I can’t stan to listen to Bush butcher words, and mutilate the English language, so I usually read transcripts of his speeches afterwards. Last night was no different for me.

I didn’t really get anything out of the speech. To borrow a phrase from Bush Sr, it was a “stay the course” speech. Not enough specifics on what’s gonna happen. Competant address. Major Policy speech? no freaking way. And, please, go on TV from the White house, and address the nation, like Ronnie used to. Talk to us, the citizens. Stop letting us listen in on speeches given to military audiences.

I noted that last weekend, General Abazaid commented that the troops they had weren’t sufficient to accomplish the mission, if not in terms of the number of troops, then in terms of the lack of MI, MP, and non combatant troops relating to (for lack of a better word) PR kinda stuff. And Bush says in his speech

“Our commanders had estimated that a troop level below 115,000 would be sufficient at this point in the conflict. Given the recent increase in violence, we will maintain our troop level at the current 138,000 as long as necessary.

This has required extended duty for the 1st Armored Division and the 2nd Light Cavalry Regiment — 20,000 men and women who were scheduled to leave Iraq in April. Our nation appreciates their hard work and sacrifice, and they can know that they will be heading home soon.

General Abizaid and other commanders in Iraq are constantly assessing the level of troops they need to fulfill the mission. If they need more troops, I will send them.“

Hmmm. We’ll see.

I also noted that Bush used the word “Occupation” repeatedly. I had thought that we weren’t occupying, but “liberating”. This represents a shift in rhetoric.