President George W. Bush on Colonialism: The Record
In recent days it has come to my attention that many pundits and politicians like Mike Huckabee have be criticizing President Obama for his past comments regarding colonialism. In light of this I deiced to search former President Bush’s past comments on colonialism whereupon he compared colonialism to Communism, slavery, military dictatorships and other forms of tyranny.
President George W. Bush
To wit we have the following quotes from President George W. Bush on colonialism:
During the 20th century, dictators, monarchs, and colonialism gave way to democracy through ballot boxes, pressure from citizens, and negotiated settlements to conflicts. However, freedom and liberty remained out of reach for many. In 1959, the Congress promulgated a Joint Resolution authorizing and requesting the President to declare the third week of July as Captive Nations Week and to continue this annual statement “until such time as freedom and independence shall have been achieved for all the captive nations of the world.”
Captive Nations Week, 2001
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
July 2001
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes the principle of freedom upon which the United States was founded, including the freedoms enshrined under the first amendment of the United States Constitution. The Kingdom appreciates the United States’ historic role in working to end colonialism and imperialism and promoting the right of self-determination.
Joint Statement by President Bush and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah
Crawford, Texas
April 2005
In the last half-century, the nations of the Americas have overcome enormous challenges: colonialism, and communism, and military dictatorship. The progress we have achieved is the result of tremendous sacrifice and leadership. One such leader was the man who built this beautiful capital as the symbol of Brazilian democracy. President Kubitschek was forced into exile when antidemocratic forces seized control in Brazil. His dream, he said, was to live and die in a free country. At the start of this hopeful new century, the dream of this proud patriot inspires citizens not only in this country, but all around the continent.
President Bush Discusses Democracy in the Western Hemisphere
Blue Tree Park Hotel
Brasilia, Brazil
November 2005
Secondly, the United States and India are working together to support democracy around the world. Like America, India overcame colonialism to establish a free and independent nation. President Franklin Roosevelt supported India in its quest for democracy, and now our two nations are helping other nations realize the same dream.
President Addresses Asia Society, Discusses India and Pakistan
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Washington, D.C.
February 2006
And former First Lady Laura Bush:
[On Africa] Every year, the American taxpayers spend more than $6.5 billion on African development. We’re able to provide these resources because our history has yielded a free and prosperous nation. In Africa, however, history has been less kind. Colonialism, the slave trade, poverty, and war have each, by turns, devastated the continent. In recent decades, African nations have faced a new deadly threat, and that’s a pandemic disease that claim millions of lives every year.
Mrs. Bush’s Remarks to National Press Club Newsmakers Luncheon
National Press Club
Washington, D.C.
July 2007