Sunday, May 01, 2011

Obama Speech Transcript, May 1st about Osama bin Laden Death

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UPDATE- The full transcript:
Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children. It was nearly ten years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history. The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory. Hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky, the twin towers collapsing to the ground, black smoke billowing up from the pentagon, the wreckage of flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction. 
And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world, the empty seat at the dinner table, children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father, parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace, nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. On September 11th, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. 
We were also united in our resolve, to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda, an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. So we went to war against al Qaeda, to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies. Over the last ten years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. We’ve disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot. 
Yet, Osama bin Laden avoided capture. And escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world. And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda. Even as we continued our broader efforts to disrupt, dismantle and defeat his network. Then last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain. And it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we could located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice. 
Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body. For over two decades, bin Laden has been al Qaeda’s leader and symbol and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al Qaeda. His death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad. As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. I’ve made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11, that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader. He was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. 
Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve done. But it’s important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. 
The American people did not choose this fight. It came to our shores. And started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly ten years of service, struggle and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as commander in chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one or look into the eyes of a service member who’s been gravely wounded. So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror, justice has been done. 
Tonight we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who have worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work nor know their names, but tonight they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice. We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism and unparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of burden since that September day. Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11, that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. 
And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people. The cause of securing our country is not complete, but tonight we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history. Whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people or the struggle for equality for all our citizens, our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.
When the President speaks, watch the live video below:

 



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Update-  The US apparently has bin Laden's body, according to CNN.

UPDATE:

Some text from the President's speech:
"Justice has been done," the president declared as crowds formed outside the White House to celebrate, singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "We Are the Champions," NBC News reported. 
Obama said bin Laden, whom he called a terrorist "responsible for the murder of thousands of American men, women and children," was killed in Pakistan earlier in the day after a firefight in an operation that was based on U.S. intelligence. 
Officials long believed that bin Laden, the most wanted man in the world, was hiding a mountainous region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. 
It is a major accomplishment for Obama and his national security team, having fulfilled the goal once voiced by Obama's predecessor, George W. Bush, to bring to justice the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Obama declared that "the death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's struggle to defeat al-Qaida," he stressed that the effort continues. 
"We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad," he said, while emphasizing that "the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam."
Update- Here's the entire speech:


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40 comments:

  1. You`ve been served.

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  2. The war on terror is over! We won! No more living in fear!

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  3. This is amazing. I can't even begin to believe this :) tomorrow is going to be the most celebrated day in a long time :) Being in Junior ROTC this hits me hard :) My heart is swelling with joy and I am overcome with happiness :) This has be such a huge achievement for our government and our military. God Speed, and God Bless :) OSAMA'S DEAD!!! HELL YES!! :D

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  4. Sad to say, it`s not over, it never will, there will always be wackos out there, but is good to know that Uncle Sam is always working in keeping those jerks on the line.

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  5. Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
    Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead.
    Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
    Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. She's gone where the goblins go,
    Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
    Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
    Let them know
    The Wicked Witch is dead!

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  6. Obama shouldn't forget to blame George W Bush for Bin Laden's death.

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  7. Goerge who? Move on - this is Obama's victory!

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  8. "No transcript is available right now but here's the next best thing:" I'm sorry, but to a deaf person an un-captioned video is not the next best thing. I'd like to have access to the news just like hearing people.

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  9. Wow what an acheivement.
    Yippee, yeah, whoopdy doo. Big Deal.


    You Americans have more to worry about. Try your $ and housing going the sh*tter, still have guns. Pay a bit more in tax, get a decent health system, get rid of the guns. Maybe just maybe get of your slack butts and vote might make a difference.

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  10. "...Is morally, ethic'lly
    Spiritually, physically
    Positively, absolutely
    Undeniably and reliably Dead."

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  11. uhm...
    if you hadn't noticed:
    it was an American GUN which killed Bin Laden!

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  12. Ummm - you guys really believe this? If so you are in more trouble than ever. Let me see - Obama flagging in the polls, desperate to be re-elected, coming up to 10th Anniversary of 9-11. Nice timing. What a load of propaganda.

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  13. As amazing as this is, I am also a bit concerned. Who's to say Osama bin Laden does not have a successor? I know America will be on the watch for any other terrorist possibilities, but I don't think it's easy enough to say we don't have to live in fear anymore.
    I am ecstatic, but also a bit shaken.

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  14. you people are sheep

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  15. oh, you think this happened because obama was down (not as far as bush) in the polls??? utter b.s. pull your head out. how about reagan working to delay the hostage release that carter arranged until after he was sworn in? that ACTUALLY happened.

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  16. USA: Ultimately Shot his Ass

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  17. This is all coming at a convenient time for Obama! Realize that he emphasizes his alliance with Islam, Obama and People in high places want to do away with the US and wants to have a one world order. People Wake Up! Obama is a puppet for people behind the scenes. There's more going on here. Good thing God is in control and all their efforts, no matter how hard they try, will be in vain!!!

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  18. looks like it's time for the conspiracy folks to put their tin-foil hats on.
    <[8^0

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  19. thatnk god he's gone,but we still live in fear of our own terrors in our community. Our men and women faught for 10 years,hard and bloody battles and finally our perserverance has succedded and once more America comes out on top. To all the souls lost seince that day forward,may you rest in peace at gods side. And to those who are so terribly injured,may he seek mercy on your soul and keep you safe in the night. God Bless America.

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  20. Obama's speech was well read, his PR people did a great job of writing it.

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  21. We will always have to live in fear. Look at history...

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  22. No tin foil hats here, just the Bible!!!

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  23. Those of us who own guns don't "live in fear"; we fear for those who've had their guns confiscated. "Look at history.."

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  24. Live by the gun, die by the gun. And even if you have a gun you still can live in fear. And get stripped searched and sexually assaulted at US airports.

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  25. You even fear to post opposing comments. What kind of democracy is that.

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  26. I don't know if we will ever know the truth about 9/11 and who was really to blame for those horrible acts. One thing I know for sure is that the Bible tells the truth and all of it's prophecies have and are coming to pass. Every one remember to have Faith and confidence in knowing that everything always works out for and to the good of those who are in Christ. In other words whether it's Osama or Obama or Bush or whoever it doesn't matter, God is ultimately in control!

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  27. I would gladly post "opposing comments" (I didn't even vote for Obama, and mostly disagree with his positions) -- but I have to give him credit for being in charge when we finally got Bin Laden.

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  28. American guns were also used in over 100 school shootings in the USA.

    There is no god. How f*cking stupid are you people?

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  29. "Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Pakistan."

    TODAY? Really? Teleprompter again?

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  30. Obviously he is going to have a successor, obviously George Bush is responsible as he initially sought revenge and we obviously have bigger matters on our hands despite this 'triumph'. Osama is not terrorism, he is just one aspect of it. It is wrong to give him so much credit.

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  31. this is the best news a soldier can get while been deployed GOD BLESS AMERICA

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  32. This war is not over.

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  33. Hmmm. Duh... enibudy seen a budy 'rund here lately?
    Worst B movie Hollywood never put on the screen. No body as evidence. A house which was bombed, but miraculously stands (looks like one of 'em tornado'ed houses to me). And the latest "news"... he was buried at sea. Really? 'Cause the last time I looked, there wasn't a sea anywhere near the mtns. of Pakistan.
    Never seen so many dumb asses on tv.

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  34. Don't blame Hollywood for this.

    This is Ass good as it gets in the White House in Washington

    Show me the BODY.

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  35. hey, did any of you smug little bastards happen to notice that gas in most places was upwards of $4.00 per gallon on may 2, 2011? or were you too busy celebrating our nation's so called, "victory" against the war on terror? this is just political misdirection! in 1937, president roosavelt failed miserably at an attempt to pull our nation out of debt. this plan took approx. 2 years......noone has ever heard of the great recession, however, because everyone was too focussed on wwII which we became interested in after it started in 1939.
    remember: belive 1/2 of what you see, and none of what you hear.

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  36. how dare ye call us smug bastards. you sir are a disgrace to all humanity. but anyways why dont they show us proof of this killing. i mean i know we are fighting the war on terror. but still Robert Ford killed Jesse James and the government took photos of his body and layed it on a bed of ice in Jesse's house for all the country to see. So we go in double tap bin ladan and hours later burried him at sea. I want Proof of this victory and so do many others in this country. now i know its just a big thing that we got this victroy and i know we have many more to come "god willing". But for god sakes.
    SHOW US THE PROOF!!!

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  37. who would thought that Obama is so stupid

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  38. What if it was a German gun? And get real peeps. The war is not over. Get up off your butts and do something for the world.
    “One nation under God.” Wait! What happened to „one world“? What about the Michael Jackson song? Shouldn’t God bless the whole world?
    So get up and help out! education is whats needed more than war.

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