As I wrote in a previous diary, the vile disgusting attack on President Obama about linking 9/11 to service and volunteerism is really among the most stupid, hypocritical and silly things the wingnuts have really ever done and that is really saying something given the last few weeks.
Maybe the clowns making these charges and smears are just teenagers now and were 8 or 9 in the real aftermath of 9/11, but, in fact it was their warrior-savior-Jesus Christ-in-human-form, George W. Bush (and his Republican party) who first made the link from 9/11 to volunteerism.
Unfortunately for the crazy wingnuts, there is something called the Way Back Machine at www.archive.organd it provides full access to Bush's old volunteerism site, USA Freedom Corps, the federal government volunteer initiative that he launched in 2002 in response to 9/11.
I encourage everyone to use the Way Back Machine to review the old USA Freedom Corps (originally found at www.usafreedomcorps.org) and post what they find. Bush's own site provides all the evidence we need to push back on these outrageous smears.
Enjoy!
1. From the launch of USA Freedom Corps:
http://web.archive.org/...
September 11 was a tragic day in our Nation’s history and the history of the world. No American, and no civilized person, would wish the evil of that day on anyone. So much grief and sorrow were inflicted on so many of our fellow citizens, and people around the world. Yet we also know that out of tragedy, strength and hope and even good can come. One of the best ways to counter evil is through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness...Our great challenge now is to encourage this outpouring of service and civic pride – and to harness it to a great national purpose. This is the underlying principle of the USA Freedom Corps....
Volunteerism and community service are central to the history of our Nation. Americans have always been a decent and deeply generous people, willing to help those in need. That was true before September 11. It is truer today. The Federal Government did not create this civic spirit; but we do have a responsibility to help support and encourage it where we can. The USA Freedom Corps is another way in which my Administration will work to contribute to that great cause.
2. President Bush's message to the nation on the 1st anniversary of 9/11
Link: http://web.archive.org/...
Many ask, "What can I do to help in our fight?" And the answer is simple. All of us can become a September the 11th volunteer by making a commitment to service in our own communities. You can serve your country by tutoring or mentoring a child, comforting the afflicted, housing those in need of shelter. Whatever your talent, whatever your background, each of you can do something. America needs more than voters and taxpayers. America needs full-time citizens. America needs men and women who respond to the call of duty, who stand up for the weak, who speak up for their beliefs, who sacrifice for a greater good.
3. President Bush Announcing a "September of Service"
http://web.archive.org/...
Today in his radio address to the Nation, President Bush called upon all Americans to take part in a "September of Service" by renewing, expanding or establishing their commitment to doing good...
Responding to Evil with Acts of Kindness
• To help Americans respond to the evil we experienced on September 11 with acts of good, President Bush asked all Americans to serve their neighbors and their Nation. He created the USA Freedom Corps to help Americans of all ages—baby boomers entering retirement, seniors, professionals in the middle of their careers, families, and particularly, young people—answer his Call to Service.
• As America observes the one year anniversary of the terrorist attacks that gave rise to the Call to Service, the President is encouraging more Americans to respond to the terrorist attacks with acts of good, and suggesting that they engage in volunteer service as a way of honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks.