For Immediate Release
January 24, 2005

Global Message

From remarks by President Bush in his Inaugural Address, 1/20/05

As long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny - prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder - violence will gather, multiply in power, and cross borders.

Only freedom can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants.

The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom worldwide.

No one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. America was created by this mission, and now it is an urgent requirement for America's security.

U.S. policy is to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny.

This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom must be chosen and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities.

When the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own.

America will not impose its style of government on the unwilling. Instead, our goal is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way.