Post by GSC Admin on Jun 13, 2004 21:29:55 GMT -5
www.theunionleader.com/articles_showfast.html?article=39180
Gore Tells Democrats Bush Has Changed Meaning Of America
By RILEY YATES
Union Leader Staff
MANCHESTER — Al Gore last night charged President Bush has endangered America’s position in the world with a mistaken invasion of Iraq and by flaunting international convention.
“This was done in our name. This changes for many in the world the meaning of America, the image of America,” Gore told 300 Democrat powerbrokers at a fundraiser for the city party.
In a fiery 40 minute speech, the former vice president knocked the Bush administration for using wrong information to justify the invasion, in particular for relying on Iraqi dissident Ahmed Chalabi, who has since been reportedly linked to Iran.
“Which means that for 3½ years, he’s been doping the President of the United States,” Gore said. “Does that inspire confidence?”
Gore also accused Bush and his administration of breaking with rules governing the treatment of prisoners of war, implicating them in the prisoner abuse scandals.
“The paper trail shows very clearly that these privates and corporals weren’t the ones who suggested pulling out of the Geneva Convention,” Gore said. Later in the speech, he added: “The President of the United States ordered the withdrawal from the Geneva Convention and the secretary of defense said take off the gloves, get tough with them.”
The annual Flag Day dinner featured a roast of Kathy Sullivan, the state party chairman. Held at the Chateau Restaurant on Hanover Street, it included four hours of speeches from candidates for governor, the U.S. House and the Executive Council.
Gore’s criticism of Bush spanned to the environment, the Patriot Act and Attorney General John Ashcroft, and the federal budget deficit. He stuck mostly to Iraq and foreign affairs, however, as he stumped in what’s considered a swing state for prospective Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry of Massachusetts.
“Now in so many places in the world so many people holding out the American flag of freedom will be met with catcalls and cynicism,” Gore said.
Gore also said the war has led to a “backdoor draft” with people in the service “being ordered to stay in the military even though they don’t want to.” He said the Bush administration overruled its own military estimates in invading Iraq without enough forces.
The speech was in direct contrast to Gore’s opening remarks, which saw light humor, as the former vice president poked fun at getting used to being just a citizen and the closeness of the 2000 Presidential election.
“I am Al Gore. I used to be the next President of the United States,” Gore introduced himself to laughter, quipping: “I don’t believe that’s particularly funny.”
Gore Tells Democrats Bush Has Changed Meaning Of America
By RILEY YATES
Union Leader Staff
MANCHESTER — Al Gore last night charged President Bush has endangered America’s position in the world with a mistaken invasion of Iraq and by flaunting international convention.
“This was done in our name. This changes for many in the world the meaning of America, the image of America,” Gore told 300 Democrat powerbrokers at a fundraiser for the city party.
In a fiery 40 minute speech, the former vice president knocked the Bush administration for using wrong information to justify the invasion, in particular for relying on Iraqi dissident Ahmed Chalabi, who has since been reportedly linked to Iran.
“Which means that for 3½ years, he’s been doping the President of the United States,” Gore said. “Does that inspire confidence?”
Gore also accused Bush and his administration of breaking with rules governing the treatment of prisoners of war, implicating them in the prisoner abuse scandals.
“The paper trail shows very clearly that these privates and corporals weren’t the ones who suggested pulling out of the Geneva Convention,” Gore said. Later in the speech, he added: “The President of the United States ordered the withdrawal from the Geneva Convention and the secretary of defense said take off the gloves, get tough with them.”
The annual Flag Day dinner featured a roast of Kathy Sullivan, the state party chairman. Held at the Chateau Restaurant on Hanover Street, it included four hours of speeches from candidates for governor, the U.S. House and the Executive Council.
Gore’s criticism of Bush spanned to the environment, the Patriot Act and Attorney General John Ashcroft, and the federal budget deficit. He stuck mostly to Iraq and foreign affairs, however, as he stumped in what’s considered a swing state for prospective Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry of Massachusetts.
“Now in so many places in the world so many people holding out the American flag of freedom will be met with catcalls and cynicism,” Gore said.
Gore also said the war has led to a “backdoor draft” with people in the service “being ordered to stay in the military even though they don’t want to.” He said the Bush administration overruled its own military estimates in invading Iraq without enough forces.
The speech was in direct contrast to Gore’s opening remarks, which saw light humor, as the former vice president poked fun at getting used to being just a citizen and the closeness of the 2000 Presidential election.
“I am Al Gore. I used to be the next President of the United States,” Gore introduced himself to laughter, quipping: “I don’t believe that’s particularly funny.”
