An angry President Bush on Wednesday dismissed as “absurd” suggestions by reporters questions that Europe considers the U.S. a bigger threat to global stability than Iran or North Korea.
At a press conference in Vienna with European officials, Bush said it is “absurd for people to think that we’re more dangerous than Iran.
“We’re a transparent democracy. People know exactly what’s on our mind. We debate things in the open. We’ve got a legislative process that’s active.”
He added: “We’ll defend ourselves, but at the same time, we’re actively working with our partners to spread peace and democracy.”
Also taking umbrage at the suggestions by two European reporters was Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, who appeared with the president at the press conference.
“It’s grotesque to say that America is a threat to the peace in the world compared with North Korea, Iran, other countries,” he said.
“Austria is really a good example to show that America has something to do with freedom, democracy, prosperity, development he continued. “I was born in 1945. At that time, Vienna and half of Austria laid in ruins.
“And without the participation of America, what fate would have Europe? Where would be Europe today? Not the peaceful, prosperous Europe like we love it and where we live.
“I will never forget that America fed us with food, with economic support,” he added. “The Marshall Plan was an immense aid and incentive to develop industry, agriculture, tourism.”
The passionate defense of America came in response to polls, cited by the reporters, that purported to show Europeans regard the U.S. as a threat to global stability.
“I don’t govern by polls,” Bush said. “I just do what I think is right. And I understand some of the decisions I made are controversial.
“But I made them in the best interest of our country, and I think in the best interest of the world. I believe when you look back at this moment, people will say, it was right to encourage democracy in the Middle East.”
Bush suggested that Americans took Sept. 11 more seriously than Europeans.
“For Europe, September the 11th was a moment; for us, it was a change of thinking,” he said. “I vowed to the American people I would do everything to defend our people, and will.
“I fully understood that the longer we got away from September the 11th, more people would forget the lessons,” he added. “But I’m not going to forget them. And, therefore, I will be steadfast and diligent and strong in defending our country.”
Bush said he would continue to appeal to Europe for greater understanding of America’s national security imperatives.
