An emotional Bush at last Fourth of July as president

It was his last Fourth of July as president -- and his first  visit to Monticello, the home of the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. It was not a long trip. It took the presidential party 40 minutes by helicopter from the White House -- plus a 10-minute motorcade -- to arrive at the home Jefferson built for himself and his family in Charlottesville, Va. 

The president's stated purpose was to welcome and attend the swearing-in of 72 new citizens from 30 countries, including one from Burma. But his voice  showed emotion when he talked about spreading freedom to other countries, one of his stated rationales for the war in Iraq. Quoting Jefferson as saying that the principles of the Declaration were universal, Bush said: "We honor Jefferson's legacy by aiding the rise of liberty in lands that do not know the blessings of freedom." Without mentioning Iraq, Afghanistan or the war on terrorism, he added, "And on this Fourth of July, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America." Watch the video here.

Bush was interrupted repeatedly by protesters, shouting  "Defend the Constitution, Impeach Bush!" and "War Criminal!" Bush diverged from his prepared remarks to respond to the hecklers, explaining to
America's newest citizens, "We believe in free speech in the United States of America."

One of the protesters, David Swanson, has gone online to explain his behavior, saying

When Bush opened his mouth to speak I shouted "Defend the Constitution, Impeach Bush!" I repeated that several times, as people nearby knocked me over, cops handcuffed me, people gave me smiles and thumbs up signs. They threw me out and a couple of more defenders of our Constitution behind me, and then a few more, and then a few more. The handcuffed citizens who'd done their duty kept coming down the hill. They did not arrest us but did give us a ride down the mountain where we joined a crowd of protesters in the road who greeted Bush's limo coming and going.

Bush, who celebrates his 62nd birthday on Sunday, said he was delighted to spend part of the weekend at  the home of the nation's third president, who died on July 4, 1826, the 50th birthday of the United States.

"This is a fitting place to celebrate our nation's independence," Bush said. "Thomas Jefferson once said he'd rather celebrate the Fourth of July than his own birthday. To me, it's pretty simple -- the Fourth of July weekend is my weekend birthday."

Praising Jefferson's achievements -- a well-read man whose book collection formed the basis of the Library of Congress -- Bush noted that although Jefferson was the nation's first secretary of State, second vice president and third president, he hated public speaking. Alluding to his own reputation for muffing a speech line from time to time, Bush said, "It seems Jefferson got away with only delivering two public speeches during his presidency." Pausing for the laugh, he added, "I'm sure a lot of Americans wish that were the case today."

Full video of the speech after the jump

-- Johanna Neuman

Comments

[Michael]

What a farce, he should be hanging his head in shame, hes done more damage to this country then any of the terrorists he wants us to fear.

Protesters stink. GO BUSH!

[VLM]

What a shame that our younger generation can't understand what it means to become a citizen of this great country of ours. Hopefully someday they will mature enough that it makes an undaunting impression upon them. I have sat through many naturalization proceedings while serving in our U.S. Court system and each time I was so proud to be able to welcome the new citizens into our country. It must be a real dissapointment for the immigrants to have to endure the immaturity and hatred of these protesters. Most of the protesters are spoiled brats that have no concern for anything but themselves. They should lock them up and throw away the keys. As far as I'm concerned, they are outcasts and deserve severe punishment. There is a place for free speech, and this definitely is not the place nor the time for such hatred.

[FloridaCounts]

On Indepedence day, Bush represents the office and this is a meaningful ceremony, especially for teaching young people. There are plenty other days for protesters to call names and no president can please all. David Swanson and his fellow protesters stained the tradition. Shame on their ignorance.

[NinaK]

Indeed, we all have the freedom of speech, EXCEPT when people like General Clark say that being shot down and being a POW does not qualify McCain for President!! McCain and his campaign immediate attacked Senator Obama and called for an apology from him. Why do they expect Senator Obama to apologize to McCain?? General Clarke is a supporter of Senator Obama, he is NOT a member of his campaign team. Do the rest of us have to apologize to McCain because we agree with General Clarke?? Freedom of speech, indeed!! Anyone can say whatever they want against Senator Obama, but God help us if we say anything, even when it is true, agaisnt Senator McCain!! I do NOT call this "freedom of speech", I call it the freedom for McCain to say and do whatever he and his campaign want against Senator Obama" And that seems to be the ONLY freedsom of speech allowed by McCain. McCain is one sad elderly man who has run for the Office of the Presidency how many times? With McCain, look to World War Three!! Vote Obama and at the very least we can look for peace with other countries through diplomatic means and not by war and agression.

[twin mom in cville]

It is unfortunate that the rabblerousers haven't figured out that this event at Monticello was not about THEM, and having their 15 minutes of fame. It wasn't about Bush, or politics. Yes, we have freedom of speech, and they have the right to protest. But that doesn't mean they should selfishly try to steal the celebration from the people that this event was for - the newest citizens of our country and their families who came to Monticello to bask in the glory of our country and its freedoms. Many of them came to the US to start a new life in the Land of Opportunity, and the Land of Freedom, escaping poverty and injustice. So what do these clowns show them about America? That they are so self-centered and in need of attention that they have to disrupt this commemoration of Freedom. I may not agree with some of the decisions our leaders make, but I am smart enough to know that these foolish protests won't make any difference. If these folks were really interested in change, they would use their intellect to participate in the political process, or volunteer for some of the organizations that make the world a better place for others less fortunate. But that would be hard work, and they might have to do it in obscurity - more fun to try to get on camera, kicking and screaming like a two year old throwing a temper tantrum. Why don't they just grow up??

[Richard]

Even though people have the right of free speech that right ends when it interferes with other peoples right to hear free speech. To heckle some body when they are trying to speak is interfering with their right to free speech, not to mention that it is cowardly, and in bad taste, and is wrong. Even though do not like president bush he is the president of the united states and commands a certain kind of respect. The people that do not give this respect are about as good as the terrorist in Iran and do not deserve the protection that the constitution guaranties to citizens of this country. If you want to disagree with the president find a forum to speak that does not interfere with our rights. You are not more important than the people that do not want to be disturbed y you.

[Will Jones]

Americans should be grateful that some in Virginia this morning stood in the stead of all Patriots and reflected well on the Author of American Independence, Founder and Prophet, Thomas Jefferson, by openly protesting the defilement of Monticello by the homosexual draft-dodger, cheated into the White House by only the Roman Catholics on the Supreme Court, who has been allowed to commit 9-11 for false war murder.

Mr. Jefferson called it "the real Anti-Christ;" any think him or herself smarter than America's Founder?

http://www.theamericanfundament.blogspot.com

[Fred]

It's an insult to Jefferson that such a moron every made it to the White House. But, of course, anything is possible when you start off with a plan to defraud and cheat the country.

Bush loves to talk about “freedom” because it’s easy to say and requires little explanation. If he studied up on freedom, just a little bit (using “the Google”), he would know that “freedom” is meaningless without “order,” as the great philosophy Goethe wrote. It’s a disgrace that he didn’t consider this before invading Iraq and ruining the lives of millions and killing ten (and perhaps hundreds) of thousands of innocents. He did it all in the name of freedom, thinking that a democratically run election is a cure to all evils.

Bush is a war criminal and should be tried as such. His recklessness and abuse of power – both political and military – has greatly tarnished the image of the US. If we as Americans truly believe in our own Constitution and the rule of law, we have no choice but to see to it that Bush is tried in the war crimes court in the Hague.

[Jack]

Jefferson would have been shocked and appalled by Bush's actions in Iraq. For Bush to try to wrap himself in Jefferson's mantle only underscores the president's arrogance and the public's ignorance in allowing this tyrant to prattle on without any accountability.

[jr]

there does exists a patriotism of dissent. But of all the types of patriotism, the least common one is dissent. Probably less than 5% of all patriotic expressions are achieved through dissent. Yet... that seems to be dominant mode of expression from the left. And when I ask them, what are they patriotic about positively for this country, they always cite the very things that allow them to practice their patriotism through dissent (freedom of speech, assembly, etc).

They never step back and look at themselves. You just stood up at a celebration for these new citizens, a special day marking their hard work and commitment, and you just pissed all over it. Because you believe your right to express yourself means more than their rights to... I don't know... not have their special moment pissed on?

And that's the real truth about it. It's all about you. You all think you're speaking truth to power, but what you're doing is screaming fantasy at reality. Just because you watched farenheit911 and couldn't bother to watch farenhype 911... we all have to be subject to your Bush Derrangement Syndrome?

[Holly M.]

I support my president. The protesters may do as they wish, as long as it is safe and does not impinge on my right to hear my president speak. I just ignore them if i do not agree with them. I follow my own thoughts and heart as America gives me a right to do. All should be able to do the same.

[jason]

i disagree with anyone who says a protester should not speak out on the 4th of July. Give me a break.

Independence? Are you KIDDING me?
Freedom? The rich and the corporate are the only ones who have either - the rest of us are busy having every freedom taken away from us, along with any semblence of faith in what's right and decent.

This is a dictatorship, in which citizens have no constitutionally protected rights at all - just priveleges which can be retracted at the whim of the rich and powerful.

F*ck America.

[Chris]

I don't know what kind of show he is making. How can he be so emotional when he just thousands of Soldiers involuntarily to active duty for 2 years of further war in Iraq and Afghanistan. You know it's because he want's to attack Iran now.

[compurgator]

How dare this Constitutional saboteur profane Monticello with his presence?

If he's "sad," it's only because he sees (a) his inability to continue to enrich his buddies and insure his own furutre by spending the blood, homes, and savings of real Americans, waning, and (b) the possibility of indictment after he leaves office looming ever larger.

On the other hand, these are all likely concepts with which he is unable to come to grips. He's just too elementally stupid.

[Bernie]

George Bush welcoming anyone into this country is a farce. In fact the only tragedy is the man's decided to do anything worthwhile during his last few months as the world's leading terrorist. His praise of presidents before him's a swan song on a dismal black stain that is his 2 terms as president on our red, white, and blue.

[Luther Brixton]

It's truly digraceful, and speaks volumes to the ignorance of too many Americans, that anyone would place George Bush's contempible, Constitution-destroying regime and his disgraceful "presidency" before the very ideals the country stands on - and which Bush abhors! Apparently, if there's a Republican president, then suddenly the office becomes sacred in some people's warped minds, but the fact that our nation under Bush has done irreparable damage to American principles both at home and abroad (illegally wiretaping US citizens, greenlighting & commiting torture, sending US troops to die in vain on a pack of lies, and outing CIA agents, while Osama Bin Laden 7 years after 9.11 couldn't be more victorious against the USA) doesn't bother some people in the least. Apparently, people opposed to protestors defending the Constitution, believe the GOP is much more important than the United States of Amereica and the Constitution this imbecile has been hell-bent on dismantling... There's no doubt that every immigrant entering the United States is more aware of this country's ideals and laws than the Connecticut, Harvard-pedigreed cowboy ever cared to learn. So much for swearing on the BIble - before God - to uphold the Constitution!

[dunite2000]

Anybody defending Bush at this point in time needs to have thier head checked. All of you defenders need to throw away the rose colored glasses he sold you back in 2000 because the reality shows you as a bunch of sheep still wallowing in the dark. Bush has sunk our economy AND put us in a war with no end, oh and has the rest of the world is either laughing at/or hating us! Thomas Jefferson would have hated Bush and admonished all those who elected the moron 2 terms.He should have rounded up a truck load of illegal day laborers from Crawford (TX) and made them citizens. He would have actually solved 2 problems at the same time,now there's a first.

Dismissing these actions of protest as the misguided or selfish behavior of the young and/or affluent is ignorant. As soon as Bush attends the ceremony, he makes it fundamentally about him. Protesters are not ruining these new citizen's day, and the majority of them, like the majority of America, probably agree with the protester's feeling, if not their actions. Regardless of how you feel about the protestors' decision to act (and you are certainly entitled to your opinion), advocating "severe punishment" for them, suggesting they be permanently incarcerated, and using language like "Commemoration of Freedom" sounds terrifying and frankly fascist.

Instead of blinding worshiping symbols of America how about considering what men like Jefferson, whose home Bush spoke at, intended for America to symbolize. The Constitution they gave us, their great contribution to mankind, has been damaged and undermined by George W. Bush than by any single individual in the history of the United States. Would they not want people to speak out? Maybe when the media no longer does its job, some people feel that protests such as these are their last resort? Maybe they're trying to get attention for a cause they desperately believe in (effectively or not), rather than simply seeking personal attention through childish temper tantrums.

PS: Richard: This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard, at least in the context in which you're using it:

"Even though people have the right of free speech that right ends when it interferes with other peoples right to hear free speech."

I guess the logical conclusion is that vocalizing opposition to the words or presence of a public speaker is unconstitutional? Yikes!

[BAY]

GwB has based his leadership on lies, secrecy,intimidation, torture, rendition,and blunt force. The former soviet union was based of lies how long do you thing the USA will stand if we do not stand up against his impeachable crimes and see that his entire cabal is brought to world justice. Nothing else will do and nothing else will tell the world that democracy does work some times it takes awhile. The World is watching and waiting for Americans to wake Up and smarten up and do what is right.

[Chris]

Congrats to the New Country Men and Women.... These People that protest during an event like this are a waste. Mr. Bush Gods Speed and Blessings upon you sir. I only wish we had you for another 8 years. As for Obama this is a strait Azz Clown put him in and we are screwed for sure.

[Matt]

Regrading NinaK commentary on the Obama/Clark/McCain Freedom of speech issue. McCain never asked that clark be muzzled, he expressed his free speech right to take offense and ask fo ran apology .... Obama isnt forced to give on e.. we are all free to decide what this means to us in the election. I come down on the side of McCain, without anger at Obama.

Free Speech doesnt mean we have to agree with everything said.

[Faye Bowring]

What is so sad on this day, is the amount of ignorant and trash comments on this site by people that are permitted free speech (no matter how offensive) on a special day that, unfortunately, they don't have a clue what it is all about. Your hatred, disrespect, and unAmerican comments are pathetic and thankfully do not represent a majority. Amen for that!

[Sohail]

It's such a shame that Bush is able to lie to and manipulate the most vulnerable citizens of the US, the ones with the least education and knowledge of history and they in turn defend HIM for lying to them! It's worse still that a war criminal like this would try to use Jefferson to justify any of his acts (then again he has already used Jesus).