho's national guard and its Mountain Home Air Force Base is President Bush's first stop, although due to security concerns, specific dates and times were not provided. Many of Idaho's reserves participated in the invasion of Afghanistan following 9-11.

Troops "know that if we do not confront these evil men abroad, we will have to face them one day in our own cities and streets, and they know that the safety and security of every American is at stake in this war, and they know we will prevail," President Bush said.

Following his visit to Idaho, President Bush will join-up with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention in Utah, where he says he'll "thank the proud veterans who have given today's troops such a noble example of devotion and courage." Shortly before Labor Day weekend, the president will commemorate the 60th anniversary of V-J Day in San Diego, CA.

He told radio audiences that WWII was the bloodiest conflict in human history and that the United States won a "great victory" to form peaceful communities, which became "strong allies" of the United States.

"The war on terror requires great sacrifice from Americans," President Bush said on 20 August. He called the military heroic for giving their lives and that the "American people are thankful and proud," of their accomplishments.

"Freedom" is in the future of every nation, the president said in conclusion, and "now we must finish the task that our troops have given their lives for and honor their sacrifice by completing their mission."

At present time, there are no definitive dates to withdraw troops from neither Afghanistan nor Iraq, and in recent weeks the president has avoided answering questions on a possible timetable for bringing troops home.

Of 1,000 adults polled by Gallup on 11 August, 51 percent said they disapprove of the way in which President Bush is handling his job, or a rating consistent to that of the past four weeks. Forty-five percent said they approved of the president, which solidly represents the same voting block of support President Bush has enjoyed throughout his two terms, and that figure is unlikely to drop based upon historical monthly survey averages since he entered the White House.