“We will confront weapons of mass destruction, so that a new century is spared new horrors… The enemies of liberty and our country should make no mistake: America remains engaged in the world by history and by choice, shaping a balance of power that favors freedom. We will defend our allies and our interests. We will show purpose without arrogance. We will meet aggression and bad faith with resolve and strength. And to all nations, we will speak for the values that gave our nation birth… And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.” – the inaugural address of president George W. Bush, to whom above everyone else, the Iraqi people owe their new freedom.
RAINES WATCH: Almost every single newspaper in the country declares yesterday a turning point, an historic moment, the critical end of the Saddam regime. “U.S. Troops Sweep Aside Hussein Rule,” thunders the Washington Post. The Guardian hails: “An End to 30 Years of Brutal Rule.” “Saddam ‘Defeated Militarily,'” says USA Today, with the subhead, “Jubilant Crowds Tear Down Statue.” The L.A. Times: “U.S. Troops Free Iraq From Hussein’s Control.” What does Howell Raines come up with? “Iraqi Government Apparently Breaks Down But Fighting Persists in Parts of Capital.” At least that’s the headline in the online edition at around 1am. No, you couldn’t make this up. They just can’t stand the news at 43rd Street, can they?
The Dish 