Bush ties second term policy to the advancement of freedom
Regional-USA, Politics, 1/22/2005

Declaring that theÊglobal expansion of freedomÊis "the best hope for peace in our world," US President George W. Bush told Americans in his inaugural address that he would pursue the success of liberty around the world.
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Speaking in Washington January 20 shortly after being sworn in for his second term as president, Bush said leaders and nations throughout the world must choose between oppression and freedom.
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"We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people," he said.
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Human rights, he said, "must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed."
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The president made reference to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks upon the United States, saying Americans "have seen our vulnerability," whose source was ideologies "that feed hatred and excuse murder."Ê He said only the "force of human freedom" can "break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant."
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"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world," Bush said.Ê
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Bush said the promotion of freedom was "not primarily the task of arms," and the United States would not impose its own style of government upon the world.Ê "Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way."
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"[W]hen the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own," he told Americans.
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Addressing a worldwide audience, the president said democratic reformers facing repression, prison or exile should know that the United States views them as "the future leaders of your free country."
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"America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies," he said.Ê
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He advised current leaders with "long habits of control" to learn to trust their people in order to serve them.Ê "Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side," he said.Ê
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Bush also honored the friendship of U.S. allies, saying his administration relies on their counsel and depends upon their help.
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"The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat," he said.Ê
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He told Americans to exercise their own freedom with service, mercy and "a heart for the weak." He also said the United States "cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time."
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The president said the country has accepted obligations which are "difficult to fulfill," but would be "dishonorable to abandon."
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At the end of his remarks, Bush said he has complete confidence in the eventual triumph of freedom around the world.Ê "Not because we consider ourselves a chosen nation," but because "freedom is the permanent hope of mankind."

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