The safety and security of the American people remain our government’s top priority and we must not lose sight of the threat that faces our nation. It is critical that we, along with our coalition partners, continue our fight against terrorism. Together we have helped liberate millions of people from oppressive regimes, kept brutal enemies on the defensive, and, most importantly, kept millions of American citizens safe at home. We have worked hard to stop the spread of dangerous weapons and have taken the fight to the enemy where they live, so we do not have to face them where we live.
The most important battlegrounds in the Global War on Terror are Iraq and Afghanistan. Extremist Islamic terrorists are continually working to undermine our efforts to help Iraqis and Afghanis rebuild their respective countries. I remain committed to General Petraeus’s successful “surge” strategy in Iraq and I believe lessons from this achievement can be applied to Afghanistan. Victory in Iraq and Afghanistan is vital to the regional security of the Middle East and to our national security.
As the attacks of September 11, 2001 fall further into the past, Americans must not forget that day and remember that there are still people out there who wish to do us harm. The war on terrorism is a real war and its outcome will determine the future of our country. It is a war unlike any other that we have ever fought. It is both a battle of arms and a battle of ideas. This war of ideology is not an easy one and requires the advancement of freedom through effective democracy. Terrorists recognize this and because of it are willing to kill innocent people to stop it.
I remain committed to fighting the war on terrorism and will not back down from this fight. The safety and security of Kentucky and of all Americans depend on it.
