May 06, 2005
Dignified Noise
Yesterday the United Kingdom, our closest ally in the War on Terror, held their big election. It appears as though another controversial leader, like John Howard in Australia and George Bush here at home, has won another victory. Strong leaders are not easy to come by, bold leaders are even rarer. These are men of courage united to defeat the global threat of terror, and Tony Blair's victory is the second this week.
President George W. Bush spoke these words in reference to WWII about our friends on the other side of the lake:
America has always found strong partners in London, leaders of good judgment and blunt counsel and backbone when times are tough.
...
We saw an island threatened on every side, a leader who did not waver, and a country of the firmest character. And that has not changed. The British people are the sort of partners you want when serious work needs doing...America is fortunate to call this country our closet friend in the world.
We still see a country of firm resolve in their desire to support a leadership that supports the US. It is important to remember these close friends and thank them.
It is interesting to note this entry that appeared on the BBC Election Blog yesterday, while the election was taking place.
Dignified silence
The Election Monitor will return to active duty when polls close on Thursday, and when our correspondents round the country tell us how events are unfolding.
Does this refusal to comment on important issues like an election display a wise use of restraint? Is there a lesson to be learned from our friends here? Or do we simply affirm our Dignified Noise?
Hey Jeff...
Great post...I just read this morning thought that things didnt look that rosy for Blair. That he may have won but lost a mandate for losing a lot of House of Common seats and that he may resign before his term is up. Meaning the people of Britian apparently are not interested in keeping that close bond with the US. In fact the next leader will probably distance himself from us. Hopefully not...hopefully the next PM will have as much dignity and leadership as Tony.
This summarizes my feable attempt to make the same point in my previous post.
"That margin of a Labour victory could have consequences for Britain's "special relationship" with the United States. The battering Blair took over Iraq during the campaign suggested that any future British leader will probably be wary of backing Washington militarily in the face of hostile domestic opinion." Fox News report