Happy Birthday

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Israel's Independence, which has Jews all over the wold celebrating. The young Nation has survived many challenges over those sixty years, foremost being constant terrorist attacks. Israel is a close friend and ally to us here in the United States, and I hope that people from all backgrounds and religions will join in the celebration. Just a few hours ago, I listened to President Bush speak at one of the ceremonies in Israel. Bush looked better than I have seen him in some time. The President gave one his better speeches than he has recently, effectively recalling the importance of the history between Israel and The United States. President Bush recognized the importance of the Israeli Democracy in the Middle East, and said that Israel could be the model for other Nations to emulate. President Bush said;
"The United States and Israel share a belief that all people have the right to live in peace, that democracy is the best way to ensure human rights, that religious liberty is fundamental to civilized society and that using violence to achieve political objectives is always wrong," A rocket fired from Gaza exploded in a shopping center in an Israeli City, in a sad reminder of reality during this celebration. That reality is that the terrorists do not share the values of decent people.