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understand is the character of our Nation. who’s shut in, just spend a little time. If They don’t understand what I know, that you want to fight evil, mentor a child who the great strength of this country really isn’t needs to learn how to read, support your in our airplanes or guns; it’s not in our teachers, get involved with public edu- stock market. Those are parts of our coun- cation. If you want to fight evil, make a try that are strong, but the great strength contribution to a local charity, go to your is in the hearts and souls of our fellow church or synagogue and mosque, and fig- citizens. This is a nation of a lot of char- ure out how you can help a community acter. It’s a strong nation because we’re become a better place. strong people. It is a nation that is deter- That’s what’s happening all across Amer- mined and patient, but it’s also a nation ica. You know, folks, we’re going to win that’s compassionate and decent. the war, but we’re also going to win be- The evil ones hit us, and they caused cause the goodness of America will over- a lot of loss of life and a lot of anguish, shadow the evil of those who take innocent a lot of fright and a lot of fear. But they life. also caused folks all across our country to It is such honor to be moving around search their soul about life. They caused the country, to be with the good folks who moms and dads to ask the fundamental make the country strong. I want to thank question of what was the most important you so very much for your hospitality; I thing for them. The good news is about want to thank you for your prayer. May America, moms and dads all across America God bless America. Thank you all. Thank are now saying, ‘‘My most important job you all very much, and God bless. Thank is to love my children with all my heart.’’ you. What the evil ones did is they reminded us that there are things important in life, NOTE: The President spoke at approximately such as loving your neighbor like you’d like 1:15 p.m. in the BMP Hangar at the Spring- to be loved yourself. People ask me all field-Branson Regional Airport. In his re- the time, what can they do to help fight marks, he referred to Jim Talent, candidate terror. And one thing you can do is walk for U.S. Senate in Missouri; and Lori Hauser across the street and tell a neighbor in Holden, wife of Gov. Bob Holden of Mis- need you love them. If you find somebody souri.

Remarks in Aurora, Missouri January 14, 2002

Thank you all very much. low your pretzel until you chewed it.’’ So there I was, sitting in the Residency [Laughter] at the White House—[laughter]—watching Thank you all for coming, and thank you a football game, eating a pretzel. [Laughter] for letting me come. If you see some of And the next thing I know is, Barney, the the folks who lined the road coming in, Scottish terrier, is wondering what the heck tell them thanks. Really, I wish we had happened. [Laughter] I want you all to a bigger hall so I could thank everybody know that I learned a good lesson, and in person, but there’s a lot of people from that is: I should have listened to my moth- your communities that are out there to er. [Laughter] She said, ‘‘Never try to swal- wave, and I’m really grateful. Thank the

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high school kids and the teachers for being his better half. And I want to thank very out there, as well. much—I want to thank sweet Roseann I’m working my way through the Mid- Blunt for coming, as well. Thank you for west, through the heartland, because I want coming. to send a couple of messages to the Amer- I want to thank the Missouri Farmers ican people. One message is, food is really Association. I want to thank the people who important for the economy of this coun- run this outfit. And I want to thank my try—that in the year 2000, $1.3 trillion of fellow citizens for coming today. the GDP came from food and fiber, 24 One of the things I strongly believe is million Americans were employed as a re- that the role of Government is not to create sult of work in food and fiber; that if we’re wealth. The role of Government is to create talking about the economic health of the an environment in which people are willing country, we’ve got to always understand it to take risk, an environment in which peo- begins with a healthy farm economy. And ple are willing to risk capital, an environ- if we’re worried about creating jobs—which ment that heralds the entrepreneur and the I am—then we’ve got to think—we use small-business person. That’s the role of some common sense principles in order to Government. expand the job base so people can find If the role of Government is to create work. an environment in which people are willing I’m also glad to be in the heartland be- to take risk, one of the things Government cause it’s a place that understands values, must do is to work hard to create con- the values of family and faith, of personal fidence in the people. And at this moment responsibility and hard work. in history, the best thing I can do, along I started my day in Moline, Illinois, at with my administration, in order to build the John Deere plant where they’re making the confidence of the American people, is harvesters, and then here, of course, in Au- to prevent the evil ones from hitting us rora and Springfield, Missouri. And then again. I’m on my way to New Orleans, where The best way to make sure this economy they sell the product. It’s a good message recovers and people can find work is to for America, to understand how the farmer have a homeland security system that runs works in relationship to the equipment down every hint that somebody might harm manufacturer, in relationship to the ex- us, runs down every lead that we find. I porter. want to assure you all that I spend a lot I’m so happy that people in my adminis- of time, as did my administration, on this tration understand the importance of the top priority, that we’re working with intel- farmer to our country, starting with our ligence-gathering services from around the Secretary of Agriculture, Ann Veneman, world to sniff out, to listen to, to find out and the Secretary of Commerce, Don who might be trying to harm us again, that Evans. Thank you both for being here. we’ve got our law enforcement officers I want to thank Senator Kit Bond for around our country—at the Federal, State, traveling with me today. He was giving me and local level—now understand that they a good lesson on Missouri politics, as was must remain on alert, that there’s still an Jim Talent, when we drived over. Thank enemy and we’ve got to stop them. The you for coming, Jim. And I’m traveling with FBI’s primary mission is homeland security, two members from the Missouri congres- and we’re working closely with folks in your sional delegation, Kenny Hulshof and Todd communities to make sure that if there’s Akin. Thank you all for coming. Now, my any hint that somebody may try to harm friend Roy Blunt isn’t here. He’s evidently America, that we’re going to act and act on a mission somewhere else, but he sent now and bring them to justice.

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I’m proud of the efforts of many all the United States and the coalition we have around our country who are working end- put together. less hours to make America safe. But the I see members of the FFA here. I want best way to make America safe is to hunt you to know that the cause that our military the enemy down where he tries to hide now wages is a just cause, it’s an important and bring them to justice, and that’s exactly cause, that I long for peace. But I also what we’re going to do. understand that this Nation must lead the I gave our military a mighty task, and war against terror if you and your children they have responded. I want to thank those and your grandchildren are going to grow of you who have got relatives in the mili- up and understand the freedoms that we tary, a brother or a sister, or a son or so enjoy in America; that if you and your a daughter, or a mom or a dad. They have children and grandchildren can grow up in made me proud, and I hope they made a peaceful and hopeful world, now is the you proud, as well. time for this country to lead, and lead we We sent the military on a clear mission, will. and that is to bring the evil ones to justice. I’m worried that the attacks on 9/11 have It’s a mission, however, that I expanded affected the ability for people to find work, and we’re going to do something about it. to include this: that if you hide a terrorist, Not only are we going to make the home- if you feed a terrorist, if you provide aid land secure, but we’ve done some things and comfort for a terrorist, you’re just as in Washington that actually make sense. guilty as the terrorist. That’s why the [Laughter] And one of them is to pass a Taliban is no longer ruling Afghanistan. good education bill that makes public edu- I think that one of the most joyous things cation a priority, that sets high standards, for me is to see the faces of the Afghan that calls people into account if there’s fail- women as they have been liberated from ure, and that trusts the local people to run the oppression of the Taliban rule. Not only their own schools. is our military destroying those who would I had the privilege of traveling the coun- harbor evil, destroying whatever military try last week with two Republicans and two they had, destroying their defenses, but Democrats, the sponsors of the bills. One we’re liberators. We’re freeing women and of the Democrats happened to be Senator children from incredible oppression. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts. Never The humanitarian aid workers are home, did I dream—[laughter]—that I would say as part of the conditions I laid down for good things about him. [Laughter] Never the Taliban. The Taliban is in total rout. did he dream that I would say good things But we haven’t completed our mission yet. about him. [Laughter] But I can, because And we’re now at a very dangerous phase he joined together with an administration of the war in the first theater, and that to come out with a bill that’s a good bill. is sending our boys and troops into the It goes to show—this bill shows what caves. You see, we’re fighting an enemy can happen in Washington when we’re will- that’s willing to send others to death, sui- ing to put our political parties behind and cide missions in the name of religion, and focus on what’s best for the United States they, themselves, want to hide in caves. of America. But you know something? We’re not I’m going down to New Orleans tomor- going to tire. We’re not going to be impa- row. I like to go there. It’s a nice place tient. We’re going to do whatever it takes to eat, and I’m going to be—[laughter]. to find them and bring them to justice. I’ve got a lot of friends in Louisiana; it’s They think they can hide, but they’re not right next to the State where I used to going to hide from the mighty reach of be Governor. But I’m also going to remind

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people of the importance of trade, trade ways taken for granted here in this country, not only for the agricultural sector of our but imagine if we have to rely upon some- country but trade in general. And let me body else to provide us food. It would be tell you my view. a problem. The good news is, we can not If you’re good at something, you ought only grow food for ourselves; we can grow to try to encourage it to become a bigger food for others. part of your world. And if you’re good at That’s not the way it is in energy. We’re growing crop, we ought not to diminish too reliant upon foreign sources of energy. the ability to grow crops in America; we We’re too reliant upon parts of the world ought to encourage. And the way to do that may like us, may not like us, for our that is to find other places to sell crops. sources of energy. It seems like to me that If you’re the best in the world at what we ought to work hard to become more you do—which we are in farming—then self-sufficient, less reliant, by having an en- it seems like to me, we ought to encourage ergy plan that encourages conservation— that product to be sold not only here in encourages the use of ethanol, for exam- America but level the playing field so it ple—value-added processing, and also ex- can be sold all across the world. plores for energy in our own hemisphere I know there’s a lot of farmers around and in our own States, in an environ- who say, ‘‘You know, we’ve heard that be- mentally friendly way. fore. Every trade agreement trades out the Finally an administration has come along farmer. Here comes old Bush from Texas, and said, ‘‘Let’s have a national energy and he says he’s for the farmer. Yet, you plan.’’ And that’s exactly what passed out watch. They’ll worry more about other of the House, and hopefully, we can get products, and when it comes time to argue it out of the Senate, just like the trade for the agricultural sector, they’ll just leave bill that came out of the House. Hopefully, us out.’’ we can get it out of the Senate. Hopefully, But that’s not the way it’s going to be, when they come back, they listen to the folks, because I understand how important American people and put plans in place agriculture is, not only for America, but that will help our economy grow so that how important it is for international trade people can find work. for our country. Not only domestically but Finally, I want to talk to you about eco- internationally, agriculture is important. nomic policy out of Washington. It seems And I’d just ask you to look at the like to me that the question we ought to record. In China, I argued that China be asking in Washington is, what does it ought to be in the WTO because it’s good take to help people create jobs? What’s it for the American agriculture. Look at the take? I started with this part: I said that agreement. We’ve opened up the Chinese if you give people their own money back, markets to U.S. farmers. It’s good for if you let them keep more of their hard- China, and more importantly, it’s good for earned dollars, that’s good for the economy. the U.S. farmers to have that market avail- If a consumer has got more money, he able. We’ve got to trade. It’s in our Na- or she spends it on a product, causing the tion’s interest to trade, and it’s a sure way person who manufactures the product to to help create jobs. keep jobs in place and/or increase jobs. We’ve also got to have an energy policy And so we worked together and passed if we’re going to grow for the long term. meaningful, real tax relief. It came at ex- One of the great things about America is, actly the right time. The economy started is that we’re self-sufficient in food. It’s a to show signs of slowing down in March national security interest to be self-suffi- of 2001. A way to stimulate growth during cient in food. It’s a luxury that you’ve al- recession is to give people—let them keep

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their own money. That’s Economics 101, Fifthly, it must offer incentives for good except it sounds like some of them hadn’t conservation practices on working lands. taken the course in Washington. [Laughter] And finally, establish farm savings accounts There’s now some talk that maybe we to help farmers manage risks. should raise taxes in a recession. That These are sound principles which will en- would be a disaster for the American econ- able the American farmer to plan, to think omy, and we’re not going to let it happen. ahead, to be able to survive in a down And one of the best parts of that bill, that time, and thrive when the markets get tax bill, was phasing out the death tax so good. I look forward to working to get a the American farmer can pass his assets good farm bill, and I look forward to work- from one generation to the next. ing with you to get a good farm bill. And there are some things we ought to Here are some practical steps to make do in Washington to help. We ought to sure that our economy recovers: good edu- help people who lost their job on 9/11, cation—that will help in the long run, for whose industries were affected as the result certain; good tax policy; a good stimulus of that attack. That means extending unem- package; a good farm bill; good trade pol- ployment benefits. That means helping peo- icy; and most importantly, homeland secu- ple with health care. But here’s the way rity that keeps Americans safe. I think about it: People really don’t want You know, when the enemy hit us, I an unemployment check; they want a per- manent paycheck. And therefore, we ought was amazed to read that they really thought to figure out ways to expand the job base we were soft. They kind of didn’t under- of America. stand America very well. They might have Every question ought to be, how do we been watching too much TV or something. grow our economy in a smart way? There- [Laughter] I don’t know what it was, but fore, I’m more than willing to work with they thought, ‘‘Well, we’ll hit them, and the Democrats and Republicans to help the then America will fold their tent.’’ We may unemployed, but I ask them to think long launch a cruise missile or two, but that term for America. Accelerating depreciation will be it. Man, did they make a big mis- makes sense for people who buy equip- take. ment. It makes sense to speed up the tax They don’t understand how much we relief. It makes sense to help low-income love freedom and that we’re willing to fight taxpayers with money in their pocket to for it. They didn’t understand people—they enhance demand. must not have understood people being on Oh, there’s some smart things we can a commercial airline, figuring—realizing do to stimulate this economy, and there’s what was happening, then saying a prayer some smart things we will do to make sure and bringing the plane down to save others’ that we’ve got a good farm bill. I look for- lives. They didn’t understand sacrifice. But ward to working with both political parties what they really don’t understand is the to come up with a farm bill that meets character of the American people. They the following principles: One, it will be don’t realize that this Nation is a nation generous and affordable. There will be full of people who are determined and ample money in there to meet the needs, strong but compassionate and loving. and it’s money that will fit into our budget. A lot of times people ask me, ‘‘What Secondly, a farm bill must provide a safety can I do in the war against terror?’’ Well, net for the American farmer without en- obviously, if you see something unusual, re- couraging overproduction and thereby de- port it. Treat people with respect. Value pressing prices. Thirdly, the farm bill must all religious—religions. But there are some support our strong commitment to trade. other things you can do. Fight evil with

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good. We can fight terror using our mili- somebody mentors a child and teaches tary, and we’re going to, of course. But them how to read. we can fight terror and evil with acts of The war on terror is a war we will fight kindness, with millions of acts of kindness, on many fronts. It is a war we’re going all across the country. The best thing about to win on many fronts. It’s a war we’ll America is the fact that that happens on win at home because this is a compas- a daily basis. There are people who walk sionate nation, full of decent and loving across the street to a neighbor in need and and caring people. And it is such an honor say, ‘‘Can I help you? What can I do to to be the President of the greatest nation help?’’ They find somebody who is shut on the face of the Earth. in and say, ‘‘I’d like to just love you for Thank you for having me. God bless. a second.’’ It happens when Sunday schools Thank you all. or synagogues or mosques empty out, and they look for somebody to help. It happens when people raise money for a local char- NOTE: The President spoke at 2:30 p.m. in ity. It happens when somebody says, ‘‘I the warehouse at the MFA Feed Mill. In his want to be a Boy Scout leader, to teach remarks, he referred to Roseann Blunt, wife a child good values.’’ It happens when of Representative Roy Blunt.

Remarks in New Orleans, Louisiana January 15, 2002

The President. Thank you all very much. president of the International Longshore- It’s great to be back in what they call the men’s Association Number 3000. I want to Big Easy. As you might remember, I grew thank all the hard-working longshoremen up in Texas and spent some quality time who are here to help make America grow. here in New Orleans. I forgot how good I want to thank my friend the Governor the food is. I’m going to have to spend of the great State of Louisiana. What a about a week working off that baked Alaska piece of work that guy is. That’s why they that I had at Antoine’s. [Laughter] love you, Mike. [Laughter] He knows how I didn’t have any pretzels last night for to tell the truth; he speaks plainly; and dinner. [Laughter] I learned my lesson: Al- he’s doing a heck of a good job for the ways listen to your mother, who told me, people of Louisiana. ‘‘Chew your pretzels before you swallow.’’ I want to thank Congressman David [Laughter] Vitter, who’s here today. I want to thank But thank you all for coming. It is a Congressman John Cooksey, who is with beautiful day in a great city and an impor- us, as well. Thank you both for coming. tant part of our economy, and that is the And I want to thank you all for coming Port of New Orleans. I want to thank Gary out to say hello. It’s a great way to end LaGrange, who is the executive director of my trip throughout America’s heartland. I this facility. I want to thank the Secretary started yesterday in Moline, Illinois, at a of Commerce Don Evans, who is traveling factory that makes harvesting equipment with me. I want to thank the chairman for John Deere. I told them I was coming of the Port of New Orleans Board of Com- down to New Orleans, and I said, ‘‘I’m missioners. I want to thank Dave Wagner. going to come to the place where much I want to thank Jim Campbell, who is the of the equipment you manufacture is

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