JULY 8, 2005

When Leadership Matters Most

Yesterday, Prime Minister Blair spoke briefly, in unscripted remarks, about the London bombings. In short order, he gave the horrible incident its proper context and shared his emotion, but he also provided his fellow countrymen, and anyone who listened, the calm resolve we all seek to cope with these “barbaric” terrorist acts.   

Blair: “It is important however, that those engaged in terrorism realize that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire to impose extremism on the world.  Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilized nations throughout the world.”

VIDEO OF BLAIR STATEMENT

Less than an hour later, he appeared again to deliver a scripted message while standing among the leaders attending the G-8 meetings.  It was more about the picture of unity than the words he delivered.  President Bush reiterated the need for unity in his unscripted remarks.

VIDEO OF G-8 SUMMIT STATEMENT

It is deeply reassuring that our leaders have done such a good job of inspiring hope rather than fanning fear.  The messages have been heard.