Transcript of Bush's Remarks at MLK "Let Freedom Ring" Event

[Crankie Avalon]

President Honors Secretary, Mrs. Powell at 'Let Freedom Ring' Event
Georgetown University

4:16 P.M. EST



THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Thanks for coming. Huh? Oh, yeah…I’m the one who came. Well, thanks for the invite, then. Who’d a thought, huh? Anyway, Laura and I are pleased to pander insincerely to you on this national holiday as we honor two exceptional Americans who we're proud to call friends, or whatever.

I want to thank fancypants, elitistical Georgetown University for sponsoring the John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award. I want to thank the Georgetown Gospel Choir for sharing their gifts at this celebration--I always get a kick out of that whole gospel singing thing. I want to thank John Thompson for being here and for, you know, all that basketball of his and stuff. It was basketball, right? I thought so. (Applause) I appreciate the cordial words from one of the most recognized voices in America, Tom Joyner. It must have been real hard for you…heheheheheheheh (Shakes shoulders up and down while snickering.) (Applause) I can't wait to hear Aaron Neville…but no cussing, OK, rapmaster-guy? Heheheheheheh (Shoulders resume shaking.) (Applause.) I want to thank the members of Congress, the members of my administration, and all the distinguished guests who are here today. (Applause.) Get a job! (Laughter.)

Every year on this day we reflect on the history of civil rights in America. It's a story of our founders, among them, slave owners, who declared a standard of equality and justice that would one day be applied to people outside of their immediate social circle. It's a story of a terrible war, a war we memorialize by flying the Stars and Bars in parts of this great nation to this very day, that freed men and women from bondage, but not from oppression and segregationalism. And it's a story of Americans like Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who held our nation to those promises and would not rest until they were written into law. (Smirks.) (Obligatory applause.)

Dr. King was a minister of the gospel who could have had an easy life in a respected pulpit. Today, he would be just 76 years old. Instead, he chose to minister in the spirit of John Wesley, whoever that is, who said, "I look upon all the world as my parish." Did I get that quote right? Awesome. (Applause.) The nation first took notice in the 1950s and in the 1960s, when Dr. King wrote, "I am in Birmingham because injustice is here." Well, in those days, a feller of the non-white persuasion needed a hell of a lot better excuse for being in parts of Birmingham than that. (Laughter, applause.) But, in the space of just a few years, through the power of his intellect, the truth of his words, and the example of his courage, he left this country a different and better place, for which he got sent on his own journey to a different and better place, in consequence of which, different and better people like me can make shameless misuse of his legacy by putting whatever “different and better” words we want into his mouth. (Applause.)

So, if Dr. King were alive today, he’d no doubt be a Republican (Thunderous applause.)

He’d be real big on the ownership society, and be pleased as punch about our glorious war of defense against weapons of mass destruction—or else for liberation and democracy in Iraq. Whatever the reason is, now. Take your pick. (Applause.)

But I digressify. Alma and Colin Powell are among the most admired people in our country. (Applause.) For these four years, they've also been America's representatives to the world. They are honorable people who bring honor to this nation, and America is grateful for their example of service, while I am grateful for they’re being such good sports, and for not writing any tell-all books…at least, none that I know about, yet. (Smirks.) (Laughter, applause.)

Colin Powell has lived his own inspiring story, a story of exceptional accomplishment that started before segregation ended. A story that was facilitated by affirmative action, but which is now a program that is no longer necessary since he got his so everyone else can go to hell. (Applause.)

He achieved a distinguished military career that ended with four stars on his shoulder. (Applause.) Along the way, he earned two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, the Soldier's Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Congressional Gold Medal and two Presidential Medals of Freedom. (Applause.) Shooooot, that’s a whole lot of medals, Colin. Better watch it or those Swift Boat Vets will start talking. Heheheheheheheh. (Shoulders shake spastically up and down.) Just kidding…unless you’re going to try and run against Jeb! (Laughter, applause.)

Anyway, Colin has also been an official in the administration of six Presidents, including service as the National Security Advisor to President Reagan, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Presidents Bush and Clinton.

More than four years ago, when I needed a Secretary of State, I knew what I was looking for. I wanted someone who believed deeply in the values of our country, and could share them with the world; a person of wisdom and decency; a leader who could bring out the best in people. Yeah, right! Heheheheheheheh. (The thing with the shoulders, again.) Just kidding. Actually, what I wanted was someone who, for whatever reason, had the respect of the world and would allow that mistaken respect to be used as cover for my Administration’s pursuit of its colonial-enslavement designs.

Well, I found all that and more in Colin Powell. (Applause.)

I could say so much more, but why butter him up when it’s not like he’s going to be sticking around much longer, anyway, is he? Or like Dr. King will be sticking around, either, for that matter. (Looks at Dr. King’s image behind him.) You mind if I cut this short? (Turns away from Dr. King's image to face crowd, again.) He don’t mind.

So, in conclusion, I’ve satisfied my Martin Luther King requirement for the year. Congratulations to me, and to you, Colin, and to everyone else. Yada, yada, yada…important day…blah, blah, blah…our nation’s diversificity…etc., etc., now where’s the gin and then it's back to the chateau for a little Condi-licious lovin' if y'all know what I mean.

Oh, and may God continue to bless the United States of America and no one else. (Applause.)

END 4:30 P.M. EST

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050117-2.html