Is it me or is this guy just awsome? I mean, did you guys watch his speech this morning? I have to say it was one of the best speeches I have heard since this whole thing started.
I know that the UK lost citizens in the attack but for him to take such a strong stance with the US really impressed me. And it really seemed like he was talking from the heart and not from a piece of paper sitting in front of him.
Im glad the Brits are on our side.
PS - Forget Dick Chenney, lets get this guy for Vice President.
I agree totally. Tony Blair is a great orator, and Prime Minister to his people. I salute Britan, Mr. Blair, and the people of Britan for supporting the United States during this time.
When I watched his speech, I was surprised by how much interest he takes in foreign policy – It’s not what I’d expect from the Labor Party leader. He wants to fix Africa, bring peace to the Middle East, end terrorism, and had several other lofty goals. If nothing else, he’s ambitious.
I only heard sound bites on the radio news during the day, but he really nailed it when he said, “Whatever the dangers of the action we take, the dangers of inaction are far, far greater.”
That’s exactly what I’ve concluded, especially after hearing about all the demonstrations against our taking action. Few people actively want war. But when your back is pushed against the wall, what alternatives are there?
I think Bush and Blair both understand this, and I am so pleased that Britain is both our ally and our friend.
I’m not usually the greatest fan of Tony Blair’s style (although I’m centre-left politically), but damn, that was a good speech. He was visionary without preaching.
I saw it on Nightline last night. If someone else hadn’t started this thread, I would have, and I pretty much just lurk. I was blown away by his words, his skill as an orator, and the obvious emotion behind it all.
And thanks to Francesca for the link - I’ll be e-mailing parts of that speech to everyone I know.
I agree with all the positive statements made on this thread about Blair. He impressed me when he was in DC recently, supporting the U.S. But this speech really caught my attention. Very powerful. Thanks for the text link, Francesca.
Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe my thoughts on the speech. His ideas are certainly very ambitious; I’ll be very interested to see his level of success in carrying out his ideas.
I have the deepest admiration of Great Britain. Their leader’s steadfastness in helping guide my nation through this terrible time has been invaluable.
In the interests of balance, I give you Matthew Parris, parliamentary sketch writer for The Times newspaper.
Mr. Parris’s views on Tony Blair’s speech have not been universally well received. In fact, Mr. Parris’s opinions on many subjects are open to question in many quarters.
Nevertheless Mr. Parris, and others of his ilk, are part of the system of checks and balances which are so important in the British political system. Whereas most people do not mind Mr. Blair moving forward with unquestioning belief in his own rhetoric, it would be a grave situation where everybody in the country accepted his words and deeds without demur.
My own opinion of Mr. Blair’s speech lies somewhere between that of Mr. Parris and that of Mr. Blair himself.
It’s tough being Libran. You have balance on the brain.
Well I think Mr. Parris is a big [WARNING Blackclaw, you are not in the pit.] um… meanie. He’s a well written one though. And I undertand his point. Clearly, we must choose our battles carefully, but there still is a more active role that the West should play. We can also win most of these battles not with troops, but with intelligence, diplomacy, and economic aid. I’m hopeful that the places where some measure of force is required, such as Afghanistan, are few and far between.
