Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, August 16, 2004 Volume 40—Number 33 Pages 1501–1586

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Addresses and Remarks Bill Signings See also Appointments and Nominations; Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act Meetings With Foreign Leaders of 2004, statement—1518 Arizona, remarks in Phoenix—1561 California Executive Orders Remarks with Nancy Reagan in Bel Air— Establishing an Emergency Board To 1575 Investigate a Dispute Between the Victory 2004 dinner in Santa Monica—1575 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Florida Authority and Its Conductors Represented Niceville, discussion at Okaloosa-Walton by the United Transportation Union—1518 College—1527 Panama City, remarks—1541 Interviews With the News Media Pensacola, remarks—1520 Exchange with reporters in the Oval Office— Nevada, United Brotherhood of Carpenters 1516 and Joiners of America in Las Vegas—1567 New Mexico, discussion at Eclipse Aviation in Meetings With Foreign Leaders Albuquerque—1546 Oregon, Columbia River channel deepening Poland, Prime Minister Belka—1516 project in Portland—1582 Supplementary Materials Radio address—1501 Virginia, discussion at Northern Virginia Acts approved by the President—1586 Community College in Annandale—1502 Checklist of White House press releases— 1585 Appointments and Nominations Digest of other White House Central Intelligence Agency, Director, announcements—1584 remarks—1519 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1585

Editor’s Note: The President was in Medina, WA, on August 13, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). materials released by the White House during the preceding The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also week. available on the Internet on the GPO Access service at http:// The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- www.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html. lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under There are no restrictions on the republication of material regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; ments. 1 CFR Part 10).

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The President’s Radio Address buttressed by other information we already August 7, 2004 had. We and our allies are working to protect Good morning. My most solemn duty as our people from these threats. As we fight President is to protect our country, and in the ongoing terrorist threat, we will continue the 3 years since our country was attacked, moving forward with additional changes to we have taken important steps to overcome protect our country. terrorist threats to this Nation. This week I asked Congress to create the We have pursued terrorists across the position of a National Intelligence Director. world, destroying their leadership and deny- The person in that office will be appointed ing them sanctuaries. We are working with by the President, with the advice and consent other governments to break up terror cells of the Senate, and will serve at the pleasure and stop planned attacks, on virtually every of the President. The Director will serve as continent. We’ve created a new Department the President’s principal intelligence advisor of Homeland Security to win the battle and will oversee and coordinate the foreign against terror on the home front. We are and domestic intelligence community. The working to secure our borders, air and sea CIA will be managed by a separate Director. ports, and critical infrastructure. We are The National Intelligence Director will as- bringing the best technologies to bear against sume the broader responsibility of leading the threat of chemical and biological warfare. the intelligence community across our Gov- We’re using the tools of the PATRIOT Act ernment, and he or she will have the re- to track terrorists within our borders and stop sources and authority to meet that responsi- them before they kill our people. We have bility. transformed the FBI to focus on the preven- tion of terrorist attacks. We’ve established a This week I also announced that we estab- Terrorist Threat Integration Center to merge lish a new National Counterterrorism Cen- and analyze foreign and domestic intel- ter. This new center will build on the excel- ligence on global terror in a single place. And lent work of the Terrorist Threat Integration we are sharing that intelligence in unprece- Center and will become our Government’s dented ways with local officials and first-re- knowledge bank for information about sponders who need it to protect our commu- known and suspected terrorists. This center nities. will also be responsible for preparing the I agree with the conclusion of the 9/11 daily terrorism threat report for the Presi- Commission. Because of these steps at home dent and senior officials, and its Director will and abroad, our country is safer than it was report to the National Intelligence Director, on September the 11th, 2001. Yet, we’re still once that position is created. not safe. The elevation of the threat level in We will act on other valuable rec- New York, New Jersey, and Washington, ommendations made by the 9/11 Commis- DC, is a grim reminder of the dangers we sion. In the coming days, I will issue a series continue to face. Information from arrests in of directives to various departments on es- Pakistan, taken together with information sential steps for the Government on the war gathered by the U.S. intelligence community, on terror. As we take these steps, our Nation indicated that Al Qaida has cased financial is grateful to the dedicated, hard-working targets in New York, New Jersey, and Wash- men and women of our intelligence commu- ington, DC, and has recently updated their nity who are working day and night to keep targeting information. This information was our country safe. 1501

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We’re a nation in danger. We’re doing ev- I’m running with a good man. I admit it, erything we can in our power to confront the that Dick Cheney is not the prettiest face danger. We’re making good progress in pro- on the ticket. [Laughter] But that’s not why tecting our people and bringing our enemies I picked him. I picked him because of his to account. But one thing is certain: We’ll sound judgment, his experience, his ability keep our focus; we’ll keep our resolve; and to do the job. we will do our duty to best secure our coun- I want to thank Dr. Bob Templin for allow- try. ing us to use this important facility. I say ‘‘im- Thank you for listening. portant;’’ it’s because the community college system is an integral part of making sure that NOTE: The address was recorded at 8:51 a.m. on August 6 in Kennebunkport, ME, for broadcast this country is a hopeful country. I’ll tell you at 10:06 a.m. on August 7. The transcript was why. Part of the reasons I’m seeking the made available by the Office of the Press Sec- Presidency again is because I understand that retary on August 6 but was embargoed for release if we use our community college system wise- until the broadcast. The Office of the Press Sec- ly, people will be trained for the jobs which retary also released a Spanish language transcript will exist. See, in order to keep jobs here of this address. in America, we’ve got to have a workforce that is capable of filling the jobs of the 21st Remarks in a Discussion at Northern century. And one of the crucial links in mak- Virginia Community College in ing sure people have the skills necessary to fill the jobs that are coming is the community Annandale, Virginia college system. And Bob understands that. August 9, 2004 I appreciate you being here, Doc. Thanks for giving us a chance to come by. The President. Thank you for being here. I want to thank my friend Senator George Audience members. Four more years! Four more years! Four more years! Allen for being here. I appreciate you com- The President. Thank you all. ing. I want to thank Frank Wolf and Ed Audience members. Four more years! Schrock. I appreciate Frank’s concern and Four more years! Four more years! dedication for those who need American The President. Thank you all. Okay. help. He understands what I know, that we Thank you all for coming. Please be seated. have a responsibility in the world to help Thanks for coming. I appreciate the warm those who hunger and those who are afflicted welcome. I want to thank you all for giving by disease and those who suffer under tyr- me a chance to come and explain why I want anny. And I appreciate Frank’s deep concern to be your President for 4 more years. not only about the citizens of this State and We’ve done a lot since I got elected. We, our country but also the deep concern about the country, have worked together. It is— those to whom we can deliver help. And we and we’ve accomplished a lot, and we’ve are. Just remember, when people talk about been through a lot. It’s been tough times. America, just remember they’re talking about The only reason to look backward is to best a country which is leading the fight against determine who to lead us forward. So today HIV/AIDS, not only here at home but on I’m going to talk about some ideas as to how the continent of Africa. to make this country a safer, stronger, and And I appreciate Ed coming over. Thanks better place for every citizen, for every single for being here, Ed. I appreciate your leader- person who lives in this country. ship as well. The attorney general is with us First, I’m sorry that Laura is not here. today. General, I’m proud you’re here. She’s out campaigning. I tell the people, in Thanks for coming. front of these enthusiastic and large crowds We’ve got some of our citizens up here we’ve been having, that, you know, probably because we’re going to talk about a crucial the wisest reason to put me back in there aspect of our vision, which is how to encour- is so that she’ll be the First Lady for 4 more age an ownership society to flourish in Amer- years. ica. I’m going to get to that in a minute.

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Before I do, I want to talk about a couple ghanistan is now free. Afghanistan is an ally. of other points. One is that we’re making Afghanistan is an ally on the war on terror. progress in spreading the peace. See, we I’ll tell you something really interesting— know that a free society is going to be a two things I want to share with you about peaceful society. We also know that freedom Afghanistan. I can remember earlier in the is not our country’s gift to the world; freedom spring, I think it was, people were talking is the Almighty God’s gift to each person in about how maybe people aren’t going to vote. this world. And that’s why—that’s why over Don’t you remember, there was some serious the next 4 years, we’ll continue to work to terrorist attacks on women, in particular, that spread freedom, for our own security and for had got their registration cards and were in the sake of others. the process. The world was kind of predicting We’ve done some hard work over the past people weren’t going to show up to vote. 3 years. We must never forget the lessons Turns out, over 8 million—I think the num- of September the 11th. First of all, the ber is 8 million—Afghan citizens have reg- enemy that we face is cruel. Unlike Ameri- istered to vote, far exceeding expectations. cans, they don’t have a conscience. They’re People want to be free. People want to be willing to kill innocent people in order to free. They want to live in a free society. They shake our will and our resolve. As we work want to be able to exercise their rights as to secure our country, we must never forget a human being. It’s a universal desire and the nature of the people. And those people a universal love. cannot be negotiated with. You can’t reason Secondly, when I was in Cleveland a while with them. You can’t sit down and say, ‘‘Look, back—this is like the last couple of weeks— why won’t you change your ways?’’ That’s not I’ve been traveling a lot, so it’s kind of hard the way they think. And your President must for me to remember exactly where I’ve been. clearly understand that. That’s why it’s im- [Laughter] I went to the International Chil- portant for us—that’s why over the next 4 years, we will engage them in places like Iraq, dren’s Game. I helped kick it off. And I was Afghanistan, and elsewhere so we do not there speaking to the athletes, and right to have to face them here at home. my right—I’ll never forget it—was the Af- Secondly, when this country speaks, it bet- ghan girls soccer team. Now, let me tell you ter mean what it says, in order to make the what’s interesting about that. They would not world a more peaceful place. In other words, have been in the United States—they when we say things, we must mean what we wouldn’t even have been playing soccer say. And when I said that if you harbor a under the Taliban. These people were so terrorist, you’re just as guilty as the terrorist, brutal, so dark in their vision that many I meant exactly that. And that’s why we made young girls didn’t have a chance to be edu- the decision—a tough decision, by the way; cated. nobody wants to commit kids to war. That’s Not only do we have an ally in the war what you got to understand. It’s the hardest on terror, there is a more compassionate and decision a President can make, and you only decent society growing in Afghanistan, which do so if you’re convinced it’s going to lead is in our interests, and it’s in the world’s in- to peace. terests. It’s a different kind of war we’re in, and As the American people look at this elec- therefore, we had to say clearly to those that tion, they must take a look at the candidates were providing safe haven that you’re going and determine who best understands the les- to be held accountable as well. Because, re- sons to be learned from September the 11th. member, Al Qaida was training in Afghani- Another lesson is, is that we must deal with stan. They had taken over the country. We threats before they fully materialize. In this could not allow that to continue for our own world of threats to our homeland, in this security and for the sake of the people who world where there are folks who cannot stand lived underneath the brutal dictatorship of our country and our way of life, we must deal the Taliban. And so thanks to our United with threats. It used to be we didn’t have States military and our friends and allies, Af- to. Now you just can’t hope they go away.

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They must be dealt with—hopefully, dip- must say yes or no, whether or not they lomatically; hopefully, we can cure things, would have made the same decision. problems peacefully. That ought to be the I tell the story about the seven men that first priority of any President. However, if came to see me in the Oval Office. They had diplomacy fails, we must be a country that had their right hands cut off by Saddam Hus- is willing to take action to defend ourselves. sein because his currency had devalued and I want you to remember, Saddam Hussein he was looking for a scapegoat. And they had was a threat; he was a clear threat. He had a X burned in their forehead as well, to brand used weapons of mass destruction against his them as enemies of the state, I guess; I don’t own people. He had terrorist organizations know what the symbol was. But they came in his country. He was a sworn enemy of the to see me in the Oval Office. Needless to United States of America. He is a person that say, it was a powerful moment. The fellows invaded countries in his neighborhood. We walked in and were just overwhelmed by the all looked at the intelligence. I looked at it. majesty of a shrine to democracy, and it Members of Congress from both political was—imagine, seeing the President of the parties looked at it. My opponent looked at United States. And I was emotional because it. We all came to the same conclusion: Sad- the contrast between what we believe and dam Hussein was a threat. The United Na- what Saddam Hussein did to his people is tions Security Council—the U.N. Security just so amazing, because these people had Council concluded Saddam was a threat and just come from Houston, Texas, where they passed a resolution unanimously which said, had received new hands because of the gen- ‘‘Disarm, disclose, or face serious con- erosity of an American citizen named Marvin Zindler. It was just a clear contrast between sequences.’’ That’s what the free world said. the brutality of a man who whimsically could And he deceived the world again. I say have somebody’s hand cut off and the great ‘‘again’’ because that’s what he’d been doing generosity and love of compassion of the for a decade. And then he deceived the in- American citizens who are willing to help spectors. Remember, with that period of heal somebody, no matter their religion or time, we said, ‘‘Oh, let the inspections work.’’ where they’re from. We were all for that. We wanted the inspec- A free Iraq is going to change the world. tors to work. But it was clear that he was For those of you with young kids, I want you deceiving them. So I had a choice to make, to think about a world that is going to be and that is, whether or not to trust a man much more peaceful, a country more secure who had used weapons of mass destruction, because, during these difficult days, we’re somebody who had used—somebody who standing true to our firm belief and our ideals had defied the free world. My choice was, that freedom equals peace. And it’s hard do I forget the lessons of September the work. It’s hard work. It’s hard work because 11th, or do I take actions necessary to defend there are people in that—in the Middle East our country. And given that very difficult that can’t stand the thought of a free society. choice, I chose to defend America. I will do It just scares them. And they don’t scare us. so every time. [Applause] Thank you all. They’re tough, but we’re resolute because we We didn’t find the stockpiles that we understand the charge of history, the charge thought we would find. Everybody thought that history has given us. We have a duty. they would be there. We haven’t found them We have a duty to keep our word. We have yet. But he did have the capability of making told the Iraqi people and the people of Af- weapons. Knowing what I know today, I ghanistan that we’re with you. And they’re would have made the same decision. We watching carefully. They’re watching care- couldn’t afford to take the chance that a fully to determine whether or not they can sworn enemy of America would share capa- take a risk for freedom, or whether or not bilities with an enemy which hates us. That’s America’s word doesn’t mean anything. a chance we couldn’t afford to take. I’m convinced that these are historic times. I’ll tell you an interesting story—and by These are times when people will look back the way, I think the candidates for President and say, thank goodness the American people

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stood true to our belief that liberty is a trans- own home and building equity in your own forming moment in the history of the world. home and you’re changing from job to job, A couple of other points. I talk about a it provides great security and relief. stronger and better America; it means our And so we’re going to talk about different economy needs to be strong. The economy forms of ownership here. But the point here is growing, and there’s more to do. One of is, I want you to understand that over the the things we better make sure is we don’t next 4 years we’ll be working to build a cul- raise the taxes on the people. This is going ture of ownership in America. We want more to be a campaign issue. I’m going to talk people owning things in this country. about good education policy to help train Let me put it to you bluntly. In a changing workers. I’ll talk about energy policy to make world, we want more people to have control sure we’re not—that we’re less dependent on over your own life. And that’s a difference— foreign sources of energy. Of course, I’m there’s a difference in philosophy, when you going to talk about liability reform, medical think about it. A lot of the Government poli- liability reform. I’ll talk about tort reform, cies are, you know, as I like to put it: We’ll so our business people can thrive and hire give you the orders, and you pay the bills. people. [Laughter] If you really think about it, there’s I mean, the economy is strong. It’s getting a philosophical divide here in this campaign. stronger. And there are policies we need to My judgment is, Government ought to be put in place to make sure this is the best empowering people by giving them more place in the world to do business. If you want control over their lives. And we’ll talk about jobs to stay in America, like I do, this better some practical ways to do that. be a place where people feel comfortable taking risks and expanding the job base. So Now, look, one of the things we’ll always I’ve spent a lot of time talking about that work to do is to take care of those people in the course of the campaign. who cannot help themselves. As a matter of Today we’re going to talk about how to fact, a proper policy of Government is to give encourage an ownership society in America. people the tools necessary to be able to real- Listen, these are changing times. If you really ize their own dreams. That’s why education think about it, they are much different from is vital. That’s why the No Child Left Behind the times when we came up. Most of our Act must be strengthened. It’s making a big dads—at least guys my age—dads worked for difference. I’m telling you, when you start one company. Mine did move around a little asking the question, ‘‘Can you read and write bit, but—[laughter]. Georges generally and add and subtract?’’—all of a sudden peo- worked for one company. [Laughter] ple start learning better. There’s account- At any rate, when we think about it, it was ability. It holds people to account. We’ve got a different society back a couple of decades to end this—it’s a mediocre system when you ago because a person stayed with the same quit on kids basically because of the color company, had the health plan from the com- of their skin, you know? We’re not going to pany, retirement plan from the company. do that anymore in America. Now people are moving around. It’s a dif- In terms of health care, there’s some smart ferent world. And there is some uncertainty things we can do. We’ve got to recognize in that kind of world. You’ve got moms and there are people who can’t help themselves. dads that are both working, sometimes out That’s why these health centers we’ve of the house. And the economy is changing, opened up around the country make eminent and therefore, Government policy ought to sense—so primary care for low-income peo- change with the times. And one way to bring ple can be delivered at these centers, as op- stability and security into a person’s life is posed to emergency rooms. to encourage ownership. See, if you own and There are things we’re doing throughout control your own health care plan, you can our administration but all aimed at encour- move from job to job without worrying as aging people to help themselves and eventu- to whether or not you’re going to get health ally being able to own something too. And coverage for your family. If you own your so what I want to talk to you today about

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is some interesting examples of what I’m say- profit to for-profit—that’s always a good sign, ing. by the way, if you’re a businessperson. We’re going to start off with Sharon [Laughter] Isn’t that right? Rainey. She’s sitting right here. She’s an en- Ms. Rainey. Yes, sir. trepreneur. Isn’t that a lovely word? You The President. You can say ‘‘for-profit.’’ know, entrepreneur—we want entre- We want her business to flourish. She hired preneurs. See, the job of Government is not a person recently, I understand—or not? to create wealth but to create an environment Ms. Rainey. I’ve hired three people re- in which the entrepreneurial spirit is strong cently. I’ve now gone up to six part-time em- and alive and well. And it is under the Bush ployees. administration and will continue to be. The President. Let me talk to you Ready to go? All right. Sharon started her about—see, she hired three. And when the own business. True or false? entrepreneurial spirit is strong in the coun- Ms. Rainey. True. [Laughter] try, the Sharons of America hire three people The President. This is a warm-up. I’m not here, three people there, and all of a sudden even a lawyer, and here I am leading the it starts to amount to something. And it’s— witness. [Laughter] that’s why the people are finding work, be- Ms. Rainey. She needs the leading. cause the small-business sector of the coun- [Laughter] try is strong. The President. Tell us what you do. I asked Sharon to come because I think it’s such a wonderful example of somebody [Ms. Rainey made brief remarks.] who created her own business because of her The President. See, let me stop you there. own ingenuity and her own drive. And now First of all, what Government cannot do is the role of Government is not to—is to make encourage Sharon to start her own business. sure that the environment is such that she [Laughter] We can’t tell her to. I beg your can continue to grow. She’s got to figure out pardon, we can encourage her to, by good the right product, don’t get me wrong. There policy; we can’t tell her to. See, you can’t are no guarantees in the business world. But make her be an entrepreneur. Secondly, I can tell you one guarantee: If we run the she’s got to design the product herself. She’s prices up on—run the taxes up on Sharon, got to be smart enough to figure out how it’s going to be hard for her to expand. to meet demand, which she did. But one That’s why you’ve got to be careful about thing we can do is not overtax her. this rhetoric, ‘‘We’re only going to tax the Most new jobs in America are created by rich.’’ You know who the—the rich in Amer- small businesses. That’s really important for ica happen to be the small-business owners. people to understand. I hope you know that. That’s what that means. Just remember, The tax relief we passed—the well-timed tax when you’re talking about, oh, ‘‘We’re just relief we passed, I might add—recognized going to run up the taxes on a certain number the importance of small businesses in our so- of people.’’ First of all, real rich people figure ciety. See, most people probably do not un- out how to dodge taxes. [Laughter] And the derstand that, by far, the vast majority of small-business owners end up paying a lot small businesses are organized like Sharon’s of the burden of this taxation. Third, I want business is organized and pay individual in- to make another point. We shouldn’t be tak- come taxes. They’re called Subchapter S’s or, ing more than 35 percent of anybody’s in this case, an LLC or a sole proprietorship. money anyway, Federal taxes ought to be— And therefore, when she files her business [applause]. tax returns, she pays individual income taxes. Sharon is a small-business owner. We want And therefore, when you hear us talking more people owning their own small busi- about providing tax relief to individuals, it ness. There’s some incredibly helpful—hope- ought to be providing tax relief to individuals ful signs in this country. The number of mi- and to the small-business sector of America. nority small-business owners are increas- See, we want taxes low for Sharon so her ing—is increasing. It’s—the number is going business, which has now gone from not-for- up, and that’s really important and hopeful.

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The number of women-owned businesses is and I think it says you saved about $800 in increasing, and that is, I think, really positive ’03, same amount in ’04, because when we news for the country. We want people to say, provided tax relief, we said, ‘‘If you pay taxes, ‘‘This is my business; I own my business,’’ you get relief.’’ That’s not the way sometimes just like we want people saying, ‘‘I own my tax relief works in Washington. Sometimes own home.’’ it’s, ‘‘We’re going to make sure only certain And so, therefore, policies over the next people get tax relief.’’ If you’re going to pro- 4 years will be to encourage others to own vide relief, it’s only fair that everybody ought their own home, to expand the homeowner- to get relief. That’s why we reduced all rates, ship in America. Right now the homeowner- which seems to make sense. And old Kevin ship rate is the highest ever. We want more Brault here got him $800. I like to put it people owning their own home. this way: Once you set priorities at the Fed- And so we’ve got Kevin with us, Kevin eral level, Kevin Brault can spend his own Brault, first-time homeowner. He’s a fellow money better than the Government can. that walks out for the first time and says, Right, Kevin? ‘‘Welcome to my home.’’ So what’s it like to Mr. Brault. That’s right. say, ‘‘Welcome to my home’’? The President. I was hoping that would Mr. Brault. It feels great. So I purchased be your answer. [Laughter] And if the tax my home, first home, in November of 2001. relief isn’t made permanent, his taxes go up; And at that time, it was close to 2 months so do Sharon’s. That’s why we’re having this after September 11th. So I was a little hesi- debate. So does yours; that’s right. That’s why tant as to, you know, whether the economy we’re having this debate in Washington, DC. was going to stay strong, what was going to You see, when Congress passed the tax relief, happen in this area, because my home is just parts of the tax relief plan were set to expire. a couple miles away. So I went forward and If Congress doesn’t act, the child credit is decided to take that step, to create my own going to go down, which means you’re going ownership and create my own net worth. And to—if you’ve got a child, you’re paying higher it’s been a great decision. Since then, the net taxes. The marriage penalty goes up if Con- worth of the home has increased over 50 per- gress doesn’t act, which means if you’re mar- cent. Then with interest rates coming down ried, you’re going to pay higher taxes. The last summer, I was able to refinance from 10-percent bracket goes away, which means 6.5 percent to 5 percent, thus saving over if you’re benefiting from the 10-percent $300 a month on my mortgage. bracket, you’re paying higher taxes. We don’t The President. That’s good, yes. You need to be raising taxes on the American peo- know, when a homeowner starts talking ple right now. The taxes ought to be lower, about his own home—in this case, he starts to keep the economy growing. Good job, talking about, ‘‘My value has gone up’’— Kevin. [laughter]—that means his worth. That Let me talk to you about savings for retire- means that in a changing time, it is helpful ment. We’ve got Susie and Chris Ensign with to know that your portfolio, your asset base, us today. They’re savers. Good policy encour- that which you own, has got a little more ages people to save. And one of the inter- value to it. It kind of changes your attitude, esting questions that we’ll be confronted with doesn’t it, a little bit. You know something, in Government when the baby boomers it changes it so much, he’s getting married. begin to—really begin to retire is how to That’s good. Where’s Lisa? make sure the Social Security system is Mr. Brault. Right there in the blue shirt. strong so that the Ensigns will be able to The President. You’ve probably got some see something from Social Security. This is ideas about how to remodel the home, don’t a very important issue for young workers. Old you? guys like me don’t need to worry about it Mr. Brault. Big time, absolutely. because the system is solvent for those who The President. That’s a word we use in have retired or are near retirement. What we this administration a lot, ‘‘big time.’’ [Laugh- need to worry about is younger folks, like ter] Anyway, this man got relief from taxes, the Ensigns. And so we’re going to talk a

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little bit about savings. I want them to share By the way, tax relief provided this family with the people who might be listening how $2,000 in ’03 and ’04. I know it doesn’t sound they think about savings, what savings means like a lot to people inside the Capital, I guess; as a young couple. And maybe they’ve got that doesn’t sound all that much, maybe. It’s some suggestions on Social Security, how to a lot to these people, and it enabled them strengthen the system, how to make it fulfill to take advantage of the increased contribu- the promise—better fulfill the promise that tion levels for the IRAs, right? You went from our Government has made. 2,000 to 3,000 for your IRA. That’s helpful. Welcome. Thank you all for coming. In other words, these good folks decided to Which one of you going to lead off? take the tax relief and add to their savings Mr. Ensign. My name is Chris, and this accounts, which provide security in a chang- is my wife, Susie. ing world. The President. Right. And so we need to do two things. We need to help people save with good policy on cur- [Mr. Ensign made brief remarks.] rent plans, perhaps simplify the process. The President. See, what you’re hearing There’s now a lot of savings opportunities. is—that’s a very interesting—see, what Chris There are IRAs—this kind of IRA, that kind just said is part of an attitudinal shift towards of IRA—and good policy will be to simplify Social Security that is taking place in the it and make the rules clear so as to encourage country. When I was coming up, it was pretty more savings so people have got their own well assumed that Social Security would be nest egg to help them in a changing world. all right—until people began to calculate the And then, of course, we talked about Social fact that there’s a lot of baby boomers who Security. are going to be on the system relative to the I want to thank you all for coming. Good number of payers into the system, like Chris. job. You want to say anything? And the fundamental question is, can we Mrs. Ensign. [Inaudible] change the system by strengthening it, so that The President. Okay, one other thing Chris can realize there’s something available we’re going to talk about today is health care. for him after he pays for me? That’s really I told you we’re expanding community health what we’re talking about, isn’t it? centers so that low-income folks can get pri- And what he just said was, he said, look, mary care. That’s important. The Govern- if you look at the rates of return on the ment policies, because of helping States with money in the Social Security trust fund, they waiver requests, have expanded SCHIP— are so abysmally low that it is impossible— those are—that’s health care for low-income virtually impossible from a fiscal perspective children. That was an important policy. to make the system work without raising We changed Medicare for the better. We taxes on him and his family to the point strengthened Medicare. Remember, Medi- where it chokes productivity and progress. care was a system that said, we’ll pay for your And then what he said was, he said, ‘‘Well, hospital stay, in case you’ve got a heart prob- would Government please consider putting lem, but we won’t pay for the medicine nec- aside some of my own money’’—at his essary to prevent you from going to the hos- choice—in a personal account, an account pital in the first place. That doesn’t seem to that he could manage under obviously strict make much sense, did it? And so we’ve guidelines but could get a better rate of re- begun to modernize the system, make it bet- turn for his money than that which we’re now ter for our seniors, starting with the drug dis- getting inside the Social Security trust. And count card. By the way, if you’re a senior, by the way, it would be an account that is you need to look into the drug discount his own—or their own, that they could then cards. They’ll help you save money. pass on to whomever they wanted to pass Next year we’re going to have preventative it on to. I support the idea of creating a per- screenings for the first time in Medicare. sonal saving account for younger workers in Seniors signing up for Medicare will be able order to make sure the system is solvent. to have a checkup, which seems to make

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sense for the Government. If you’re inter- He buys a catastrophic plan that says the in- ested in trying to save money through ration- surance company will pay for anything over al policy, you ought to be checking people $5,000 of health care coverage. So he’s got early, before it’s too late. That’s what we’re the comfort of knowing that if something going to start doing in Medicare. And then goes terribly wrong, he’s taken care of by the in ’06, seniors will have a prescription drug insurance company. He then contributes, benefit attached to Medicare, and they’ll tax-free, into his own account, $5,000. So in have the choice necessary to make—to de- other words, he doesn’t have to contribute sign a program to suit their needs. This is anything; he can come out of his pocket. But, good policy. You might remember the issue nevertheless, there’s a tax incentive to do of Medicare. Year after year after year, politi- so—so that from zero to $5,000, he takes care cians talked about it. This administration got of it. it done. Now, this is a small-business owner. She Most people get their insurance through can, for her employees, buy a catastrophic their business. And small businesses are hav- plan with a lower deductible and help the ing trouble paying for health care. That’s the employee with the money for the incidentals, problem we’ve got in the country today. A for the ongoing daily medical expenses. lot of it has to do with frivolous and junk But anyway, in Roger’s case, he puts the lawsuits that are running up the cost of health $5,000 in tax-free; his money earns interest care. By the way, you can’t be pro-small-busi- tax-free; and if he needs the money to pay ness and pro-trial-lawyer at the same time. medical expenses in the year, up to $5,000, You can’t be pro-doctor and pro-patient and it comes out tax-free. Now, if he continues pro-trial-lawyer at the same time. You have to make good choices—he’s from New to choose. My opponent made his choice, Hampshire—if he continues walking those and he put him on the ticket. [Laughter] I mountains of New Hampshire so that he’s made my choice. I’m going to work with healthy, and he only spends 1,000 of the Congress for liability reform and for tort re- 5,000, that 4,000 is his. He can put another form. 5,000 in next year if he chooses. He can use Health savings accounts are a new option some of the 4,000 to buy the catastrophic for Americans to be able to say, ‘‘I own my plan. Anyway, my point to you is, is that he own health savings account,’’ and the doctor- gets to decide, as opposed to a program patient relationship is central to the decision- where somebody else is making the health making process. That’s the core of our philos- care decisions, an insurance bureaucrat, for ophy. I want—we’ve got Roger Wells. Rog example, is making the decisions. And so is a vet who has looked into and utilized a Roger is now in total charge on a tax-free health savings account. I’ve asked him to basis. come to explain how they work. Health sav- These plans will change small businesses. ings accounts are new. Anything new in soci- And so small-business owners need to take ety, when it comes to health, requires a cer- a look at health savings accounts. It’s a way tain amount of education. to provide good health coverage for employ- Now, if you’re a small-business owner like ees at a much lower cost basis than you’re Sharon is, I want you to listen to these ac- probably having to provide now. So I want counts, because part of the problem we have to thank you for sharing that with us. Go in our society is the cost of health care is ahead. too high. These accounts will help reduce the Dr. Wells. Can I say that there is one big cost of health care for small businesses as problem with this program? well as for individuals. The President. Sure. Roger, you have got a health savings ac- Dr. Wells. It didn’t start 10 years ago. count. Tell us about it. The President. That’s right. Are you a big animal or a little animal? [Dr. Wells made brief remarks.] Dr. Wells. I do horses only. The President. Let me tell you what he The President. Horses only? just said, see if I can try it. I appreciate it. Dr. Wells. Horses only.

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The President. I was going to say, Barney tions, and then I’ve got to head back down- has got him a headache and—[laughter]— town to get some work done. you know who Barney is, don’t you? [Laugh- Yes, ma’am. ter] I hope you found this discussion inter- Education esting. I certainly did. What we’re talking about here is we want people—when you Q. Yes, education. I’m a fourth grade hear me talk about ownership society, that’s teacher. what I’m talking about, how to help people The President. First, let me stop you. control their own lives. If you really think Thank you for teaching. about what we’re talking about, we’re talking Q. You’re welcome. What can you do for about policies that say to the American peo- our children in public education, private edu- ple, ‘‘You’re in control of your life, not the cation, that will make a difference in America Government. The Government is not dic- today? tating how you do things; you are.’’ The President. Here’s what we’re going And I want to thank you all for sharing to do. We’re going to continue to challenge these with us. I’ve got time to answer a cou- the soft bigotry of low expectations, is what ple of questions, if you might have some. I’m we’re going to do. And by that, I mean— not—it kind of gives me a chance to warm let me tell you what that means. That means up for press conferences. [Laughter] if you set the bar low, you’re going to get I do want to say something about the lousy results. It starts with recognizing that Faith-Based Initiative that I talk a lot about. every child can learn to read and write and I understand the strength of this country is add and subtract and that we must not allow the hearts and souls of our citizens. Over the systems to develop that just shuffle kids next 4 years, I will continue to rally what I through. That’s what’s happening; let’s be call the armies of compassion, because I be- frank about it. We had systems—school sys- lieve that society can change, one heart and tems around this country that evidently one soul and one conscience at a time, when didn’t think certain kids could learn, so they people who have got love in their hearts put just moved them on, you know? And guess their arm around somebody in need and says, what happened? When they came out at the ‘‘How can I help you, brother or sister? What end, they couldn’t read. And everybody went, can I do to help save your life?’’ ‘‘Oops, what went wrong?’’ Listen, there are wonderful Government programs, and they will continue to exist so So we’ve changed that in Washington. long as they’re producing good results. But We’ve increased Federal funding. Title I one of the things we’ve got to recognize in money is up by 52 percent since I became this country is that coming out of our church- the President. Elementary and secondary es and synagogues and mosques are pro- school programs are up by 49 percent. Those grams all designed to help save lives. And are healthy increases in spending. But—well, our society should not fear allowing faith- there’s more than just spending when it based programs to competitively bid for so- comes to schools. Now we’re asking the ques- cial service grants, if we’re focused on chang- tion, show us. See, for the first time the Fed- ing the country. eral Government is saying to school districts, I’m running again and asking for your help we expect to see results. We want our kids because I’ve got a plan to make the country reading by—at grade level by the third grade. safer. I know what we need to do. We’ve There’s nothing wrong with asking that. It got a plan to make the country stronger, and seems like a legitimate request. we’ve got a plan to make the country better And in this program, the No Child Left for every citizen. I’m not talking about a Behind law, it says that if you are not reading handful; I’m talking about everyone, in every by grade level by the third grade, there’s corner of America. extra help. See, what we know—and the I’ll tell you what, let me answer some ques- Congressman and the Senator understand tions. I’ll be glad to answer a couple of ques- this very well—is that we know accountability

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systems can be used to change lives, as op- high school in order to be able to continue posed—you don’t use the accountability sys- to realize their dreams. tem to punish people. You use the account- No, we’re making great progress on edu- ability system to determine where you need cation. There’s more to do, and that’s why extra help. It’s a way to determine whether I want to continue being the President. or not the curriculum is working. Any other questions here? Yes, ma’am. Listen, some of the reading programs around the country don’t work. They’ve Small and Minority Business/Tax Policy got—they use the wrong methodology. And Q. Hi. I’m a woman businessowner, along we need to know that, don’t we? If we expect with my husband. And I’d like to know what every child to be learning at grade level, we encouragement you have for minority busi- need to know. And so first thing we’ve done ness development at a Federal and local level is, we’ve changed the whole attitude toward for contracting. Thank you. public schools. It’s an optimistic attitude. It The President. Yes. No, I appreciate that. says, we know every child can read and we First of all, the SBA is geared up to help expect every child to read, and therefore, small minority businesses. We’ve increased why don’t you show us? And if not, there the number of loans out of SBA by 40 per- will be extra help. cent, all aimed at spreading the entrepre- We need to, by the way, bring that attitude neurial spirit. to our preschool programs. I believe that— Secondly, the best thing that can happen— I know there’s curriculum available for pre- I can’t speak for local government. You’re schoolers that provide them the basics for going to have to call the mayor or the Gov- reading. And I think our Head Start pro- ernor or something like that, anyway. grams ought to be encouraged to adopt very [Laughter] But I can talk about Federal con- simple curricula, but based upon the science tracting. And the best thing—I think Federal of reading. My friend Reid Lyons at the NIH contracting ought to be used to enhance en- is a pro, an expert. He understands how kids trepreneurship and small businesses. And learn to read. And therefore, it seems to therefore, we’ve got to make sure that Fed- make sense, since we’re spending Federal eral contracts are broken down to small— dollars on Head Start, if as part of the core smaller contracts so small businesses have a curriculum of Head Start be to lay the foun- chance to participate. dation for little kids reading. We need inten- By the way, good tax policy—I can’t em- sive reading programs. You got me started phasize enough the need to have good tax here, and I’m going to keep going. policy. If you’re a small business and your I’ve laid out intensive reading programs for small business is beginning to grow, and the kids in junior high and high school. We need Government runs the taxes up on you, it’s to intervene now, before it’s too late. We can going to make it harder to survive, pure and no longer say, ‘‘Gosh, let’s hope for the best,’’ simple. And that’s why it’s very important for because we’re now living in a world where us in this campaign—for people listening to if you can’t think, it’s going to be hard to this campaign to remember that when you be a productive worker in the workplace. got about $2.2 trillion of new money prom- And so, therefore, this economy is changing; ised to spend, you’ve got to figure out how education must change with it. to pay for it. Yes, I know how he’s going to By the way, we’ve added a million kids pay for it: You’re going to pay for it. But we’re over my administration who’ve received Pell not going to let him. That’s why we’re going grants to go to college. That’s an achieve- to win the campaign. ment; I want to thank the Congress for work- Yes. ing with us on that. It says, basically, when you’re coming out of high school with the Iran/North Korea/Cooperation in Foreign ability to go to college and you’re poor, we’re Policy going to help you go. See, part of making Q. I’m concerned about the nuclear threat sure that kids work hard in high school is coming out of Iran. that they realize there’s help coming out of The President. Yes.

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Q. I was just wondering if you could com- through different methodology. And one ment on that. method—and very overt, I might add—we’ve The President. Well, I appreciate that. got radio broadcasts, a new radio broadcast He’s concerned about Iran, as am I. That’s system going into Iran—say, ‘‘Listen, we hear why early in my administration I talked about your voice. We know you want to be free, Iran in vivid terms. First of all, you’ve got and we stand with you in your desire to be to understand that every situation requires free.’’ a different response when it comes to foreign I will tell you, a free Iraq is going to send policy, and so we tailor our responses based a clear message to people in Iran as well, upon the reality of the moment. And first that free societies are possible. That’s why is to make it clear to the world that Iran must I say this is an historic moment in our history, abandon her nuclear ambitions. That’s part and it really is. When you think about it, a of the role of the United States, and to work free country in the midst of the Middle East with others to send that same message. The will send a very clear signal that freedom is IAEA is the agency principally responsible possible. In other words, there are reformers for the Iranian nuclear program. We’re work- and people who want to be free watching ing closely with them. We’re making sure carefully as to whether or not this country, that we ask the hard questions to the IAEA which is the beacon of freedom, is strong so they ask the hard questions to the Iranians. enough not to wilt when the pressure gets We got the Iranians to sign what’s called— significant. not we, the world got the Iranians to de- I tell this story a lot—I’ll share it with cide—to sign what’s called an additional pro- you—about my friend Prime Minister tocol, which will allow for site inspections Koizumi of Japan. And we were having Kobe that normally would not have been allowed beef one day and—it’s quite good, I might under IAEA. In other words, the ground- add, and—[laughter]—this was in Tokyo. work, the ability to inspect as best as possible, And you know what? We were talking about is in place. another subject that I’m sure is a concern Secondly, the tactics of our—as you know, of yours as well, and that’s North Korea. And we don’t have relationships with Iran. I it was an amazing conversation, when you mean, that’s—ever since the late ’70s we think about it, wasn’t it, that I was talking have no contacts with them, and we’ve totally to my friend, 55 years or so after World War sanctioned them. In other words, there’s no II had ended, about how to keep the peace sanctions—you can’t—we’re out of sanctions. in a troubled part of the world. We made And so we’ve relied upon others to send the the decision—I made the decision that, on message for us. And the foreign ministers of North Korea, that the kind of bilateral nego- Germany, France, and Great Britain have tiations weren’t working. If you might recall, gone in as a group to send a message on be- my predecessor thought he had an arrange- half of the free world that Iran must comply ment with the North Koreans that they did with the demands of the free world. And not honor. And it’s a lesson that it’s important that’s where we sit right now. And my atti- to remember. tude is we’ve got to continue to keep pressure So I made the decision to bring other na- on the Government and help others keep tions in to help send the same message to pressure on the Government, so there’s kind North Korea. It’s a more effective way of of a universal condemnation of illegal weap- doing things if there’s more than one voice ons activities. willing to say the same thing. That’s why As well, the United States does have an China is very much involved in the process opportunity to speak clearly to those who now, which is helpful. And Japan is too. And love freedom inside of Iran, and we are. so Prime Minister Koizumi and I were talk- There is a significant diaspora, here in the ing about how to make sure the six-party talks United States, of Iranian Americans who long sent the same message to Kim Chong-il, for their homeland to be liberated and free. which is, get rid of your nuclear weapons pro- We’re working with them to send messages gram and there will be—in a verifiable way to their loved ones and their relatives that gives us all confidence that he has done

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so, and then perhaps there’s a way to help and the fact that they’re roadblocked in the them economically. United States Senate by procedures that— And during the course of the conversation, have they ever been used before, George, I became very thankful because my prede- the filibuster on judicial nominees? Never cessors believed that Japan could self-govern. been used? According to Allen, they’ve never If you read some of the editorials and some been used before. [Laughter] Not to this ex- of the writings right after World War II, tent—he qualified it. [Laughter] there was a lot of doubt as to whether or But it’s a problem, because I think my not a country like Japan could self-govern, nominees deserve an up-or-down vote on the could be a democracy. But there were people floor of the United States Senate. So I guess, here who had great faith in the trans- you know, they’re playing politics. I appre- formation power—the transformative power ciate your question, because they’re playing of liberty and stood their ground. And there politics. That’s all that is. And I’m picking I was talking to a duly elected official of good people from all walks of life. I named Japan about peace. a man to be on the DC District Court, Someday, an American President is going Miguel Estrada, first-generation American to be talking to elected officials, an elected citizen, a brilliant man. What a story. He official from Iraq, talking about how to keep comes over from—comes up from Honduras, the peace. Free societies are peaceful soci- learns the language, works hard, got a family eties. And free societies join this fantastic alli- ance of those of us who long for peace deep that loved him. He’s now named for the cir- in our heart, an alliance of countries willing cuit court and gets turned down. They to work on the tough issues like Iran and wouldn’t even give him a vote. And that’s North Korea, all aimed at bringing these dif- just pure politics. ficult solutions to a peaceful conclusion. You know what the answer to your ques- And anyway, it’s a long answer to an im- tion is? We’ve got to elect more Senators who portant question, but nevertheless, it’s one— aren’t going to play politics with my nomi- [applause]—let me finish; one other thing. nees. I’m going to keep talking about it too. It says that good foreign policy works with They may think they’re going to wear me other countries, and we will. Remember down; they’re not. I’m going to keep talking now, one of the dangers of this world is the about it. I’m going to keep telling the people proliferation of weapons and technologies. of this country they’ve got a clear choice And there’s over 60 nations involved with the when it comes to President. They want peo- Proliferation Security Initiative, an initiative ple on the court who will strictly interpret that we helped put together during my ad- the law, they ought to put me back in. If ministration. Some 40 nations are involved they want somebody who is going to put in Afghanistan. Nearly 30 nations are in- judges that will try to write the law from the volved in Iraq. We’ve got good, strong alli- bench, they got the wrong man in George ances of people working together. I’m never W. I’m not changing, either. going to turn over our national security needs All right, last question. You’ve got one? Go to leaders of other countries, however. ahead, and yell her out. Oh, then he better Yes, sir. You look like a man with a ques- take the mike, then. Yes, put it up there. Say tion. that again so everybody can hear it. Q. I drive a school bus, so I don’t need your microphone. [Laughter] Support for Volunteer Fire Departments/ The President. Okay, good. Trade Policy Judicial Nominees Q. I’m from Southside, Virginia, and I’ve Q. [Inaudible]—concerned about the judi- helped the volunteer fire departments a cial nominees. I watch it every day on number of years. We’ve had times raising C–SPAN. I’d like to know what—[inaudible]. money. And since you’ve been in, the Fed- The President. I appreciate that. Listen, eral money that you appropriated to us, we his question is about the judicial nominees appreciate it a lot.

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The President. You bet, thanks. First of to make the product that the Australians are all, he and I share a couple of things in com- buying. mon. We’re both voting for me. [Laughter] And the second thing to do is to enforce And we both support volunteer fire depart- laws. That’s why we’ve gone after China a ments. I’m a proud supporter of the couple of times, to say to China, ‘‘You must, Crawford Volunteer Fire Department. And if you’re going to trade with us, be fair about you’re—what’s your volunteer fire depart- how you treat our people and our products.’’ ment? Now, you had a question? What is it? Both Q. Chase City. of you combine your question; then I’ve got The President. There you go. Chase City, to go back to work. Okay, you’ve got two. Virginia. Let me talk about rural life real quick. One Taiwan of the things—are there any farmers here? Q. Yes, I am Taiwanese American, and I Yes, there you go. The farm economy is am concerned about China has more than strong. You know why? One, good policy; 500 missiles against Taiwan. How do you be good tax policy; and secondly—and thirdly, able to keep the key area of peace for Taiwan because we’re opening up markets. If you’re and the world? good at something like growing things, like The President. Yes, we just make it clear people in Virginia are, they ought to be sell- to both sides that our policy hasn’t changed— ing their product overseas in different mar- ‘‘one China’’ policy based upon the three kets around the world. communiques, and neither side shall unilat- Let me tell you real quick about trade pol- erally change the circumstances by which a icy. There’s a lot of talk about it, and the peaceful resolution will be achieved. And temptation for the other side is to say, that’s just where we’ll keep working both ‘‘We’ll—I’ll handle it by becoming economic sides to see if we can’t see that that very isolationists.’’ That’s no good, to kind of wall important issue be resolved peacefully. It’s ourselves off from the rest of the world. essential that both sides understand my posi- That’s pessimistic. And that will make it hard- tion as clearly stated, and I’ve stated it pub- er for small businesses to thrive and people licly just like I just did, and I will continue to find good-paying jobs. Here’s what— to state it. And I’m convinced this issue can here’s the reality of trade. Most Presidents be solved peacefully. It’s just going to take believe that we should open up U.S. markets some time to do so. And we’ll continue to for foreign goods. You know why? Because work to see to it that it does. it’s good for consumers. The more opportuni- Where is the lady that wanted to ask a ties consumers have to choose, the better question? Do you have the same question price they’ll get at better quality. That’s the he did or another one? Another one. Okay, way the marketplace works. And that’s the this is the last question. policy today, and opening up our markets has been beneficial to U.S. consumers. Government Fiscal Accountability/ And so the fundamental question is, can Federal Deficit we get other countries to treat us the way Q. Mine is sort of different. I am more we treat them? That’s trade policy. And the concerned about the Government waste. answer is, absolutely, we will. How do you propose to control either domes- One way you do so is through agree- tic waste within the spending, accountability ments—is you negotiate free trade agree- for spending? ments. And we’ve done so for the benefit The President. Yes. of U.S. farmers and manufacturers and en- Q. And also, especially foreign aid. I tend trepreneurs and, eventually, workers, be- to develop compassion fatigue when it comes cause if you’re selling product, for example, to foreign aid when I hear about the U.N. in Australia—we just got a new deal with Oil for Food Programme fraud. That’s a very Australia—if you’re selling products in Aus- big concern—— tralia, you’re going to be working in order The President. Yes.

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Q. ——because I pay taxes, and I expect the economy moving forward, there should it to be spent wisely. be tax relief. And it’s working; the tax relief The President. I appreciate that. That’s is working. It’s going to be one of the inter- a good question. I was hoping somebody esting arguments in the campaign. I will would ask that question. [Laughter] Let me make the case that it is working, and that talk about budgeting and spending, and then you don’t need to run up taxes. I’ll talk about accountability when it comes Now, when I first came into office, non- to spending. homeland, nondefense discretionary spend- Let me—I’ll start with that. I just came ing increased at 15 percent. This year, the from a meeting with Clay Johnson. He’s my budget we’ve requested from the House and close friend that—he was my college room- the Senate is—nondefense, nonhomeland mate, actually—who is the ‘‘M’’ in OMB, Of- spending, discretionary spending, is increas- fice of Management and Budget. And his job ing at less than 1 percent. And so the step as the ‘‘M’’ in OMB is to say to agencies, one—step one is to set priorities and hold we expect there to be results-oriented sys- Congress to working with those priorities. tems throughout your agencies. And we’ve And Congress has been very good. Speaker actually got a scorecard, a management Hastert and Leader Frist have worked very scorecard, of how well agencies are doing closely with the administration to achieve with, for example, responding to taxpayers good top-line budget numbers. So I can say through e-mail, how well they’re doing to to you that the deficit will be cut in half over make sure their programs are actually deliv- the next 5 years, and we’ve just got to keep ering results. And so we’re working hard to working that way. see to it that these giant bureaucracies be- And so there’s two—I kind of took two come results-oriented. There are all kinds of points from your questions. One was, the ways to measure, and we’ve got a good meas- overall budget numbers, how does it relate— urement system in place to do so. are we able to contain spending to the point There is a—look, my job is to submit budg- where we can say to the people that this def- ets that will bring confidence to the market- icit is beginning to decrease? Now remem- places, as well as to the taxpayers. And that ber, the deficit, again, was caused by reces- means setting priorities and meeting those sion. We’re coming out of that—we’re out priorities without overtaxing the American of it. Secondly, it was caused by the war. people. And we have done that. I want you We’re still in the war. And, thirdly, the tax to know that—let me put in the context of relief helped us generate more revenues. the deficit. And by the way, in the midseason— Yes, we’ve got a deficit, for three reasons. midsession review—I don’t know if you saw One, there was a recession. And a recession this, George, or not, but the projected deficit costs the Treasury money unless there’s a of last February has already been decreased corresponding cut in spending. And there fairly significantly because the economy is wasn’t. getting stronger. And when the economy Two, there is a deficit because I made the strengthens, more revenues come into—[ap- decision to go after the enemy, and we were plause]. going to spend whatever money was nec- I’ve got to go back—listen, I’ve got to get essary to defend ourselves. And the Congress back to the White House and make sure supported me, by and large. Some in the we’re spending money wisely. But I want to Senate didn’t support the $87 billion. thank you for your question. I want to thank [Laughter] you all for coming today. I want to thank Audience members. Boo-o-o! you for support. May God bless you, and may The President. But most of them did, God continue to bless our country. guys like George Allen, who said if you’re NOTE: The President spoke at 10:05 a.m. in the going to put people in harm’s way, they de- Ernst Community Cultural Center Gymnasium. serve the right pay and right equipment. In his remarks, he referred to Robert G. Templin, Thirdly, part of the reason we have this Jr., president, Northern Virginia Community Col- deficit is because I believed in order to get lege; Virginia Attorney General Jerry W. Kilgore;

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and G. Reid Lyon, Chief, Child Development and We’ll start off with Hunt [Terence Hunt, Behavior Branch, National Institute of Child Associated Press]. Health and Human Development, National Insti- tutes of Health. Iraqi Insurgents in Najaf Q. Mr. President, U.S. forces have been fighting for 5 days in Najaf against the militia of Muqtada Al Sadr. The U.S. once said it Remarks Following Discussions With was going to capture or kill him. What’s our Prime Minister Marek Belka of policy now? Poland and an Exchange With President Bush. Our policy is to work Reporters with Prime Minister Alawi and support the August 9, 2004 Iraqis as they move toward elections. Our troops were engaged against Sadr’s militia, President Bush. We’ll have two opening and so were the Iraqis. And it appears that statements and two questions per side. I’ll we’re making pretty good progress about sta- call on somebody, and the Prime Minister bilizing Najaf. But Prime Minister Alawi is will call on somebody. now in charge of the country. He is a good, Mr. Prime Minister, welcome. Thank you strong leader who cares deeply about the as- for coming. We’ve just had a very good visit, pirations of his people, and he is somebody but that’s what you would expect when two we’re working with. And if he’s got some sug- friends are talking about important issues. gestions to make, we’re more than willing to We talked about foreign policy. We talked listen to him. That’s why Ambassador about economic issues. We talked about the Negroponte is there, and the Ambassador close ties between our respective peoples. will interface with the Iraqi government at And it’s my honor to welcome you here, sir. their request. I appreciate your candid observations and ap- preciate the fact that not only did you serve Polish Forces in Iraq your nation and frankly, the world, in Bagh- Q. Mr. President, Polish Government is dad, you’ve now agreed to serve your nation going to significantly reduce number of Pol- as the Prime Minister of your country. So ish troops in Iraq early next year. Did you welcome here to Washington, DC. ask Polish Prime Minister not to do that? And Prime Minister Belka. Well, it’s one of could you both comment on the fact that 73 a series of very important visits in our dialog. percent of Poles are opposed to Polish mili- Next month in Warsaw, we’re having the be- tary presence in Iraq? ginning of strategic dialog between the President Bush. I’ll be glad to talk about United States and Poland. And what hap- opinion polls. I try to make my decisions pened here was really a beginning of this dia- based upon what I think is right. And remov- log or at least an introduction to these talks. ing Saddam Hussein from power was the We covered a very broad range of issues, right thing to do. The world is safer for it, from Euro-Atlantic alliance, from the state and the American people are safer for it. The of relationship between Europe and Amer- Polish people are safer for it, and the Iraqi ica, to Middle East, a wider Middle East ini- people are better off because of it. tiative, and Iraq. We also touched upon our And I’ll let the Prime Minister talk about bilateral issues, including our economic co- troops. The Poles have been great allies. operation, traveling, and so on and so on. When we first went in to enforce the de- Well, it’s almost unbelievable how we mands of the free world after Saddam Hus- could squeeze so many issues in a relatively sein once again defied the demands of the short conversation. It was a very good con- free world, Polish special forces were right versation, very good exchange of opinions. there. And they performed brilliantly. And, well, it sets ground for further coopera- They’re great troops, and they’re a great tion and further good, good talks between credit to the people of Poland. our people and ourselves. And then when the—it became apparent President Bush. Good job. we would need stabilizing forces to help this

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country become a free country, the Polish quite substantially. We’ve added nearly 1.5 Government and the Polish people were very million jobs over the last 12 months. generous and provided not only troops but And what we don’t need to do is run up leadership in a very important sector of the the taxes on the American people. This cam- country. So the Prime Minister, I know, is paign is going to be talking about visions, very proud, justifiably so, about the contribu- about how to keep the economic recovery tions that Poland has made to making the going, and there’s a clear difference of opin- world a better place. ion as to how to do it. I believe taxes ought Q. Mr. President—— to be low. I know we need tort reform. I President Bush. Hold on a second, know we need an energy policy. I know we please. need reasonable health policy to help hold Prime Minister Belka. Well, I guess, no down the costs, and that stands in stark con- one wants to stay in Iraq forever. It’s a sov- trast to my opponents who are willing to raise ereign country. It has its own internationally taxes and not willing to fight for tort reform, recognized government. It has its own rules, for example. But I’m optimistic about the that is—that are developing. And we treat economic vitality of the country. our presence in Iraq as serving this country to stabilize and stand on its own feet. We Visa Policy didn’t discuss dates, numbers. What we dis- Q. Mr. President, when is the United cussed is the way—how the situation in Iraq States going to lift visas for Polish citizens, develops, how the political calendar, how the or at least this $100 fee for visas—— political process is going on, and how is it— President Bush. Well, listen—— how it shapes the character and size of our Q. ——as a gesture of reciprocation? presence in this country. That’s what is most Prime Minister Belka. We discussed this. important in our presence in Iraq. President Bush. Well, I’ll tell you, we I confirm that Polish troops, in our opin- sure did discuss it, and the Prime Minister ion, are doing right things. They behave gal- was very strong on the subject. He made it lantly. They show professionalism and also very clear what—what his opinion is and the are quite successful in developing good work- opinion of his Government and the expecta- ing relations with the local leaders, helping tions of the Polish people. And because of them not only in keeping order but also in his persuasiveness, there’s now a developing institutions, rebuilding their preclearance procedure that will be taking economy, their schools, hospitals. Well, this place at the Warsaw airport. Secretary Tom is not a typical military operation. It’s a sta- Ridge is—Ridge is here today, and he’ll be bilization in all sense of this word. given instructions to accommodate the Prime President Bush. Steve [Steve Holland, Minister’s wishes that we begin a reform of Reuters]. the process. And it will start with preclearance process. National Economy And I want to thank the Prime Minister for being such a strong advocate and—pretty Q. Mr. President, with the economy not clear where he stands. And, hopefully, this producing a whole lot of new jobs, are you will be a step in the right direction for the considering adjustments or additions to your people of a country whose friendship we economic plan to try to give it a boost? And value. would an increase in interest rates tomorrow help or hurt? President Bush. Monetary policy is de- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:55 p.m. in the cided independently from the White House. Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Muqtada Al Sadr, Iraqi Shiite cleric Secondly, the economy is strong, and it’s get- whose militia engaged in an uprising in Iraq which ting better. Imagine me being able to say to began in early April; Prime Minister Ayad al-Alawi the Prime Minister of Poland, in spite of a of the Iraqi Interim Government; U.S. Ambas- recession, emergency, attacks, war, and cor- sador to Iraq John D. Negroponte; and former porate scandals, we’re growing and growing President Saddam Hussein of Iraq.

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Statement on Signing the Coast Executive Order 13351— Guard and Maritime Transportation Establishing an Emergency Board To Act of 2004 Investigate a Dispute Between the August 9, 2004 Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Its Today I have signed into law H.R. 2443, Conductors Represented by the the ‘‘Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor- United Transportation Union tation Act of 2004.’’ The Act authorizes ap- August 9, 2004 propriations for the United States Coast Guard, facilitates navigation and shipping, A dispute exists between the Southeastern and strengthens the security of maritime Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and transportation. its conductors represented by the United To the extent that provisions of the Act, Transportation Union. including sections 217, 708(c)(2), and The dispute has not heretofore been ad- 803(c)(11), call for submission of legislative justed under the provisions of the Railway recommendations to the Congress, the exec- Labor Act, as amended, 45 U.S.C. 151–188 utive branch shall construe such provisions (the ‘‘Act’’). in a manner consistent with the President’s A first emergency board to investigate and constitutional authority to supervise the uni- report on the dispute was established on tary executive branch and to recommend for April 12, 2004, by Executive Order 13334 the consideration of the Congress such meas- of April 10, 2004. The emergency board ter- ures as the President shall judge necessary minated upon issuance of its report. Subse- and expedient. Accordingly, the affected de- quently, its recommendations were not ac- partments and agencies shall ensure that any cepted by the parties. reports or recommendations submitted to A party empowered by the Act has re- the Congress are subjected to appropriate ex- quested that the President establish a second ecutive branch review and approval before emergency board pursuant to section 9A of submission. the Act (45 U.S.C. 159a). To ensure consistency with the Appoint- Section 9A(e) of the Act provides that the ments Clause of the Constitution, the execu- President, upon such request, shall appoint tive branch shall construe the phrase ‘‘if ac- a second emergency board to investigate and ceptable to the President and the Senate’’ report on the dispute. as used in section 220 of the Act to require Now, Therefore, by the authority vested nomination by the President and the advise in me as President by the Constitution and and consent of the Senate for the appoint- the laws of the United States, including sec- ments addressed by that section. tion 9A of the Act, it is hereby ordered as follows: George W. Bush Section 1. Establishment of Emergency Board (‘‘Board’’). There is established, effec- The White House, tive August 10, 2004, a Board of three mem- August 9, 2004. bers to be appointed by the President to in- vestigate and report on this dispute. No member shall be pecuniarily or otherwise in- NOTE: H.R. 2443, approved August 9, was as- terested in any organization of railroad em- signed Public Law No. 108–293. ployees or any carrier. The Board shall per- form its functions subject to the availability of funds.

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Sec. 2. Report. Within 30 days after the The work of the CIA is vital to our security. creation of the Board, the parties to the dis- America faces determined enemies who plan pute shall submit to the Board final offers in many nations, send trained killers to live for settlement of the dispute. Within 30 days among us, and attack without warning. This after the submission of final offers for settle- threat is unprecedented, and to stop them ment of the dispute, the Board shall submit from killing our citizens, we must have the a report to the President setting forth its se- best intelligence possible. The men and lection of the most reasonable offer. women of the CIA must penetrate closed so- Sec. 3. Maintaining Conditions. As pro- cieties and secretive organizations. They vided by section 9A(h) of the Act, from the must overcome challenges of language and time a request to establish a second emer- culture and learn things that our adversaries gency board is made until 60 days after the don’t want us to know. Because their work Board submits its report to the President, the is secret, the men and women of the CIA parties to the controversy shall make no receive little recognition, but they’re pro- change in the conditions out of which the tecting our country every day. dispute arose except by agreement of the Since September the 11th, our intelligence parties. professionals have worked with great deter- Sec. 4. Records Maintenance. The records mination to stop another attack on America, and files of the Board are records of the Of- and our country is grateful. fice of the President and upon the Board’s Director George Tenet and acting Direc- termination shall be maintained in the phys- tor John McLaughlin have served our Nation ical custody of the National Mediation Board. with distinction and honor. And now, with Sec. 5. Expiration. The Board shall termi- the agreement of the U.S. Senate, the CIA nate upon the submission of the report pro- will have another strong leader in Porter vided for in section 2 of this order. Goss. I’ve given Porter an essential mission to George W. Bush lead the Agency for the challenges and The White House, threats of a dangerous new century. He is August 9, 2004. well prepared for this mission. Porter Goss brings a broad experience to this critical job. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, He’s a former Army intelligence officer with 8:45 a.m., August 11, 2004] a decade of experience in the CIA’s clandes- tine service. He knows the agency, and he NOTE: This Executive order was published in the knows what is needed to strengthen it. He Federal Register on August 12. understands the importance of human intel- ligence. He was a CIA field officer on two continents. He’ll make sure that the men and Remarks Announcing the women of the CIA have the capabilities and Nomination of Porter J. Goss To Be skills they need to penetrate the hard targets Director of the Central Intelligence and denied areas and to get to know the Agency enemy firsthand. He also knows the impor- August 10, 2004 tance of investing in technologies that allow us to look and listen better. And he will work The President. Thank you all for coming. to ensure the agency remains on the cutting I’m pleased to announce my decision to edge of technological change. nominate Congressman Porter Goss as the As Chairman of the House Select Com- next Director of the Central Intelligence mittee on Intelligence since 1997, and as a Agency. Porter Goss is a leader with strong Member on the Commission on the Roles experience in intelligence and in the fight and Capabilities of the United States Intel- against terrorism. He knows the CIA inside ligence Community, he has been a leading and out. He’s the right man to lead this im- voice on intelligence and national security portant agency at this critical moment in our and terrorism. He’s been a force for positive Nation’s history. change. His experience on Capitol Hill will

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serve him well at the CIA, because he’s re- Remarks in Pensacola, Florida spected on both sides of the aisle and be- August 10, 2004 cause he understands the important role Congress must play in the effort to improve The President. Thank you all very much. our Nation’s intelligence capabilities. Thanks for coming. Thank you all. Thanks Over 15 years of service, Porter Goss has for coming. What a great welcome. I’m so built a reputation as a reformer. He’ll be a honored. You know, you’re in good country reformer at the Central Intelligence Agency. when you’ve got a guy holding a sign up that I look forward to his counsel and his judg- says ‘‘Bubbas for Bush.’’ No, the heart and ments as to how best to implement broader soul of America is right here in Pensacola, intel reform, including the recommendations Florida. of the 9/11 Commission. It’s an honor to land Air Force One at the Pensacola Naval Air Station, right here in the I appreciate your many years, Porter, of cradle of naval aviation. And it’s an honor service to our country. I appreciate your will- to stand with one of the really fine naval avi- ingness to serve. I’m grateful that you’ve ators in our Nation’s history, Senator John agreed to step forward and serve once again. McCain. Forty-six years ago this month, En- Welcome. sign John McCain reported for duty in Pen- Representative Goss. Thank you very sacola. He trained to fly here; he launched much, Mr. President. Thank you very much, a life of true service to America that con- Mr. President. I’m obviously deeply honored, tinues to this day. As a naval officer, as a and I’m extremely grateful for the oppor- Congressman, as a United States Senator tunity. You’ve outlined a very strong chal- from Arizona, John McCain has embodied lenge. honor and integrity, courage and strength. I think every American knows the impor- And I’m honored to have him by my side. tance of the best possible intelligence we can We’re kicking off a bus trip. We’re starting get to our decisionmakers. It is vital, as the here, and we’re heading east across the pan- President has well said. What many Ameri- handle of this important State. I’m asking for cans don’t realize is that we’ve got an awful the vote. Everywhere we’re going the crowds lot of people around the globe doing very, are big, the enthusiasm is high, and with your very hard work—long hours in dangerous sit- help, Dick Cheney and I will be honored to uations. The essence of our intelligence capa- serve this country for 4 more years. bility is people. And we have some wonderful Audience members. Four more years! Americans doing a great job. Four more years! Four more years! I used to be part of them when I worked The President. I wish Laura was here for CIA. I’m very proud to be associated with today. She is a wonderful wife, a great mom, and she’s doing a fabulous job as this coun- them again. And I look forward to the chal- try’s First Lady. I’ll give you some reasons lenges of the future. I also look forward to why I think you ought to put me back into the confirmation process with the Senate. As office, but perhaps the most important rea- a Member right now on the Hill, I know the son of all is so that Laura is the First Lady value of that and the importance of that. for 4 more years. Thank you very much, Mr. President. I’m running with a good man in Dick Che- The President. Good job. Thank you, sir. ney. Listen, I recognize he’s not the prettiest Representative Goss. Thank you, sir. face on the ticket. [Laughter] I didn’t pick him for his looks. I picked him because of NOTE: The President spoke at 8:31 a.m. in the his experience and his sound judgment and Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, his ability to do the job. he referred to the Commission on Terrorist At- I’ve been looking around for the Governor. tacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). [Laughter] I had a few words for the Gov- The Office of the Press Secretary also released ernor. Actually, I saw him over the weekend. a Spanish language transcript of these remarks. His son George P. got married. Yes, it was

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a great wedding. He’s working. He’s doing to make the future better and brighter for what you want him to do. He’s working on every single citizen. behalf of all the people of Florida. I’m proud From creating jobs to improving schools, of the job Jeb is doing as the Governor of from fighting terror to spreading peace, this vital State. we’ve made much progress, and there’s more I’m honored that your very fine Congress- work to be done. We have more to do to man, Jeff Miller, is traveling with us today. make our public schools the centers of excel- He’s doing a heck of a job for the people lence we all know they can be, so that no of the Panhandle. I want to thank all the local child is left behind in America. and State officials who are here. Thanks for Remember, when we came to office 31⁄2 serving your State and our country. years ago, too many children were being I appreciate Joe Scarborough. I’m glad to shuffled from grade to grade, year after year, know he’s still standing and making a living. without learning the basics. So we challenged I kissed his little girl on the way down the what I call the soft bigotry of low expecta- stairs. Fortunately, she’s got her mom’s looks. tions. We raised the bar. We believe in ac- [Laughter] I appreciate Ricky Skaggs. I’m countability because we want to know wheth- honored Ricky took time to come over and er or not our children are learning to read sing for you all. and write. We believe in local control of I’m honored to be with the men and schools. We believe in challenging the status women who wear our uniform, proud to be quo when the status quo is failing the chil- here. I want to thank all the veterans who dren of this country. Today, children across are here today. I want to thank you for setting America are showing real progress in reading such a good example. and math. When it comes to improving I want to thank all the grassroots activists. America’s public schools, we’re turning the Those are the people who are going to put corner, and we’re not turning back. up the signs and make the phone calls and We have more to do. There’s more work register the voters. I’m here to ask for your to do. The world is changing, and the jobs help. Not only I want your vote, I’d like for of the future will require greater knowledge your help. I’d like you to go to your neigh- and higher-level skills. We’re going to reform bors—listen, find those discerning Demo- our high schools to make sure a high school crats and wise independents as well as our diploma means something. We will expand fellow Republicans, and urge them to do math and science education so our young their duty on Election Day. See, we have a people can compete in the high-tech world. duty in this country to participate when it We’ll expand the use of the Internet to bring comes to voting time. And when you get high-level training into our classrooms. With them headed towards the polls, give them 4 more years, we will help a rising generation a nudge our way. gain the skills and confidence to achieve the Every incumbent who asks for the vote has American Dream. to answer an essential question, why—why We have more to do to make quality health should the American people give me the care available and affordable. When we came great privilege of serving as your President to office, too many older Americans could for 4 more years? In the past years, Ameri- not afford prescription drugs, and Medicare cans have been through a lot together, a didn’t pay for them. You might remember whole lot, and we’ve accomplished a great the past debates. Leaders of both political deal. But there’s only one reason to look parties had promised prescription drug cov- backward at the record, and that is to deter- erage in campaign after campaign. We got mine who will best lead our Nation forward. the job done. More than 4 million seniors I’m asking for your vote because so much have signed up for drug discount cards that is at stake. We have much more to do to provide real savings. Beginning in 2006, all move this country forward. I want to be your seniors on Medicare will be able to choose President for 4 more years to make this coun- a plan that suits their needs and gives them try safer, to make our economy stronger, and coverage for prescription drugs.

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To help more people get access to quality Code is it that penalizes marriage? We ought care, we’ve expanded community health cen- to be encouraging marriage in our society. ters for low-income Americans. We’ve cre- We helped our small businesses. And this ated health savings accounts so families can time, the check really was in the mail. save tax-free for their own health care needs. Because we acted, our economy since last When it comes to giving Americans more summer has grown at a rate as fast as any choices about their own health care and mak- in nearly 20 years. Because we acted, we’ve ing health care more affordable, we’re mov- added about a million—1.5 million new jobs ing America forward, and we’re not turning since last year, last August. The unemploy- back. ment rate is down to 5.5 percent, well below This world is changing. Most Americans the national average of the seventies, get their health care coverage through their eighties, and nineties. Because we acted, work. But today, most of the new jobs are Florida has added nearly 300,000 jobs since created by small businesses, which too often the end of 2001. Florida’s unemployment cannot afford to provide health coverage. To rate is now 4.7 percent. When it comes to help more American families get health in- surance, we must allow small employers to creating jobs for American workers, here in join together to purchase insurance at the Florida you have proved we’re moving Amer- same discounts big companies are able to do. ica forward, and we’re not turning back. To make sure health care is available and There’s more work to do. We need to affordable, we must end the frivolous law- make our economy more job-friendly, Amer- suits that raise the cost of health care. You ica’s workplaces more family-friendly. To cannot be pro-doctor and pro-patient and keep American jobs here in America, regula- pro-trial-lawyer at the same time. You have tions must be reasonable and must be fair. to choose. My opponent made his choice, Many of you small-business owners know and he put him on the ticket. [Laughter] I what I’m talking about when it comes to reg- made my choice: I’m going to continue to ulations. I can’t guarantee anybody in Wash- work with the United States Congress for ington has every read the forms you filled medical liability reform. out. [Laughter] To keep jobs here in Amer- We’ll do more to harness technology to re- ica, we must reduce our dependence on for- duce costs and prevent health care mistakes. eign sources of energy. To keep American We will expand research and seek new cures jobs in America, we must end the junk law- for terrible diseases. In all we do to improve suits and enact tort reform. To keep Amer- health care in America, we will make sure ican jobs in America, to keep American jobs that the health decisions are made by doctors here in our country, we must not overspend and patients, not by bureaucrats in Wash- your money. And we will keep your taxes low. ington, DC. Listen, to keep jobs here, we must not be- We’ll do more to make this economy come economic isolationists. We must be stronger. We’ve come through a lot. We’ve bold about our ability to compete in the come through a recession and corporate world. I believe America’s workers and farm- scandals and terrorist attacks. We’ve over- ers can compete with anybody, anytime, any- come these obstacles because of the hard work of the American people. We’ve got where so long as the rules are fair. To keep great workers. We’ve got great farmers. jobs here, we’ve got to make sure our work- We’ve got great ranchers. We’ve got great ers have the skills necessary to fill the jobs entrepreneurs. I also think one of the reasons of the 21st century. We’re going to offer we’ve come through this tough period is be- American workers a lifetime of learning. And cause of well-timed tax cuts. We didn’t try to be aggressive in helping them get the to pick winners or losers. We did it the fair training they need for the jobs of the future way: If you paid taxes, you got relief. That’s at places like our community colleges—the a fair way for tax relief. The tax relief helped education training they offer can be a bridge families with children. The tax relief helped between people’s lives as they are and peo- married couples. I mean, what kind of Tax ple’s lives as they want them to be.

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You know what else we need to do? We of weapons of mass destruction, and America need to make sure our families have some- and the world are safer. thing they never have enough of, and that Before September the 11th, the ruler of is time—time to be with your kids, time to Iraq was a sworn enemy of America. He was volunteer in your community, time to take defying the world. He was firing weapons at care of your parents, time to go back to American pilots who were enforcing the school. I’m going to work with Congress to world’s sanctions. He had pursued and he enact comp-time and flex-time to help Amer- had used weapons of mass destruction. He ican families better juggle the demands of harbored terrorists. He invaded his neigh- the workplace. bors. He subsidized the families of suicide When you give us 4 more years, this econ- bombers. He murdered tens of thousands of omy is going to be stronger, more small busi- his own citizens. He was a source of great nesses, better and higher-paying jobs. And instability in the world’s most volatile region. America will continue to lead the world with After September the 11th, we looked at the world’s strongest economy. all the threats of the world in a new light. We have more to do to wage and win the One of the lessons of September the 11th war against terror. America’s future depends is that America must take threats seriously, on our willingness to lead in the world. If before they fully materialize. We saw a America shows uncertainty and weakness in threat. My administration looked at the intel- ligence and saw a threat. The United States this decade, the world will drift toward trag- Congress looked at the same intelligence— edy. This isn’t going to happen on my watch. members of both political parties, including See, the world changed on a terrible Sep- my opponent—looked at the intelligence and tember morning, and since that day we have came to the same conclusion. changed the world. Before September the We went to the United Nations, which 11th, Afghanistan served as the home base looked at the intelligence and demanded a for Al Qaida, which trained and deployed full accounting of Saddam Hussein’s weap- thousands of killers to set up terror cells in ons programs, or face serious consequences. dozens of countries, including our own. After 12 years of defiance, he again refused Today, Afghanistan is a rising democracy. Af- to comply. He deceived the weapons inspec- ghanistan is an ally in the war on terror. And tors. So I had a choice to make: either forget thanks to the United States and thanks to the lessons of September the 11th and take members of our coalition, many young girls the word of a madman who hated America, now go to school for the first time in Afghani- or defend this country. Given that choice, stan. I will defend America. Because we acted, America and the world Even though we did not find the stockpiles are safer. Before September the 11th, Paki- that we expected to find, removing Saddam stan was a safe transit point for terrorists. Hussein from power was the right thing to Today, Pakistani forces are aggressively help- do. Saddam Hussein had the capability to ing to round up the terrorists. Pakistan is an make weapons of mass destruction. And he ally in the war on terror, and America and could have passed that capability on to ter- the world are safer. rorist enemies. After September the 11th, Before September the 11th, in Saudi Ara- that was a chance we could not afford to take. bia, terrorists were raising money and re- And America and the world are safer because cruiting and operating with little opposition. Saddam Hussein sits in a prison cell. Today, the Saudi Government is taking the And now, almost 2 years after he voted fight to Al Qaida, and America and the world for the war in Iraq and almost 220 days after are safer. switching positions to declare himself the Before September the 11th, Libya was antiwar candidate, my opponent has found spending millions to acquire weapons of mass a new nuance. He now agrees it was the right destruction. Today, because America and our decision to go into Iraq. After months of allies have sent a strong and clear message, questioning my motives and even my credi- the leader of Libya has abandoned his pursuit bility, Senator Kerry now agrees with me that

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even though we have not found the stockpile when America gives its word, America keeps of weapons we all believed were there, know- its word. ing everything we know today, he would have In these crucial times, America’s commit- voted to go into Iraq and remove Saddam ments are kept by the men and women of Hussein from power. I want to thank Senator our military. At bases across our country and Kerry for clearing that up—although there the world, I’ve had the privilege of meeting are still 84 days left in the campaign. with those who defend our country and sac- We have more to do. I’m seeking the office rifice for our security. I’ve seen their great because we must continue to work with our decency and their unselfish courage. The friends and allies around the world to aggres- cause of freedom is in really good hands. And sively pursue the terrorists and foreign fight- anytime—and those who wear our Nation’s ers in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere. uniform deserve the full support of our Na- See, you can’t talk sense to these people. You tion’s Government. cannot negotiate with them. You cannot hope Last September, while our troops were in for the best. We must engage these enemies combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq, I pro- around the world so we do not have to face posed supplemental funding to support them them here at home. in their missions. The legislation provided America will continue to lead the world funding for body armor and vital equipment, with confidence and moral clarity. We put hazard pay, health benefits, ammunition, fuel, and spare parts. In the Senate only a together a strong coalition to help us defeat small, out-of-the-mainstream minority of 12 the terror. There’s 60 nations involved with Senators voted against the legislation. And the Proliferation Security Initiative. Nearly 2 of those 12 Senators are my opponent and 40 nations are in Afghanistan. Some 30 na- his runningmate. tions are involved in Iraq. I know you join Audience members. Boo-o-o! me in thanking the leaders of those countries The President. Senator Kerry tried to ex- who have committed their troops to peace plain his vote this way: ‘‘I actually did vote and freedom around the world. We’ll con- for the $87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ tinue to strengthen our alliances and work [Laughter] That’s not the way they talk here with our friends for the cause of security and in the Panhandle of Florida. He’s had some peace. But I’ll never turn over national— different explanations. He said he was proud America’s national security decisions to lead- of his vote, and then he further said the ers of other countries. whole thing is a complicated matter. [Laugh- We’ll keep our commitments to help Af- ter] There’s nothing complicated about sup- ghanistan and Iraq become peaceful, demo- porting our troops in combat. cratic societies. Listen, these two nations are Audience members. Four more years! now governed by strong leaders. These are Four more years! Four more years! people who are willing to listen to the hopes The President. In the long run, our secu- and aspirations of their people. The moms rity is not guaranteed by force alone. We will and dads of Afghanistan and Iraq want their work to change the conditions that give rise children to grow up in a peaceful and hopeful to terror: poverty and hopelessness, resent- society. That’s what they want. People of Af- ment. A free and peaceful Iraq and a free ghanistan and Iraq are beginning the make and peaceful Afghanistan will be powerful the hard work of going from tyranny to free- examples in their neighborhood, a neighbor- dom. More and more troops are stepping up hood that is desperate for freedom. See, free in Iraq—Iraqis saying, ‘‘What can I do to se- nations do not export terror. Free nations en- cure my country so my family can grow up hance the dreams of their citizens. Free na- in a peaceful world?’’ tions are peaceful nations. The people of these countries can count By serving the ideal of liberty, we’re bring- on us. When we acted to protect our own ing hope to others, and that makes our coun- security, we promised to help deliver them try more secure. By serving the ideal of lib- from tyranny, to restore their sovereignty, erty, we’re spreading the peace. And by serv- and to set them on the path to liberty. And ing the ideal of liberty, we serve the highest

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values of our own country. Freedom is not not enough to advocate reform. You’ve got America’s gift to the world; freedom is the to be able to get the job done. See, when Almighty God’s gift to every man and woman it came to reforming schools, provide excel- in this world. lent education for our children, we got the We have more to do to protect America. job done, and results matter. When it came There’s enemies who still hate us, and they’re to health care reforms to give our families plotting. My opponent says that going to war more access and more choices, we’re getting with the terrorists is actually improving their the job done, and results matter. When it recruiting efforts. The logic is upsidedown. came to improving our economy and creating It shows a dangerous misunderstanding of jobs, results matter. When it comes to better the enemy we face. During the nineties, securing our homeland, when it comes to these terrorists were recruiting and training spreading the peace, results matter. When for war with us—long before we went to war it comes to electing a President, results mat- with them. They don’t need an excuse for ter. their hatred. It is wrong to blame America Listen, we’re living in changing times. for the anger and evil of the killers. We don’t create terrorists by fighting back; we defeat These are changing times, and they’re excit- terrorist by fighting back. ing times. And Government needs to stand I agree with the conclusion the 9/11 Com- side by side with the American people during mission has said: Because of the actions we these changing times. Do you know what that have taken since September the 11th, our says to me? It says to me, we’ve got to con- homeland is safer, but we’re not yet safe. I tinue to promote an ownership society in understand that. The way to make this coun- America. We want you to own and control try more secure is to be on the offense, is your own health care accounts, so that if you to find these terrorists and to bring the en- go from one job to the next, the health care emies to justice. And the way to make this account is yours and stays with you. country more secure is to start the hard proc- You know, I’m worried about younger ess of reform. workers in America. I’m worried about We’ve transformed our defenses. We cre- whether or not the Social Security system is ated a new Department of Homeland Secu- fiscally sound enough for our younger work- rity. We passed the PATRIOT Act to give ers. Old guys like me and McCain, we’re set our law enforcement officers tools to track when it comes to Social Security. But to terrorists. The mission of the FBI is now fo- make sure the Social Security system works, cused on preventing terrorism. We’re inte- we’ve got to let our younger workers have grating intelligence and law enforcement an option of taking some of their own money better than we ever have before. We’re al- and establishing a personal savings account ready taking action on a large majority of the that they can pass from one generation to 9/11 Commission Report. And we’ve got the next. more to do to better secure our ports and I’ll tell you, I love the fact that more peo- borders and to train our first-responders, to ple now own their home in America than dramatically improve intelligence-gathering ever before. We love homeownership in my capability. Today I nominated a fine Floridian, Con- administration. I met Jack and Julie Broomes gressman Porter Goss, to head the Central behind stage. They said, ‘‘This year, thanks Intelligence Agency. And we’ll work with to your tax relief, we were able to buy a Congress to create a position of the National home.’’ What a fantastic thought, to have that Intelligence Director so that one person is good family open their door and say, ‘‘Wel- in charge of coordinating all our intelligence come to my house.’’ efforts overseas and at home. We believe in ownership in this adminis- These reforms aren’t going to be easy. Re- tration. We want more people owning their form is never easy in Washington. There’s small business. I love the fact that more mi- a lot of entrenched interests there, people nority—minorities are owning their own who are willing to defend the status quo. It’s business. It’s a hopeful sign for America. In

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a changing world, one way to help the Amer- For all Americans, these years in our his- ican people is to promote an ownership soci- tory will stand apart. There are quiet times ety. When you own something you have a in the life of a nation when little is expected vital stake in the future of our country. of its leaders. This isn’t one of those times. In this world of rapid change, there’s going It’s a time when we need firm resolve and to be some things that won’t change: our be- clear vision. See, none of us will ever forget lief in liberty and opportunity and the non- that week when one era ended and another negotiable demands of human dignity. We began. September the 14th, 2001, I stood in believe in the individual values we try to live the ruins of the Twin Towers. It’s a day I’ll by, courage and compassion, reverence and never forget. I remember the people in hard- integrity. We honor the institutions that give hats yelling, ‘‘Whatever it takes.’’ I remember us direction and purpose, our families, our walking the ropeline. A guy grabbed me by schools, our religious congregations. his arm. He had just been searching in the We stand for institutions like marriage and rubble for a loved one. He said, ‘‘Do not let family, which are the foundations of society. me down.’’ We stand for a culture of life in which every As we all did that day, that fellow and the person matters and every being counts. We people searching through the rubble took it stand for judges who faithfully interpret the personally. I took it personally. I have a duty law instead of legislating from the bench. that goes on. I wake up every morning think- We stand for a culture of responsibility in ing how best to keep America safe. I will America. This culture of our country is changing from one that has said, ‘‘If it feels never relent in defending our country, what- good, do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve got a problem, ever it takes. blame somebody else,’’ to a culture in which We have come through a lot together. each of understands we’re responsible for the We’ve done hard work. We’re moving this decisions we make in life. If you’re fortunate country forward. During the next 4 years, enough to be a mother or a father, you’re we’ll spread ownership and opportunity to responsible for loving your child with all your ever corner of America. We’ll pass the endur- heart and all your soul. Listen, if you’re wor- ing values of our country on to another gen- ried about the quality of the education in this eration. We will lead the cause of freedom community, you’re responsible for doing and peace, and we will prevail. something about it. If you’re a CEO in cor- Four years ago, I traveled this great State porate America, you are responsible for tell- and our wonderful country asking for the ing the truth to your shareholders and your vote, and I made a pledge to my fellow Amer- employees. And in this responsibility society, icans. I said if you honored me with this great each of us is responsible for loving our neigh- responsibility, I would uphold the dignity and bor just like we’d like to be loved ourselves. the honor of the office to which I had been The strength of this country is the hearts elected. And with your help, I will do so for and souls of our citizens; that’s the strength 4 more years. of America. Over the next 4 years, I’ll con- May God bless you. Thank you all for com- tinue to rally the armies of compassion and ing. call upon people to help solve some of the most difficult problems of our society. Gov- ernment can hand out money; it can’t put NOTE: The President spoke at 10:53 a.m. at the hope in a person’s heart or a sense of purpose Pensacola Civic Center. In his remarks, he re- in a person’s life. That happens when a loving ferred to former Representative Joe Scarborough soul puts their arm around a lonely heart and of Florida; country music entertainer Ricky Skaggs; Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi, says, ‘‘I love you. What can I do to help you?’’ leader of Libya; former President Saddam Hus- I’m running for 4 more years to continue to sein of Iraq; and the National Commission on Ter- call upon the great strength of America so rorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Com- we can change our country, one heart, one mission). soul, one conscience at a time.

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Remarks in a Discussion at est son, George P., got married, and the fa- Okaloosa-Walton College in ther of the groom handled his duties per- Niceville, Florida fectly. [Laughter] He’s a great Governor and August 10, 2004 a great brother. And I love him a lot. I love him a lot. The President. Thank you all very much. And I love the First Lady a lot too. When Let’s get started here. We’d better get started I asked Laura to marry me, she was a public before all the oxygen leaves. [Laughter] school librarian. [Applause] There you go, Thanks for coming. I’m on a bus tour today. yes! She didn’t care for politics or politicians. You know why? I think you have to ask for [Laughter] Now she’s the First Lady of the the vote if you’re running for office, and I’m United States, and she’s doing a great job. here to ask for the vote. That’s what I’m She really is. I wish she were here today, doing. but she’s campaigning in the Midwest, and I’m here to tell you there’s more to do. she’s doing a really neat experience. I like We’ve done a lot, but there’s more to do. to tell people I’ve got reasons why I’d like I have a reason for running, and I’m going you to put me back in, but perhaps the most to share some of those reasons with you in important one is so that Laura is the First a little bit. But first, I want to thank you all Lady for 4 more years. for coming. I’m here for another reason, and I’m going to talk a little bit about what that’s to ask for your help. I need your help I’d like to do. We’ve got some citizens here to get people registered to vote. Listen, who are going to help me make some points there’s a lot of people for us out there. If about how America can be a better place. that many people are standing in the rain, And then I’m going to answer some questions it means we got a pretty good shot here in if we’ve got time. the Panhandle. I first want to say thanks to my friend John But I can’t win it without your help. And so I’m asking you to register your friends and McCain. John is an amazing guy who—he’s neighbors. See, I believe everybody has a an amazing person. He’s a great public serv- duty to vote. I believe that’s a—you know, ant. He served his Nation in many ways. And the other day in Afghanistan they were talk- I’m proud to be traveling with him. It’s— ing about, ‘‘Oh, maybe they’re not too inter- he’s a lot of fun to be with. Plus, it helps— ested in voting.’’ And I think there was [laughter]—helps to have him stand by my maybe 3 or 4 million had registered to vote. side. So thanks for coming, friend. Appre- And the Taliban drug some women out of ciate you being here. a bus and killed them because they were in- After the ranch, he and I are going to go volved in the electoral process, and a lot of over to Crawford—I mean, after cam- people say, ‘‘Well, gosh, that’s going to dis- paigning here in Panama City, he and I are courage people from doing their duty, from going to go over to Crawford, and I’m going participating in a free society.’’ Now there to show him the ranch. Then we’re going to is over 8 million people who’ve registered to New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, vote in Afghanistan. Oregon, Washington, and Iowa. It’s an amazing story, isn’t it? It’s an amaz- I want to thank Congressman Jeff Miller, ing story how people respond when given a who is doing a fine job for the people. You’re chance to exercise their—what we believe doing a great job, Congressman. Thanks for are their God-given rights as free people. We coming. need to do the same thing here in America. Statehouse Speaker-designate Allan So I’m here to ask you to get your fellow Bense—he’s with us today. Allan, thank you citizens to participate. Of course, once you for traveling. Where are you? He was with get them headed to the polls, I’ve got a sug- us. He probably heard I’m going to talk for gestion on who they might be for. [Laughter] about 45 minutes and left. [Laughter] I’m And that’s what we’re going to talk about proud to be traveling as well with Bev Kil- today. mer. She’s running for the congressional seat I’m proud of brother Jeb. I had the honor right next door to this one. Good luck to you. of spending the weekend with him. His old- Thanks for coming.

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I’m proud to be here at Okaloosa-Walton So that’s why I said to the Taliban—we College. I want to thank Bob Richburg, the gave the Taliban a warning: Quit harboring president of this fine institution. these people; quit feeding these people; quit I tell people I’m running again because providing safe haven so they can train to I want to work to make America safer, come and kill. And the Taliban chose defi- stronger, and better. The biggest task we ance. And thanks to the United States and have in this country is to fight and win this a coalition of the willing, the Taliban no war on terror. The most solemn duty a Presi- longer is in power. And the world is safer dent has, the most solemn duty those of us for it. The world is safer for it. You know who hold high office have is to do everything why? We’ve now got an ally in the war on we can to safeguard our country. terror. Al Qaida can no longer find—you I never thought I’d be having to say this know, attack and escape into the confines of when I ran in 2000—John, we campaigned a sovereign nation. That no longer is possible. together. I don’t remember saying, ‘‘I antici- But guess what else happened that is impor- pate war.’’ Nobody wants to be the war Presi- tant? We liberated people. We freed people. dent. People want to be the peace President. You know, I was in Cleveland the other People want to be able to say, ‘‘Gosh, the evening. I helped kick off the International world is peaceful.’’ But that’s not what hap- Children’s Games. And I was standing up pened under my watch. The country changed giving this welcoming address, and right to on September the 11th, 2001, and it’s vital my right was a group of young girls from Af- for the President to clearly see the world the ghanistan. They were part of a soccer team, way it is. a young girls soccer team. Now, that probably I’ll tell you some lessons I’ve learned that doesn’t sound like a momentous event, but I don’t think the country should ever forget. think about it. These young children couldn’t First of all, these people that killed us, they even go to school under the Taliban. Their were training for years. They were preparing mothers were often paraded into public for years. They’re evil people who cannot squares and humiliated, because this country stand what we believe in. You cannot nego- was under the clutches of a barbaric regime tiate with these people. You cannot—these are not the kind of people you can reason that had evil in their hearts. with. You cannot hope for the best. That’s Our action in Afghanistan fulfilled a word. just the nature of these people. It’s hard for It said if you harbor, you’ll be held account- the American people to understand the na- able. The world is peaceful for it when we ture of somebody who’s willing to kill an in- keep our word. Our action in Afghanistan has nocent child to achieve an objective. That’s converted an enemy into an ally in the war not the way we think. Nevertheless, we must on terror. And our action in Afghanistan is be realistic about the nature of these folks. a part of freeing 50 million people—25 in The second lesson after September the Afghanistan, 25 in Iraq. And the world is bet- 11th is when you say something, you better ter for it. mean it, in order to make the world a more Another lesson of September the 11th is peaceful place. I recognized right after Sep- that when we see threats, we must deal with tember the 11th, we were in a different kind them before they fully materialize. See, prior of conflict. I noticed some World War II vet- to September the 11th, we thought if we saw erans who are here who fought a different a threat, we could deal with it if we felt like kind of war. Freedom and liberty were at it or maybe it would go away; maybe it stake, but it was a different kind of war. This wouldn’t happen, because we felt secure. Re- is a different kind of war here. This is a war member those days? I do. I also know what that said not only must we bring justice to it’s like now to be vulnerable to the attacks our enemies, wherever they hide, we cannot of enemies that could care less about the allow nations to provide them safe harbor or rules of warfare. I mean, these are uncivilized training or to feed or equip them. We just people. And probably the most dangerous— can’t do that. In order to be able to protect not probably—the most dangerous worry ourselves—[applause]. that we should have is whether or not these

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killers are able to get weapons of mass de- is necessary to protect this country? Given struction. And where would they get them? that choice, I’ll protect America every time. Well, they’d get them from people who have You know, they ask you, they say, ‘‘Well, the capability of making them, and they’d get you haven’t found the stockpiles you thought them from people that hate us. were going to be there.’’ And they’re right. So I looked at Iraq and saw a threat. Think We thought there would be stockpiles of about Iraq. This is a country that had—were weapons there. But we do know that he had firing at our pilots. This is a country with the capability of making weapons. And we which we’d already had a war. This is a coun- do know that he had the capability of passing try which had used weapons of mass destruc- that knowledge on to an enemy which hates tion against its own people and against its us. He was dangerous. Knowing what I know neighbors. This is a country that paid families today, I would have still made the same deci- of suiciders. This is a country that allowed sion. The world is better off, and America terrorist networks to be in and out of their is safer. No question about it. borders. Remember Abu Nidal? He’s the guy Let me tell you something. I want you all that killed Leon Klinghoffer. His network to think about a world in which Saddam Hus- was in Iraq. Zarqawi—he’s still in there chop- sein was still in power. There’s an enemy out ping people’s heads off. His network was in there. He’d have been stronger if he had Iraq. And they were in and out of the coun- been in power still. The world is safer and try. America is safer because he sits in a prison cell. And so we looked at the facts and said this I want to share a story with you about guy is a threat. That’s what we looked at. seven Iraqi citizens who came to see me in And then we all looked at the intelligence the Oval Office. The Oval Office is a power- as well. And my administration looked at it. ful place. It’s the kind of place where my The United States Congress looked at it. mother walks in and feels so overwhelmed, Members of both parties in the Congress she won’t tell me what to do. [Laughter] looked at that intelligence. My opponent That’s powerful. In walk seven Iraqis. They looked at that intelligence. And we all came had all had their right hands cut off by Sad- to the same conclusion: Saddam Hussein was dam Hussein. You know why? Because the a threat. dinar had declined in value—that was his Now, I recognize it’s important to rally the currency—and he was looking for a scape- world on issues such as these. And so I went goat. And he found these seven small mer- to the United Nations and said, ‘‘We think chants, small-business people. I asked one he’s a threat. What do you think?’’ And the guy, ‘‘Why you?’’ And he said, well, he hap- United Nations Security Council voted 15 to pened to sell dinars on that particular day nothing, saying—and here’s what they said. to buy, I think he said euros, so he could They said, ‘‘We think you’re a threat, so dis- buy gold to make jewelry. And he just sold close, disarm, or face serious consequences.’’ on the wrong day, because he got plucked That’s what the world said. By the way, it’s out of the population and, like his other six not the first time the world had said it, is friends there, had his right hand cut off and it? The world had been saying it for over an X branded into his forehead. a decade. And every time the world said it, And these fellows walk into the Oval Of- Saddam kind of—didn’t take it very seriously, fice—the reason why is, is a fellow named and he became dangerous. Marvin Zindler; he’s a newsman out of Hous- And so I had a choice to make. I had a ton—[applause]—there you go—who heard choice as to whether or not to trust this mad- of their plight. He had done well, set up a man, to trust whether or not we would be foundation, flew them over to Houston so more secure with him in his own country, they could outfitted with new hands. [Ap- defying the demands of the free world once plause.] Yes. The contrast between a society again. This is a guy who had used weapons where one person gets to decide the fate of of mass destruction. Do I forget the lessons somebody’s right hand and a society that’s of September the 11th, or do what I think willing to raise people who contribute to heal

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the hands is the difference between Iraq and lege in a peaceful world. We got hard work totalitarianism and tyranny, and a free coun- to do, but peace is possible. try like America. A couple of points I want to share with It’s hard work. It is hard work to go from you about my philosophy. We’ll work with a society in which somebody can cut your allies and friends. Remember, we got 60 na- right hand off just like that, to a society that tions involved in what they call the Prolifera- adopts the responsibilities and habits of a tion Security Initiative. That’s to help inter- free country. And that’s what you’re seeing. dict weapons of mass destruction and tech- You’re seeing that conversion. And it’s hard. nologies and equipment. We got nearly 40 I’m telling you, it’s hard. But we’ve got some in Afghanistan, nearly 30 in Iraq. But I’m strong allies, staring with the Prime Minister not going to turn over national security deci- of Iraq, Prime Minister Alawi. They tell me sions of this country to leaders of other coun- the story of him. He was in London, Eng- tries. land. He was in exile from his country be- One other thing I want to assure you is cause Saddam hated him. He wakes up one that when we put our troops into harm’s way, night and an ax-wielding group of men tried they’ll have the support of this Government. to hatchet him to death, or ax him to death. I want to thank our troops who are here. I I guess you don’t hatchet somebody with an want to thank the families of the troops who ax. [Laughter] And you don’t ax them with are here. Let me tell you something, I under- Laughter a hatchet. [ ] He wakes up, the glint stand that these deployments are hard on the of the blade coming at him, and he gets cut wives and husbands and moms and dads and badly, escapes. The guy hit his wife, who sons and daughters. I know that. And the never recovered, really. So he’s seen what very least we can do is to make sure your it means to be chased down and tried to kill loved ones have got the best pay, the best by a tyrant. He—this guy believes that Iraq training, that you’ve got the best possible can and will be free. housing, the best equipment. See, step one is for there to be leadership. We need leadership in this world. We need That’s why I sent up to Congress a supple- people who believe in principles and are will- mental calling for $87 billion extra money last ing to stand on those principles and lead. September to help our troops. And we got More and more Iraqis are now stepping great response. This was for equipment and up to defend their country against these kill- spare parts, fuel, all the elements necessary ers, and that’s what’s going to happen. They to make sure our people have got their mis- got the choice to make: Do they want to be sions. We got good support. Only 12 Senators a free society, or do they want to be a society voted against it. That’s all. And two of them where mothers and dads cannot raise their are the guy I’m running against and his children in a hopeful world. We believe— runningmate. I believe—that moms and dads all over the Audience members. Boo-o-o! world want to raise their children in peace The President. Two of them were Kerry and hope. That’s what Americans believe. and Edwards. And you know, that’s—my atti- And therefore, it’s important for us to stay tude is, is that when you put your troops in side by side with these Iraqis as they assume harm’s way, they deserve the best. They said, more responsibility to bring freedom to their you know—he said, ‘‘I voted for the 87 bil- country. lion, right before I voted against it.’’ That’s And a free Iraq and a free Afghanistan is not a good enough explanation, I know, for a big step toward making the world more the people of the Panhandle. And then he peaceful. See, all this action that’s taken is said it was a complicated matter. Listen, to do two things: One, to defend ourselves, there is nothing complicated about making is to deal with the realities of the 21st cen- sure our troops have got the best. And that’s tury, is not turn a blind eye to the lessons what I’ll continue to do as the Commander of September the 11th; and to bring peace. in Chief. I want these little kids in this audience in No, I’m running because I want to spread this hall to be growing up and going to col- freedom and peace. We have an obligation

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in this country to lead toward a more peace- Now, there’s some things we’ve got to do ful world. And we believe that freedom is to make sure the economy stays strong. You the pathway to peace. We also believe this, hear a lot of talk about jobs in America. All that freedom is not America’s gift to the of us want jobs to stay here in America. The world; freedom is the Almighty God’s gift to best way to keep jobs in America is for Amer- each man and woman in this world. ica to be the best place to do business in Let me talk real quick about how to make the world. Now, what does that mean? I’ll America stronger. That starts with making tell you what it means. It means we need sure people can find work. And we want our an energy policy to make us less dependent people working. We want people to be able on foreign sources of energy. If we want to to do their duties as moms and dads by put- keep jobs here, we’ve got to conserve better, ting food on the table. We’ve been through we’ve got to work on renewables, and we’ve a lot in this economy, if you really think about got to explore for environmentally friendly it. In 31⁄2 years we’ve been through a reces- ways, in particular, in places like ANWR in sion and then that terror attack; we had some Alaska. You know, there’s 17 million acres corporate scandals; marching to war in order up there, and all they’re asking to do is ex- to liberate Iraq and to make this country plore on 2,000 of the 17 million, which, had more secure. All that was hard on our econ- we done this nearly a decade ago, we’d have omy. an additional million barrels of oil—of U.S. And yet, we’re growing. And the economy oil helping to fuel our economy. is—the growth rate to the economy—they’re In order to make sure this economy of ours good. They’re as good as they’ve been in is strong, we’ve got to reject this notion of nearly 20 years. People are working here in economic isolationism. We can’t isolate our- Florida. I think your unemployment rate is selves from the world. We’ve got to be con- 4.7 percent. Yes. Jeb said it’s because of him. fident about our abilities to produce. You [Laughter] I’ll give credit where credit is know, what has happened in the past is most due—and those entrepreneurs and farmers Presidents have said let’s open up our mar- and workers of America. That’s why we’re kets for foreign goods. And that’s good for doing well. you as consumers, by the way. If you’ve got The tax cuts helped. They helped people. more goods from which you can choose, The—people say, ‘‘Well, that’s great, but you’re going to get a better price at better don’t rest on your laurels.’’ That’s what Moth- quality. That’s how the marketplace works. er always said. She obviously said it outside But the problem is other countries haven’t the Oval Office. [Laughter] She’s right. What treated us like we’ve treated them. And so more are you going to do? I’ll tell you what the best policy is to open up their markets, more we’re going to do. We’re going to make not close ours, open up their markets so Flor- sure the entrepreneurial spirit stays strong ida entrepreneurs and manufacturers and by keeping taxes on small businesses low. farmers can sell their products. Free and fair Most people—most small businesses in trade will help keep this economy growing. America pay tax at the individual income tax You know what else we need? We need rate—that’s a fact—by far the vast majority. to worry about the high cost of health care. If you’re a small business, you’re likely to be If you’re a small-business owner, you’re wor- a sole proprietorship or a Subchapter S cor- ried about health care costs. We’re helping poration, which means, when your taxes— in health care. We’ve increased the number your tax liability is due, you look at the indi- of community health centers. Those are for vidual tax tables. So when we reduce taxes low-income Americans. We want people get- on individuals, you’re really providing extra ting their primary care at community health capital for small businesses. And since by far centers, not at emergency rooms. We’ve the vast majority of new jobs are created by opened up SCHIP. We’ve strengthened small businesses, it makes sense to stimulate Medicare. the small-business sector of our economy. There’s some other things we need to do. And that’s what’s happening in America Small businesses need to be able to pool risk today. People are growing. just like big businesses do, so they can be

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able to afford health insurance for their em- ple call that an unfunded mandate. I call that ployees. And we need to expand health sav- an obligation of schools. To be able to teach ings accounts. Health savings accounts are a a child to read is fundamental to learning. tax-free policy which enables people to buy And so now we’re measuring. And if we find better health insurance at a lower cost and out early a child can’t get there, to grade- maintains the patient-doctor relationship as level by the third grade, that bill enables peo- the core decisionmaking entity of health care. ple to get extra help early, before it’s too late. And finally, in order to keep jobs here, in So one way to make sure we got jobs here order to make sure our businesses are com- is to start this process of making sure every petitive places, we need medical liability re- child can read—no child is left behind—and form. These junk lawsuits are driving out then as they head into high school, is to ele- doctors and running up the cost of health vate our science and math, is to make sure care. This is a big issue in this campaign. It’s the high school diploma means something; a big issue in the State of Florida. It’s a big and then make sure when they get out of issue all over the country. You cannot be pro- high school, there’s an opportunity to go to patient and pro-doctor and pro-trial-lawyer college. I want you know that during my ad- at the same time. You have to choose. My ministration we’ve increased the number of opponent made his choice, and he put him children who received Pell grants by one mil- on the ticket. [Laughter] I made my choice: lion—one million additional children. So I am strongly in favor of medical liability re- they have a chance to go to college. The loans form—now. are up. I mean, we’re trying to help people We need tort reform. We need tort reform go to college. in this country if we expect people to be able But also it’s important—is to make sure to find jobs here. And we need an education our community college system is vibrant. And system which works. And that’s what we’re that’s why we’ve had this assembly here, be- going to talk a little bit about here. We’ve cause I want to tell you how important I think got some people who benefited from an in- community colleges are to a country which teresting way they use our schools. By the is hopeful and stronger and better. First, I way, good education first starts with starting want the community colleges to be relevant early. And it did my heart good to drive down for our kids, and they are for a lot of kids. the highway and see, ‘‘This is an A-plus A lot of people use the community college school.’’ This is an A-plus school here. [Ap- system as a way to gain the skills necessary plause] Yes, that’s good. But you know what, to fill a job. But we’ve got a lot of older Amer- you wouldn’t have known it if you didn’t icans who need help too, going to the com- measure. Yes. Otherwise you would have munity colleges. been guessing, right? ‘‘We think it’s an A- I’m going to tell you what’s happening. plus school.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘It might be an A- This job base is changing, and that makes plus school. We hope it’s an A-plus school.’’ people nervous. And I can understand that. That’s not what the sign said. The sign said, But my job isn’t to be nervous; my job is ‘‘This is an A-plus school,’’ because—[ap- to act. My job is to figure out how to solve plause]. problems. And when the job base is chang- All right, keep it that way. You know how ing, it says we’ve got a problem. And the best we know and how you know in Florida—be- way to solve that problem is to make funds cause you got a Governor who said, ‘‘Let’s available for the community college system measure.’’ And that’s the whole crux of the so people can be trained for the jobs which No Child Left Behind Act. The No Child actually exist. In other words, the job base Left Behind Act says we’re going to increase changes, there are jobs available, but some- Federal spending for public schools—up 49 times the skill set doesn’t meet the jobs, the percent, by the way, since I took office. skill set required by the jobs. But in return for increased funding, we And that’s what we’re going to talk about. said, ‘‘Now why don’t you show us whether Jill White is with us today. She is a—where or not the children can read.’’ That didn’t are you? Where is Jill? Stand up. Thank you, seem like that tough of a request. Some peo- Jill. She is—[applause]—she brought all her

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second cousins over. [Laughter] Thanks for interesting. He is the CEO—that’s the chief coming, Jill. Tell us what you do. executive officer—of Fort Walton Beach Dr. White. I’m the Vice President for In- Medical Center. [Applause] Huge, thun- structional Services here at Okaloosa-Walton derous ovation. Look—never mind, don’t get College. carried away. The President. Which means? Are you looking for workers? Dr. White. Which means the academic Mr. Campbell made brief remarks. programs and registration, faculty, all the stu- [ ] dent issues live in my office. The President. And what kind of workers? The President. Yes, good. Well, kind of Mr. Campbell. I’d have to say all, but pri- the enforcer. [Laughter] And so one of the marily nursing. things I want you to describe to people is The President. Yes, so you’ve got a nurs- how a displaced worker can access your col- ing shortage? lege. I mean, you see—I presume you see Mr. Campbell. Nationwide, there’s a people that are, like, your age and my age— nursing shortage. not that old, I’m sure—my case. [Laughter] The President. Right. And obviously Tell me—seriously, tell me kind of the nature nurses require a certain skill set. What do of the student body here. you do to help people that you’re trying to hire have the skill set necessary to fill the [Dr. White made brief remarks.] jobs? The President. Yes, good. So you take all Mr. Campbell made further remarks. comers. [ ] Dr. White. You betcha. The President. That’s good, yes, but they The President. See, community colleges partnered with the school. See, here is what are accessible; they’re available; they’re af- you’re hearing. Here is a guy looking for fordable; and their curriculums don’t get work; there is health care jobs. If you’re out stuck. In other words, if there’s a need for there and listening to whether or not there’s a certain kind of worker, I presume your cur- a job available for you, they’re looking for riculums evolved over time. workers. They’re looking for nurses. They’re Dr. White. You betcha. If this community looking for people in the health care field. needs—— That’s just one area where there’s a job short- The President. See, I’m not even a law- age here in America. yer, and here I am leading the witness. And what he just said was they came to [Laughter] Go ahead. this community college to partner with the Dr. White. You betcha. If this community community college. The community college needs it, we’re there to do that. We’ve was openminded enough to say to a local em- partnered with businesses. We do retraining. ployer, how can we work together in a col- We welcome short-term projects, 2-year de- laborative fashion to educate people for the grees. We’re even opening some bachelor’s jobs which actually exist? One way to keep degree programs that are workforce-oriented jobs in America is to utilize the community to respond to this military and defense-ori- college system of America to make sure peo- ented community. ple have the skills necessary to fill the jobs The President. Yes, see, there are jobs that are growing here in this country. in this community, and sometimes the skill And I want to thank you for coming. I ap- sets of the workers don’t meet the skill sets preciate you being here. required for the job. And so what she’s saying Tammy Ford is with us. She used to work is the community college is available to train in a textile company—for how long? people for the jobs which actually exist. Ms. Ford. Fourteen years. I appreciate that. Thank you, Jill. Very The President. What happened? good job. Ms. Ford. They shut down, took it to Mex- Dr. White. You’re welcome. ico. The President. Okay, we’ve got Wayne The President. See, the textile company Campbell with us. Let me tell you something went to Mexico. Then what happened?

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Ms. Ford. I didn’t have a job anymore. Ms. Hobson. And I graduated in 2001 The President. I know that. [Laughter] with honors here, in our A-plus school—[ap- plause]. [Ms. Ford made brief remarks.] The President. There you go. The President. Yes, let me tell you what Ms. Hobson. And after I graduated, I she just said. Good job. Thank you. Very worked for the Chamber of Commerce in good. I knew you were going to do great. Crestview for 3 years, and now I just recently She got laid off. Her life was—it was a trau- changed jobs. I now work for a small tree matic moment in her life. Fortunately, the service company called Fritz Brothers Tree Government has got plans to help. It’s called Service. trade adjustment assistance, which means if The President. Fantastic. you get laid off—in this case, because the Ms. Hobson. The number one tree service job went elsewhere—there’s money to help in—[laughter]. you retrain. It’s important for everybody to The President. There you go; you just got know here. That’s wise use of taxpayers’ a raise. Go ahead—making a little more money, by the way, is to help people retrain money now than you did before? for the jobs which exist. Ms. Hobson. Oh, most definitely—most Now, we can’t—the Government can’t definitely. pass a law that says, ‘‘Tammy, you’ve got to go back to school.’’ She had to make up her The President. See, education pays off. mind to do that herself. But Government has It pays off when people take education seri- got a role to help people who want to help ously early in life. But the key is not to give themselves. And that’s what you’re hearing. up on anybody in America if we want this You’re hearing a story about somebody who country to be a vibrant place, a chance where chose to go back to school with Government people can realize their dreams. Both these help. But listen to what she said. She said examples are examples of people that at one with extra education, she makes more time their life was shattered because the money. In other words, she became a more jobs—just couldn’t compete, yet new jobs are productive worker. And when you hear pro- available. And we just got to help people get ductivity increases, that means there’s a them. chance you can make more money. Not ev- Thanks for coming, Tammy—Marina. erybody—unless their skills—unless they go Thank you, appreciate you coming. back to school. And the Government’s role I’m running because I want this country is to help you. That’s what I’m telling you. to be a hopeful place. I’m running because This is a robust plan to help people like I want to keep economic growth alive and Tammy gain the skills necessary to fill the well. I’m running so people can realize their higher-paying jobs which are being created. dreams. One way to make sure this economy And it’s one of the real challenges of this stays strong is to be wise about how we spend economy. And we’ve got to be wise about your money and keep taxes low, which is how we use our resources. And I can’t think what I’m going to do. of a wiser way than to help people go back And finally, I’m running again because I to the community colleges to train for the understand the strength of this country is the jobs which exist. heart and soul of our people. That’s the Marina Hobson is with us. You ready, Ma- strength of America. I mean, think about it. rina? Tell us your story real quick. This is a country that has got—people from all walks of life are willing to love a neighbor [Ms. Hobson made brief remarks.] just like they’d like to be loved themselves. The President. See, let me just say that The ability to change our country one heart there are people out there probably listening, and one soul at a time is real because there say, ‘‘Gosh, I wonder if I could do this?’’ And are people who are willing to love a neighbor. the answer is, of course you can. You just And my job as the President is to call upon heard her. She said it’s exciting to learn new that compassion, is to rally the great strength things. Go ahead. of the country. Government is limited in its

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ability to love. Government is not a very lov- plex. The more simple it is, the better it is ing organization. Government is about law for the American people. That’s certainly one and justice. Love comes from the soul of peo- idea. That’s an interesting idea that we ought ple. Love comes from their hearts. And the to explore. And the Senator and I—we’ll grill job of a President—part of the job of a Presi- old Miller here on the bus to see if he can dent is to rally that compassion and call upon explain it all to us. [Laughter] people to serve. Yes, you got a question? And that’s why this Faith-Based and Com- Q. Why do kids my age have to pay taxes? munity-Based Initiative is so important. It’s The President. Why do kids your age have an initiative that recognizes that sometimes to pay taxes? That’s an interesting question. only problems—problems can be solved I guess because you’re earning money, to when you help change a person’s heart. If begin with. [Laughter] I don’t know what you’re hooked on drugs or alcohol, some- your circumstances are. I will tell you some times a counselor can work it for you, but principles I believe. I don’t believe anybody a lot of times it requires a change of your ought to pay more than 35 percent to the heart in order to change your behavior. And Federal Government, for starters. I believe Government should not fear programs like that if we set priorities in Washington, we that, programs based upon faith. They ought don’t need to be raising taxes on the people to welcome programs based upon faith to right now. I think we can keep taxes low in change this soul, one heart and one con- order to make sure this economy continues science at a time. to grow. I’m running for a reason. There’s more to I’ll tell you what I’m worried about. I’m do to make this country a safer country, a worried about if we don’t make permanent stronger country, and a better country. And the child credit—if we don’t, the child credit I want thank you for giving me the chance goes down, which will hurt families with chil- to come and explain to you why I’m running dren. If we don’t make this tax relief perma- again. And thank you for giving me a chance nent we passed, the marriage penalty is going to ask for you help. up. If we don’t, the 10-percent bracket goes Now, before we get on the bus heading away. In other words, we’re raising taxes on up to Panama City, I’ll be glad to answer the working people right now, which is the some questions if somebody has one or two. wrong time to raising taxes on the working Q. Right here, Mr. President! [Laughter] people. The President. Whew. I’m glad that Yes, sir. turned out to be a question. [Laughter] Let her go. What do you got? Yell it. Q. It’s an honor to be here. 2004 Campaign/Support for the President The President. Thank you. Q. I have two things to say for you. One Q. You’re the man for the job in this time. is, if you would use more testimonials in your The President. Thank you. campaign from military people, that would prove to the American people that the Army Tax Reform is behind you and they’re being accepted Q. [Inaudible]—I want you to take up, and where they are and they’re doing the job that it’s to make the world—that’s H.R. 25—[in- they do. audible]. The President. Good idea. Thank you. The President. All right, thank you. He’s And not only that, I got that advice for free. talking about getting rid of the current tax Here I’m paying thousands of dollars to these system and replacing it with a national sales high-paid political consultants, and this guy tax. It’s in interesting idea. You know, I’m comes up with a good idea for free. not exactly sure how big the national sales Q. And the other thing is, is I’m 60 years tax is going to have to be, but it’s the kind old, and I’ve voted Republican from the very of interesting idea that we ought to explore first time I could vote. And I also want to seriously. You know, we’re working to try to say this is the very first time that I have felt simplify the Code. It is, no question, com- that God was in the White House.

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The President. Thank you. [Applause] the courts have defined marriage, and not Thank you all. Thank you all. Let me ask the people. And so one way to guarantee that you a question. Do you like Jeb? Jeb plants the people are involved with this very impor- him right here on the front row. [Laughter] tant debate is through the constitutional Yes, go ahead. process. After all, States must be involved in the ratification of a constitutional amend- Constitutional Amendment on Marriage ment. Q. Mr. President, how do you feel about And so I support a constitutional amend- the Republic standing strong in these current ment to define marriage as between a man times on a constitutional amendment that has and a woman. I also believe the States have been burdening our Nation? got the right, should they choose, to provide The President. Be a little more specific. legal guarantees for other types of couples. Q. Well, specifically, like one man and one To me, that is a different issue from the defi- woman getting married—— nition of marriage. And so that’s why I take The President. Yes, okay. He’s asking me the position I took. And I appreciate your about—I think you’re asking me about why question. I proposed a constitutional amendment to Yes, sir. support traditional marriage. Is that right? Q. Well, how you feel about it. Possibility of Military Draft/Support for The President. Well, I support it, and I’ll Troops tell you why. Q. Yes, sir, constitutional cleansing for Q. President Bush—— things that have burdened our Nation that The President. Yes, ma’am. should be under the cover of the Republic Q. I understand that the Democratic lead- instead of the courts. ership in Congress wants—— The President. Yes, that’s a good ques- The President. I’m looking around for tion. See, yes, what he wants to know is— you. he’s worried that the courts are defining the Q. I’m here. I’m over here. issue of marriage. That’s what he’s asking. The President. No, not for you. [Laugh- And so am I. I believe that—first of all, I ter] Oh, okay. I got you, yes. Thank you. just want everybody to take a step back from Q. I understand that the Democratic lead- this issue, and this is an issue where all of ership in Congress wants to reinstate the us need to treat people with different opin- draft that will include women with no excep- ions with the utmost respect. This is a sen- tion. What is your position—— sitive topic. The debate needs to be con- The President. No, I don’t think so. I ducted in a civilized way. But it’s a serious haven’t heard that, to be fair to the Democrat debate. leadership. Maybe they have. I don’t think I’ll tell you why it’s a serious debate. I hap- I’ve heard it. John hasn’t, either. No, we’re pen to believe traditional marriage, marriage not going—we don’t need the draft. Look, between a woman and man, is necessary for the All-Volunteer Army is working. The All- a stable society. It’s served civilization well Volunteer Army—I really don’t think, in all throughout the years. Now, people say, ‘‘Why fairness, I haven’t heard that. Maybe you the constitutional amendment?’’ And the rea- have. I have not heard any leader in the Con- son why is, is because I am concerned that gress of either party advocating a draft. I beg law on the books will be overturned by the your pardon—John said a couple of the guys courts. The courts have been very active in in the House have. They will—I know Sen- this area. As a matter of fact, in one State ator McCain and I agree on this issue for they redefined—four judges redefined mar- certain: The All-Volunteer Army works. riage as we know it—four judges—and the And the way—I’ll tell you one way how people didn’t have a decision in that process. you make it work—I just signed a defense And I am concerned that that will continue appropriations bill, which is the fourth year to happen on Federal law as well. And some- in a row in which we’ve raised the pay of day we’re going to wake up and realize that those who wear our uniform. And the pay’s

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getting better. And the housing is getting bet- U.S. Mission in Iraq ter. In other words, the quality of life issues Q. [Inaudible]—I have a brother who are improving. And that’s one way you served in Afghanistan and is going back to make—that’s how you make the All-Volun- Iraq—[inaudible]. teer Army work, by making sure that when The President. Right. somebody signs up, they’re treated well, that Q. [Inaudible]—people from around the they’re paid well, and that they’re housed world, but my concern is how, in Iraq, they well and that—the best way to encourage re- have so many hands in the pot. I want—[in- enlistment is to make sure that the families audible]. feel welcomed and well-treated. The President. Yes, thanks. That’s a very I’m really proud of our military. You know, interesting question. Really—your son’s one of the hard things I’ve got to do—[ap- going back to Iraq? plause]—let me finish here—one of the hard Q. My brother. things that I’ve got to do, and I know John The President. Brother. And what she’s does it as well, and I’m sure the Congress- worried about is whether or not we’ve got the vision and a plan to complete the vision— man does, is to visit the wounded. We did to complete the mission. That’s a very legiti- so in Fort Lewis, Washington, together. And mate question. And the answer is, we do. We I can tell you that your Government provides do. fantastic medical service to those who have I’ll tell you, the—first, let me talk to you been wounded on the battlefield. I mean, about my plans for your brother. When he we’re taking these kids from Iraq to either gets over there, I’d like him to come back a hospital in Germany or a field hospital and as soon as possible, but that’s after the mis- then to Walter Reed or Bethesda Naval Hos- sion has been completed. All of us want our pital in record time. And we’re saving a lot troops out, but what we don’t want is to cut of lives. short the mission. We don’t want politics to And the question I always ask their loved decide the mission. We want—I think the ones is, ‘‘Are you being treated well?’’ You’ve best solution is to put good commanders on got a wife there that is worried about her the ground, say, ‘‘What do you need?’’ husband who has been wounded, and I say, And so, people—what is the mission? The ‘‘Are they treating you well? Is your loved mission is a free Iraq that can stand up and one getting the care needed?’’ And, to a per- defend herself. That is going to change the son—now, look, I, admittedly—sometimes world. I just want you to know that your it’s hard to tell me a different thing than, brother is going on a mission that has got ‘‘Yes, we’re doing great.’’ But it’s—but the historic proportions to it. I mean, this is a— response from those whose lives we’re trying we’re changing history. Just think about what to heal and save and their loved ones has a free Iraq will mean in the heart of the Mid- been unbelievable. dle East. It’s not only going to make America I mean, your Government cares deeply more secure; it’s going to help change a part about somebody who is in harm’s way and of the world that is desperate for freedom. People long to be free. who has been injured in harm’s way. And Too often, our foreign policy has been, that is—you’ve got to know something, as the ‘‘Let’s just don’t worry about the freedom as- Commander in Chief it means a lot to be pect of society.’’ But look where it got us. able to tell a relative, ‘‘We’re doing all we Think about it. In that part of the world, can to help your loved one.’’ And we are. there’s such resentment and poverty, and And we’re a great country. We really are. we’ve got kids looking for work and they can’t What a fabulous nation we are. find anything, so they become recruited by Go ahead and yell it out. these killers. And yet, there’s an opportunity Q. First of all—[inaudible]. to change that, by working for a free society. The President. Thank you. Yes, I better And so the mission of your brother is clear. give you a mike for that one. And the mission will be better accomplished

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and more quickly accomplished when we your dads did as well—to fight against the train Iraqis to do the job that our coalition Japanese, our enemy. They were our sworn forces are doing now. And that’s the task at enemy. And today—or that day, I was talking hand. That’s the task at hand. The task at to the head of a former enemy, and we’re hand is to train these folks and equip these talking about keeping the world more peace- folks as quickly as possible and as efficiently ful. [Applause] as possible. Now, let me finish—let me finish. There I mean, the key is not to set artificial were a lot of people after World War II who timelines. See, you set an artificial timeline, did not believe that Japan could be a self- it says to the enemy, ‘‘Well, gosh, all we’ve governing, peaceful nation. There were a lot got to do is wait them out.’’ It says to the of people who said, ‘‘Well, the reconstruction Iraqis, ‘‘We’re going to quit on you.’’ If the effort isn’t going to work. These people can’t Iraqi people think that the United States is do this.’’ But fortunately, our predecessors not true to its word, they will grow timid. in the Presidency and the Senate and the They don’t want to take a risk, in case some- Congress believed that liberty can change body comes back that’s going to cut off their lives and never forgot that fantastic American hands. belief that freedom has the capacity to trans- And so your brother is going on a mission form lives, transform enemies to allies in that is a vital mission. I know you’re worried peace. Some day an American President is about him. I can see it in your eyes. And going to be sitting down with an elected lead- I don’t blame you. er from Iraq, huddled and talking about how Q. He’s ready. to keep the peace. That’s what your broth- The President. Well, he’s ready, but sis- er—[applause]. ter, you’re worried, and I don’t blame you. Go ahead, yes. You love him, is why you’re worried. And that’s wonderful. Support for the President Let me tell you an interesting story, Q. My dad is a retired vet—[inaudible]. though, and I hope you keep this story—I The President. Thank you so much. hope this helps you and helps everybody un- Where is he? Where’s the colonel? derstand. So I’m having dinner with Prime Q. [Inaudible] Minister Koizumi. He’s the Prime Minister The President. Well, you tell the colonel of Japan. And we’re having Kobe beef—pret- I saluted him. Thank you. I appreciate that. ty good. [Laughter] It was in Tokyo. And God bless you. Thank you. That’s very sweet guess what we were talking about? We were of you. talking about peace. We were talking about Okay, who was yelling up there? You? how to deal with Kim Chong-il in North Okay, fine. Are you the spokesman for the Korea. He’s dangerous. I thought it didn’t rowdy bunch up there? make any sense for us to have a bilateral rela- Q. Yes. tionship with him because he—the last time The President. Okay, well, good. we tried to have one, he didn’t tell the truth. Q. Okay, first of all, I want to say that So I learned a lesson and then started to rally I love you. other nations to be involved with us to con- The President. Thank you. vince this man to get rid of his nuclear weap- Q. And I would like to see you in office ons program. And one of our partners in con- for 4 more years. vincing Kim Chong-il to disarm is Japan. The President. Thank you. Are you reg- Now, the interesting part of the story, I istered to vote? think, as far as your brother is concerned, Q. No. is that during the course of the conversation, The President. See, you get to ask a ques- I thought it was pretty neat to be talking to tion; I get to ask one. Are you registered? a Prime Minister of a country that we had Q. No, not yet. And—— been at war with, that my dad had actually, The President. Are you 18? as a young Navy pilot, trained down the road Q. No, and I don’t want to talk about it here, went overseas—and I know many of because it upsets me. [Laughter]

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The President. Okay, good. That’s a teen- a different time. It used to be when we were ager—I’m used to that. [Laughter] I’ve been younger, oceans would protect us. And we there. [Laughter] were in a pretty unique position here in America where we could say, gosh, there International Criminal Court could be a threat gathering over there, but Q. My question is, why did you let the we didn’t have to worry about it. International Court try our troops? And that’s what happened on September The President. Yes, I haven’t. I’m against the 11th. I hope you just understand this, the International Court. That’s a pretty darn that this is a demarcation point in history, sophisticated question. I didn’t join the Inter- the history of our country, because it national Criminal Court because I don’t want changed the whole way that we’ve got to look to put our troops in the hands of prosecutors at our own security. It meant that if there from other nations. Look, if somebody has is a threat somewhere, we can no longer not done some wrong in our military, we’ll take expect it to come here. And that’s what care of it. We got plenty of capability of deal- you’ve got to understand. This is a different ing with justice. time. That’s why you hear a lot of talk from Very good question. Make sure you reg- those of us in office about securing the home- ister. land. There wasn’t a lot of talk about securing Yes, ma’am. Anybody about ready to fall the homeland prior to September the 11th. out? [Laughter] Getting a little hot? Okay, We saw some terrorists threats. Nothing was I get the message. done about them, hardly. But very few peo- Q. Mr. President. ple really dreamt that somebody would take The President. Yes, ma’am. our own airplane and fly it into our own building and kill 3,000 people. No one—you Message to Children/Homeland Security ask any adult that you might run into, could Q. I am the attorney for the Guardian Ad you envision that, and the answer was no. Litem Program here in our area. And we ad- And so your question is—for the past 4 vocate for the best interest of children. And years what the kids have been learning is, I know that you have a heart for our children. is that the history of our Nation changed in The President. Right. a way that can create difficult circumstances Q. And I would like to ask if you could for people, because our job is to try to tell address our children and even the young the truth and to remind people that there’s adults who are here and tell them something still danger. Believe me, a President—it that you want—that you think is important would be much easier for a President if he about your past 4 years and your next 4 could say, ‘‘There is no danger. Gosh, the years—— world is peaceful, and everybody is doing The President. Thanks, yes. great.’’ But that’s just not the hand we got Q. ——about their safety in this country. dealt during this period of our history. So The President. Yes, I appreciate that. you will—what happened the last 4 years— First, my message to the children is, make she asked me to talk about the last 4 and right choices in life. Understand that the de- the next 4—the last 4 you really began to cisions you make as a youngster can affect see this country understanding and coming you. My second message is, love your par- to grips with the nature of the world we live ents. My third message is—seriously. My in. third message is, take advantage of your I think the next 4 years what you’ll see schooling opportunities. It’s really important is, because we’re wiling to do hard work and to learn early in life. They’re—hold up a sec- stick to our word and take action when nec- ond. [Laughter] essary—and we’ve had a lot of successes— You’re growing up in a different time. It’s the next 4 years will be more peace. I think probably hard for you to realize it because you’re going to see the world changing for you don’t realize what it was like, for exam- peace. And you’ve got to understand one rea- ple, to grow up in the fifties. [Laughter] son why, and that’s because there are just McCain and I grew up in the fifties. It was some fundamental values in life that can

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change societies, starting with the thing that The President. Now, how do you know we take for granted in America, which is free- that? dom. Freedom is a—when societies become Q. Your test. free societies and the people’s aspirations are The President. Yes, thank you very much. listened to and the leaders are responsive to He didn’t guess, did he? the people, not to their own whims, those Q. What I want to know is, what is the societies become hopeful societies, and the security that we have of sharing our great world becomes a more peaceful place. That’s experience with the rest of the country and what you’ll see over the next 4 years. also of keeping our charter high school and Last question, right here. This guy has a making it flourish and continue to flourish question—okay, two more questions. The like it is? people’s choice will go last. The President. Good question. First of Yes, ma’am. What have you got? all, let me ask you something. How many of you all are going to college? [Applause] President’s Faith/Religious Freedom That’s good. Good job. Secondly, high Q. Mr. President, I was wondering if you schools are chartered not by the Federal were a Christian. Government, and they will not be chartered The President. I—yes, I am. Now, let me by the Federal Government so long as I’m talk about religion. I want you all to hear the President. That’s called—that’s not local me on religion right quick. It is very impor- control of schools. Schools need to be locally tant for this country to honor religion this controlled. High schools are chartered by the way: You can be religious or you can choose State, and that’s where they should be, by not to be religious, and you’re equally Amer- the county, by somebody other than the Fed- ican. You have a right in this country to wor- eral Government. You don’t want your Fed- ship freely. It is a fundamental right that eral Government running the schools. No, must never change. And if you choose to wor- believe me. And they’re not going to. ship the Almighty, you are equally American And the question is, how do you know— if you’re a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or Hindu. I mean, how do you spread charter schools? That’s the precious nature of how we view I’ll tell you how. You hold schools to account. religion in this country. That freedom to wor- And you put the scores out for everybody ship and not be condemned because of the to see. And if, in fact, you’re number one choice you make, by man, is a—it must be in the State, and I believe you are—you jealously guarded by any of us, Republican wouldn’t have said it in front of the national or Democrat or independent, who are hon- cameras if you weren’t. People say, ‘‘Why— ored with a public office. I can’t tell you what why is this charter school number one?’’ a valuable part of our past, present, and fu- That’s how you begin to spread educational ture the freedom to worship as you see fit excellence—not from dictates from above is. It’s just an important part of our country, but from excellence from below. and it’s not going to change. That’s why the accountability systems that Great question. Final question, sir—the we’re now developing at the State level, with people’s choice. [Applause] Can you please kind of insistence from the Federal Govern- explain why you have got such a huge entou- ment in return for extra money—that’s why rage? those accountability systems are so vital, so that a principal—I guess you’re a principal— Charter Schools can stand up and say, ‘‘We’re number one.’’ Q. Here we go. Mr. President, OWC has The President says, ‘‘Well, how do I know?’’ a charter high school. And he says, ‘‘Because we measure.’’ But as The President. Oh, yes. a result of an accountability system, it enables Q. And this is the charter high school. the best practices to emerge. The President. Good job. You’re obviously doing something well. Q. The charter high school is number one You’ve got great teachers, I’m confident, but in the State of Florida of all high schools. you’re using the right curriculum. You’re We are the ‘‘A.’’ using a great curriculum. And so somebody

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will say, ‘‘Gosh, my charter school or my high is so that Laura is the First Lady for 4 more school isn’t doing as good as my neighbor’s. years. I better figure out why.’’ That’s what the ac- And I’m proud of my runningmate. I admit countability system does. It creates an atmos- he’s not the prettiest face in the race. phere where we’re raising that bar, we’re [Laughter] But I didn’t pick him for his challenging what I call the soft bigotry of low looks. I picked him because of his experi- expectations. You know, when you lower the ence, his judgment. I picked him because he bar, guess what you get? You get lousy re- can do the job. sults. I suspect you’ve raised those standards, I’m proud my friend J.C. Watts is here, haven’t you? We’ll keep raising the bar. I appreciate you being here, J.C. I want to Listen, I want to thank everybody for com- thank Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings ing. We’re on to victory. Thanks for your and Attorney General Charlie Crist for join- help. God bless. I appreciate you coming. ing us today. I’m proud to be on the stage with them. I want to thank the House Speak- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:55 p.m. In his er-designate Allan Bense for being on the bus remarks, he referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida; and traveling with us today. We’ve been trav- Speaker-designate Allan Bense of the Florida eling with Bev Kilmer as well. Put her in House of Representatives; Bev Kilmer, candidate the House. She’ll be a great Member of the for Congress in Florida’s Second Congressional U.S. Congress. District; senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab al I want to thank Aaron Tippin for being Zarqawi; former President Saddam Hussein of here. I want to thank all the grassroots activ- Iraq; Prime Minister Ayad al-Alawi of the Iraqi Interim Government; and Chairman Kim Chong- ists. Those are the people who put up the il of North Korea. signs, make the phone calls. Make sure you go out and register your friends and neigh- bors. See, we have a duty in this country to Remarks in Panama City, Florida vote. We have an obligation in a free society August 10, 2004 to show up at the polls. Don’t be afraid of convincing discerning Democrats and wise The President. Thank you all. Thank you independents to go to the polls as well. They all for coming. Thank you all very much. So know what good government is. They know Little Brother says, ‘‘Why don’t you come to strong leadership when they see it. They un- north Florida; maybe we can get come peo- derstand the world is going to be safer and ple to show up.’’ We are so honored so many stronger and better with 4 more years. came out to say hello. Thanks a lot. We really Audience members. Four more years! appreciate you being here. I’m here to ask Four more years! Four more years! for your vote. I’m here traveling—I’m trav- The President. In the past few years, eling this part of your State to let the people we’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve of north Florida know there is more to do accomplished a great deal together. But to make this country safer, stronger, and bet- there’s only one reason to look backwards, ter. And I want your help. and that is to determine who best to lead I’m keeping fine company. I’m proud to this Nation forward. I’m asking for your vote be traveling with Senator John McCain. because so much is at stake. We have so What a fantastic American he is. I’m glad much more to do to move this Nation for- Brother is here. He’s doing a great job for ward. I want to be your President for 4 more the people of Florida, and I’m proud to call years. From creating jobs to improving our him Brother. I know you’re proud to call him schools, from fighting terror to spreading the Governor. peace, we made much progress, and there I’m sorry Laura is not here. No, I know is more to do—and there is more to do. it. She’s a great wife and a wonderful mother, We’ve got more to do to make our schools, and she’s doing a heck of a job as the First our public schools, the centers of excellence Lady of this country. Today I’m going to give we know they can be so no child is left be- you some reasons to put me back into office, hind in America. Listen, when we came to but perhaps the most important one of all office 31⁄2 years ago, too many of our children

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were being shuffled from grade to grade, have to choose. And my opponent has made year after year, without learning the basics. his choice: He put him on the ticket. [Laugh- So we’re challenging the soft bigotry of low ter] I made my choice: I am for medical li- expectations. We’re raising the bar. We be- ability reform now. lieve in accountability. We believe in local Listen, we’re going to use technology to control of schools. We believe in challenging reduce cost and prevent health care mistakes. the status quo when children are trapped in We’ll do more to expand research to seek schools which will not teach and will not new cures. In all we do to improve health change. And we’re making real progress. care in America, we will make sure the health We’re making real progress. decisions are made by doctors and patients, We’ve got more to do. I understand the not by Government bureaucrats. jobs of the future will require greater knowl- We got more to do to make this economy edge and higher-level skills, so we’re going stronger. We’ve been through a lot when it to work to reform our high schools so a high comes to our economy. We’ve been through school diploma means something. We’ll ex- a recession. We’ve been through scandals. pand science and math education so our We’ve been through the terror attack. And young people can compete in a high-tech yet we’ve overcome these obstacles, because world. We’ll expand the use of the Internet our workers are great, our small businesses to bring high-level training in the classrooms. are strong, our farmers are good at what they What I’m telling you is, after 4 more years, do. I also think we overcame these obstacles a rising generation will gain the skills and because of two well-timed tax cuts. We didn’t the competence necessary to realize the pick winners or losers when it came to tax American Dream. relief. We said if you’re paying taxes, you We’ve got more to do to make quality ought to get relief. And we’re helping Amer- health care available and affordable. When ican families with that tax relief. If you have we came to office, too many older Americans a family with children, you get tax relief. If heard year after year after year the promise you married, you get tax relief. We’ve got of prescription drugs for Medicare. We got a Tax Code that has a marriage penalty. the job done. More than 4 million seniors Audience members. Boo-o-o! have signed up for drug discount cards that The President. We ought to be encour- provide real savings. And in 2006, all seniors aging marriage in this country, not penalizing on Medicare will be able to choose a plan marriage. that fits their needs, and Medicare will give And our tax relief helped small businesses. them coverage for prescription drugs. And this time, the check really was in the We’ve done more, though, than that in mail. [Laughter] Listen, because we acted, health care. We’ve expanded community our economy since last summer has grown centers to help low-income Americans. at a rate as fast as any in nearly 20 years. We’ve created health savings accounts so We’ve added over 1.5—nearly 1.5 million families can save tax-free for their own health new jobs since last August. The national un- care needs. But there’s more to do. See, most employment rate is 5.5 percent. Because we Americans get their health care coverage acted, Florida has added almost 300,000 new through their work, yet many small busi- jobs since the end of 2001, and your unem- nesses, which create the most new jobs in ployment rate is 4.7 percent. People in this America, cannot afford health coverage. So State are working, and that’s good for our you know what we need to do? We need to country. let our small businesses pool together, join Listen, I’m not going to be satisfied until together so they can purchase insurance at everybody who wants to work can find a job, the discounts available to the big companies. and so there’s more to do. To keep jobs in To improve health care, we must end the America, regulations must be reasonable and frivolous lawsuits that run up the cost of fair. To keep jobs in America, we must re- health care and run the doctors out of busi- duce our dependence on foreign sources of ness. You cannot be pro-patient and pro-doc- energy. To keep jobs in America, we need tor and pro-trial-lawyer at the same time. You tort reform. To keep jobs in America, we will

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not overspend your money, and we will keep Before September the 11th, the ruler of your taxes low. To keep jobs in America, we Iraq was a sworn enemy of America. He was will help our workers retrain, when nec- defying the world. Remember, he was firing essary, at places like our community colleges. weapons at American pilots enforcing the To keep jobs in America, we will level the world’s sanctions. He was a threat. He used playing field when it comes to trade. Listen, weapons of mass destruction against his own America can compete with anybody, anytime, people. He harbored terrorists. He invaded anywhere, so long as we’re treated fairly. his neighbors. He subsidized the families of What I’m telling you is, if you give me 4 suicide bombers. Saddam Hussein murdered more years, we will still be the leading econ- tens of thousands of his own citizens. He was omy in the world, our farm economy will be a source of great instability in the world. strong, more small businesses will exist, and After September the 11th, we looked at Americans will be able to have better and all the threats in the world in a new light. higher-paying jobs. One of the lessons of that fateful day, a lesson We have more to do to wage and win the I will never forget as your President, is that war against terror. America’s future depends we must take threats seriously, before they on our willingness to lead in the world. If fully materialize. My administration saw a America shows uncertainty and weakness in threat. We looked at intelligence; it further this decade, the world will drift toward trag- confirmed in our mind that Saddam Hussein edy. That is not going to happen on my was a threat. The United States Congress— watch. Members of both political parties, including The world changed on that terrible Sep- my opponent—looked at the same intel- tember morning, and since that day, we have ligence and came to the same conclusion: changed the world. Before September the Saddam Hussein was a threat. The United 11th, Afghanistan served as a home base of Nations Security Council looked at that intel- Al Qaida, which trained and deployed thou- ligence and came to the conclusion that Sad- sands of killers to set up terror cells around dam Hussein was a threat. the world, including our own country. Be- The United Nations Security Council then cause we acted, because we were resolute demanded a full accounting of his weapons and firm, today Afghanistan is a rising de- and his weapons programs, or face serious mocracy; Afghanistan is an ally on terror. consequences. As he had for over a decade, Many young girls now go to school for the the tyrant refused to comply with the de- first time in Afghanistan, thanks to the mands of the free world. As a matter of fact, United States and our coalition. Because we he systematically deceived the inspectors that acted, America and the world are safer. were in his country. And so I had a choice Prior to September the 11th, Pakistan was to make: Do I forget the lessons of Sep- a safe transit point for terrorists. Today, Paki- tember the 11th and trust the actions and stan is an ally in the war on terror, and Amer- words of a madman, or take action to defend ica and the world are safer. America? Given that choice, I will defend Before September the 11th, Saudi Arabia our country every time. was not paying attention to those who were No, we didn’t find the stockpiles we ex- raising money and recruiting and operating pected to find. Yet, he had the capability to with little opposition. Today, the Saudi Gov- make weapons of mass destruction, and he ernment is taking the fight to Al Qaida. could have easily shared that capability with They’re an ally in the war on terror. America terrorist enemies. Knowing what I know and the world are safer. today, I would have taken the same action. Before September the 11th, Libya was America and the world are safer because spending millions to acquire weapons of mass Saddam sits in a prison cell. destruction. Today, because America and our Almost 2 years after he voted for the war allies sent a clear message, the leader of in Iraq and almost 220 days after switching Libya has abandoned his pursuit of weapons positions to declare himself the anti-war can- of mass destruction, and America and the didate, my opponent has found a new nu- world are safer. ance. He now agrees it was the right decision

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to go into Iraq. After months of questioning fuel, health benefits, and ammunition. In the my motives and even my credibility, Senator Senate, only a small, out-of-the-mainstream Kerry now agrees with me that even though minority of 12 Senators voted against the leg- we have not found the stockpile of weapons islation. Two of those twelve Senators are my we believed were there, knowing everything opponent and his runningmate. we know today, he would have voted to go Audience members. Boo-o-o! into Iraq and remove Saddam Hussein from The President. When asked about why he power. I want to thank Senator Kerry for voted no to support our troops, he said, ‘‘I clearing that up. But be careful, there’s still actually did vote for the $87 billion, before 84 days left in this campaign for him to I voted against it.’’ Now, I’ve spent some time change his mind. here in north Florida; I understand that’s not Listen, I’m running for 4 more years be- the way the people talk up here. They like cause there’s more work to do. We’ll work people who say one thing and mean it. And with our friends and allies around the world then when pressed he said, well, he’s proud to aggressively pursue the terrorists in Iraq of his vote, and then he said, well, the whole and Afghanistan and elsewhere. See, you thing is a complicated matter. There is noth- can’t talk sense to these people. You can’t ing complicated about supporting our troops negotiate with these people. You cannot hope in combat. that they change. We will aggressively pursue In the long run our security is not guaran- them. We will engage them. We will defeat teed by force alone. We will work to change them so we do not have to face them here the conditions that give rise to terror: poverty at home. and hopelessness and resentment. See, a America will continue to lead the world peaceful and free Iraq and a peaceful and with confidence and moral clarity. See, we free Afghanistan will be powerful examples put together a strong coalition to help us. in a neighborhood that is desperate for free- There’s over 60 nations involved with the dom. Free countries do not export terror. Proliferation Security Initiative. There are Free countries listen to the dreams and aspi- nearly 40 nations involved in Afghanistan. rations of their people. Afghanistan and Iraq There are some 30 nations involved in Iraq. have now got strong leaders who are com- We thank their leaders, we thank their peo- mitted to free societies. The people of those ple for sacrificing for freedom and peace. countries, having been brutalized by tyrants, We’ll continue to build alliances and work are now beginning to step up and take re- with our friends. I will never turn over Amer- sponsibility. More Afghan citizens and more ica’s national security decisions to leaders of Iraqis are joining their militaries and police other countries. forces to secure their own country so it can In these crucial times, America’s commit- be free. ments are kept by the men and women who See, by serving the ideal of liberty, we’re wear our uniform. I am really proud of our bringing hope to others and that makes military, and I know you are as well. I’ve had America more secure. By serving the ideal the privilege of meeting with those who de- of liberty, we’re spreading peace. By serving fend our country and sacrifice for our secu- the ideal of liberty, we’re serving the deepest rity. I have seen their decency and their un- ideals of our Nation. Freedom is not Amer- selfish courage. I assure you, ladies and gen- ica’s gift to the world. Freedom is the Al- tlemen, the cause of freedom is in really good mighty God’s gift to each man and woman hands. in this world. And we have a duty in Government to Listen, we’ve got a lot of work to do, and make sure those who wear our uniform are I understand that. That’s why I’m running fully supported by the Government. Last for 4 more years. There are enemies who September, while our troops were in combat hate us, and they’re still plotting to harm us. in Afghanistan and Iraq, I proposed supple- My opponent says that going to war with the mental funding to support them in our mis- terrorists is actually improving their recruit- sions. The legislation provided body armor ing efforts. His logic is upside-down. It shows and vital equipment, hazard pay, spare parts, a dangerous misunderstanding of the enemy

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we face. See, during the nineties, the terror- Audience members. Four more years! ists were recruiting and training for war with Four more years! Four more years! us, long before we went to war with them. The President. Listen, we live in exciting They hate us. They don’t need an excuse for times—exciting times. But they’re times of their hatred. It was wrong to blame America change. In order to help people through for the anger and evil of the killers. We don’t times of change, I think the Government create terrorists by fighting back. We defeat ought to stand side by side with families and terrorists by fighting back. workers. One way to do that is promote an I agree with the conclusions of the 9/11 ownership society in America. See, we want Commission when they said our homeland people owning their own health care ac- is safer, but we’re not yet safe. We’ve got counts, so if they change jobs their health more to do. We’ll secure this homeland by care account goes with them. We want peo- staying on the offense. We’re going to do— ple to have more control over their lives. We to secure this homeland as well, by con- want people being the decisionmakers when tinuing to push for meaningful reform. Lis- it comes to health care. ten, we started the hard process. We trans- When it comes to our retirement accounts, formed our defenses and created a Depart- listen, old guys like me and McCain are in ment of Homeland Security to better protect pretty good shape when it comes to Social you. We passed the PATRIOT Act. The PA- Security. But if you’re a younger worker, TRIOT Act is necessary to give law enforce- there is doubt as to whether or not Social ment the tools necessary to track down ter- Security is fiscally sound enough to—for you. rorists. That’s why I think younger workers need We’re integrating intelligence and law en- personal savings accounts, so they can take forcement better than ever before. We’re them from job to job and pass them on to taking action on a lot of the commission’s people they want to pass them on to. recommendations. Today I name a good Flo- In a changing world, I think it’s a positive ridian to head the Central Intelligence Agen- sign to know more people own their own cy. Congressman Porter Goss is my nominee home. Homeownership rates are at an all- before the United States Senate. We’ll work time high in America. I love the fact when together to strengthen that vital agency, so a new homebuyer can open the door and say, we have the intelligence necessary to better ‘‘Welcome to my house. This is my home.’’ secure our homeland. I also will look forward We want more people owning their own to working with Congress to create the posi- tion of National Intelligence Director, so one business. There’s nothing better, when you person is in charge of coordinating all our say you own something in America. If you intelligence, both overseas and domestic. own something, you have a vital stake in the These reforms aren’t going to be easy. future of this country. They’re never easy in Washington. There’s In a world that changes, some things that a lot of entrenched interests there, people are not going to change, our belief in liberty, willing to defend the status quo. It’s not in opportunity, in the nonnegotiable de- enough to advocate reform, you have to be mands of human dignity. The individual val- able to get it done. When it comes to improv- ues we try to live by won’t change, courage ing our public schools, we got the job done. and compassion, reverence and integrity; our When it comes to improving health care for belief in institutions that give us direction our senior citizens, we got the job done. and purpose, our families, our schools, our When it comes to improving our economy religious congregations. We stand for institu- and creating jobs, we’re getting the job done. tions like marriage and families, which are When it comes to better securing our home- the foundation of our society. We stand for land and spreading the peace, we’re getting a culture of life in which every person counts the job done. When it comes to electing a and every person matters. We stand for President, put somebody in office who can judges who faithfully interpret the law in- get the job done. stead of legislating from the bench.

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We stand for a culture of responsibility in years, we’ll pass the enduring values of our America. Listen, this culture of ours is begin- Nation to another generation. During the ning to change from one that has said, ‘‘If next 4 years, we will lead the cause of free- it feels good, do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve got a prob- dom and peace, and we will prevail. lem, blame somebody else,’’ to a culture in Four years ago, I traveled this great State which each of us understands we are respon- and this great country asking for the vote, sible for the decisions we make in life. If you and I made a pledge to my fellow Americans, are fortunate enough to be a mother or a if you honored me with this great responsi- father, you’re responsible for loving your bility, I would uphold the dignity and the child with all your heart and all your soul. honor of the office to which I had been elect- If you’re worried about the quality of the ed. With your help, we will carry Florida, education in the community in which you we will carry America, and I will continue— live, you are responsible for doing something I will continue to honor my high office. about it. If you’re a CEO in corporate Amer- God bless you all. Thanks for coming. ica, you are responsible for telling the truth Thank you all. God bless. to your shareholders and your employees. And in a responsibility society, each of us NOTE: The President spoke at 5:55 p.m. at the is responsible for loving our neighbor just like Panama City Marina. In his remarks, he referred we’d like to be loved yourself. to Gov. Jeb Bush, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings, and I understand the strength of this country State Attorney General Charlie Crist of Florida; is in the hearts and souls of our citizens. I’m former Representative J.C. Watts, Jr., of Okla- running for 4 more years to continue to rally homa; Speaker-designate Allan Bense of the Flor- ida House of Representatives; Bev Kilmer, can- the armies of compassion so that we can help didate for Congress in Florida’s Second Congres- and heal and change America, one heart, one sional District; country music entertainer Aaron soul, one conscience at a time. Tippin; and Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qa- For all Americans, these years in our his- dhafi, leader of Libya. tory will always stand apart. There are quiet times in the life of a nation when little is expected of its leaders. This isn’t one of those Remarks in a Discussion at time. It’s a time we need firm resolve and Eclipse Aviation in Albuquerque, clear vision. None of us will ever forget that New Mexico week when one era ended and another August 11, 2004 began. September the 14th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. It’s a day I The President. Thank you all. Thanks for will never forget. I remember the guys in coming. I’m glad you all are here. Thank you hardhats screaming at me, ‘‘Whatever it all for coming. It’s good to be back. Please takes.’’ I remember working the ropeline and be seated. Yes, thanks for being here today. looking in the eyes of a man who had just It’s good to be back—— come out of the rubble searching for a Audience member. [Inaudible] buddy. He said, ‘‘Do not let me down.’’ The President. Yes. [Laughter] It’s good He took that day personally. All the people to be back in country where people wear at that site took it personally. You took it per- cowboy hats. sonally, and I took it personally. I have a duty Thanks for your hospitality. I’m traveling that goes on. I wake up every day trying to our country asking for the vote. I think you figure out how best to protect our country. have to go out and ask people for their help I will never relent in defending America, and ask people for their support. I’ve got a whatever it takes. reason for running again—I’m going to share We’ve come through a lot. We’ve come some of that with you today. We’re going to through a lot together. We’ve done a lot of do it in a little different way. We’re going hard work. We’re moving our country for- to talk about small businesses. We’ll talk ward. During the next 4 years, we will spread about homeownership. We’re going to talk opportunity and ownership through every about jobs and education, all aimed to let corner of this country. During the next 4 the people know that I have a desire to make

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sure this country is a stronger country and I also want to thank the sheriff—the high a better country for everybody—por todos. sheriff is here, Darren White. It’s good to I want to thank my friend Pete Domenici. see you, Sheriff. I appreciate you being here. You got a good one in Pete Domenici. He’s He’s sitting next to my friend John Sanchez. a United States Senator—he’s a strong leader John, thanks for taking a leadership role. I for New Mexico. When you’re with Pete, all want to thank Pat Lyons and Manny Lujan, he talks about is New Mexico—[laughter]— friends of mine. I appreciate so very much occasionally works in the United States. Allen Weh, the chairman of this—the chair- [Laughter] He loves this State, ever since he man of the party. was a fire-balling righthander. [Laughter] I want to thank all the grassroots activists He’s a wonderful man. I’m proud you’re who are here. [Applause] Yes, there you go. here, Pete. Thanks for taking on a leadership You’re the people who are going to get peo- role in my campaign. ple registered to vote. That’s what we’re real- I’m also proud to be traveling with John ly here to talk about in many ways, is to get McCain. Nothing better than waking up in people to show up to the polls. I’m confident the country and getting a cup of coffee and if we can get a lot of people to vote, we’ll getting in the pickup truck and driving carry New Mexico this time—wasn’t but around and looking at the cows. That’s what about 300 votes last time. [Laughter] Too John and I did this morning. It’s a good way many of our people got the head cold right to clear your mind and keep your perspec- before the election. This time, we’re going tive. to get them out to vote. And I want your Yesterday, we were in the Panhandle of help. And remember, there are a lot of Florida. We ended our day in Panama City, Democrats here who like what’s going on in Florida. There was 22,000 people that came Washington, DC—make sure you get those out to say hello. It’s—listen, I’m going to tell people to the polls. Make sure you get the you what I’m seeing. I’m seeing big crowds; independents. They understand that this ad- the enthusiasm is high. We’re on our way ministration is dedicated to keep this country to victory. safer and stronger and a better country for There’s two people I wish who were here everybody. who aren’t. One is Heather Wilson. I know I met Tom Hesch today. Where are you, she’s out working. She’s a fantastic lady. You Tom? There he is, right there. He’s a doc; need to put her back in Congress. People he’s a dentist. Guess what he does? He pro- of this district are lucky that Heather is your vides free dental care for people who need Congresswoman. She’s very competent, very help; that’s what he does. One of the rea- smart, very able person who has got a lot sons—I call him a soldier in the army of com- of respect—who has earned a lot of respect passion. You know why I mention Tom, is in Washington. because the strength of this country is the And the other person who I regret is not hearts and souls of citizens like Tom who are here is Laura. [Applause] Yes, you do too. willing to reach out to somebody who needs You know, she was born and raised right help and says, ‘‘Can I help you, brother or around the corner. I was raised right around sister? What can I do to help your life?’’ I’m the corner; she was born and raised right running for 4 more years because I want to around the corner. We’re right on the other continue to rally and encourage the soldiers side of the New Mexico border. We’ve spent in that vast army of compassion, so that a lot of time in this State. This is a State America can change one heart, one soul, one where we don’t have to have a tour guide conscience at a time. to figure out how to get around. And we don’t I understand the limitations of Govern- need to have somebody explain to us how ment. I understand that Government is not the people of New Mexico think. She’s a a loving organization. [Laughter] But Gov- great First Lady, a great mother, and a won- ernment can stand side by side with loving derful wife. And she sends her best to Pete organizations to help improve the lives of and all our friends here in New Mexico. people from all walks of life.

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Tom, I want to thank you for being here. There’s more to do—there’s more to do. Thank you for the example you set. We’re going to talk about the entrepreneurial I’m also running because I want this coun- spirit. See, I don’t think the role of Govern- try of ours to be a stronger country, and by ment is to create wealth. I believe the role that I mean a country in which people can of Government is to create an environment realize their dreams. And people can better in which the entrepreneurial spirit can soar realize their dreams when our economy is and is strong, where the strong businesses— strong. Now, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve you know what that means? You see, in order been through a lot in this country. If you to keep jobs here at home, that means we really think about what we’ve been through, better have the best environment for job cre- it’s amazing to say that we’re strong and get- ation in the world. We want jobs to be here ting stronger. We’ve been through a reces- in New Mexico and in Texas and all around sion; that’s when things are going backwards. the country, like we all do. That means this We’ve been through an attack. That’s has got to be the best place to be an em- when things really shook up the country. It ployer, which means good tax policy; it means shook our conscience. The attacks of Sep- we’ve got to do something about all these tember the 11th affected our economy. Re- lawsuits, which are threatening the job cre- member, airplanes weren’t flying; Wall Street ators. was shut down; banks were closed. I mean, We’ve got to do something on health care it was a terrible time for our Nation. costs. I’ll tell you what we can do on health We went through corporate scandals. care costs. We can take care of our seniors Make no mistake about it, when you’ve got with good Medicare law, which we’ve done. a system that relies upon trust—in other We can have more community health centers words, somebody opening up the books, and in urban New Mexico and rural New Mexico you trust in what you read—and that trust and the tribal areas of New Mexico to help has been violated by a corporate officer, it poor citizens get primary care and take the affected our economy. It shook our con- pressure off our emergency rooms. We can fidence in the system. But we acted. We have associated health care—I mean associ- acted to overcome all these obstacles. We ated health plans, which will allow small busi- passed tough new corporate reforms. The nesses to pool risk across jurisdictional message ought to be clear to everybody now boundaries so they can have the same pur- that if you don’t tell the truth, we’re coming chasing power as large companies do and, after you, to keep the trust. therefore, better afford insurance for their We acted after the enemy attacked us. I’ll employees. talk about that a little later. We also acted We can continue to promote health savings to help cure the ills of a recession. I believe accounts, which allow individuals and small that when somebody has got more money in businesses to put money aside for workers their pocket to save or spend or invest, it and/or yourself on a tax-free basis, which will causes there to be an increase in demand help control costs. We can spread new tech- for goods and services, and when there’s an nologies, electronic records for patients, to increase in demand for goods and services, help wring out the inefficiencies which now somebody is going to produce the good or exist in the medical system. a service. If somebody produces that good And you know what else we need to do or a service, somebody is more likely to find in order to make sure health care is available a job. and affordable? Medical liability reform. My whole focus on getting out of this re- These lawsuits are making—I’m telling you, cession was to help the economy grow so the frivolous lawsuits are running up the cost people can find work, and we’re making of health care, and they’re driving doctors progress. We’ve added 1.5—nearly 1.5 mil- out of business, and they’re hurting our hos- lion new jobs since last August. We’re a pitals. And I don’t think you can be pro-pa- strong economy. If you look at all the major tient and pro-doctor and pro-trial-lawyer at industrialized nations in the world, we’re the the same time. I think you have to choose. strongest. That’s where we should be. My opponent has made his choice, and he

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put him on the ticket. [Laughter] I made my have three fundamental values, a belief in choice. We’re standing with the patients and a higher power, a belief in the family as the the doctors and the small-business owners. best institution to secure our future, and a In order to make sure jobs stay here and belief that if you work hard and you apply the economy is strong, we need good trade yourself, in the United States you can get policy. Let me tell you something about anywhere you want to be. trade. Our economy has been open for goods The President. That’s great. Fe, familia, from overseas. You know why? If you’re a y esperanza—fe, familia, y esperanza. Ex- customer and you have more choices, you’re actly right. What does your business do? In going to get a better product at a better price. case somebody might be listening. [Laugh- That’s how the economy works. The more ter] choices you have as a customer, the more likely it is you’re going to get a product that [Mr. Gonzalez made brief remarks.] you want at higher quality and better price. The President. Actually, let me stop you And so Presidents before me from both for a minute. I appreciate the credit. No, you parties have said let’s help the customers of did it, see. They wouldn’t be giving you a America—the consumers—you. In return, contract if you couldn’t do the job. You’ve though, other countries have not opened got to be able to do the job. And if you can’t their markets to our products like we have do the job, then you shouldn’t be given the opened our markets to theirs. Good public contract. But you can do the job. You’re good policy and good trade policy says to places at what you do. Thanks for the credit. I don’t like China and elsewhere, ‘‘Open up your deserve it, you do. markets. Ours are open. You open up yours.’’ We can compete with anybody, anytime, any- Let me ask you this question: How many place, so long as the rules are fair. people have you hired this year? I’m going to talk—I’m going to ask Rudy Mr. Gonzalez. Well, I’d like to go back Gonzalez to stand up. Rudy is a small-busi- a little bit. When I started off—you were ness owner. One of the things that—one of right, I started by myself in 1997. Today, we the things I love to do is talk to small-busi- have approximately 65 employees. This ness owners, people who have started their year—we’ve grown every single year since own business. Isn’t that a fantastic thing to 2001. This year, we added 20 new employees. be able to say? Rudy owns his own business. The President. That’s good. Let me stop And he started it himself, which is really you there. Let me stop you. A lot of the job good. It means that something is going right growth is happening because companies like in the society where people are willing to risk Rudy are expanding their job base. Most new capital to start their own business. jobs in America are created by small-business Part of our tax relief plan was aimed di- owners. It’s important for the American peo- rectly at the Rudys, the small businesses of ple to understand that. And so you’re seeing the world, because 90 percent of the small Rudy hires 20 here, and somebody else hires businesses are Subchapter S or sole propri- 20 there, and it begins to add up. People etorships. That’s legalese for they pay tax at are working in the small-business sector. the individual income tax rate, not corporate That’s why we’ve got to make sure small busi- tax rate. And so when you hear us saying nesses have got affordable health care. And we’re—reduce the income tax, the individual that’s why we’ve got to make sure tax policy income taxes, think about Rudy. Think about does not harm small businesses. his business. Are you making investments this year? Rudy, when did you start your company? Mr. Gonzalez. Yes, sir, I sure am. Mr. Gonzalez. Well, Mr. President, first The President. What will you be buying? of all, thank you for inviting me. I started [Laughter] Just in case there’s a seller here. my company back in 1997. And I’m a first- [Laughter] generation Hispanic. My parents were born Mr. Gonzalez. You can talk to my friend in Mexico. They came over to this country Ken over there because this year, he sold because, just like you, Mr. President, they us four vehicles.

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The President. Okay. [Laughter] The only We’ve got another entrepreneur with us, reason I ask is that people have got to under- Vern Raburn. He is the—so here’s a guy who stand when you hear the tax relief encour- said, ‘‘I can build a better airplane.’’ That’s aged investment, investment means you’re what you call a grand vision. [Laughter] purchasing something, and somebody has to Why don’t you tell the folks about your make that which you purchase and sell that company. which you purchase. And that’s how the Mr. Raburn made brief remarks. economy works. There’s a million decision- [ ] makers, or more than that, like Rudy who The President. McCain and I will fly the are out saying the Tax Code encourages me first one. [Laughter] So how’s it going? I to buy something, and as that purchasing mean, this is—this is—— takes place, it adds economic vitality and Mr. Raburn. Things are going great. growth. The President. You’ve hired since I saw Rudy is an S corp. That means he pays you last, 4 years ago, how many? tax at the individual income tax rate. And so Mr. Raburn. Well, 4 years ago, at this when you hear my opponent talking about time, we had about 18 employees. We have taxing the rich—that means running up the 342 employees now. rate, the high rates—he’s really taxing small The President. That’s good. And like what businesses. See, they put out $2.2 trillion of skill level is required—skill level of the work- new spending promises. He hasn’t even got er? to September yet, by the way. [Laughter] Mr. Raburn. Skill levels—we have very And he says he’s going to pay for it by taxing high skill level. Most of our workforce today the rich. That means that S corps that are are engineers, manufacturing folks, white- doing okay are going to pay higher taxes. We collar workers. In fact, our average salary of don’t need to be taking money out of the each of our employees is about twice that small-business coffers as this economy is be- of the average family income in New Mexico. ginning to grow. If most new jobs are created The President. Yes, let me stop you there. by small businesses, and most small busi- One of the real challenges we have in our nesses are Subchapter S or sole proprietor- country to make sure jobs stay here is to edu- ships, it makes no sense to run up the taxes cate people, is to make sure the education on these people as this economy is beginning system works. You just heard what—it’s a to grow. new business, new business. He says that we You know what else I think? You know pay twice as much as the average income, what else I think when they say ‘‘tax the but we require high-level skills. You know rich’’? Most rich people are able to avoid what that says to me? It says to me that we’ve taxes, and if you can’t raise enough money got to make sure No Child Left Behind from taxing the rich, guess who pays the works. We’ve got to make sure we keep rais- taxes? ing the bar, make sure the young kids can Audience members. [Inaudible] read and write and add and subtract early, The President. Yes, you do. But we’re not before it’s too late. We’ve got to make sure going to let him. That’s what this campaign our community colleges are able to train is about, to make sure we’ve got good tax workers for the jobs of the 21st century, so policy. that Eclipse can find a workforce necessary Audience members. Four more years! to make this company fly. Four more years! Four more years! So when are we going to see the first unit The President. All right, Rudy. Go ahead. take off? Mr. Raburn. Well, we’ll be flying again [Mr. Gonzalez made further remarks.] late this year, and we expect to have the air- The President. Fabulous. See, that’s what craft certified in early ’06, March of ’06. he’s talking about. The tax relief encouraged Today we’ve got orders for about 2,200 air- him to make this investment. planes, about $2.5 billion in back—[ap- Good job, Rudy. Thanks for coming. Ap- plause]. preciate it. Thanks. Good job. The President. That’s good.

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Mr. Raburn. Good problem. got a newly-hired employee named Vernon The President. Yes. Well, Vern’s pulling Oliver. Where’s Vern? There he is. Hi, Vern. to make sure this economy stays strong. Any Welcome. So what happens to you? So how of them overseas? do you end up here in the airplane manufac- Mr. Raburn. A lot of those are overseas. turing world? The President. Let me tell you some- thing. See, if we get into a mode where we [Mr. Oliver made brief remarks.] become economic isolationists, he won’t be The President. What Vernon is telling you able to sell these airplanes overseas. We don’t is, is that since 9/11, things have changed. need trade wars. He wants to be able to sell People are getting their confidence; jobs are this product overseas without having to com- coming back; and in his case, he had the skill pete with government bureaucracies and un- levels necessary to fill the jobs. necessary tariffs and restrictions. That’s why Yesterday, we were in Florida, and we we believe in fair trade and open trade. talked to some people that needed to go back You got workers here who are going to be to community colleges, but we were happy working because you’ve got planes being sold to help them go back to community colleges. overseas. So when you hear them talk about There’s all kinds of plans, trade adjustment trade, you need to be thinking about jobs. assistance, and NAFTA-related job loss. Peo- Jobs exist when you’re able to trade overseas. ple who then can get a scholarship or get You’ve got some farmers in this State, don’t direct grants to go back and retrain for the you? [Laughter] Yes, the farm economy is jobs which actually exist. This fellow didn’t strong around the country. You know why? need to be retrained. He just showed up, and Because not only are we feeding our own they wanted him. And he saved $3,000 in people, we’re feeding other people. Other taxes last year. And he’s going to save $3,000 people are eating our corn and our soybeans this year. and our wheat, because we’re opening up Remember, we not only reduced income markets—still working to get that New Mex- taxes on everybody who pays taxes, but we ico cattle around the world. Open up markets helped people with children by raising the for the Mexican cattlemen—and Texas child credit to $1,000; and we reduced the cattlemen too, I want you to know. [Laugh- marriage penalty; we created a 10-percent ter] bracket. In other words, we said we’re going So what else? What else is on your mind, to help families. And this family right here Vern? You get the chance to tell the Presi- has got $3,000 in relief—I think that’s right— dent something. [Laughter] By the way, I you probably can say, ‘‘Mind your own busi- guarantee he’s a big believer in tort reform. ness, Mr. President.’’ [Laughter] [Laughter] A lot of airline companies, a lot Mr. Oliver. No, sir. [Laughter] of manufacturers in the past got shut down The President. But if the tax relief is not because of all kinds of lawsuits. And these made permanent, his taxes go up by $1,200. lawsuits—we want good justice in America, See, I believe Government can set priorities but when the trial bar converts the law into and fund our priorities and that after the pri- a legal lottery, it begins to affect jobs. You orities are funded the people can spend that just got to know that. It’s one thing to have money better than the Government can justice; it’s another thing to go overboard spend it. That’s what I believe. And I like with justice, because people start to lose the fact that Vernon’s got $3,000 additional work. I don’t know what your opinion is—— of his own money in his pocket. It’s his Mr. Raburn. I agree. [Laughter] money to begin with, of course, and so he The President. Yes. See, you’d think I was has it. a lawyer. I’m not. Well, thanks for coming, Vernon. [Mr. Raburn made further remarks.] And Guy is with you as well, Guy Hoisington. All right. He’s a newly hired guy. The President. Yes, that’s strong. See, this Tell us, Guy. is a vibrant company. And I’m excited to be here. I want to thank you for inviting us. He’s [Mr. Hoisington made brief remarks.]

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The President. Here’s a guy who tried out start looking at younger workers, down there the promised land for a while—that would in the thirties and twenties, there’s a question be Texas—[laughter]—changed his mind, of whether or not Social Security is going came home to the other—to the enchanted to be around. And therefore, we need to ex- land, and is working because the entrepre- plore with Congress the idea of personal sav- neurial spirit is strong. He’s able to more re- ings accounts for younger workers—their op- alize his dream, which is to raise your family tion—so Social Security exists. here. So the job of government is to help And finally, one of the great promises of when needed. The tax relief helps his family. this country is homeownership. There’s I suspect it helped him move. I think it— something—the homeownership rate in I know it helps him raise his family. America is at an alltime high. More minori- Mr. Oliver. Yes, Vern helped me move, ties are owning their homes than ever before. too. In other words, we got more people opening The President. He helped? That’s good. their door and saying, ‘‘Welcome to my [Laughter] You must be good at what you home.’’ Those are magical words, aren’t do. they? I think a healthy society is one in which Mr. Oliver. Yes, sir. people own something. If you own some- The President. That’s good. That’s real thing, you have a stake in the future of your good. [Laughter] But the point is—that what country. I’m trying to tell you is, is that when the en- Today we’ve got Debra and Arnold Reano. trepreneurial spirit is strong, when people Thank you all for coming. I’m honored you’re like Vern feel comfortable about taking a risk here. First of all, I want you to know Debra’s and expanding and growing, people can find birthday is today. Happy birthday. Arnold work. That’s what we want in America. We whispered in my ear when we were coming want people to find work. We want people out. Secondly, see the beautiful jewelry she’s to be comfortable with their lives as best as wearing and he’s wearing—they made it. they can. They’re artisans. That’s a tradition of New You know, we can’t make you decide to Mexico, where people are really skilled at be somebody, but we can help you. We can making beautiful jewelry. Thanks for mine. help educate your children, to make sure I told Debra that I’m going to play like I they’re educated. We can provide tax relief bought it for Laura. [Laughter] No, I’m not. so that you’re more comfortable and con- No, I wouldn’t do that. Because she’s prob- fident in tough times and also to help this ably watching on C–SPAN. [Laughter] economy grow. That’s what we’re talking You all just bought a home. about. We’re talking about the proper role Mr. Reano made brief remarks. of Government. We’re talking about how to [ ] make sure Government stands side by side The President. What he’s talking about with moms and dads and entrepreneurs and is the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Pro- workers. gram, which is a way to encourage home- One of the—one of my goals is to continue ownership in tribal areas. And it’s working. to push an ownership society in America. That’s what we want, isn’t it? Doesn’t it make First-generation American says, ‘‘I own my sense to have public policy aimed at helping own business.’’ I just think those are wonder- people own their own home? I can’t think ful words. I like the idea of health accounts of a better use of resources. It’s working. where people own them and manage them Mr. Reano made further remarks. so that the principal decisionmakers for [ ] health care are doctors and patients, not bu- The President. By the way, this couple reaucrats. saved $3,200 in Federal income taxes last I see some younger faces here, and Social year. Tax relief helps all kinds of people. Security—the solvency of Social Security is Good. Listen, I appreciate you coming. I an issue for future generations. McCain, asked them to come—we asked them to Domenici, and I are in good shape—[laugh- come because homeownership is valid for ev- ter]—at least our age group. But when you erybody. We want people owning their own

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home all across the country—every corner And that explains our Afghanistan policy. of America, we want people to put out that And that explains why we took action we did welcome mat, ‘‘Welcome to my home.’’ And in Afghanistan. We said to the Taliban, ‘‘Get it’s happening. I think one of the most posi- rid of these people. Turn them over, or face tive things that’s happening in the country consequences.’’ And by the way, if America is there’s more minority small-business own- says something, it must be easy to under- ers in America and more people from all stand, and you must mean it. In order—if walks of life owning their own home. we’re uncertain or if we doublespeak, the Thank you all for coming. It’s good to see world will drift toward tragedy. That’s the re- your girls too—beautiful girls. ality of the world in which we live. It’s a les- One way to make sure the economy con- son that we must remember. tinues to grow is to keep the country safe. By the way, on Afghanistan, it is—there’s That’s a charge we’ve been given. Nobody still hard work there. But think about what’s wants to be a war President, but an enemy happened in a very quick period of time. which had been planning for a long time Think about this. There is going to be a Presi- struck us. And we must never forget the les- dential election in a country that was ruled sons of that day. I’m going to give you three by this barbaric regime, so barbaric that quick lessons. As fellow citizens, it’s impor- many young girls never got to go to school tant to know—for you to know that I know and their mothers were publicly whipped. the stakes and that I know the realities of That’s barbaric. And now they’re going to the world in which we live. have a Presidential election. Over 8 million Lesson one is there’s an enemy out there people are registered to vote. And here I’m which hates us because of what we believe. going around the country saying, ‘‘Please reg- And you cannot negotiate with them. You ister to vote, and vote’’—these people, when cannot talk sense into them. It’s hard for the given a chance, are showing up in big num- American conscience to understand the na- bers, in spite of the fact that some of these ture of these people, but they behead people thugs are trying to stop them from going to because they know we’ve got hearts and we the ballot box. know we weep. They know we value human I was in Cleveland, Ohio, kicking off the life and human dignity. And they’re trying International Children’s Game. And standing to shake our will. And the only way to deal in front of me was the Afghan girls soccer with these folks is to bring them to justice. team. I’m telling you, I wish—it was—there Second lesson, which we’ll do this year and wasn’t a dry eye in my house. It’s unbeliev- we’ll do over the next 4 years—we must bring able to think that in a very short period of them to justice in places where they hide and time, people are liberated. Free countries are plot so we do not have to face them here peaceful countries. The world is better off, at home. That’s the reality of the world, is and America is more safe. The third lesson that this is a different kind of enemy—a dif- of—because Afghanistan is free. ferent kind of enemy. These are people that The third lesson is, when we see a threat, will hide in caves, and they will seek safe we must take it seriously before it fully mate- haven. Their ideal situation is where they can rializes. That’s a serious lesson of September find a weak government that fears them or the 11th. You see, it’s a different kind of likes them and lets them hide and lets them war—it’s a different kind of war. We cannot burrow in the—in their countryside or in hope for the best anymore. In the old days, their cities. we could, because we thought oceans would And so, the second lesson is that we need protect us. It wasn’t all that long ago that to send clear messages, strong messages to we thought we were safe from harm’s way. countries around the world that say if you And all of a sudden, on that fateful day, the harbor a terrorist—in other words, if you pro- world changed. And these lessons are serious vide safe haven for these people, if you allow lessons, because we’re talking about the most them to arm up and plot and plan and train, solemn duty of a government, and it’s to pro- you will be held to account just like the ter- tect the people. We must take threats seri- rorists will be. ously.

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And so, that begins to explain to you why Audience members. Four more years! I made the decision I made. Senators Four more years! Four more years! McCain and Domenici came to the same The President. Thank you all. A couple conclusion I did, that Saddam Hussein was other points I want to make—let me make a threat. And I want you to remember, he a couple of points, and I’ll answer some ques- was a threat because he behaved like a threat. tions if you have some. He had used weapons of mass destruction First, when we put troops in harm’s way, on his own people. He had terrorist ties. they will have our Government’s support. A There was terrorist organizations in and out lot of folks in this town—you got relatives of Iraq over time. He had defied the world, in the military; you’ve been in the military I think 17 resolutions. In other words, imag- yourself. This is a—this is what I believe. ine a world saying, ‘‘Okay, we’re only going This is what Pete believes. This is what John to tell you one more time.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘This believes. We believe—and a lot of others in is the 16th time we’re going to tell you. Washington do too. That’s why I asked for Cough them up, get rid of your ability to an $87 billion supplemental last September make weapons, get rid of what you even have, to make sure our troops had what they need- or face serious consequences.’’ And if you say ed: spare parts, body armor, fuel, support. it 17 times and nothing happens, pretty soon A difference in this campaign is that my op- you embolden somebody whose instincts ponent voted against the supplemental fund- were dark and dim. ing. This is a person who tortured his own peo- Audience members. Boo-o-o! ple. There were mass graves. He invaded his The President. He has said on the TV neighbors. We had been to war with him be- shows, before the vote came up, there’s no fore. He was shooting at our pilots that were excuse for not supporting the troops. And enforcing—he was a threat. And so I went then when he was asked why he didn’t ask to the Congress and said to the Congress, for it, he said, well, he actually did vote for ‘‘Gosh, we’ve got a threat here, and the world it, right before he voted against it. [Laughter] has changed.’’ By far the vast majority of It’s—and then he said it was a complicated Members of Congress—from both political matter. There’s nothing complicated about parties—they took a good look at the intel- supporting our troops in combat. They ligence. They looked at what I was looking need—the troops need our support. at. We all came to the same conclusion, in- I want to make two other points, and then cluding my opponent. He looked at that in- I’ll answer questions. The other day, he was telligence—[applause]. asked on a—by a TV reporter or a newspaper And then the U.N. looked at it and said, reporter, what about the troops? And he said again, ‘‘Disclose, disarm, or face serious con- he’s going to substantially reduce the number sequences.’’ And they said, but—the world of troops six months after he’s the President. said we work in diplomacy then, which is Now, let me—listen, we all want the mission wise to do. And they said, ‘‘Gosh, let’s let to be completed as quickly as possible. But the inspectors work.’’ So, okay. It seems to we want the mission to be completed. make sense, doesn’t it, let the inspectors in. Secondly, the mission is not going to be But guess what. They were being deceived, completed as quickly as possible if the enemy systematically deceived by Saddam Hussein. thinks that we’re going to be removing a sub- He wasn’t—he was doing all kinds of things stantial number of troops in six months. to prevent them from finding out the truth. Thirdly, the person—the people that should So I had a choice; Tony Blair had a choice; be making the recommendations as to Silvio Berlusconi had a choice; Aleksander whether or not the mission is nearly com- Kwasniewski had a choice; John Howard had pleted so that we can relieve troops are the a choice. And that is, hope for the best, forget commanders on the ground. That’s who the lessons of September the 11th, trust a ought to be making the recommendations. madman, or take action to defend our coun- I know what I’m doing when it comes to win- try. You’ve just got to know, folks, given that ning this war. And I’m not going to be send- choice, I will defend us every time. ing mixed signals.

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Now, the other thing I want to tell you about the peace. Someday, an American about is, when people say, ‘‘What is—what President is going to sit down with an elected are you trying to accomplish, what is America Iraqi leader and they’re going to say, ‘‘Thank trying to accomplish,’’ what we’re going to God old Bush, McCain, and Domenici be- accomplish is a free society in the heart of lieved in freedom. Thank God the American a part of the world where people are des- people listen to the skeptics, rejected pessi- perate for freedom. See, this is a historic mo- mistic thought, and said, ‘Let’s complete the ment in world history, I think, because free- mission.’ ’’ dom has got the capacity to change people’s Freedom is going to change the world. lives in a positive way. America stands for Freedom—and you know what else freedom peace, and we understand that the best way does? It validates what we believe in our to achieve peace is to spread freedom, be- hearts. Freedom is not America’s gift to the cause free societies listen to the hopes and world. Freedom is the Almighty God’s gift aspirations of their people. The best way to to each man and woman in this world. defeat resentment is to spread freedom and hope. You can’t have a hopeful society if Let me—[applause]—thank you all. Let you’ve got tyranny looming over you. You me answer some questions while we’ve got can’t have a hopeful society if you’re not al- time. Thanks for giving me a chance to talk. lowed to express your opinion or worship Now, I’ll give you a chance to answer some freely. questions. We’re here for a little bit, and then So that’s what you’re seeing. We’re seeing John and I are heading west. We’re going the short-term actions of our Government out to Phoenix, and then I’m off to Nevada, are to protect us. That’s why we’re using California, Oregon, Washington, and Iowa. force, to protect us. The long-term solution I want to win. I’m willing to work. is to spread liberty. All right, who’s got a question? You’ve got I was having dinner with Koizumi, who is one? the Prime Minister of Japan, and we were talking about how to keep the peace in North Korea. Think about what—think about that Support for the President/Stem Cell for a second, the American President and the Research Prime Minister of Japan, former enemies— countries were former enemies. Maybe some Q. First I want to make a prediction. of you here in the audience were fighting The President. Okay, thank you. the Japanese in World War II. His dad was, Q. President Bush is going to win by a and my dad was, and I bet a lot of other landslide. dads were as well. And here we are now, The President. Okay, we can leave it sitting down at the same table, talking about there if you like. peace with a former—and you know why I Q. Number two—— was able to do so and other Presidents were The President. How about we work as if able to do so, is because after World War it’s going to be close. [Laughter] II, we believed so strongly in liberty that we Q. Number two, I respect your position worked with the Japanese to develop a soci- on human life and your demand for abortion. ety that was self-governing, that believed I respect it. that—based upon the principles of human The President. Thank you. dignity and human rights and human free- Q. And I thank you every moment. You’re dom. Now, there were skeptics who said, ‘‘No, the top President when it comes to us speak- it’s too hard to work. We’ve been at it for ing out for life. Thank you. too long. This country can’t self-govern.’’ But The President. Thank you, sir. Thank you. fortunately, predecessors believed so strongly Yes, sir—thank you, sir. I hope you’re a in the ability of liberty to change the habits good prognosticator. [Laughter] of citizens for the good that they stuck to Q. First, I agree with him. I hope we see their guns, and now I’m talking to Koizumi you in a landslide.

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The President. Let’s just win the thing. money to research, and from that point for- [Laughter] Let’s just win it. Thank you, ward, that we ought to make sure we deal though. with science and ethics in a very balanced Q. First of all, let me say it’s an honor way. And so we’re just beginning to under- to speak to you. It’s an honor every day when stand embryonic stem cell research. We’re I get to pray for you as President. also, by the way, spending research dollars The President. Thank you, sir. I appre- on adult stem cell research, and we’re also ciate that. spending it on fetal tissue. Q. I just—I wanted to say that. I wanted And so, what we’re—what I’m saying to to agree with him—your stand for life, for you is, is that I think my administration has stem cells. We do not need to be doing re- struck a proper balance between science and search with fetal stem cells. And I appreciate ethics. I think we have done a very good job that. Could I ask you two more questions? about exploring that which is possible with- The President. Sure, go ahead. Ask them. out stepping over a line that we may come Q. Real short. to regret later on. And so I assembled a panel The President. Okay. You haven’t asked of experts, ethicists, to help me better under- one yet. But go ahead. [Laughter] stand this very vital issue. Q. Can I introduce my mother and moth- Listen, we—I’m sure you’ve heard from er-in-law who are new citizens to this coun- folks with juvenile—got a child with juvenile try? diabetes. I certainly have. And I care deeply The President. That’s a very interesting about the families who are wondering wheth- move by the guy. [Laughter] He’s got the er or not we can do more to help solve their President standing here, and he wants me child’s problems. It’s sad, and I know these to meet the mother-in-law. [Laughter] Senators have heard from those with juvenile Strong move. Absolutely. And the mother— diabetes. And the policies I made were, on yes. Fantastic. Is this the mom-in-law? the one hand, trying to help as best as we Q. This is my mother-in-law. can move science forward and, at the same The President. Where are you from, time, keep an ethical balance so that we pro- mom-in-law? mote a culture of life. And the decision I Q. Okinawa. made, in my judgment, is the right decision. The President. Fantastic. New citizen? And it’s one that respects the value of life Q. Yes. and, on the other hand, is one that says, The President. This year? hopefully science can use these existing stem Q. Two years. cell lines, of which I think there’s going to The President. Two years ago. So this is be 23 which are viable and vibrant, and your first Presidential election? they’re just beginning to look at them to help Q. Yes. come up with cures that we all want to have The President. Okay. Welcome—wel- happen—we all want—we want human—we come. There’s a long tradition in America want these young kids with—that have been that you only vote for the person who looks affected by juvenile diabetes to better sur- you in the eye and asks. Just kidding. And vive. That’s what we want. But thank you for where’s mom? Oh, hi, mom. Strong move. bringing up the subject. That’s very good, yes. Are you listening to Any—yes, sir, here’s a man right here. your mother? First of all, he’s one of my—he’s cheering Q. I do. really loud. [Laughter] Thank you. The President. I listen to mine too. In my case, I don’t have much choice. In my Opportunities for the Disabled case. Q. Thank you, President Bush, and I just Let me talk about stem cells real quick. want to say it’s a honor to speak to you today. There had been no research on stem cells And you probably already touched on this prior to my arrival. I said that stem cell lines question, but seeing as I’m a disabled person which had already existed prior to a certain myself—I’m 20 years old and going to college date ought to be allowed to receive Federal in the great State of—well, I live in the great

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State of New Mexico, but I also go to college ter. Again, we want everybody to be able to in the great State of Texas. [Laughter] And participate in this experience called America. I’m—— And we want people to be able to realize The President. Where you going, by the their dreams, no matter their condition, or way? Excuse me for interrupting, but where no matter whether they’re first generation or are you going? 800th generation—18th or how ever many Q. McMurray University in Abilene. generations there have been, and that’s what The President. Oh, yes. Abilene, Texas. we want. Q. Yes, sir. And my current major is polit- So I appreciate your question, sir. Thank ical science, and I’m just curious—— you. The President. I better give you some Q. And I just want to say thank you so counseling before it’s too late. No, go ahead. much, and I’m really proud of what you’re [Laughter] doing and what America’s doing, because— Q. How can we, as a team—and I under- and I want to thank my mom and my parents, stand people ask you for help, but how can because I’m the only blind people—or blind we, as a team, be ensured that other people person in my family, and I’m excited to grad- that are disabled can be a part of the big uate and go to college and be part of that business or small business, to help bring jobs small business. for the people of this country? The President. Congratulations. The President. Yes, absolutely. I appre- ciate that very much. One of the great ad- Let’s see, all right, man in a cowboy hat. vances of our era is technology. There’s fan- Yes, we’ve got to try the cowboy hat. You’re tastic technological opportunities for the vis- next. ually-impaired to be able to have a computer that speaks to them. I don’t know if you’ve Support for the President/Veterans been involved with that or not. You have? Benefits Q. Yes, sir, I have a—it’s called a braille Q. Hello, Mr. President. note, and it has a braille display. And I also The President. Yes, sir. have a thing on my computer—it’s called Q. I’m a retired Navy, 20 years. I flew the Jaws for Windows—that gets on and reads S–3, the same that you came aboard in the the screen to me whenever I get on the Inter- Lincoln. net. The President. Yes, sir. The President. See, that’s coming. So one thing we can do is help members of our com- Q. Four tours in Vietnam, and all I can munity who need this kind of program. We say is thank God we finally have a Com- can help them with financial aid to buy them. mander in Chief. I mean, this is equally as important as going The President. Thank you, sir. to college, is to have the opportunity—listen, Let me say something. You’ve got a lot of the role of Government is to help people veterans in this State. People have served help themselves. And we’re talking about their country in this State, and I want to helping this guy with—we’re helping him re- thank you for your service. And I thank you alize his dreams. There are touch computers for setting such a good example for the—— where, if you’re disabled without the abil- Audience member. Hoorah! ity—and you can’t use your hands, there are The President. There you go. [Laughter] new computers and new ability to be able For the hoorahs of the world. But thank— to turn a computer on and log on and surf [laughter]—thank you for setting such a good the Net, and that technology is now more example for those who wear our uniform. I’m available. going to the VFW Convention on Monday. What I’m telling you is, to answer your I’m looking forward to going. I’ve got some- question, is to make sure technologies are thing to say. I’ve got something to say about more readily available and we help people how we’ve worked together to make sure afford them as they come on the market. And we’ve honored our vets with good, strong it’s going to change people’s lives for the bet- health care. I made some promises to the

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VFW in 2000. I’m going to go back and re- have a son in the Marine Corps? I know you mind them of the promises I made and re- didn’t want to ask a question, but—— mind them of the promises we have kept. And that’s what we owe our veterans. Support for Troops/All-Volunteer Yes, ma’am. There you go. No, I said— Military yes, ma’am. Sorry. [Laughter] Audience member. [Inaudible] Q. I want to thank you for all the support The President. You bet. Crank that thing you have given the military. up. The President. Where is he? Hold on for a minute. Where is your son? Domestic Violence Q. He’s in Yuma, and he’s on his way to Q. Mr. President, I would like to know be deployed. what your administration has done to help The President. Is he? women and children in domestic violence sit- Q. Yes. uations. The President. Let me say something to The President. Well, we’ve said to the the mom here. First of all, you’re going to Justice Department, work with States to be nervous, and I know you are, and you make sure that the States have got the re- should be. But I just want you to know that sources necessary to bring people to justice. your son is making an historic contribution That’s what States are supposed to do, sup- to the peace and security of our country. posed to—States are supposed to pass laws Q. Thank you. that make it easier for law enforcement to The President. And you know what—you be able to do its job when it comes to domes- know the great thing about this country? I’ll tic violence. tell you the great thing about the country. And when I was the Governor of Texas, There’s a lot of people praying for him. Yes. we made it easier for an abused spouse to I appreciate you wearing ‘‘USMC mom.’’ be able to call her spouse into account with- That’s great. He’s going to be just fine, by out facing retribution. We had notification the way. laws when a spouse was released from jail. Q. He said that he was anxious to go over In other words, we stood on the side of the there and do his job and defend our country. abused person. We had the law stand side The President. Yes, that’s what he’s doing, by side with the person, as opposed to mak- and it’s important for everybody to under- ing the environment such that many people stand that—it’s important for everybody to were afraid to turn in an abusive spouse and, understand that. It’s important to understand two, if the abusive spouse had been pun- the consequences of her son’s decision, first, ished, they were afraid of the consequences to join an All-Volunteer Army, and secondly, after the spouse had been out. to be in a position to go over and help free- This is—the truth of the matter is most dom take hold in Iraq. That’s really what good policy—or policy is made at the State we’re talking about. level under State laws. And what the Federal On the one hand, we’re defeating people Government can do, the Federal Govern- that could come here to hurt us, but we’re ment can help on grantmaking to help States also spreading freedom. And you know with those type of laws. what’s going to make it work? It’s when the Q. And what about the Family Justice Iraqis and the Afghan step up and say, ‘‘I’m Center Initiative? Didn’t you announce that now ready to defend my country.’’ And that’s last year? what’s happening—that’s what’s happening. The President. The family—— And the enemy sees it happening. And that’s Q. The pilot program—$21 million? why they’re taking action. See, that’s why The President. Oh, I did, so thanks for they’re blowing up innocent life. They see reminding me. [Laughter] How quickly we what’s happening. And that’s why we cannot forget. It was a loaded question, wasn’t it? send mixed signals, and that’s why we’ve got Let me ask you something. U.S. Marine to be firm in our resolve. And while we are, Corps mom—is that what that means? You that’s why we’ve got to be thankful to the

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moms who raised a son who says, ‘‘I want those who have been injured. These kids are to serve my country.’’ coming off the battlefield in one or two days’ I was asked the other day whether or not time. I mean, we’re taking kids who have we ought to—some think we ought to get been hurt, and we’re getting them into in- rid of the All-Volunteer Army. The answer credibly good care quickly. is absolutely not. We need to keep the All- That’s a—what a compassionate Govern- Volunteer Army. And what we need to do ment, when you think about it. You know, is to make sure that people—there’s incen- there’s other governments that might let tive to stay in the All-Volunteer Army, by their troops kind of languish around, you making sure people are better paid, which know, maybe get them out of the tent some- we have done over the course of four appro- where, sometime. Not America—not Amer- priations bills. Since I’ve been the President, ica. We value every life. We appreciate the military pay is up 21 percent. We’ve got to service of our troops. When I see these fami- make sure the housing on the bases are bet- lies in these hospitals, I’m quick to ask them, ter than adequate. And we’ve got—in other ‘‘Are you getting everything you need?’’ I words, we’ve got to win the hearts and souls need to know. And admittedly, sometimes not only of the soldiers but of their families. the President gets the cook’s tour, but the And we’re making good progress toward that. answer is, ‘‘Yes, Mr. President, they’re taking But this All-Volunteer Army is, one, an im- care of my kid.’’ And that’s what families or portant concept, and two, it’s working. citizens need to know about our country, is Let’s see. Yes, sir. that we are grateful for the service of those Q. Mr. President, thank you so much. I who wear our uniform, because the world just returned from a 13-month tour, Lieuten- is going to be better off for it. ant Colonel Jackson. A couple of more questions. McCain is The President. Thanks. Where were you? getting anxious. He wants to get to Phoenix— Q. I was the deputy commander of our [laughter]—and so do I. forces in Kosovo. Who have we got here? Where’s the little The President. Oh, fantastic. Thanks for boy? This little guy? You got all kinds of little doing that. Bondsteel? boys. Go ahead. Q. Yes, sir. The President. I went there. Photo With the President Q. I know you were there, and in fact, Q. I was wondering if I could take a pic- the education center is named after your ture with you. wife. The President. Yes. [Laughter] All right, The President. Is it? Well, smart move. let him through. Crawl on underneath there. Q. Yes, sir. Mr. President, all the forces Scoot on through. Come on. Got it? Hello, overseas are thankful that you are such a Mom. [Laughter] Got it? strong Commander in Chief, and even when Yes, go ahead. I was medevac’d out—I was injured and medevac’d out to Germany, along with forces Prayer from Iraq and Afghanistan—the morale was Q. First of which, first part of comment, very high, because we knew that you were just know that my wife and I are praying for in charge and going to take care of us. you. We appreciate what you’ve done the 4 The President. Well, thank you. Thank years you’ve been in office. you, sir. Let me say something. Let me say The President. Thank you. something about medevac’ing troops. It’s Q. Thank you for that. A question I really important for our citizens to know that have—— if somebody gets hurt, they’re going to get The President. I appreciate your prayers. really good treatment quickly—I mean Think about—I mean, work on your question quickly. And I know that a lot of us have while I say something here. [Laughter] It’s been to Bethesda—I know John has and Pete an amazing country where people from all has—or Walter Reed. These are the big hos- walks of life pray for the President. It really pitals in Washington, DC, that take care of is. I’m grateful. I am really grateful. Any

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President would be grateful. It’s one of the clearest way to define marriage is to put it most sustaining aspects of my life now, to in the Constitution like I suggested. know that people pray for me and Laura and Now, let me also tell you, the constitu- the kids. tional process takes a long time. It—many Go ahead. amendments have taken years to be passed by the Senate and then ratified by the States. Constitutional Amendment on Marriage I will also explain to the American people that the ratification process of the constitu- Q. The question I have—one of our con- tional amendment is an essential part of in- cerns is, is the continued erosion of the moral cluding people’s opinions as to this very deli- fabric of this country with the—obviously the cate issue. removal of prayer in schools, the removal of And finally, let me encourage everybody, the Ten Commandments, abortion, and now as we debate this issue, to do so with the we’re faced with the issue of gay marriage. utmost of respect. I mean, this is a issue that And obviously, there was an attempt to at requires thoughtful dialog. It’s a serious least get it in the Constitution among the par- issue. And it’s one that—I hope we can have ties in Congress, with no success. What do a debate in a way that is uplifting and not you plan to do when you’re reelected—— tearing people down on either side of the The President. Thank you. issue. And I will pledge to you, I will do my Q. ——to abolish that attempt by the left? very best to bring a thoughtful dialog on this And my second question is, would you mind vital issue. if I got your autograph? [Laughter] And so what I’ll do the next 4 years is con- The President. We’ve started a bad trend tinue to state what I believe. I’m not going here. Let me talk about marriage, traditional to change my beliefs just because there’s marriage. First of all, I believe our society been an election. Quite the contrary. I will is better off when marriage is defined as be- be telling people what I believe. tween a man and a woman. It’s my belief. Okay, last question. You have been very Secondly—hold on a second. Secondly— patient. This is the last one. I hope everybody secondly, this is an issue that ought to be understands I’ve got to work. [Laughter] decided by the people, not by a few judges. And that’s what’s caused the issue. That’s what has brought this issue to a head, is be- Support for the President/Duty To Vote cause in a particular State, the four judges Q. President Bush, we want you to know redefined the definition of marriage. That’s something. This group of ladies right here, what happened. And my worry is, is that that we represent an international company—an definition will be spread to other States, even international AGLOW fellowship. This is though the people of those States do not ac- women all over the world. There is a woman cept that definition. over there by the name of Bernadette Mar- And now, there’s laws on the books. And tinez who is the prayer coordinator for New what happened was, a lot of the Senators ac- Mexico. And we want you to know, we are curately noted there’s a current law on the praying for you. book called the DOMA, Defense of Marriage The President. Thank you. Act, which specifically defines marriage as Q. We are praying for righteous leaders between a man or a woman and says that in Washington and throughout our country, the actions of one State cannot affect the be- because we know that it’s time for America havior in another State. And I readily con- to get back to its moral roots that our Found- cede that law is on the books, signed by my ers put in place for us when this country was predecessor, by the way. founded. And it is time for the people in this My worry has been that the courts will country to realize and to call out for righteous overturn that law and that we will end up leaders. That is our right as God’s children. with a series of activist judges defining mar- And we are doing that. riage. And so the easiest way—not the easiest The President. Thank you. way, probably the toughest way—but the Q. And you will be in the White House.

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The President. I appreciate that. One former Representative Manual Lujan, Jr., of New more? Okay, hold on. Let me tell you what Mexico; Allen Weh, chairman, New Mexico Re- else you can do. Let me tell you what else publican Party; former President Saddam Hussein you can do. Register people to vote. And of Iraq; Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United then, right around election time, start saying Kingdom; Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of to people, we have a duty; we have a duty Italy; President Aleksander Kwasniewski of Po- in a free society, no matter what you believe; land; and Prime Minister John Howard of Aus- we have a duty to vote. So I appreciate your tralia. enthusiasm and your drive. Convert it to get- ting people to the polls too, which I know Remarks in Phoenix, Arizona you will. Okay, final question. One more, this is it. August 11, 2004 Then we got to go to Arizona. The President. Thank you all for coming. Support for Troops So yesterday, there we were in a bus in north- Q. Mr. President—— ern Florida, and old John McCain said, ‘‘Wait The President. Yes, ma’am. No more until you get to Phoenix.’’ He’s right. hands going up; I’m a man of my word. I’m working hard to ask for your vote. I’m Q. And I am a persistent woman. My name here to let you know there is more to do is Cassandra Dennis. My husband is Captain to make America a safer place, a stronger Dominic Dennis. He sends his hellos all the place, and a better place. I’m here to ask ways from Log Base Seitz, Iraq. for your help. We won Arizona last time; The President. Good. Thank you. He’s a we’re going to win it this time. And we’re captain—in the Army? going to win a great national victory. Q. Army National Guard. The President. Very good. Thank you all for coming. I only wish that Q. I want your prayers for him. Laura were here to see this crowd. She is The President. You got it. Thank you very a remarkable woman. She is a great wife, a much. Yes. And tell you—I’ll tell you what fantastic mother. I’m going to give you some do. You know, one of the interesting possi- reasons tonight to put me back in, but per- bilities now, because of high-tech, because haps the most important reason of all is so of the high-tech world, is that you can e-mail that Laura has 4 more years. your husband, correct? I’m proud to be running with Dick Che- Q. We e-mail. We do instant-messaging. ney. Now look, I admit it, he’s not the We’ve got webcams. We have telephones. prettiest face in the race. [Laughter] I didn’t The President. All right, why don’t you pick him for that reason. I picked him be- do this, then? Would you do me a favor? cause of his judgment, his experience. I Q. Yes. picked him because he can do the job. The President. Would you rather e-mail him or instant-message him? I’m proud to be traveling with a great Q. I’m going to instant-message him. American and a fine citizen of this State, a The President. Instant-message him. In- person who served his Nation with distinc- stant-message him this: The Commander in tion and honor—John McCain. I want to Chief is grateful and incredibly proud of his thank his wife, Cindy, for joining us as well. service. She’s a class act, good lady. Thank you all. God bless. Thanks for com- I also want to thank my friend Jon Kyl, ing. the other Senator from this State. You got two fine United States Senators from Ari- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:40 p.m. at the zona. Eclipse Aviation hangar. In his remarks, he re- ferred to Darren White, sheriff, Bernalillo Coun- I want to thank my friends from the con- ty, NM; John Sanchez, southwest regional chair- gressional delegation, Renzi, Franks, Shad- man, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.; Patrick H. Lyons, egg, J.D. Hayworth, Jeff Flake, for their lead- New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands; ership.

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I’m proud that Secretary of State Jan science and math. We need to bring tech- Brewer is here. I want to thank Jan for com- nology into classrooms in America. What I’m ing, and State Treasurer David Petersen. Lis- telling you is, after 4 more years, a rising gen- ten, thank you all for coming. eration will have the hope and the skills nec- I want to thank the grassroots activists who essary to succeed in this world. are here. I want to thank my friend Luis Gon- We have got more work to do to make zalez and his great wife, Christine. I know sure health care is available and affordable. my friends the Lehmans are here. I’m glad We addressed the issue of our seniors square they’re here. Old Tom Lehman, I could use on. You might remember that political cam- a putting lesson. [Laughter] I don’t have paign after political campaign, our seniors much time to practice these days; I’m out were promised a stronger Medicare system. working. We got the job done. Our seniors now have See, I’m asking for your help to register the ability to choose a plan that meets their voters. You’ve got a lot of new people moving needs, and there will be coverage for pre- in this State, and they, like you, have a duty scription drugs for our seniors. We’re doing in a democracy to vote and to participate. more to make sure health care is available We’re asking for people to do a little extra and affordable. We’re expanding community work to register our fellow citizens and urge health centers for low-income Americans. them to go to the polls. And when you get We’re providing health savings accounts so them headed to the polls, you might just tell American families can save tax-free to meet them America will be better off with Bush- their own health care needs. Cheney in the White House. In order to make sure American families The past few years—in the past few years, have got health care, we must allow small Americans have been through a lot together, employers to join together to be able to pur- a whole lot, and we’ve accomplished a great chase insurance at discounts that big compa- deal. But there’s only one reason to look nies are able to do. We’ll harness technology backward at the record, and that is to deter- to reduce costs and prevent mistakes. We’ll mine who best to lead us forward. I’m run- expand research and seek new cures. And ning—I’m asking for your vote because so to make sure you’ve got affordable health much is at stake. We have much more to care, we need to end the frivolous lawsuits do, much more to do to move this country that are harming our docs and harming our forward and make it a better place. patients. We’ve got more to do to make our public You cannot be pro-patient, pro-doctor, and schools the centers of excellence we all know pro-trial-lawyer at the same time. You have they can be so that no child is left behind to choose. My opponent made his choice, in America. When we came to office 31⁄2 and he put him on the ticket. years ago, too many of our children were Audience members. Boo-o-o! being just shuffled from grade to grade, year The President. I made my choice. I am after year, without learning the basics. So we for medical liability reform now. In all we challenged the soft bigotry of low expecta- do to improve health care here in this coun- tions. We raised the sights of everybody. We try, we will make sure the health care deci- believe in accountability. We believe in local sions are made by doctors and patients, not control of schools. We believe in challenging by Washington, DC, bureaucrats. schools that refuse to change and refuse to We got more to do to make sure this econ- teach. omy is stronger. We’ve been through a lot. And we’re making progress. We’re closing We’ve been through a recession; we’ve been that achievement gap here in America. More through corporate scandals; we’ve been of our children are learning to read and write through the terror attacks. Yet we’ve over- and add and subtract, and there’s more to come these obstacles. We’ve overcome these do. We want our high school diplomas to obstacles because we’ve got great workers in mean something. We need to make sure our America. We’ve overcome these obstacles children are educated for the jobs of the 21st because the entrepreneurial spirit is strong century, so we need to concentrate on and the small-business sector of our economy

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is flourishing. We’ve overcome these obsta- chainsaw to public forests. I understand the cles because we’ve got great ranchers and West. I understand the issues you face out farmers. And we’ve overcome these obstacles here. Yet, when he came out West to cam- because we delivered well-timed tax relief to paign, he turned that position around. Now the American people. Because we acted, our he says he likes a lot of the parts of the law. economy has grown at a rate as fast as any I guess it’s not only the wildfires that shift in nearly 20 years. Because we acted, we’ve with the wind. [Laughter] added nearly 1.5 million jobs over the past I’m running for 4 more years to keep our year. Because we acted, Arizona’s unemploy- Nation’s economy the strongest in the indus- ment rate is at 4.7 percent. trialized world. I’m running so our small We’re making progress. We’re not turning businesses are vibrant. I’m running so our back. So long as anybody is looking for work, farmers and ranchers are healthy, and I’m we’re going to keep working to make sure running so people can find good-paying jobs. there’s a job available for them. There is We have more to do to wage and win the more work to do to keep jobs here in Amer- war against terror. America’s future depends ica and to keep this job base growing; we on our willingness to lead in the world. If need to become less dependent on foreign America shows uncertainty or weakness in sources of energy. We need to reduce the this decade, the world will drift toward trag- regulations on our employers in America. We edy. This will not happen on my watch. need real, meaningful tort reform in America Audience members. Four more years! to keep jobs here. In order to keep jobs here Four more years! Four more years! at home, we need to be opening up markets The President. The world changed on for Arizona products. We must not become that terrible September morning, and since economic isolationists in America. We must that day, we’ve changed the world. Before be confident—you see, we can compete with September the 11th, Afghanistan served as anybody, anytime, anywhere, so long as the the home base of Al Qaida, which trained playing field is level. In order to be keeping and deployed thousands of killers and set up jobs here in America, we’ve got to make sure cells in nations around the world, including our workers are trained for the jobs of the our own. Because we acted, because we 21st century. That’s why I’m such a strong acted with our friends, Afghanistan is a rising backer of the community college system, not democracy. Afghanistan is an ally in the war only here in Arizona but all across our coun- on terror. Young girls now go to school for try. In order to make sure we keep jobs here, the first time in Afghanistan, and America we’ve got to be wise about how we spend and the world are safer. your money, and we’ve got to keep your taxes Before September the 11th, Pakistan and low. Saudi Arabia weren’t joining us in the war We’re working together to protect our on terror. Today they are. Today, Pakistan residents and forests across the West from and Saudi Arabia are allies in the war on ter- catastrophic wildfires. Listen, I understand ror. They’re after Al Qaida. America and the you’re in a severe drought. Water is a pre- world are safer. cious commodity. And as a result of the Because of our leadership, we’re changing drought you’re in, our national treasures the world. Before September the 11th, Libya are—forest fires—are vulnerable. That’s why was spending millions to acquire weapons of I worked with John McCain and Jon Kyl to mass destruction. Today, because America pass a bipartisan bill called Healthy Forests and our allies have sent a clear message and Restoration Act. a strong message, the leader of Libya has I understand the West. I understand the abandoned his pursuit of weapons of mass issues of the West. Some people took a dif- destruction, and America and the world are ferent view of that Healthy Forests legisla- safer. tion. Back in October, my opponent told us Before September the 11th, the ruler of Healthy Forests would let people chop down Iraq was a sworn enemy of America. He was mountainsides of old-growth trees. When I defying the world. You might remember he signed the bill, he said we’re taking a was firing weapons at American pilots who

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were enforcing the world’s sanctions. He had Now, almost 2 years after he voted for the pursued and he had used weapons of mass war in Iraq and almost 220 days after switch- destruction. He harbored terrorists. He in- ing positions to declare himself the antiwar vaded his neighbors. He subsidized the fami- candidate, my opponent has found a new nu- lies of suicide bombers. He had murdered ance. He now agrees it was the right decision tens of thousands of his own citizens. He was to go into Iraq. After months of questioning a source of great instability in the world’s my motives and even my credibility, Senator most volatile region. Kerry now agrees with me that even though We saw a threat. We looked at the intel- we have not found the stockpiles of weapons ligence, and we saw a threat. And as we did that we all believed were there, knowing ev- so, we remembered a vital lesson of Sep- erything we know today, he would have voted tember the 11th, and that lesson is we must to go into Iraq and remove Saddam Hussein take threats seriously, before they fully mate- from power. I want to thank my opponent rialize. for clearing that up. But just remember, I knew it was important on this vital matter there are 83 days left in the campaign—time to work with the United States Congress. So enough to change his mind again. I went to the Congress and said Saddam I’m running for 4 more years because I Hussein’s a threat. The Congress looked at know we must continue to work with our the same intelligence, and members of both friends and allies to aggressively pursue the political parties, including my opponent, terrorists and the foreign fighters in places agreed that Saddam Hussein was a threat. like Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere. And then we went to the United Nations See, you cannot talk sense to these people. Audience members. Boo-o-o! You cannot negotiate with these people. We The President. And the United Nations must engage the enemy around the world looked at the intelligence and concluded that so we do not have to face them here at home. Saddam Hussein was a threat. And they During the next 4 years, America will con- passed a resolution that said ‘‘Disclose, dis- tinue to lead the world with confidence and arm, or face serious consequences.’’ As he moral clarity. We put together a strong coali- had for over a decade, Saddam Hussein de- tion to help us defeat terror. Listen, we’ve fied the free world. As a matter of fact, when got nearly 60 nations involved with the Pro- we sent inspectors in—or the world sent in- liferation Security Initiative. Nearly 40 na- spectors in, he systematically deceived the in- tions are involved in Afghanistan. Some 30 spectors. And so I had a choice to make. My nations are involved in Iraq. I’ll continue to choice was do I forget the lessons of Sep- build our alliances and work with our friends tember the 11th—— for the sake of peace, but I will never turn Audience members. No-o-o! over America’s national security decisions to The President. ——and hope for the leaders of other countries. best—— America and the world are safer. We’re Audience members. No-o-o! heading to peace because our commitments The President. ——and trust the word are kept by the men and women of our mili- and deeds of a madman, or do I take action tary. I want to thank the veterans who are to defend America. I will defend America here for setting such a great example to the every time. men and women of our military. I’ve had the Even though we have not found the stock- privilege of meeting with those who defend piles we expected to find, we do know that our country and sacrifice for our security. I’ve Saddam had the capability to make weapons seen their great decency and their unselfish of mass destruction, and he could have courage. Ladies and gentlemen, the cause of passed that capability on to our enemies. freedom and peace is in really good hands. That was a risk we could not afford to take. And anytime—and our troops deserve the Knowing what I know today, I would have full support of the United States Govern- taken the same action. And America and the ment. world are safer because Saddam Hussein sits Last September, while our troops were in in a prison cell. combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, I proposed

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supplemental funding to support them in war with the terrorists is actually improving their missions. This money was going to— their recruiting efforts. His logic is upside- this money did provide body armor and vital down, and it shows a dangerous misunder- equipment, hazard pay, health benefits, am- standing of the enemy we face. During the munition, fuel, and spare parts for our mili- 1990s, terrorists were recruiting and training tary. In the Senate, only a small, out-of-the- for war with us, long before America went mainstream minority of 12 Senators voted to war with them. They don’t need an excuse against that funding. Two of those twelve for their hatred. It’s wrong to blame America Senators are my opponent and his for the anger and the evil of those killers. runningmate. You don’t create terrorists by defending Audience members. Boo-o-o! yourself and fighting back; you defeat the ter- The President. My opponent tried to ex- rorists by fighting back. plain his vote this way: ‘‘I actually did vote Listen, the September—the 9/11 Commis- for the $87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ sion wrote a good report, and it said that be- End quote. And then he went on to say that cause of the actions we’ve taken since Sep- he was proud he and his runningmate voted tember the 11th, our homeland is safer, but against it, and then he went on to say, at we’re not yet safe. I agree with that conclu- another time, the funding issue is a com- sion. There’s more work to do. Beginning im- plicated matter. There is nothing com- mediately after September the 11th, we start- plicated about supporting our troops in com- ed the hard process of reform. We created bat. the new Department of Homeland Security. In the long run, our security is not guaran- We passed the PATRIOT Act, which is vital; teed by force alone. We must work to change it is necessary to give our law enforcement the conditions that give rise to terror: poverty the tools necessary to disrupt terrorist activ- and hopelessness and resentment. I see a ity. We’re integrating intelligence and law lady holding a sign there that says, ‘‘My son enforcement better than ever before. is in Iraq.’’ I want you to know, ma’am, that your son is performing a duty that is changing We’re taking up a lot of those rec- the world. A free and peaceful Iraq and a ommendations. We’ve got to do a better job free and peaceful Afghanistan will be power- of securing our ports and borders and train- ful examples to their neighbors. These ing our first-responders and dramatically im- parts—people in these parts of the world are proving our intelligence-gathering capabili- desperate for freedom. In Iraq and Afghani- ties. I called on Congress to create the posi- stan, there are now strong leaders who un- tion of National Intelligence Director so that derstand the power of free societies. And we one person is in charge of coordinating our understand the power of freedom in Amer- intelligence efforts overseas and here at ica. We know that free societies do not export home. There’s a lot of really good people terror. We know that in free societies, leaders working hard to defend the American people, listen to the hopes and aspirations of their and I’m proud of their efforts. people. Now, reforms are never easy in Wash- By serving the ideal of liberty, we are ington. It takes on—it requires taking on the bringing hope to others, and that makes our entrenched interests, those who are happy country more secure. By serving the ideal of with the status quo. It’s not enough to advo- liberty, we’re making the world more peace- cate reform; you have to be able to get it ful. By serving the ideal of liberty, we’re serv- done. When it came to reforming our public ing the ideals of our country. Freedom is not schools, we’re getting the job done. When America’s gift to the world; freedom is the it comes to giving our health care reforms Almighty God’s gift to each man and woman to our families, with more access and more in this world. choices, we’re getting the job done. When I’m running for 4 more years because I it comes to creating jobs in America, we’re know we’ve got a lot of work to do to protect getting the job done. When it comes to de- us. Enemies who hate us are still plotting fending America and spreading the peace, to harm us. My opponent says that going to we’re getting the job done. And when it

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comes to choosing a President, you better of us understands we are responsible for the have a President who can get the job done. decisions we make in life. Audience members. Four more years! If you’re fortunate enough to be a mother Four more years! Four more years! or a father, you are responsible for loving The President. We live in a time of rapid your child with all your heart and all your change. These are exciting times. One way soul. If you’re worried about the quality of to help American citizens during this time the education in the community in which you of change is to encourage an ownership soci- live, you are responsible for doing something ety. We want people owning and controlling about it. If you’re a CEO in corporate Amer- their own health care accounts. We want our ica, you’re responsible for telling the truth Social Security system to work. Listen, for to your shareholders and your employees. old people like me and McCain—[laugh- And in a responsibility society, each of us ter]—the Social Security is sound enough for is responsible for loving our neighbor just like us. I’m worried about the younger workers. we’d like to be loved ourselves. I’m worried about the solvency of Social Se- I’m seeking the vote because I want to curity. Therefore, I think younger workers continue to rally the armies of compassion ought to be allowed to have personal savings for the next 4 years. I understand the accounts that they can call their own. strength of this country is the hearts and souls of the American people, and I know— We want more people owning their busi- and I know that by rallying the great strength ness. I love the fact when somebody says to of America, we can change our society one me, you know, ‘‘I just started my own busi- heart, one soul, one conscience at a time. ness.’’ We want more people owning their For all Americans, these years in our his- own home. Homeownership rate is at an all- tory will stand apart. There are quiet times time high in America. What a fantastic in the life of a nation when little is expected thought to know that more and more Ameri- of its leaders. This isn’t one of those times. cans are opening up their front doors saying, It’s a time that requires firm resolve, strong ‘‘Welcome to my home.’’ You see, this ad- belief in the values that have made our coun- ministration understands that when you own try great. something, you have a vital stake in the fu- None of us will ever forget that week when ture of our country. one era ended and another began. As John In this time of change, there’s some things mentioned, on September the 14th, 2001, I won’t change: our belief in liberty and oppor- stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. It’s tunity and in the nonnegotiable demands of a day I’ll never forget. There were workers human dignity; the individual values we try in hardhats yelling at me, ‘‘Whatever it to live by, courage and compassion, rev- takes.’’ I remember—I remember working erence and integrity; the institutions that give the ropeline, thanking people, and a fellow us direction and purpose, our families, our grabbed me. He had bloodshot eyes. He had schools, our religious congregations. These been searching the rubble for somebody that values and institutions are fundamental to he had worked with, and he said, ‘‘Do not our lives, and they deserve the respect of let me down.’’ Government. He took that day personally. All the work- We stand for institutions like marriage and ers took it personally. I know you took it per- family, which are the foundation of society. sonally, and so do I. I have a duty that goes We stand for a culture of life in which every on. I wake up every morning thinking about person matters and every person counts. We how to best protect our country. I will never stand for judges who faithfully interpret the relent in defending America, whatever it law instead of legislating from the bench. We takes. stand for a culture of responsibility in Amer- We’ve come through much together. ica. This culture of ours is changing from one We’ve done a lot of hard work. There’s more that has said, ‘‘If it feels good, just go ahead work to be done over the next 4 years. We and do it,’’ and ‘‘If you got a problem, blame will spread ownership and opportunity to somebody else,’’ to a culture in which each every corner of America. During the next 4

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years, we’ll pass the enduring values of our was back here recently. She went on the country on to another generation. During the Leno show the next night. [Laughter] She next 4 years, we will continue to lead the said something along the lines, what happens world to spread freedom and peace. in Vegas stays in Vegas. [Laughter] I was in- Four years ago, I traveled this great coun- terested in hearing her say that. [Laughter] try asking for the vote. I made a pledge to She’s doing great, by the way. I was a lucky my fellow Americans that if you honored me fellow when she said yes. And she’s a won- with this great responsibility, I would uphold derful First Lady and great mom. I’m going the dignity and the honor of the office to to meet up with her here in a little bit to which I have been elected, so help me God. continue our journey throughout the West. And with your help, I will do so for the next Really what I’m doing is traveling around, 4 years. letting the people know that I’m interested Thanks for coming. Thank you all. in earning your vote. I really believe that a person running for office—I’m also inter- NOTE: The President spoke at 6:22 p.m. at Ari- ested in letting people know I’ve got more zona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. In his re- to do to make this country a better place, marks, he referred to Arizona Secretary of State a stronger place, and a safer place. And I Janice K. Brewer; Arizona State Treasurer David appreciate the chance to come and talk about A. Petersen; professional baseball player Luis my vision for the future of this country here. Gonzalez and his wife, Christine; professional I want to thank Doug, and I also want to golfer Tom Lehman; Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qadhafi, leader of Libya; former President Sad- thank his brother Mike. I’m not sure which dam Hussein of Iraq; and the National Commis- one of them is prettier. [Laughter] But sion on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States they’re both smart, and they’re both good (9/11 Commission). Americans. I want to thank Dale Shoemaker for his leadership here. I want to thank Doug Banes Remarks to the United Brotherhood and Andy Silins, Bill Irwin. These are all folks of Carpenters and Joiners of America who make this facility work well—appreciate in Las Vegas, Nevada your hospitality. It’s great to meet the work- August 12, 2004 ers from all around our country. I went to the facility next door where Doug The President. Thank you all. Thank you and his folks are training people how to work all very much. Thank you all very much for on these big GE engines, and there’s people coming. Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s from Fort Smith, Arkansas, and southern In- good to be back here in Nevada. diana, and a fellow from McAllen, Texas. Audience member. We love you! People from all around the country are here The President. Thank you. I want to to gain the skills necessary to be able to work thank Doug and the good folks here in this and put food on the table. And again, that’s training facility for welcoming us. I appre- why I’m here. This is a program that works. ciate your smart work and your hard work I want to thank my friend the Governor, and your dedication to helping our fellow Kenny Guinn, for coming out to say hello. citizens gain the skills necessary to be able I appreciate him being here. Congressman to find work. Jon Porter—he’s a good fellow, a really good And I just want to talk a little bit about fellow, and I appreciate him coming out. the importance of education, but the reason Congressman Jim Gibbons—he’s from I’m so grateful that the Carpenters have been northern Nevada. so hospitable here is that this is an example I know we got members of the Nevada of what works. That’s what we’re interested National Guard, First Squadron, 221st Cal- in in life; we’re interested in finding things vary. I appreciate you being here. Thanks for that work and heralding them. And I want your service. to thank Doug for your leadership. I told you one of the things I’m working I’m not the only Bush who’s recently been on is to make the country a better country. in Las Vegas. You might remember my wife See, I know the strength of the country is

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the hearts and souls of the citizens. Right We’ve overcome the obstacles. You know here in Nevada, you’ve got a lot of loving why? We’ve got great workers. We’ve got citizens who are willing to help neighbors in productive, hard-working people in America. need. We’ve overcome these obstacles because the When I landed today, I met a fellow entrepreneurial spirit is strong, the small- named Mike Peschl. Where are you, Mike? business sector of our economy is alive and There he is. Thank you for coming, Mike. well. We have overcome these obstacles be- Here’s what Mike does. Mike has now cause our farmers and ranchers are good. worked on his 34th home for Habitat for Hu- We’ve overcome these obstacles because we manity. It is a—he spends every Saturday at refuse to be intimidated. The spirit of Amer- a Habitat building site. What he is doing is ica is strong, and our economy is strong as helping to transform America one heart and well. one soul at a time. He knows what I know, I also believe one of the reasons that we that there’s nothing better at a Habitat site have overcome these obstacles is because we to work with the eventual homeowner. And provided well-timed tax relief to the small that accomplishes two things. One, it shows businesses and the workers of America. If somebody, somebody cares about them. a construction worker has got more money That’s what Mike works—Mike is loving a in his pocket, he’s going to demand an addi- neighbor like he’d like to be loved himself. tional good or a service. And when they de- You know what else it does? It encourages mand that additional good or a service, some- an ownership society in America. We want body has to produce the good or a service. more people owning things. We want more And when somebody produces a good or a people owning their own home in this coun- service, somebody is more likely to keep a try. job or find work. That’s how the economy We’ll continue rallying the armies of com- works. That’s why the tax relief was impor- passion all across the country. See, I under- tant. stand Government can hand out money, but We also helped people with families. If it cannot put hope in a person’s heart or you’re working and you’ve got a child, we sense of purpose in a person’s life. That’s helped you raise that child by raising the done when people have heard a call and are child credit. If you’re married, we helped you willing to put an arm around somebody who with the marriage penalty. Let me—it’s a is lonely or hurts or is addicted and says, ‘‘I backward Tax Code, isn’t it, when you penal- love you, brother or sister. What can I do ize marriage? We ought to be encouraging to help you?’’ America will change. America marriage in our country. will change one soul at a time. We helped our small businesses. The stronger America is an America where Listen, this economy is strong, it’s getting people can find work. And I was obviously stronger, there’s still work to be done. I concerned about our country after a reces- mean, think about it, the unemployment rate sion. That means people weren’t working. It in this State is at 4.2 percent. People are means we were going backwards. working in Nevada. People can make a living Of course, we started to recover from that in this State. National unemployment rate is recession, and then we got attacked, and that at 5.5 percent. We’re the strongest economy hurt our economy. Make no mistake about in the world amongst industrialized nations. it, the attacks of September the 11th hurt. But there’s more to do. In order to keep We had some corporate scandals. That hurt. jobs here at home, we need an energy policy And we’ve got people who don’t tell the in America to make us less dependent on truth, it begins to shake the confidence of foreign sources of energy. In order to keep our economy. We dealt with these situations. jobs at home, we ought to be confident about I’m going to talk a little bit about the war our ability to compete in the world. later on, but we passed laws that say to our There’s some economic isolationists that corporate citizens, ‘‘You will be held to ac- want to wall us off. I think that’s a mistake. count if you do not tell the truth to your Listen, we’ve opened up our markets. It’s shareholders and your employees.’’ good for American consumers when there’s

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more products coming in for people to this talk about taxing the rich. You know how choose from. That’s how you get better qual- that goes. The so-called rich hire accountants ity at better price. What I’m asking is for and lawyers to maybe not pay as much and, other countries to treat us the way we treat therefore, in order to meet all these prom- them, because we can compete with any- ises, guess who gets to end up stuck with body, anyplace, anywhere in the world. the bill? In order to make sure jobs stay here, we Audience member. We do. got to have health care policies that make The President. The working people. Be it more affordable for people to have health careful of this language. We’ve heard it be- insurance. Most small businesses have trou- fore in American politics. ble affording health insurance. Large busi- Now, one of the reasons I’m here is be- nesses are fine. It’s the small-business sector cause I understand the importance of edu- that is having trouble providing health insur- cation when it comes to making sure our ance for our fellow citizens. And therefore, workers are able to find jobs. Doug’s outfit I think small businesses ought to be allowed has been really innovative. In other words, to pool risk across jurisdictional boundaries what he says is, is that, ‘‘We got the skilled so they can get the same discounts for health workers. We got hard-working people, and insurance that big companies get. now we want to match their desire to work Listen, we’re going to use technology to and their skills with the jobs which actually help change health care to make it more effi- exist.’’ That’s why we went and saw the— cient, to cut down on mistakes, and to help these big turbine-driven engines. People are control costs. I mean, the health care indus- looking for workers, people who know these try needs to become modernized. It needs to welcome technology so that it can be a engines. And so that’s what the apprentice- more efficient deliverer of services. We’ve ship program was all about and the skill train- got to make sure that the patient and doctor ing programs are all about. It’s the practical are central to the decisionmaking processes use of people’s time so that people can do in health care, not Federal bureaucrats. what they want to do, which is work. And That’s why I’m for health savings accounts, my attitude is, is that we ought to listen care- which are important. fully to the strategy employed by this union We’ll make sure the Medicare moderniza- and implement it at places like our commu- tion bill I signed works, gives seniors choices nity colleges as well. and prescription drug coverage. We’ll con- See, there are a lot of people who want tinue to provide community health centers to work but the jobs, the nature of the jobs for the poorest of our citizens. And to make are changing. These jobs are changing. And sure that health care is available and afford- therefore, they need help. They need a little able, we need medical liability reform. You extra education to be able to fill the new jobs. know what I’m talking about in Nevada when I think, for example, of meeting with textile it comes to medical liability reform. [Laugh- workers. Their jobs left, but there’s enough ter] You’ve seen the costs of frivolous law- Government money to pay for the reeduca- suits. Ask your small-business neighbor what tion. And now they’re in the health care field, it’s like to try to provide health care when and they’re making more money in the new the costs are going up because of these frivo- job after getting some additional education. lous lawsuits. Ask your neighbors what it’s That’s what Doug understands, a little like when there’s a threat of lawsuit. That’s added value. If you help somebody with why we need tort reform as well. These are some extra training, they become more pro- practical ways to make sure this economy ductive. And more productive workers makes grows. more money. And so the Federal Govern- And finally, to make sure this economy ment ought to be wise about how we use grows and continues to grow, we need to be taxpayers’ money, and that includes pro- wise about how we spend your money in viding training at community colleges for Washington and keep your taxes low. Just be people who want to work and need new skills careful—all I ask you is be careful about all to fill the jobs of the 21st century.

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So I’ve laid out a plan to double the num- at the Federal level for public schools by ber of workers that get reeducated, find addi- some 49 percent since 2001. But now we’re tional skills so they can make more money. asking some questions like, ‘‘Is the money They’ve got to have innovative training ac- being well-spent? Can you read? Can you counts. They need less bureaucracy. If you write? Can you add and subtract?’’ Seems look at the workforce training programs in like legitimate questions to ask. And if not, the Government, if you put an objective look here is extra help to make sure our children on them, you’ll find that a lot of money goes can read, write, add and subtract—early, be- to bureaucracy and not enough goes to the fore it is too late. workers. And that’s what we want to focus on. We want to focus on the people who There is more work to do to make sure we’re trying to help. We want to make sure a high school diploma means something. that—I believe we ought to increase our There is more work to do for intervention budgets for these training programs, and programs in junior high, for example. And we’ll call upon—continue to call upon Con- there is more work to do to spend money gress to do so, because it’s money well-spent. to encourage our children in math and See, I think the role of Government is to science, because the truth of the matter is, help people help themselves. And one way for example, those 1 million construction jobs to do so is through good valid education pro- are going to require a higher level skill than grams, just like they do here at this site. ever before. And our schools must lay the Doug was telling me he went over to the foundation to help these folks with the jobs Labor Department to tell them what-for, I of the 21st century. That’s what we’re talking guess, or at least to give them a little nudge about, and that’s the kind of education pro- in the right direction. But I appreciate that. gram that makes sense. That’s why I’m at The reason I bring that up is I do think it’s this facility. Education is the best way to very important to work with people like make sure we keep jobs right here in Amer- Doug and the union here, to help people un- ica. derstand that we need a million new jobs to fill the construction jobs over the next dec- I want to talk about a couple more issues ade. And that’s a challenge all of us have got before I want to spend a little time on how to work on together. to secure the country and make the world We’ve got to make it clear there are jobs a more peaceful place. But I do want to talk available. That’s why these job fair hosts need about two issues related here to Nevada. to be notified about the opportunities avail- One, water. I was raised in Midland, Texas. able for our citizens. That’s why we need [Applause] There you go. [Laughter] Re- guidance counselors to understand. That’s member what it was like out there? No water. why the Governors, like Kenny, must under- I understand how precious water is. People stand that there are great career opportuni- in Nevada understand how precious water is. ties available for people in the construction And there is a role for the Federal Govern- field, and that there’s also an opportunity for ment. For example, there is a role for the these good people to be able to be trained Federal Government to resolve disputes like and get the skills necessary, like right here the Colorado River water dispute. at this union hall. The other thing we’ve got to do is make I instructed Gale Norton, my Secretary of sure our kids learn early, before it’s too late. the Interior, to work with all parties to de- Listen, when I got up there, there was—too velop innovative strategies, to develop con- many of the kids were being shuffled from servation plans to help meet Nevada’s water grade to grade without the skills necessary needs. And there is an agreement in place. to succeed. It’s time somebody said, ‘‘Let’s After years of discussion and adherence to stop this practice. For the sake of our future, the status quo, we’ve got an agreement. What let’s make sure we raise the standards and I’m telling you is, is that we see problems, hold people accountable in our public and this administration works to solve them. schools.’’ We did. We’ve increased funding We see problems—[applause].

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Last summer we launched what’s called eral. They didn’t agree with my decision. I Water 2025 initiative. Gale is a Westerner, understand that. They made themselves very by the way; she understands water needs. She clear. And I said, ‘‘Well, I appreciate your understands the problems in the West. She opinion, but I will—I’ll tell you what I will understands there’s competing interests for do. I will allow this process to be appealed scarce water. This program promotes con- to the courts and to the Nuclear Regulatory servation, as I mentioned. It expands the use Commission, and I will stand by the decision of voluntary water markets. It provides ad- of the courts and the Nuclear Regulatory vanced technology, like automated pumping Commission.’’ and canal controls. It funds research into new Now, my opponent is trying to turn Yucca technologies to better deliver water and con- Mountain into a political poker chip. [Laugh- serve resources. In other words, it is a com- ter] He says he’s strongly against Yucca here prehensive strategy to deal with a problem in Nevada, but he voted for it several times. that needs to be dealt with. And so did his runningmate. My point to you And we look forward to working with the is that, if they’re going to change, one day States and the local authorities to better safe- they may change again. [Laughter] I think guard this precious resource. I know the we need—I think you need straight talk on mayor of Henderson is with us today. Mr. this issue. I think you need somebody who Mayor, we will listen to you. And I know is going to do what he says he’s going to do. Kenny will listen to you. This is an effort Let me talk about one other subject. I where we’ve all got to work together to bring know it’s on your mind—it’s clearly on my the stakeholders in place so the people of mind—and that’s how best to secure our this part of the world will have water not country. We—they’re—first of all, no Presi- only today but in future years. dent wants to be a war President. That was And we’re spending money. My budget for my last choice. And the enemy attacked us, Water 2025 more than doubles the $8.4 mil- lion that had been spent to date to $21 mil- and we got to respond. lion. I mean, we’re beginning an effort to I’m going to share some lessons about Sep- make sure that the people of this part of the tember the 11th: first, the nature of the peo- world understand how precious your re- ple that attacked us. I tell people that you source is and how best to not only conserve cannot negotiate with these folks. You cannot it and use it but to develop it in a way that reason with them. Their hearts are so filled will enable your quality of life to continue with hatred, they’re willing to take innocent on. life * like that. These are people that—they The other issue, of course, I want to talk only understand one thing, and that is force about is Yucca Mountain. This is a vital ques- and justice. And that’s what they will get. We tion, and we need to keep facts, not politics, will pursue them wherever they exist. [Ap- at the center of the debate. It’s an issue that’s plause] Thank you all. been developing for a while. Since the 1987 See, I understand we must pursue them congressional vote to focus exclusively on overseas so we do not have to face them here Yucca Mountain, Presidents have considered at home. I understand. The second lesson this issue, as did I. And when I campaigned is that this is a different kind of war than here in this State, I said I would make a deci- we were used to, and this is a shadowy net- sion based upon science, not politics. I said work of cold-blooded killers that can hide in I would listen to the scientists, those involved cities around the world where they can find with determining whether or not this project safe haven. And therefore, in order to better could move forward in a safe manner. And secure America, we not only needed to say that’s exactly what I did. I listened to the to them that we will bring you to justice, but people who know the facts and know the we needed to say to their allies and people science, and made a decision. willing to harbor them, or feed them, or hide Now, I’ve listened also, as well, to your Governor and Senator Ensign and to the * At this point, the President snapped his fin- Congressmen and to your fine Attorney Gen- gers.

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them that you’re just as guilty as those who lies of suiciders. You know, paying people came and killed the people in America. whose loved one goes and kills somebody is And when America speaks, it better mean a part of a terrorist act. He is a dangerous what it says. And so when I said to the man. He was shooting at our pilots. Taliban, ‘‘Give them up, or face serious con- We had been to war with Saddam Hussein sequences,’’ I meant exactly what I said. And before. And he was a source of instability. today the world is safer and America is safer And so I looked at the intelligence. Now re- because Afghanistan has been liberated from member, the United States Congress—I the Taliban. I want you—just think about thought it was important to bring the Con- this—in less than 4 years’ time, Afghanistan gress—get Congress involved with this very has gone from a brutal dictatorship that de- important matter. They understood the nied many young girls the right to go to stakes. They looked at the intelligence. They school, that was more than willing to drag remembered the nature of Saddam Hussein. their moms or women into the public square Members of both political parties stood up and whip them and, in some cases, kill them, and said, ‘‘We support the President, if he to a society in which over 8 million people has to use force, in using force’’—including have registered to vote. They’re going to have my opponent. Presidential elections in October. Afghani- It looked like for a while he was trying stan is an ally in the war on terror. to squirm out of that vote. [Laughter] The Another lesson of September the 11th is other day, he said that knowing what we that when we see a threat, we must take it know today, he still—he agreed that the use seriously before it fully materializes. That is of force in Iraq was necessary. I welcome a vital lesson. It’s a change, obviously, of doc- that clarification. [Laughter] He’s still got 82 trine because prior to 9/11, we used to think, days left in the campaign, though. [Laughter] ‘‘Well, gosh, if we saw a threat, we’re safe I went to the United Nations. See, I—as anyway. It may affect somebody somewhere I told you, I think diplomacy should be tried else, but it surely can’t affect America.’’ first. And I went to the United Nations, and That’s what changed on that fateful day. And the U.N. Security Council voted 15 to noth- it’s really important for our country to under- ing that said to the tyrant, ‘‘Disclose, disarm, stand it. I want you to know I clearly under- or face serious consequences.’’ And so the stand that. world was once again saying to Saddam, And so, therefore, when we looked at— ‘‘You’re a threat.’’ Everybody recognized that when we looked around the world and saw in the post-9/11 world that a threat needed threats, we began to act in a different fashion. to be dealt with. He defied the world, as he Now, look, I want—I would like to deal with had done for over a decade. He systemati- all threats diplomatically. That’s the first cally deceived the inspectors. Remember, we choice. The use of our military is the last sent inspectors in to try to find the truth, option. And so we saw a threat with Saddam and they were systematically deceived. That’s Hussein. You say, ‘‘Why did you see a the reality. And so after a period of time, threat?’’ Of course, we looked at intelligence I had a choice to make. Tony Blair had a and saw a threat, but we also remembered choice to make. Other leaders had choices the nature of the regime of Saddam Hussein. to make. And that is, do we forget the lessons He used weapons of mass destruction. He of the modern world and hope for the best harbored terrorist organizations—Abu and hope that Saddam Hussein all of a sud- Nidal’s organization. This is the guy that den miraculously changes his attitude about killed Leon Klinghoffer. He’s a known ter- America and terrorism and weapons, or do rorist, killed an American. He’s in and out we take action necessary to defend ourselves of Iraq. Actually, he received safe harbor in and to spread freedom and peace? And given Iraq. that choice, I will take action every time. Now, Zarqawi’s network—he’s the peo- Knowing what we know today—no, I ple—he’s the guy now—he just beheads peo- thought we were going to find stockpiles; ev- ple like that to try to shake our will and our erybody did. But he had the capability of conscience. Saddam Hussein paid the fami- making weapons. And if the world had

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turned away from watching Saddam, that ca- are wise and the strategies are good and the pability could have been passed on to ter- people are well-compensated—and you’ve rorist enemies. It’s a risk we could not afford just got to know a lot of people are working to take. Knowing what I know today, I would hard to protect us—but we’ve got to also take have made the same decision, and the world on another mission, and that is to deal with is better off for it. The world is better off the conditions that give rise to terrorism. for it. Because America has led, the world So there’s a long-term strategy, and it’s is safer. spreading freedom. We, in America, under- We put together a great coalition. Over stand that liberty can be a transforming the next 4 years, I’ll continue to work with power for societies. If you’ve got a loved one our friends and allies. If you think about Af- in Iraq—does anybody here have a loved one ghanistan, there’s nearly 40 nations there. If in Iraq? You do? Thank you. [Applause] Let you think about Iraq, with allies and me—I appreciate that. I want you to know friends—Japan, South Korea, Great Britain, that your loved one is serving the country the Dutch, the Danes, Poles—countries all and the world in a powerful way. Not only— around the world understand what we know, as I said, we’ll defeat people there so we that free societies are peaceful societies. don’t have to face them here, but a free Iraq They understand the stakes. They know in the midst of the Middle East is going to what’s really important. But I’ll assure you, be a transforming event. This is a part of the I’ll never turn over America’s national secu- world where people—the people are des- rity decisions to leaders of other countries. perate for freedom. This is a part of the world I also want to say to the loved ones who where people—they’re frustrated, the deep are here, those whose loved one wear a uni- resentments because they’re not free. We in form, the Government has an obligation to America believe everybody deserves to be your husbands, wives, sons, or daughters to free. We believe it’s the Almighty God’s gift make sure you’ve got all—your loved one has to every man and woman on Earth—free- all he or she needs to fulfill the mission. dom. That’s an important part of this debate. And And therefore, I want you all to know that I would ask you to ask your fellow citizens the long-term consequences of a free Iraq to remember what happened when I sub- will make our children safer; it will make the mitted a supplemental funding request to the children in other parts of the world safer as United States Congress in September of last well. It’s going to—this is—these are trans- year. It was an $87 billion request for more forming times. body armor and fuel and spare parts and am- I’ll tell you an interesting story—at least munition, money necessary so that we could I think it is. I was having lunch with the complete our missions. And it was over- Prime Minister of Japan—a dinner with him, whelmingly approved by the Congress. and he’s a friend of mine. And there I was Members of both parties supported it; my sitting down with the head of a country that opponent didn’t. And he gave this expla- my dad fought against, and I’m sure some nation, he said, ‘‘I actually did vote for the of your dads fought against him too. He was $87 billion, before I voted against it.’’ an enemy, and he represented a country [Laughter] I think you need somebody who which was an enemy of our country. We lost speaks plainly and honors our commitment— a lot of lives in World War II because we honors the commitment of our Government fought each other. And after World War II, to those who wear our uniform. And that $87 my predecessor and others understood, how- billion was necessary. ever, that a country could be transformed by I believe these are historic times. I believe liberty, by the habits of liberty. And they history—historians will look back and say this stuck to their guns. They didn’t listen to the was a really important period. This is a time critics and the pessimists. And eventually, where we need firm resolve and clear vision Japan became a self-governing nation where about the stakes. But not only must we stay the people were free. on the offense to protect our country and And therefore, the discussion had changed not only make sure our homeland defenses over a period of time, hadn’t it, from one

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where there was war, and Prime Minister Audience member. You rock, Mr. Presi- Koizumi and I were now discussing peace. dent! [Laughter] We were discussing how best we could deal The President. Thank you, sir. Let me fin- together with Kim Chong-il and his nuclear ish by one story that is a compelling story. weapons ambitions. We were talking about I’ve told it several times here on this trip the peace. This country loves peace. I want and out on the road. It’s the story about the there to be a peaceful world. But I was able time seven Iraqi citizens came to see me in to have that conversation in large part be- the Oval Office. The Oval Office is a power- cause after World War II, there was a strat- ful place. It’s—you know, people walk in and egy to help our enemies become free coun- just get overwhelmed by the majesty of this tries. Someday, an American President will shrine to democracy. I do, on a daily basis. be sitting down with an elected leader from And the only person I know that didn’t was Iraq, talking about the peace, talking about my mother, who walked in and continued to how to make the world a more peaceful tell me what to do. Anyway—[laughter]— place. that’s a cheap shot, I know. That’s what’s at stake. And that’s why it’s Anyway, the seven men come in. They— really important for us to complete the mis- they’re Iraqi citizens. All seven had had their sion. There’s a lot of people watching Amer- right hands cut off by Saddam Hussein be- ica right now. They’re wondering whether or cause the currency—his currency had de- not we’ve got what it takes to complete the valued and he needed to blame somebody. mission. They hear things like, ‘‘Well, I’m And one fellow explained to me why him, going to substantially reduce our troops in and it was because he had sold dinars to buy, 6 months.’’ That’s a bad signal, as far as I’m I think he said euros or dollars to buy gold concerned. It’s a signal that says all the so he could then manufacture jewelry. He enemy has to do is wait us out. It means that was a small merchant. And so he picks these the Iraqis who are worried about their fu- seven guys out and cuts their right hands off. ture—after all, what they don’t want to do And then burns an X in their foreheads and is go back to the day where a tyrant could charges them for the operation. come and summarily execute them if he felt Fortunately, a documentary was made of like it; therefore, they’re afraid to take risks the plights of these people. And a guy in for peace. So they kind of say, ‘‘Well, I won- Houston, Texas, saw it. He was a successful der whether or not this country really means person who believed that you have a duty what it says.’’ It’s essential that when America in life to help others, and flew these seven speaks, it means what it says, and that we men over to Houston where they were fitted should not be sending mixed signals to allies with new hands. And it was shortly thereafter and enemy alike. that they came to see me. And it was—I’m We will succeed—we will succeed. You telling you, it was a powerful moment to see know why we’re going to succeed? One, we the stark contrast between a society that— do have what it takes. where somebody could just summarily say, Audience member. [Inaudible] ‘‘I don’t like you; I’m going to chop your hand The President. We do have what it takes. off,’’ and a society full of compassionate peo- We’ve got the vision and the courage and ple that were willing to heal the hurt by help- the willingness to serve a great cause. The ing these people with a new hand. And that’s other reason we’ll succeed is because people what we’re really working on. want to be free. People from all walks of life I told these men there, I said, ‘‘Come in want to be free. Mothers and dads in Iraq the Oval Office. I want you to be in a place want to raise their children in a peaceful en- where the office is bigger than the person.’’ vironment, just like moms and dads here in That’s what free societies that are stable soci- America do. People long for peace. They eties do. They have institutions that are big- want peace. They’ve got peace in their hearts. ger than the people. ‘‘And some day,’’ I said They long for a world where—that is a de- to them, ‘‘you will have institutions bigger cent world. And that stands in stark contrast than your people, so that never again can to the enemy. And we’ve been called—— somebody summarily disfigure you.’’

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And that’s what we’re talking about, really, Mrs. Reagan. And you met Duchess. when you think about it. We’re talking about The President. And I met Duchess. the difference between good and evil. We’re Mrs. Reagan. You met Duchess. talking about the difference between com- The First Lady. That’s right. passion and tyranny. And we’re talking about The President. Thank you all. a world in which people are able to realize The First Lady. Thanks, everybody. their hopes and dreams and aspirations with- out fear of brutal tyranny. America will be NOTE: The President spoke at 2:37 p.m. at the safer and the world will be better because Reagan home. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these remarks. of the actions we are taking today. May God bless you all, and may God bless our country. Thank you all. Remarks at a Victory 2004 Dinner in

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:02 a.m at the Santa Monica, California United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of August 12, 2004 America International Training Facility. In his re- marks, he referred to Douglas J. McCarron, gen- The President. Thanks for coming. And eral president, Douglas J. Banes, general vice thanks for having us. Thank you all. Please president, and Andris J. Siling, general secretary- be seated. Thanks for the warm, warm wel- treasurer, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and come. Joiners of America; Mike McCarron, executive Audience member. [Inaudible] secretary treasurer, Southwest Regional Council The President. Thank you. Thank you all. of Carpenters; Dale Shoemaker, senior technical Mine is the only line of work where you get coordinator, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America International Training Fa- introduced by your wife—[laughter]—and cility; William K. Irwin, Jr., executive director, I’m really glad I did. I can’t tell you how Carpenters International Training Fund; tele- proud I am of Laura. She is a fabulous First vision talk show host Jay Leno; Gov. Kenny C. Lady. I like to tell these folks I’ve been cam- Guinn of Nevada; Mayor James B. Gibson of Hen- paigning with recently, I said I’m going to derson, NV; Nevada State Attorney General Brian give you some reasons to put me back in of- Sandoval; former President Saddam Hussein of fice, but perhaps the most important one of Iraq; senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab al all is so that Laura is the First Lady for 4 Zarqawi; Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United more years. And by the way, it’s a joy to cam- Kingdom; Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan; and Chairman Kim Chong-il of North paign with her, and it’s a great joy for both Korea. of us to campaign with our daughters. It’s really been a fun experience for us to have Barbara and Jenna on the campaign trail with Remarks With Nancy Reagan in us. And it’s kind of like the camping trip I Bel Air, California never took them on. [Laughter] August 12, 2004 I’m also proud to be here with the Gov- ernor of California. He’s a—because he and The President. Laura and I are honored I share a lot in common. We both married to come by and pay our respects to Mrs. above ourselves—[laughter]—we both have Reagan. We really admire Mrs. Reagan’s trouble with the English language—[laugh- strength and her love of a great President ter]—we both have big biceps—[laughter]— and her friendship. We really thank you for well, two out of three aren’t bad. If I had the tour of your beautiful backyard. [Laugh- to put a motto or slogan on Governor ter] Schwarzenegger, I would say he’s a guy who Mrs. Reagan. I’m so glad you came—so got the job done. He came to this important glad you came. Thanks so much. State, and he got the job done. That’s how The President. Thank you. I hope people view me as well—as the Presi- The First Lady. Thanks so much. dent, came to the Capital and got the job Mrs. Reagan. I’m always happy to see done. you. This is a part of a western swing that actu- The First Lady. Thank you very much. ally started in Florida. [Laughter] John

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McCain and I were campaigning in Panama partner of the Texas Rangers who said, ‘‘How City the other day. We had 23,000 people can I help?’’ I said, ‘‘Why don’t you lead the show up, a big crowd for August. Last night efforts to make sure we’re well-funded.’’ And in Phoenix, there was about 15,000, 16,000, he has done a fabulous job. I appreciate you loud, energetic, enthusiastic people. I’m tell- being here, friend. Finally, I want to thank ing you what I’m seeing. The crowds are big. my friend Gerry Parsky and Robin for being The enthusiasm is high. We’re going to win here as well and being such great friends. in November. [Applause] Thank you all. Listen, I’m here to ask for the vote. I’m And I want to thank you for your help to- traveling the country letting the people know night. This is not the first time we’ve been that I’ve got a reason to be your President out here, by the way, nor is it going to be for 4 more years. I’ve got a reason to run the last time. I intend to compete in Cali- for office. I want this country to be a safer fornia. I know that Parsky, my man Parsky country, a stronger country, and a better says, ‘‘Don’t worry, you’re going to win it this country for every one of our citizens. time.’’ And I said, ‘‘You know what? I think And we’ve done a lot. You know, this coun- I am.’’ I’m looking forward to coming to this try has come through a lot, and we’ve accom- great State. Nobody should take this State plished a lot. But there’s only one reason to for granted in 2004. look backward, and that’s to determine who I’m running with a good man. And Dick best can lead us forward. I’m traveling the Cheney, you know, I like to tell people he’s country talking about what more we can do not the prettiest face on the ticket. [Laugh- to make this country the best country it can ter] I didn’t pick him for his looks. [Laughter] possibly be. I have more work to do on behalf I picked him because he can do the job. I of the American people. We’ve got more picked him because of his experience. I work to do to make sure our public schools picked him because of his sound advice. work well. I want to thank my friend Brad Freeman. You might remember, when I came to of- I’m thankful for the fact he didn’t introduce fice, the system was such that it just shuffled me. [Laughter] But I love him like a brother. the kids through grade after grade, year after And I thank you all for coming too. year, without teaching them the basics. And Rabbi Hier, I want to thank you for your I went to Washington to challenge the soft outstanding prayer. I got up after he offered bigotry of low expectations. And so we that prayer and said I want a copy of it. It changed the attitude toward our public was really strong. What a fine man Rabbi schools, at least in the Nation’s Capital. Hier is. What a sweet, fine man. Roland said, We’ve now raised the bar. We’ve said we ex- ‘‘That’s my rabbi.’’ I said I can understand pect results, show us whether or not the chil- why. dren can read and write and add and sub- I want to thank all the Congressmen who tract. If they can’t, we’ll fix the problems are here, Ed Royce and Ken Calvert and early. The whole goal is to make sure that Chris Cox and Dana Rohrabacher. These are not one single child is left behind in America. fine Members of the United States Congress, And we’re making progress—we’re making good, hard-working, decent people. I see progress. Riordan is here—Mr. Secretary, I’m glad We’ve laid the foundation for excellence. you’re here, glad you finally found work. You know, there’s a lot of talk in these cam- [Laughter] Remember the last job I tried to paigns about funding. We’ve increased fund- give you, but—Ambassador to Chad. But he ing by—for elementary and secondary edu- didn’t want it. [Laughter] cation by 49 percent. We’ve increased fund- I’m glad the next Senator from California, ing since 2001 by 52 percent for Title I. But Bill Jones, is with us. I appreciate you, Sen- that’s part of the issue. The other issue is, ator. are we actually getting the job done? Are the I want to thank my friend Mercer Rey- schools functioning the way they’re supposed nolds, who has helped raise money all across to function? And if not, we’re demanding the country. He’s from Cincinnati, Ohio. change. When we find kids trapped in He’s an entrepreneur, a business guy, former schools that will not teach and will not

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change, this administration is calling for country. We’ve been through a recession and change. stock market decline. We’ve been through There’s more to do. We’ve got intervention a corporate scandal. We’ve been through ter- programs in junior high and high school to rorist attacks. And yet our economy is strong make sure, at the very minimum, our kids and getting stronger. I believe the reasons can read. A high school diploma must mean why is because the American people refuse something, so we’ve got a plan to restructure to fold. I also know the reason why is because our high schools in a more effective way. We the entrepreneurial spirit is strong. The role want to make sure the Internet is in our class- of Government is not to create wealth; the rooms to bring the latest technology for our role of Government is to create an environ- kids. What I’m telling you is, over the next ment in which the entrepreneur can flourish. 4 years, our children will gain the skills and And part of making sure the entrepre- confidence ready to succeed in the 21st cen- neurial spirit is strong, we cut taxes. We tury. needed tax relief in order to get out of the There’s more to do. There’s more to do recession we’re in. When people have more for health care. You might remember the money of their own in their pocket, they’re Medicare debate. President after President, going to demand an additional good or a serv- Congress after Congress said, ‘‘Oh, don’t ice, and when they demand that additional worry, we’ll strengthen Medicare,’’ and yet, good or a service, somebody in our system Medicare was not meeting the needs of our is going to produce it. The tax relief we seniors. We pay $100,000 for heart surgery, passed is working. The economy is growing. but not the medicines necessary to prevent More jobs are being added, and there is more the heart surgery from the first place. We work to do. got a job done. We worked with the Congress I’m running because I understand, in to strengthen Medicare. Seniors will now order to keep jobs here in America, America have a choice. Seniors will have prescription must be the best place in the business—in drug coverage. Poor seniors will be helped. the world to do business. Now, what does There’s a lot of talk in Washington, but this that mean? That means tort reform. It means administration, like Arnold Schwarzenegger letting small businesses pool risk when it in California, is getting the job done. comes to health care so they can buy more We’ve expanded low-income—we’ve ex- affordable insurance just like big businesses panded community health centers for low- do. It means an energy policy that is less de- income Americans. We’ve established what’s pendent on foreign sources of energy to keep called health savings accounts so families can jobs here. It means having a trade policy that save tax-free for their health needs. We need is confident in our capacity to compete. We more to do. We’ve got to make sure we bring ought to be opening markets around the technology into the health care industry to world. My view is American entrepreneurs save money and to cut down on medical er- and manufacturers and small-business peo- rors. I’ll tell you what else we need to do. ple and farmers and ranchers can compete We need medical liability reform in the Na- with anybody, anytime, anyplace so long as tion’s Capital now. You cannot be pro-doctor the rules are fair. and pro-patient and pro-trial-lawyer the You know what else it means? It means same time. You have to choose. My opponent we better have an education system that en- made his choice, and he put him on the tick- courages workers to gain the skills necessary et. I made my choice. I’m going to continue for the jobs of the 21st century. I have been the Congress to get medical liability reform. traveling our country a lot. I remember going In all we do to improve health care in to North Carolina where textile mills had America, we will make sure that the health moved overseas. And, of course, there was decisions are made between the doctor and despondency there. But our Government the patient, not made by Government offi- provided help for those workers so they could cials in Washington, DC. go back to community colleges to train for There’s more to do on our economy. Just the jobs which actually now exist in North remember what we’ve been through in this Carolina. And when a worker becomes more

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productive as a result of more education, Prior to September the 11th, Libya was they make more money. People are finding a country that had designs on weapons of new jobs in this changing economy of ours, mass destruction. Because we acted, because and a proper role for Government is to pro- we were clear in our resolve, Muammar Qa- vide job training which works. dhafi got the message, dismantled his weap- I’m running for a reason. I want people ons programs. America and the world are finding work in this country. I want more safer. small businesses flourishing. I want to con- Before September the 11th, Saddam Hus- tinue this fantastic story of homeownership sein was the sworn enemy of America. Re- in America. Do you realize the homeowner- member, Saddam Hussein’s history. He de- ship rate in our country is at the highest rate fied the world, resolution after resolution ever? I love the fact that more and more peo- after resolution. He was firing weapons at our ple from all walks of life are opening their pilots when our pilots were trying to enforce front door and saying, ‘‘Welcome to my the world’s sanctions. Saddam Hussein had home.’’ used weapons of mass destruction. Saddam After 4 years, America’s economy will still Hussein paid the families of suicide bombers. lead the industrialized world. After 4 years, Saddam Hussein harbored terrorists. Re- people will get better paying jobs. And after member Abu Nidal? He killed Leon 4 years, more people will be able to realize Klinghoffer. His organization was given safe harbor in Iraq. Zarqawi, the person who’d their dream and say, ‘‘This is my business, just behead somebody because he feels like and I’m expanding it.’’ it, trying to intimidate the free world, had The next 4 years also require diligence been given safe haven in Iraq. Saddam Hus- when it comes to foreign policy. If America sein killed thousands of his own citizens. He shows weakness or uncertainty in this world, was a threat in a volatile part of the world. the world will drift toward tragedy. This isn’t We saw a threat in Saddam Hussein. After going to happen on my watch. September the 11th, America must deal with You know, our world changed on Sep- threats before they fully materialize. I made tember the 11th. And since that day, we have a decision to go to the United States Con- led and the world has changed. Just think gress to seek a resolution of support in case about this. Prior to September the 11th, Af- we needed to use force in Iraq. I say ‘‘in ghanistan was a home base of Al Qaida. Al case we needed to use force in Iraq’’; the Qaida was training there. They trained thou- use of force should be the last option of the sands of killers and sent them around the President of the United States. It certainly world in secret cells, including our own coun- is in my case. And so I went to the Congress, try. Because we acted, because we were firm and they looked at the facts as we saw them and with resolve, Afghanistan is now free. Af- and looked at the intelligence as I saw it. ghanistan is an ally in the war on terror. In And they agreed with me that Saddam Hus- Afghanistan, young girls now go to school for sein was a threat—‘‘they’’ being members of the first time. both political parties, looked at the same in- The other day I was in Cleveland, Ohio, telligence—including my opponent, who for the International Children’s Game, and looked at the very same intelligence. I had kicked off the games. They had all I went to the United Nations. I think it’s these kids out in front from all around the very important for our country to try to solve world. Right there in my vision was the Af- problems and deal with threat diplomatically ghan girls soccer team. It was a fantastic feel- as a first resort. So I went to the U.N. I asked ing. I can’t tell you how proud I was of our them to take a serious look at Saddam Hus- country. We believe in freedom and liberty. sein as a threat to the world. I described how Remember, before September the 11th, threats in the post-September-the-11th era Pakistan was a transit point for Al Qaida. must be looked at in a new light. They Today, Pakistan is a strong ally in the war agreed. You might remember, the United on terror, and America and the world are Nations Security Council passed a resolution safer for it. 15 to nothing that said, ‘‘Saddam Hussein,

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disclose, disarm, or face serious con- And the way—we will, of course, continue sequences.’’ The world spoke with one voice, to work with our friends and allies. We’ve and yet, once again, he defied the world. Re- got a vast coalition in support of our goals. member, we thought weapons inspectors Sixty nations are involved with Proliferation were a good idea. And yet, he systematically Security Initiative. There’s 40 nations in- deceived the weapons inspectors. He wasn’t volved in Afghanistan. Nearly 30 nations are about to disclose. And as he had for year after involved in Iraq. I thank their leaders all the year after year, he basically said there’s no time. I appreciate so very much the families consequences. So I had a choice to make at of those soldiers who are working side by side this point in time: to forget the lessons of with our soldiers to bring peace and freedom September the 11th and trust a madman, or to the world with their great contributions. take action to defend our country. Given that I have an obligation to continue building and choice, I will defend America every time. strengthening alliances, which I will do. But You know, even though we didn’t find the I will never turn over America’s national se- stockpiles that everybody thought we would curity decisions to leaders of other foreign find, Saddam had the capability to make countries. weapons. And in a post-September-the-11th I’m really proud of our military. Our mili- era, the thought of him having that capacity tary has helped us to keep our commitments. and that capability and the thought of him We must keep our commitments to our mili- being able to pass that capability on to our tary. That’s why, last September, I proposed enemies, our sworn enemies who had the supplemental funding to support our troops willingness to kill thousands in one attack, who are in combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This money was for body armor and was a threat we had to deal with. Knowing vital equipment, hazard pay, health benefits, what I know today, I would have still made ammunition, fuel, and spare parts. It was an the same decision. important piece of legislation. We received And now, almost 2 years after he voted great bipartisan support in both the House for the war in Iraq and almost 220 days after and the Senate. As a matter of fact, only 12 switching positions to declare himself the Senators voted against that vital funding for antiwar candidate, my opponent found a— our troops, 2 of whom are my opponent and what I call a new nuance. [Laughter] He now his runningmate. agrees it was the right decision to go into When questioned about that vote, I found Iraq. After months of questioning my motives it interesting that he said this: ‘‘I actually did and even my credibility, Senator Kerry vote for the $87 billion, before I voted against agrees with me that even though we did not it.’’ [Laughter] End quote. [Laughter] He got find the stockpiles of weapons that we all be- pressured more, and he went on to say he lieved were there, knowing everything we was proud to vote, then he said the whole know today, he would have voted to go into thing was a complicated matter. There is Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein from power. nothing complicated about supporting our I’m glad he cleared that up. [Laughter] The troops in combat. only problem is there’s 80 more days for him In the long run, our security is not guaran- to change his mind. [Laughter] teed by force alone. We’ve got to work to I’m running because there’s more to do change the conditions that give rise to terror, to defend our country. We’re—we will work and that’s poverty and hopelessness and re- with our friends and allies to pursue these sentment. The best way to do that is to terrorists around the world. Listen, it’s better spread freedom. We believe that liberty can to defeat them there than to face them here change people for the better. in our own country. I know you cannot talk I oftentimes tell the story about visiting sense to these people. There’s the—you can’t with Prime Minister Koizumi, a good friend negotiate with them. You cannot hope for the of mine. Laura and I were having dinner with best. It is essential that we be firm and re- him one night in Tokyo. And it dawned on solved and steady and stay on the offense me that it was amazing that here is the leader against people who would do us harm. of America and the leader of Japan sitting

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around the table talking about peace. What’s their recruiting efforts. I think the logic is amazing is that we were enemies not all that upside-down. I think that shows a misunder- long ago. As a matter of fact, my dad, and standing of the enemy. See, remember, dur- I’m sure many of your dads, fought against ing the nineties, the terrorists were recruiting the Japanese people, bitter enemies. Fortu- and training for war with us long before— nately, after World War II, my predecessor long before—we went to war with them. and others in positions of responsibility in They don’t need an excuse for their hatred. Washington believed that liberty could I think it’s wrong to blame our country for change Japan for the better. They defied the the anger and evil of those killers. See, we critics and the pessimists and said, ‘‘Let’s don’t create terrorists by fighting back. We help build a self-governing society based defeat the terrorists by fighting back. upon the principles of liberty.’’ And as a re- We’re starting the hard work of reform. sult of being—having such a heartfelt belief I want to—inside Washington on homeland in the fact that liberty can change the habits security. I want to thank the Members of of people, I’m now at the table with a former Congress who are here. We put together a enemy talking about peace. new Department of Homeland Security, and And this is what—this is the historic mo- they’re doing good work. There’s a lot of ment we’re in in the world today, as far as good people working hard on your behalf. I’m concerned. I truly believe that someday, The PATRIOT Act is a very important piece an elected Iraqi President will be sitting of legislation. The PATRIOT Act gives our down—or Prime Minister—will be sitting law enforcement officers the tools necessary down with the President of the United States to crack terror networks. It is necessary. Con- talking about peace, talking about how to gress needs to renew the PATRIOT Act. make sure our world is a better place. We’re sharing intelligence better than be- See, what’s happening is, is that freedom fore. As you recently read, I picked a really is beginning to rise up in a part of the world good man out of the United States Congress that is desperate for freedom, a part of the from Florida, Porter Goss, to head the Cen- world where people are resentful because tral Intelligence Agency. I’m looking forward they are not free human beings. And we be- to working with Congress on the creation of lieve that freedom is the Almighty’s gift to the National Intelligence Director. What I’m every person in this world. It is the basic be- telling you is our Government understands lief of the American system. what we need to do to secure ourselves. I And so—I say this to the families of the understand, you know, the—we’ve got to be soldiers I meet. I tell them their sons and right 100 percent of the time, the enemy only daughters or husbands and wives are on an right once. We should take great comfort that incredibly important mission for history. See, there’s people at all levels of government— when Iraq is free, it will begin to change the really decent, honorable people—who are vision of those in Iran who want to be free. working hard as they possibly can to do their When Iraq is free, it will say to the Palestin- duty and protect our country. ians, who have been subjected to leadership I talked about reforming in Washington. that has not led in their interest, that it’s pos- It’s never easy to do that. Entrenched inter- sible to live at peace with our close friend ests there are pretty strong. The status quo Israel. Freedom will change the habits of has got a lot of defenders. But if you think people so that peace prevails in this world. about it, we’ve gotten good results for the There are still—you know, there are still people by pushing hard for reform. See, enemies who hate us, and they are plotting when it comes to raising standards in schools to harm us—that’s the world we live in— and insisting on excellence for every child, and we’ve got a lot to do here at home to we’re getting the job done. When it comes protect us. I’ll just give you some thoughts to reforming Medicare so our seniors have about some statements that have been made got prescription drugs and insisting that the about our staying on the offense in the war doctors and the patients are the center of on terror. My opponent says that going to health care decisionmaking, we’re getting the war with the terrorists is actually improving job done. When it comes to growing this

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economy and creating jobs and enhancing solve and clear vision. This is a time we must the entrepreneurial spirit, we’re getting the stick to those ideals which make this country job done. When it comes to defending Amer- such a fabulous country. ica and spreading freedom and peace, we’re You know, I’ll never forget the day I went getting the job done. What I’m telling you into the ruins of the Twin Towers, Sep- is, when it comes to electing a President, put tember the 14th, 2001. There were workers somebody in office who can get the job done. in hardhats there yelling at me, ‘‘Whatever Audience members. Four more years! it takes.’’ I can remember walking—working Four more years! Four more years! the ropeline there and shaking hands with The President. Thank you. Listen, the people, guys with bloodshot eyes, and they’d world we’re in is a changing world, but been in the rubble looking for a buddy. He there’s some things that aren’t going to said, you know, ‘‘Mr. President, do not let change: our belief in liberty and opportunity me down.’’ He took that day personally. Ev- and the nonnegotiable demands of human erybody searching through the rubble took dignity. They won’t change. In a changing it personally. I know you took it personally, world, the values we try to live by will not and so did I. I have a duty that goes on. Every change: courage and compassion, reverence day I wake up thinking about how to better and integrity. In a changing world, there are secure our country. I will never relent in de- some just very vital institutions: our families fending America, whatever it takes. and our schools, our religious congregations. We have done a lot together—we have These institutions are really important for done a lot together, and we have done the our country. They deserve the respect of hard work. And there is more hard work to Government. do, and I’m ready for the task. I’ve got the We stand for institutions like marriage and energy to continue leading this country, and family, which are the foundations of our soci- I know where I want to take us. Over the ety. We stand for a culture of life in which next 4 years, we’ll be dedicated to spreading every person matters and each person opportunity and ownership to every corner counts. We stand for judges who strictly in- of America. For the next 4 years, we will pass terpret the law, not legislate from the bench. the enduring values of our great land on to We stand for a culture of responsibility in another generation. And for the next 4 years, this country. The culture is changing; slowly we’ll be relentless in our pursuit of freedom but surely it’s changing from one that has and peace. said, ‘‘If it feels good, do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve You know, when I traveled your State 4 got a problem, blame somebody else,’’ to a years ago and our country, I said if you gave culture in which each of us understands we me the high honor of holding this office, the are responsible for the decisions we make Presidency of the United States, I would up- in life. If you’re fortunate enough to be a hold the dignity and honor of that office— mother or a father, you’re responsible for lov- the pledge I made. With your help over the ing your child with all your heart. If you’re next 4 years, I will continue to honor that worried about the quality of the education pledge. in this community, you’re responsible for Thanks for coming, and may God bless you doing something about it. If you’re a CEO all. Thank you for your support. Thank you in corporate America, you are responsible for all. telling the truth to your shareholders and your employees. And I believe a central tenet NOTE: The President spoke at approximately 6:54 of a responsibility society is, each of us should p.m. at the Santa Monica Municipal Airport. The love our neighbor just like we’d like to be transcript released by the Office of the Press Sec- loved ourself. retary also included the remarks of the First Lady, who introduced the President. In his remarks, You know, for all Americans, these years the President referred to Gov. Arnold in our history will always stand apart. There Schwarzenegger of California; Gerald L. Parsky, are quiet times in the life of this Nation when California State chairman, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc., little is expected of its leaders. This isn’t one and his wife, Robin; Brad Freeman, California of those times. It’s a time we need firm re- State finance chairman, Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc.;

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Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean and founder, Simon I thank my friend Gordon Smith for his Wiesenthal Center; former Mayor Richard J. Rior- leadership on this important project. I want dan of Los Angeles, CA; Mercer Reynolds, Victory to thank Senator Patty Murray from the State national finance chairman, Republican National of Washington for joining us and for working Committee; Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-Qa- on this project as well. This project needs dhafi, leader of Libya; former President Saddam bipartisan cooperation, and I want to thank Hussein of Iraq; senior Al Qaida associate Abu Musab al Zarqawi; and Prime Minister Junichiro the Senators from both parties for joining us. Koizumi of Japan. I appreciate Congressman Greg Walden being here as well. And I want to thank my friend George Nethercutt, Congressman Remarks on the Columbia River from the State of Washington, for joining us Channel Deepening Project in as well. Portland, Oregon I appreciate the speaker being here. And somebody told me that former Sen- August 13, 2004 ator Mark Hatfield is with us today. Senator, how are you? It’s great to see you. You’re Thank you all very much. Please be seated. looking great. Mrs. Hatfield, how are you? Thanks for coming. Thanks for having me. I’ll tell Mother, Antoinette, you’re looking Laura and I are thrilled to be here. You good. [Laughter] So is she. [Laughter] know, Steve, when you and I spent all that I appreciate J.P. Woodley. He’s the Assist- time in the library in college—[laughter]— ant Secretary of Army, the commander and never did you think you’d be introducing a division engineer for this project. I want to President. Never did you think it would be thank Brigadier General Don Riley. He’s the me. [Laughter] I’m proud to be with my old director of the civil works of the U.S. Army classmate, and I’m proud to be here to talk Corps of Engineer. about a really important project for this part I appreciate Bob Lohn. It’s good to see of the world. I want to thank you for your Bob again. Last time I saw Bob, we were stewardship, Steve, and thanks for intro- talking about salmon restoration. I appreciate ducing me. you being here. Dave Wesley is the Deputy Today we’re going to take an important Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv- new step to enhance the vitality of this river ice—David Wesley is the Deputy Regional and thereby expand opportunities for the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv- people of the Pacific Northwest. Today I’m ice. announcing that we’ll soon begin deepening Listen, this is a project that requires all 104 miles of the Columbia River Channel aspects of government working together to from the mouth of the river on the Pacific make sure this happens. I’m not the kind of to Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Wash- guy that likes to stand up and say, ‘‘This is ington. going to happen,’’ and it doesn’t happen. I’m By deepening the channel of this river the kind of person who says, ‘‘When it’s going from 40 to 43 feet, we will create new export to happen, it is going to happen.’’ And that’s opportunities at Columbia River ports; we’ll why these Government officials are here, to help our farmers and ranchers; we’ll help our hear it clearly from the President, we expect manufacturers remain competitive; we’ll pro- this to go forward. tect and restore jobs—really good paying I appreciate the representatives from orga- jobs—and we’ll help conserve and restore the nized labor who are here. Thank you for river ecosystem. This is a vital project. I’m coming. Thank you for lending your voice submitting a $15 million budget amendment in this important project. I want to thank the to fund the beginning stages of the Columbia Port of Portland. I want to thank the farmers River Deepening Project. What I’m telling and ranchers who are here. I appreciate what you is we’re committed to keeping the Co- you’re doing to feed our country and to help lumbia River open for navigation and trade, the hungry around the world as well. and we’re committed to keeping America’s Ever since President Thomas Jefferson great ports open for business. sent Lewis and Clark on their expedition to

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the West, the Federal Government has rec- solution is clear: If you want more vibrant ognized the importance of the Columbia trade, if you want more navigable rivers, if River. This is one of America’s vital water- you want busier ports, we need to deepen ways. It is a key artery of commerce for the this channel. We need to make it deeper. Pacific Northwest. I say ‘‘key’’ artery of com- And so that’s what we’re going to do. The merce—that means it’s a key for jobs. We engineering work is already underway, and want people working. When we say ‘‘artery they’ll start moving mud next year. of commerce,’’ that means it’s a key for job Deepening the channel by three feet creation, a chance for people to make a living might not sound like a big change to some when this river functions to its maximum po- folks, but the people here know what it tential. means. The people who are the experts un- Growers and manufacturers from Oregon derstand what that extra three feet means for and Washington to the Midwest count on the this mighty river. See, cargo ships will be able Columbia’s deep-draft shipping channel to to load 300 more containers than they can get their products to the Pacific and then to now. If they’re shipping grain, they’ll be able overseas markets. Last year, more than $15 to carry an extra 6,000 tons. And that’s good billion worth of cargo traveled through the news for farmers. Columbia River ports, including more wheat By working together to deepen the Colum- than America shipped on any other river. If bia River Channel, we’re helping to save you’re a wheat farmer, that’s good news. If manufacturers and growers an estimated $68 you’re somebody who relies upon wheat to million a year on the cost of shipping contain- sustain your life, that’s also good news. erized cargo. That helps a lot when you’re In all, more than 1,000 businesses, some competing in a global market, especially if 40,000 good-paying Pacific Northwest jobs you’re an individual rancher, small-business depend on Columbia River shipping. That’s owner, owner of your own farm. why this project is so vital. The steps I’m announcing today also fulfill Columbia River ports have become some our responsibility to be good stewards of the of the busiest on the West Coast, but in re- land and water. The environmental review cent years, a problem has started to emerge. of this project included active participation It seems like to me those of us in government by interested parties and the public. Through ought to see problems and figure out how the collaborative process, they come up with to solve them early, before it becomes too the solution. It included a thorough analysis late. That’s really what we’re here talking by environmental agencies, and they ruled about, isn’t it. The cargo ships that carry the dredging safe for the river’s ecosystem. crops and other Pacific Northwest products The Army Corps of Engineer will carry out across the Pacific are larger than they used their work under strict environmental guide- to be, and they depend on deeper navigation lines and monitoring. In fact, this project in- waters. cludes restoration and conservation measures In 1970, the average cargo ship’s draft was that go beyond the requirements of the law. 25 to 30 feet. Today, it’s from 41 to 45 feet. We’re installing new technology in the lower Yet the depth of this river behind me has Columbia River to help salmon and steelhead stayed the same, at 40 feet. That’s the prob- pass through the tide gates. We’ll restore and lem: It’s not deep enough to handle the new protect wildlife habitats in tidal marshes, ships. And so some shippers are now divert- swamps, and other wetlands. We’re seeking ing ocean traffic away from Portland and to- out good uses for the sand dredge from the ward other ports. Because this river is too bottom of the river. All of these efforts will shallow, the Port of Portland is at a competi- help us meet a great goal, to leave the Co- tive disadvantage. Ultimately, that will hurt lumbia River ecosystem in better shape than the ability for people to find work. we found it. I’m confident we can achieve With fewer ships coming into the Colum- that goal. bia River ports, farmers and growers are The Columbia River Channel Deepening forced to pay higher transportation costs. Project is a wise use of taxpayers’ money. It That will affect our farm economy. And the fosters an ethic of cooperation between

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Washington, DC, and State and local govern- August 9 ments. It brings together business leaders In the morning, in the President’s private and labor representatives, farmers, ranchers, dining room, the President had breakfast and conservationists and politicians on both with Vice President Dick Cheney. He then sides of the aisle. The project fulfills the Gov- had an intelligence briefing. Later, in Room ernment’s charge to create the conditions for 350 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive economic expansion and job growth by re- Office Building, he met with the President’s specting our duties to the environment. Management Council and received a report I’m proud that we’re able to move forward on the President’s Management Agenda. with this project after years of review. I urge Later in the morning, the President trav- the United States Congress to act quickly on eled to Annandale, VA. Later, he returned my budget request. to Washington, DC. On many other issues from reducing the In the evening, the President had dinner risk of catastrophic wildfire to keeping hydro- with Representative Porter J. Goss of Florida power energy rates as low as possible to con- and White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. serving our precious salmon, my administra- Card, Jr., to discuss the President’s nomina- tion is working with Pacific Northwest lead- tion of Representative Goss to be Director ers to meet our shared priorities. I look for- of the Central Intelligence Agency. ward to working with you in the future to The President announced his intention to sustain the physical and economic vitality of appoint Robert Oberndoerfer Harris, Donna this beautiful part of America. McLean, and Peter W. Tredick as members Thank you all for coming. May God bless. of the Presidential Emergency Board No. 238. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:15 a.m. at Rivergate Industrial Park. In his remarks, he re- The President announced his intention to ferred to Steve Corey, commissioner, Port of Port- accord the personal rank of Ambassador to land; Speaker of the Oregon House of Represent- Lisa Guillermin Gable during her perform- atives Karen Minnis; and Bob Lohn, Regional Ad- ance of duties as Commissioner General of ministrator, Northwest Regional Office, National the U.S. Exhibition at the Universal Expo- Marine Fisheries Service. sition in Aichi, Japan, March 25–September 25, 2005.

August 10 Digest of Other In the morning, the President had an intel- White House Announcements ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to Pensa- cola, FL. In the afternoon, the President traveled to The following list includes the President’s public Niceville, FL. Later, he traveled to Panama schedule and other items of general interest an- City, FL. nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and In the evening, the President traveled to not included elsewhere in this issue. the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX.

August 7 August 11 In the morning, in Kennebunkport, ME, In the morning, the President took Senator the President had an intelligence briefing. John McCain of Arizona, who traveled with In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. the President from Florida, on a tour of the Bush attended the wedding of their nephew Bush Ranch. George Prescott Bush at St. Ann’s Episcopal In the afternoon, the President traveled to Church. Albuquerque, NM, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer August 8 Tom Hesch. Later, he participated in an In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. interview with representatives of regional Bush returned to Washington, DC. media.

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Later in the afternoon, the President trav- of the Dominican Republic on August 16: eled to Phoenix, AZ, where, upon arrival, he Ann M. Veneman (delegation leader); Hans met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer H. Hertell; Anna Cablik; Sergio Pino; and Lucia Haas. Raul R. Romero. The President declared a major disaster in August 12 Florida and ordered Federal aid to supple- In the morning, the President had a brief- ment State and local recovery efforts in the ing on Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane areas struck by Tropical Storm Bonnie and Charley. He then had an intelligence brief- Hurricane Charley beginning on August 11 ing. and continuing. Later in the morning, the President trav- eled to Las Vegas, NV, where, upon arrival, he met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Mike Peschl. Later, he participated in a tour of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Nominations and Joiners of America International Train- Submitted to the Senate ing Facility. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Los Angeles, CA, where, upon arrival, he met NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the with USA Freedom Corps volunteer Lynn Senate during the period covered by this issue. Brennan. Later, with Mrs. Bush, he traveled to Bel Air, CA. In the evening, the President and Mrs. Bush traveled to Santa Monica, CA. Later, Checklist they returned to Los Angeles. of White House Press Releases During the day, in Los Angeles, the Presi- dent and Mrs. Bush participated in an inter- view with Larry King of CNN for later broad- The following list contains releases of the Office cast. of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of August 13 Other White House Announcements. In the morning, the President had an intel- ligence briefing and a briefing on Hurricane Charley. Later, he and Mrs. Bush traveled Released August 9 to Portland, OR, where, upon arrival in the Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- afternoon, the President met with USA Free- retary Scott McClellan dom Corps volunteer Chris Dudley. Later, he and Mrs. Bush traveled to Beaverton, OR, Statement by the Press Secretary on estab- where they participated in a discussion at lishment of a second Presidential Emergency Southridge High School. Board regarding the dispute between the Later in the afternoon, the President trav- Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation eled to Seattle, WA, where, upon arrival, he Authority and its conductors represented by met with USA Freedom Corps volunteer the United Transportation Union Jeanne Robertson. He then toured the Boe- Statement by the Press Secretary announcing ing Delivery Center. that the President signed H.R. 2443, H.R. In the evening, the President traveled to 3340, H.R. 3463, H.R. 4222, H.R. 4226, H.R. Medina, WA, where he attended a Victory 4327, H.R. 4417, H.R. 4427, and S. 2712 2004 dinner at a private residence. Later, he Fact sheet: America’s Ownership Society: traveled to Redmond, WA. Expanding Opportunities The President announced the designation of the following individuals as members of Fact sheet: Expanding Access and Increasing the Presidential delegation to attend the in- the Affordability of Health Insurance auguration of Leonel Fernandez as President Through Health Savings Accounts

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Released August 10 H.R. 3340 / Public Law 108–294 To redesignate the facilities of the United Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- States Postal Service located at 7715 and retary Scott McClellan 7748 S. Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago, Fact sheet: Job Training for the 21st Century Illinois, as the ‘‘James E. Worsham Post Of- Economy fice’’ and the ‘‘James E. Worsham Carrier Annex Building’’, respectively, and for other Released August 11 purposes Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- retary Scott McClellan H.R. 3463 / Public Law 108–295 SUTA Dumping Prevention Act of 2004 Fact sheet: Supporting America’s Small Busi- nesses H.R. 4222 / Public Law 108–296 Fact sheet: Medicare Drug Discount Cards To designate the facility of the United States Help Seniors Save on Prescription Drug Postal Service located at 550 Nebraska Ave- Costs nue in Kansas City, Kansas, as the ‘‘Newell George Post Office Building’’ Released August 12 H.R. 4226 / Public Law 108–297 Fact sheet: Skills To Build for America’s Fu- Cape Town Treaty Implementation Act of ture 2004

Released August 13 H.R. 4327 / Public Law 108–298 Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- To designate the facility of the United States retary Scott McClellan Postal Service located at 7450 Natural Bridge Road in St. Louis, Missouri, as the ‘‘Vitilas Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster ‘Veto’ Reid Post Office Building’’ assistance to Florida Fact sheet: The Columbia River Channel H.R. 4417 / Public Law 108–299 Deepening Project: Export Opportunities To modify certain deadlines pertaining to and Estuary Restoration machine-readable, tamper-resistant entry and exit documents

H.R. 4427 / Public Law 108–300 To designate the facility of the United States Acts Approved Postal Service at 73 South Euclid Avenue in by the President Montauk, New York, as the ‘‘Perry B. Duryea, Jr. Post Office’’

Approved August 9 S. 2712 / Public Law 108–301 To preserve the ability of the Federal Hous- H.R. 2443 / Public Law 108–293 ing Administration to insure mortgages Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation under sections 238 and 519 of the National Act of 2004 Housing Act

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