Speaking by videoconference with U.S. military and civilian personnel in Afghanistan about the challenges posed by war, corruption, and the poppy trade, the president unleashed this comment:
I must say, I'm a little envious. If I were slightly younger and not employed here, I think it would be a fantastic experience to be on the front lines of helping this young democracy succeed. It must be exciting for you … in some ways romantic, in some ways, you know, confronting danger. You're really making history, and thanks.
I know a lot of you are faster than I am and may have all ready read this latest presidential wisdom. I just ran across it and I am…well, I don’t know how to react. For a President, Vice President and Secretary of Defense who have never experienced combat, this is a mouth full. I don’t think any of these people have children "romantically" involved in Afghanistan or Iraq. President Bush declined to get romantically involved in Viet Nam. Yeah, George, real exciting and romantic.
