In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy

Preaches Diplomacy At General Assembly, Says U.S. Gov't Is Handling Financial Crisis

(CBS/AP)  George W. Bush, facing the United Nations for the last time as U.S. President, is trying to assure world leaders that his government is acting decisively and quickly to contain a financial crisis.

In a speech Tuesday at the annual U.N. General Assembly, the president said he realizes that other nations are watching how the United States deals with the financial meltdown that is shaking the global economy.

He said that his administration is working with Congress to come to fast agreement on a $700 billion bailout bill, in addition to other recent actions he called "bold steps" aimed at stabilizing markets and keeping credit flowing.

Mr. Bush said he is confident that the U.S. will act "in the urgent timeframe required" to prevent broader problems.

He did not ask for any action by other countries, though he also scolded the U.N. body for inefficiency and corruption, and said strong actions must be taken against members that fail to uphold their obligations.

Mr. Bush (who came to office unconvinced of the need for international cooperation) also stressed the need for multinational diplomacy and supporting burgeoning democracies.

"History shows when citizens have a voice in choosing their own leaders, they are less likely to search for meaning and radical ideologies," he said. "When governments respect the rights of their people, they're more likely to respect the rights of their neighbors. For all these reasons, the nations of this body must challenge tyranny as vigorously as we challenge terror."

He criticized Russia's invasion of Georgia, saying it violated the United Nations charter setting forth the equal rights of nations great and small.

"President Bush used his farewell address to shift focus from his earlier actions in which the U.S. went it alone on the world stage to a plea for multilateralism, a shift made of necessity because of the crises in Georgia, in Afghanistan and in the Middle East," said CBS News Foreign Affairs Analyst Pamela Falk, from the U.N.

"President Bush also pointed the finger at Iran just hours before Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will get two opportunities to respond, in his afternoon speech and in a press conference which the Iranian government has called to respond to International Atomic Energy Agency charges, which the Iranian government says are fabricated," reports Falk.

Opening the annual ministerial meeting of the General Assembly, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned Tuesday that the global financial crisis endangers the U.N. campaign to fight poverty and he called for global leadership to restore order to international financial markets, make trade concessions and act on climate change.

Addressing more than 120 world leaders and dozens of government ministers at the opening of the annual ministerial meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, Ban painted a grim picture of a world facing not only a financial crisis but food and energy crises as well as new outbreaks of war and violence and "new rhetoric of confrontation."

"We must do more to help our fellow human beings weather the gathering storm," he said. "I see a danger of nations looking more inward, rather than toward a shared future. I see a danger of retreating from the progress we have made, particularly in the realm of development and more equitably sharing the fruits of global growth."

Ban said he worried that nations are losing sight of the "new reality" - that there are "new centers of power and leadership in Asia, Latin America and across the newly developed world" - and that "in this new world, our challenges are increasingly those of collaboration rather than confrontation."

Ban's focus on global financial challenges and new cooperation come in a General Assembly session confronting a host of challenges, including Western pressure on Iran for its nuclear program and continued threats of terrorism.

"The world financial crisis overshadowed much of the debate at the U.N. and the Secretary General's call on Monday for $72 billion for Africa was seen as unlikely with world powers' resources virtually tapped out," Falk added.


On The Sidelines

Prior to his speech, Mr. Bush met with new Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, exhibiting a show of solidarity against extremists during their meeting at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Mr. Bush expressed sorrow for the victims of a deadly truck bomb that struck the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, and acknowledged tensions over U.S. military incursions into Pakistani territory.

"I know that you, your heart went out to the families of those who suffer and so does the collective heart of the American people," Mr. Bush said. "We stand with you."

Zardari said democracy was the answer for Pakistan.

"We will solve all the problems. We have a situation. We have issues. We've got problems. But we will solve them, and we will rise to the occasion. That's what my wife's legacy is all about," Zardari said in reference to the assassination of his wife, former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

"That's what democracy is all about - to take difficult decisions and do the right thing for the people of our country and our two great nations. We should come together in this hard time and we will share the burden and the responsibility with the world," he said.

Privately, the two leaders must try to craft a delicate strategy to make progress in fighting militants while keeping U.S.-Pakistan relations on an even keel until Mr. Bush leaves office in four months.

World leaders and delegations from the United Nation's 192 members are in New York for this week's opening of the 63rd session of the General Assembly - and so are protestors.

Yesterday, thousands protested Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's pro-nuclear, anti-israel stand. John McCain's running mate Sarah Palin had been scheduled to speak at that rally before her invitation was withdrawn, but Plante reports that Palin (who got her first passport just last year) is in New York and will get a crash course in international affairs.

The Alaska governor will be meeting with the leaders of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Georgia and Ukraine, as well as with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and U2's Bono.

Iran's president, whose appearance at the U.N. General Assembly last year sparked thousands of protesters in the streets and an American walkout during his speech, returns to the U.N. later today amid heightened concerns over his country's nuclear ambitions.

Ahmadinejad's speech comes after the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency warned Monday that he cannot determine whether Iran is hiding some nuclear activities.

Ahmadinejad said in an interview with National Public Radio airing Tuesday that he does not want confrontation with the United States. He said he wants diplomatic relations to develop between the two countries and is willing, for example, to cooperate on upholding security in neighboring Iraq.

"We do not have confrontations with anyone," he said. "The U.S. administration interferes, and we defend ourselves."

But the Iranian leader, seen at left, warned over the weekend that Iran's military would strike back against anyone targeting his country's nuclear facilities.

"If anyone allows himself to commit even a tiny offense against Iran's legitimate interests, borders and sacred land, our armed forces will break his hand before he pulls the trigger," Ahmadinejad said during a military parade Sunday.

Iran insists its nuclear activities are geared only toward generating power. But Israel says the Islamic Republic could have enough nuclear material to make its first bomb within a year. The U.S. estimates Tehran is at least two years away from that stage.

Last year, thousands rallied at the United Nations to protest Ahmadinejad's speech. When Ahmadinejad was ushered to the podium of the General Assembly to speak, the U.S. delegation walked out, leaving only a low-ranking note-taker to listen to his speech.

The vice president of Sudan and leaders from Georgia, Lebanon, Kenya, Somalia, France, Liberia and Argentina also are among those addressing the General Assembly on Tuesday.

On Monday, leaders gathered for a high-level meeting on Africa's development needs. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the world's rich nations to spend $72 billion a year to help Africa achieve U.N. goals to fight poverty, improve health and ensure universal primary education.

A new report from the secretary general said not a single African country is likely to achieve all the U.N. Millennium Development Goals by the target date of 2015.

Ban said last week he was deeply concerned that the current economic slowdown and turmoil on Wall Street could have a "very serious negative impact" on the ability of rich nations to help achieve the targets, first and foremost to cut extreme poverty by half.

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, who heads the African Union, added his concern, warning Monday that "if the crisis is to continue, it will certainly have serious, serious implications." But he was hopeful that the financial turmoil will be short-lived.

"There may not be easy answers, but I believe the U.S. will overcome, and the world will overcome this unfortunate situation," he said.

For live Web casts of the General Assembly and media briefings on the www.un.org Web site, click here.

[walt1944-2009]

It has been learned that the Great Emperor Bush II will address the United Nations for (what most of us hope!) the last time today.

It is expected that the Great Emperor will babble how strong the economy of the USSA is and that world markets have nothing to fear as the Great Emperor is confident that he can "muscle" his "latest and greatest" mother of all bailout packages designed to make everyone rich except the poor and what is left of the middle class, sometime this week.

The Great Emperor will explain that this is his last attempt to "stick it to" the poor and middle class of this country who, in his and the neocon Fascist National Socialist Nazi view, don''t count for anything anyway!

So, with that in mind, he intends to leave us, and our future generations for the next 200 years, something to REALLY REMEMBER HIM WITH, and thus achieve his legacy of being the absolute WORST ruler on the face of the planet since Adolph Hitler!

I''m sure the entire planet will miss him!!!!!!

SIG HEIL, I CHEAT''EM AND HOW!!!!, BUSH!!!!
sig heil, AT LEAST I KNOW WHAT MIA MEANS!!, McCain!!!
sig heil, MY "FIRST DUDE", TODD, WILL FIX EVERYTHING!!, Palin!!!!

[presjfk]

The sigh of relief from the UN audience that this idiot is finally leaving power will be deafening.

[meboard]

I found it pathetically amusing that little %u201Cw%u201D told the new Pakistani President that the U.S. would help his country achieve economic prosperity%u2026while our country teeters on the brink of economic collapse. But then again, %u201Cw%u201D shines as a brilliant example of how NOT to govern. %u201CMission Accomplished%u201D Mr. %u201Cw%u201D%u2026you have failed on both the foreign and domestic front! What a legacy%u2026? Anybody out there STILL willing to go 4 more years of Republican rule?

[leftyintexas]

Let''s hope he doesn''t make a fool of himself again like he usually does.

[pirmin3]

Probably won''t be a dry eye in the audience. LOL What a pathetic loser.

[txlakeside]

Thank god and good riddance!

[chris32324]

hard to believe,,but i bet W thinks they really are listening to him.

[pastdue1]

Last time ~ Thank God, America ~ and the last time he addresses the American people will be a new beginning for the nation. Reconstruction will take time, but without the Bush influence, it can be done. America no longer needs a president who "shoots from the hip", or one who makes snap decisions and then foists them on Americans.

[leftyintexas]

Posted by demslie2u at 11:16 AM : Sep 23, 2008

Hahaha! Always your delusional self aren''t you?

[babooph]

They likely gave him the same stuff to say again.

[newsjunky5]

"In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy"
...over the edge.

[edward1975-2009]

I wish he would push this useless organization off our soil. Let someone else foot the bill for these "diplomats", who''s day has come and gone.

[steeepe]

I bet those ambassadors are thankful they don''t have to ever listen to the smirking Bush again. Too bad he represented the U.S. for 8 years, making the rest of the world think we are a bunch of idiots here in America.

[joker1944-2009]

I recently profiled Progressives for Obama (PFO). Founded earlier this year....

Posted by jaxsterling5 at 11:58 AM : Sep 23, 2008

You did no such thing. You copied this from an anti-Obama blog you plagarizing, braindead talking-point repeating little ***.

[recession1]

WOW, YOU HAVE SOME HISTORY ON SENATOR OBAMA! CONGRATS!! DARE YOU PUT PRES BUSH''S PAST UP HERE ON THIS POST?? ---- I DIDN''T THINK SO-----

[displeased]

And, All Democrats will agree with Ahmadinejad that America is always to Blame and Deserves to have it%u2019s children slaughtered because, we are always Bad.
Posted by demslie2u

You must play too many video games or something. Maybe you''ll be more realistic when you come back down to earth. And idolizing Bush isn''t helping you much.

[fjinnw]

Bush criticized Russia''s invasion of Georgia ,violated the United Nations charter.

[random_radar]

Democracy is where the rich promote competing candidates that they control and give the people the illusion of a voice. The genius of American democracy is having two parties appear to compete while actually doing the bidding of the wealthy who rule the nation. Enjoy serfdom McBama supporters.

[kuei12]

"George W. Bush, facing the United Nations for the last time"

You mean before the War Crimes trials start, correct?

[kuei12]

"Wow - I didn''''t know there was such a thing as a Socialist Democracy"

Where have you been?

[edward1975-2009]

Democrats are quick to lay blame in all that has happened from Iraq to the Economy on the Republicans, not once standing and saying they too were at fault. They were hand in hand with Republicans for Iraq, then cut and ran when they finally figured out Bush''s strategy was a joke, they swore to the American people how they would rescue us from Iraq if given Congress, they lied. And now holding Congress, which they have, with nothing getting done, they now wish to again say they aren''t part of the problem. Wake up people, these two parties are digging us deeper in a hole we may never recover from. And all they are good for is pointing fingers, no solutions, just empty promises, year after year. We the people better fix this and fast and run these incompetent fools out, before it''s to late. Quit looking at party and start voting people you truly believe will at least attempt to govern. Not these empty windbags that have been occupying government for far too long.

[hermitdave]

I notice Crusader George said nothing of the illegal Afghan forced democracy or the criminal democracy he forced on the innocent people of Iraq. All for the neocon wars for drugs and oil.

[kuei12]

"incorrect. Last time as President. you see kuei12, per our constitution, Bush cannot be elected anymore. Get it? You should have learned that in grade school."

It''s a good thing you completely missed the point or I would look stupid, too. LOL

[martin9p2]

All in all it was a pathetic speech from a washed up loser. It frightens me to elect a new president who has ever sided with Bush on ANYthing, and it frightens me elect a new president who believes in a corrupt hockey mom who''s never been out of the neighborhood.

[feedback3-2009]

Too bad Bush couldn''t push democracy here for the past 8 years.

[hologram5]

Too bad Bush couldn''''''''t push democracy here for the past 8 years.


----------------------------------
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Posted by feedback3 at 01:17 PM : Sep 23, 2008


he didnt have to, it has been here for over 200 years.......that was lame bash at Bush


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by jamesm12341 at 01:18 PM : Sep 23, 2008

If you think we now live in a democracy, you need some schooling. we have not had a democracy in a LONG time. we live in a republic that is turning facist police state by the day. Wake up and look around.

[kuei12]

"oh i know your point was an immature bash at Bush.....you need to grow up "

There''s one bush supporter on every forum. And they always talk the same $hit.

[dinkydog1]

How pitiful it is to see even a dim wit like Bush have to explain our crisis to the UN. Isn''t it ironic to see the worlds most incompetent leader (Bush) scold the U.N. body for inefficiency and corruption,

[occams_taser]

Bush''s appearance at the UN is a lot like the tee-vee specials about Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or the Easter Bunny. All the adults know the truth, but we have the show for the benefit of the children (who watch FOX News in America)

[baby54boomer]

Hey, freeanswers I must have missed something. I read this article and saw nothing about people protesting Obama. Is there another news article you can point me to? Thanks!

[edward1975-2009]

hologram5: We were created as a republic and have fallen to a democracy, read a book it''s good for the mind. And are fast falling toward socialism, if not already there. All you have to do is look at our political system to understand that Republicans and Democrats no longer have glaring differences and are no longer representing the people they were elected to represent. This non-representation was the reason we fought for our Independence and one day will again be the very reason people wake up and do it again.

[fedup_w_pols-2009]

Perhaps instead of trying to spread democracy around the world we should try and get it back here in the good ole USA. We are far from a democracy these days and if you think otherwise your not a very deep thinker. The government of today portrays itself as democratic much like the government of Russia and China. All this spreading democracy BS when we have totally lost the meaning in our own country.

[ljb6599]

Bush has done enough damage to mess up this country and the world!!It is time for him to go!!

[dinkydog1]

yea, and he still beat Algore and Kerry. Doesent say much about those guys does it lib?


Posted by hillaryin012 at 02:29 PM : Sep 23, 2008

...........................


And your point is what? The majority of Americans are ignorant? By the way, if your still a Bush supporter I guess now that makes you a lib too.

[williewomper]

In an hour and a half, Bush''s Iranian Twin will have his turn. These two are really from the same mold.
They should really get along. Invite him to the ranch George and ya''ll cut some brush and plan how to screw things up royally! Oh wait you already did.

[lewiston14]

There is going to be a big time in New York tonight. Every mothers son is busting out in joy. They dont have to listen to Bush and his bull anymore.

[ahhhhhhhaaaa]

Listen!! I dont care who wins this presidential election, Obama or McCain isnt going to clean up this financial mess in 8 years!!! are you kidding? in 8 years this wont even be america every country that owns a piece of america would taken its share by then!

[edward1975-2009]

We as a nation have poured more money and aid into just about every other country on the planet with little or no return. We rebuild Europe after WWII, with no repayment. After 50 some odd yrs. of helping others, we find ourselves on the brink of collapse and all the world can do is point fingers at the hand that has fed most of them for all this time. Time to re-evaluate our thinking and ask ourselves why we are helping anyone. Rid ourselves of these parasites.

[jerkytree]

We should stop telling the rest of the world what to do and how to live. Our government is no better than the one in Italy,Iran or Iraq, it is corrupt from the bottom up. Until that changes, we Americans have no chance and they know that in Washington.

[lalabradle]

You know you guys are wasting your time talking to the Bush/McCain/Palen supporters. They are all on valiums, alcohol and drugs, did you guys see the RNC. It''s hard for anyone with any rational thinking to understand how anyone could support the Republican party, it''s amazing. Everything is right there in their faces, but like Obama said of McCain, he just doesn''t get it, Bush hasn''t gotten it in 8 years and Palin will never get it. Obama is going to win this election by a landslide. I still have faith in the greater number of Americans who are intelligent and still sane.

[barbaraf4]

"In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy"
~~~~~~~~~~~
Democracy? This idiot has one note to strum. He has destroyed our Constitution, our economy and our society. In the Middle East, he has destroyed their country and the birthplace of civilization. All in the name of democracy.

Bush needs a remedial civics class.

[alphaa10-2009]

WELFARE FOR THE RICH?--5

Now Bush wants American taxpayers to give him another boost-- on top of his spendthrift ways with Iraq, monstrous national debt and lavish Bush gifts to his friends (the tax cuts given primarily to his political "base", the wealthy 5.5 percent of taxpayers).

Bush wants a $700 billion check-- just like that.

And Bush has a simple plan for that check-- to pass along our money to the very Wall Street players which are responsible for the crisis.

It''s clear direct action is long overdue for the disastrous Bush economy, but Bush''s blank check proposal is nowhere near the answer.

Barack Obama laid out key principles for dealing with this situation. Obama''s main point: Main Street must be put ahead of Wall Street, and no blank check for the Bush Administration. http://www.barackobama.com/issues/fiscal

Congress needs to hear from the public.

[alphaa10-2009]

WELFARE FOR THE RICH?--4

Two major tax cuts by Bush-- most of it to a small minority of taxpayers-- were almost immediately followed by absolutely nothing. A disappointed Bush was left empty-handed, plaintively assuring everybody who would listen the economy is actually much better than it seemed.

By now, most Americans realize the next president must restore our fiscal policy to a semblance of rational order. After eight years, Bush tax cuts have not worked as any kind of effective, coherent stimulus for the economy.

It is abundantly clear the standard Bush modus operandi has been to avoid tax increases and simply postpone them to the next administration. That is called "borrowing with interest", and already Bush has nearly doubled the national debt. With his $700 billion appropriation request, he may well make it-- but at our expense.

Bush (Shrub) never forgot the humbling experience of his father, forced to recant his famous line, "Read my lips! No new taxes!" So Bush does the emotional but not rational thing, dismissing taxes like a drunk tosses his house keys away when he cannot find the right one.

(SEE "Welfare for the Rich?"--5)

[alphaa10-2009]

WELFARE FOR THE RICH?--3

Their principal deception portrays government as an enemy of the public interest. But in stark and factual contrast, a government in a truly functional democracy is not enemy, but instrument of the people it is charged to serve.

Most interestingly, when the GOP found itself in power, it not only expanded "evil" government for its own ends, but created the most monstrous governmental debt this nation ever has seen.

It seems the GOP cannot get even its own message straight. Consider taxation. The GOP free market bozos regard taxation, at best, as a necessary evil because (as they remind everybody) there is no free lunch.

Yet, Bush and McBush regard taxes as an UNnecessary evil, and promise to refrain from taxation. They appear the odd men out, for most (even conservative) fiscal experts continue to insist taxation is an essential part of a rational fiscal policy. It goes along with the truism about "no free lunch".

Taxation is only a means to an end-- not intrinsically good or evil. For example, two major tax increases by Clinton were almost immediately followed by a surge in economic growth. This puzzled supply-siders to distraction.

(see "Welfare for the Rich?"--4)

[alphaa10-2009]

WELFARE FOR THE RICH?--2

Welfare for the rich is called a "rescue", but a rescue for the the poor or middle class is called "welfare"? Don''t ask Bernanke for a famiy values sermon from Wall Street on honor and trustworthiness and personal integrity-- Wall Street has none. And Bernanke, himself, plays by rules imposed by the very players he is supposed to regulate-- after all, Bush has told him they are too big to fail.

Speaking of privilege, perhaps we should ask, where is the tax revenue Bush gave the "HaveMores"-- that slim 5.5 percent segment of taxpayers Bush called his political "base"? Just at the moment Bush fiscal policy erupts in a four-alarm blaze, we learn Bush has drained the treasury reservoir dry to throw a party for his friends.

At this point, we might do well to wonder whether these GOP-aligned, "free-market" bozos ever properly identified themselves. Why have they gone into hiding, if not to escape the firestorm their lies helped create?

(see "Welfare for the Rich?"--3)

[alphaa10-2009]

WELFARE FOR THE RICH?

In the current market melt-down, not one problem is attributable to "big government" or "oppressive regulations standing in the way of business prosperity". So much for supply-siders who preached-- somewhat fatuously-- the job of government is to stay out of the way of business.

As it turns out, the Laffer tribe tried to foist the biggest fiction (lie) of all on the American people-- that their own government is the enemy, and all America needs is a good dose of lessez faire and everything will be better.

Apparently not, from all indications.

Abruptly, we find the stage miraculously cleared of familiar, if buffoonish, personalities. And where, oh, where, are the advocates of the so-called "free market" now?

Remember the "tough love" GOP bozos love to talk about when it comes to Americans who cannot afford health care, or who must choose between buying food or paying their heating bills? Where is their prescription for "tough love", now, when Bush asks for a taxpayer handout?

(see "Welfare for the Rich?"--2)

[tawpdawg111]

In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy
=================
after which the reps from EVERY nation, big and small, could be seen to roll their eyes and cover their smiles with their hands.

[tawpdawg111]

In Last U.N. Speech, Bush Pushes Democracy
================
it would make an excellent SNL skit! What if Jon Stewart gets his hands on this?

When you lie so much that your credibility gets flushed down the toity, you find yourself the butt of jokes, no matter how serious you try to appear.

hell, I didn''t even see or hear the words and I''m laughing!

[alphaa10-2009]

We as a nation have poured more money and aid into just about every other country on the planet with little or no return... After 50 some odd yrs. of helping others, we find ourselves on the brink of collapse and all the world can do is point fingers... Time to re-evaluate our thinking..."
---

None-- even the neocons advising Bush-- are so isolationist as you propose. Today, isolationism is the most primitive, infantile of responses to disappointment.

And in fact, the world clearly remembers American generosity. Until Bush, Jr., this country virtually surfed on residual good will dating from WW2.

Bush, Sr., bought and paid for a war in the MidEast without nearly the fiscal burden it might have been-- all because he made the American response an act of diplomatic and nearly worldwide consensus. Bush, Sr., made respect for international law the very basis of his enterprise.

Not so with Bush, Jr.. Bush arrogantly trashed one of the symbols of worldwide good will-- a UN-sanctioned respect for territorial intergrity and national sovereignty (principles written into international law)-- by invading Iraq under fraudulent pretense of "national defense".

The world is not pointing fingers, and did rush with sympathy and offers of aid at 911. But the world cannot conceal its distaste for the immaturity, deceit, incompetence and arrogance of an American president popularly derided around the world as a "cowboy".

[hazelknows]

That fella sure sounds and looks like John McSame.