Meanwhile, back on earth:
The President issued a final ultimatum to Saddam to relinquish power to avoid war. Saddam chose war instead.By your skill and courage, you have put a brutal dictator in the dock to be tried by the Iraqi people and restored freedom to 25 million people. By helping to repair infrastructure, rebuild schools, encourage democratic institutions and delivering educational and medical supplies, you have shown America's true character and given Iraq a chance at a new start.
But most importantly, your fight – and ultimate victory – against the forces of terror and extremism in Iraq and the Middle East will have made America safer and more secure.
You are accomplishing something noble and historic – and future generations of Americans will remember and thank you for it.
Donald Rumsfeld, to the troops.
LUCID: More Rumsfeld, talking about the truly important matters of life, national discourse, and November's election. This comes from the transcript of a Defense Department briefing, in which Joint Chiefs Chairman General Richard Myers details the growing Iraqi forces working hand-in-hand with the Allies to destroy terrorist forces.