Obama: U.S. has come a long way since 9/11

(CBS News) Ahead of the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President Obama in his weekly address cited Osama bin Laden's killing, New York's new One World Trade Center, and the end of the war in Iraq as examples of "just how far we've come as a nation."

Remembering the nearly 3,000 Americans who died that day, and the emergency first responders who leapt to action, the president said, "This anniversary is about them."

"On that clear September morning, as America watched the towers fall and the Pentagon burn and the wreckage smoldering in a Pennsylvania field, we were filled with questions," Mr. Obama said. "Where had the attacks come from, and how would America respond? Would they fundamentally weaken the country we love? Would they change who we are?

"The last decade has been a difficult one, but together, we have answered those questions, and come back stronger as a nation."

Nodding to "the courage and skill of our intelligence personnel and armed forces," Mr. Obama noted the death of the al Qaeda leader who orchestrated the attacks, which was carried out last year by a Navy SEALs team, on the president's order. "Osama bin Laden will never threaten America again," he said.

"Instead of changing who we are, the attacks have brought out the best in the American people," the president continued, thanking the "more than 5 million members of the 9/11 Generation" who have enlisted in the service, and touting his foreign policy accomplishments. "We've ended the war in Iraq and brought our troops home," he said. "We brought an end to the Taliban regime. We've trained Afghan Security Forces, and forged a partnership with a new Afghan Government. And by the end 2014, the transition in Afghanistan will be complete and our war there will be over."

In the aftermath of 9/11, the president said, "Instead of turning on each other, we've resisted the temptation to give in to mistrust and suspicion. Instead of pulling back from the world, we've strengthened our alliances while improving our security here at home. As Americans, we refuse to live in fear. Today, a new tower rises above the New York skyline. And our country is stronger, safer, and more respected in the world."

But delivering the GOP's weekly address, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., borrowed from Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's newest line, seeking to make the case that under President Obama, "America is not better off." Responding to what he called a "lofty speech" given by the president at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, Barrasso said: "The conventions are over now; the soaring speeches have ended. It's time for rhetoric to meet reality."

Barrasso slammed Mr. Obama on everything from unemployment numbers to his health care law to his now infamous "You didn't build that" remark. Lamenting the increasing federal debt, Barrasso quoted a Democrat, former President John F. Kennedy: "He said, 'Persistently large deficits would endanger our economic growth and our military and defense commitments abroad.' He said that 50 years ago, in 1962. Washington's budget deficit that year was $7 billion - from $7 billion then, to a $1.2 trillion deficit this year."

The president "is now asking you to give him more time. The question is, can we afford to give him that time?" Barrasso concluded. "Instead of giving President Obama four more years to continue the policies that are not working, it's time for a change."

[Dancing-in-the-Streets]

"Osama bin Laden will never threaten America again"
--------------

BinLaden's Dead!
GM is Alive!

OBAMA/BIDEN 2012 : )

[Robby33383]

It sure has! No thanks to you Mr. Obama!!!

[jrcclark]

Wouldn't it be nice if the politicians could unite in Washington and create a national monument dedicated to ALL U. S. victims of terrorism. The House of Representatives attempted to do so in the wake of 911. The resolution, known as H. R. 2982, died in the Senate. Had it gone forward, a monument dedicated to the fallen victims of terrorism, both at home and abroad, would have been constructed in our capital. You can sign a petition asking that the resolution be reconsidered at http://www.change.org/petitions/honor-the-victims-of-terrorism-both-at-home-and-abroad.

[jrcclark]

Wouldn't it be nice if the politicians could unite in Washington and create a national monument dedicated to ALL U. S. victims of terrorism. The House of Representatives attempted to do so in the wake of 911. The resolution, known as H. R. 2982, died in the Senate. Had it gone forward, a monument dedicated to the fallen victims of terrorism, both at home and abroad, would have been constructed in our capital. You can sign a petition asking that the resolution be reconsidered at http://www.change.org/petitions/honor-the-victims-of-terrorism-both-at-home-and-abroad.

[brymarkie]

Sounds like we've made progress in the last few years.

Did anyone see the funny article about Obama pardoning prisoners? http://milkthebull.com/2012/09/07/obama-threatens-to-pardon-all-black-people-from-prison-if-america-does-not-re-elect-him/

[douloscross]

Is Mr. Obama finally acknowledging that the Bush presidency actually led America through those first very difficult months and years with merit? Or is,as I fear, he thinking his alleged leadership is what has brought us thus far?

[retmw1]

Well he did give the order to take out bin laden, something that bush said he wasn't worried about.

[JWinATL]

I didn't see it in the article. Funny how he alludes to Bin Laden not being a threat anymore, but fails to mention how Bush united the country (had a 90%+ approval rating), and led is safely for the next 7+ years. What a leader. . .NOT!

[msimamaji]

Let's set record straight on the August jobs report. Yes, the growth in jobs was disappointing, but who's at fault. A year ago, Obama proposed the American Jobs Act. Let's look at what economists say about Obama's proposal.

According to Moody's Analytics, Obama's American Jobs Act would have generated 1.9 million jobs. According to the Economic Policy Institute, Obama's American Jobs Act would have saved 2.6 million jobs and would have protected an addtional 1.6 million existing jobs.

According to Macroeconomic Adisors, Obama's American Jobs Act would create 2.1 million jobs. According to Goldman Sachs, Obama's American Jobs Act would boost the GDP by 1.5 %

The GOP blocked Obama's American Jobs Act for one reason. They don't want Americans to have jobs - so they can deny Obama second term.

In addition, to blocking Obama's American Jobs Act. The GOP is blocking the Bring the Jobs Home Act, which ends tax breaks for off-shoring American Jobs. The GOP is also launching a multi-million dollar smear campaign against Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, the author of the proposal.

The GOP is also refusing to extend the Production Tax Credit, which will destroy thousands of jobs in American's emerging wind industry. Green tech is the job engine of the future. With the possible exception of Russia, every other country in the world understands this - the GOP does not.

The American people must demand immediate action from Congress. They must pass Obama's jobs proposals. If they play their stupid old political games, let's re=hire President Obama and fire the entire GOP. That's the only way to get more jobs.

[sjc_1]

The GOP will be out in great numbers trying to get you to believe that it is all one big mess. The part they don't want you to remember is that THEY caused it.

[JWinATL]

What does any of your screed have to do with the topic at hand?

[sjc_1]

Barrasso slammed Mr. Obama on everything from unemployment numbers to his health care law to his now infamous "You didn't build that" remark. Lamenting the increasing federal debt,

Pay attention and stop being a jerk.

[csuresh]

I never hear what is the GOP and Romney plan is to change the situation. I only hear criticism of Obama. I cannot replace something without knowing what I am getting instead.

[sjc_1]

As Clinton said, they want you to wait until after the election to find out. That is how you get something you did not bargain for.

Clinton said that you can believe they will do what they say, they just won't tell you what they will do.

No one that elected Reagan thought that he would triple the national debt. No one that elected Bush thought that he would ignore al Qaeda and invade Iraq. Those were not circumstances, those were deliberate acts.

[msimamaji]

Lest we forget. The GOP convention featured Condi Rice, who served as National Security Advisor when 9/11 occurred. In addition, Rice peddled false information about Iraq - and invading Iraq to kill bin Laden makes about as much sense as invading Paraguay after Pearl Harbor.

Yet this is the sort of clown that the GOP wants to put back into power.

Let's look at the record. During the Bush Administration, we got 9/11. Obama's administration has acutally thwarted several attempted terrorists attacks.

Lest we forget too, Ossama bin Laden is dead and GM is alive.
If we're going to ask the question: "Are you safer now than you were 4 years ago?"

The answer should be obvious. 9/11 is a good reason to re-elect President Obama.