Slapstick Politics: Rumsfeld At AFA Graduation

Sec. of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addresses the new AFA graduates.

From the Air Force Academy:

COLORADO SPRINGS - Air Force Academy graduates will be called upon to fight the global war on terrorism using the same talents and ingenuity that earned them a place at the prestigious academy, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld told the Class of 2006 on Wednesday.

Speaking at their commencement exercise at Falcon Stadium, Rumsfeld said the 879 graduates must carry on a tradition of innovation and courage to meet the nation's newest enemies and challenges.

"Today, our country faces threats unlike any we have known. Extremists are trying to terrorize and intimidate free people into submitting to their will," Rumsfeld said.

"Their war is more than a contest between opposing sides or societies. These extremists are waging war against society itself, with only two outcomes in mind: control us or destroy us," Rumsfeld said.

Of course, the moonbats were out, although not in the usual numbers one might expect to greet their nemesis, Rummy:

But Bill Sulzman, one of three dozen anti-war protesters at the north gate of the academy, said Rumsfeld had misidentified the extremists.

"There's the modern war on terrorism," said Sulzman, gesturing to the security force that outnumbered the protesters.

On a hill behind them, four mounted police officers watched. Across the street, officers in patrol cars trained their binoculars on the protesters. Armed guards in camouflage and bulletproof vests stood nearby.

The protesters carried signs that said, "Send Rumsfeld to Abu Ghraib" and "Because Bush, Rumsfeld and Cheney lied, 2,468 of our children have died."

Some families of cadets told the protesters to move to Mexico or Canada. Many offered the single-finger salute of contempt. But others held up two fingers for peace or proffered a thumbs-up.

For more of the speech itself, click the links below.