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America. My attitude is, anytime we put one Remarks at a Bush-Cheney of our troops in harm’s way, they deserve the Reception in Indianapolis best pay, the best training, and the best pos- sible equipment. This Nation will spend what September 5, 2003 it takes to win the war on terror and to pro- tect the American people. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. About a quarter of the deficit was caused Thanks. Thank you all. Please be seated. by the tax relief. But the tax relief is helping Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s great to us recover from the recession. It was needed. be back in the great State of Indiana. It’s It was needed to make this economy grow. such a beautiful part of America. You know, And as the economy grows, more revenues Vice President Cheney and I did pretty well come into the Treasury. The best way to cut in the year 2000 in this State. [Laughter] The down the deficit—and I’ve got a plan to re- next time around we should do even better, duce it in half in 5 years—is for Congress riding on the coattails of my man Mitch. to set priorities and not overspend. I want to thank you all for coming tonight. Discretionary spending prior to my arrival It’s a spectacular turnout. What we’re doing was increasing at 8.7 percent. Working with is laying the groundwork for a strong founda- fine Senators like Dick Lugar, we’ve got dis- tion for what will become a great victory in cretionary spending down during this budget November of 2004. cycle to 4 percent. There is no question that we’ve been chal- I’m going to count on you for energizing lenged. But those challenges came to the the grassroots, for putting up the signs and right people. I have been so proud of our mailing out the mailers and making the country. We are a country that is determined phone calls, for going to the coffee shops and and strong and tough when we need to be reminding your fellow citizens that ours is tough and compassionate when we need to a vision that includes everybody. Ours is a be compassionate. We’ve overcome a lot. hopeful and optimistic vision for everybody We’ve overcome war, attacks on our country, who lives in the United States of America. recessions, corporate scandals. And yet we’re The political season is coming pretty soon, still strong. We’re vibrant. We’re a great na- and I’m loosening up. I’m getting ready, but tion. We’re a great nation because of our right now I’ve got a job to do. And my job ideals and our beliefs. We believe in human is to work on behalf of the people of America. dignity. We believe everybody has worth. We I’m going to continue to work hard to earn believe in freedom and the promise of free- the confidence of every American, keeping dom. this Nation secure and strong and prosperous Ours is a nation dedicated to a world of and free. peace, and we will use our strength to achieve peace. And ours is a nation dedica- I appreciate so very much my friend Al tion to uplifting every citizen who lives in Hubbard. I didn’t realize he was so articulate. this country by giving every person a chance [Laughter] Maybe he wasn’t. [Laughter] But to realize the great promise, the American he’s a great friend. I want to thank his leader- Dream. ship. Thank you all for coming. May God bless My regret tonight is that the First Lady you, and may God bless America. is not traveling with me. I married above my- self. Laura is a remarkable person. I love her NOTE: The President spoke at 2:54 p.m. in the dearly. She’s doing a great job on behalf of warehouse at Langham Co. In his remarks, he re- the American people. ferred to Gov. Frank O’Bannon of Indiana; and I want to thank Bob Graham for his work Cathy Langham, president, John Langham, vice on this event. I, too, want to thank all the president, finance and administration, and Mar- table captains and people who have worked garet Langham, vice president, operations, Langham Co. This item was not received in time hard to make this an enormous success. I for publication in the appropriate issue. appreciate my friend Mercer Reynolds from

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Cincinnati, Ohio, who is the national chair- administration is meeting the tests of our man of the Bush-Cheney campaign. He’s a time. business guy who’s taking time out of his life Terrorists declared war on the United to help us collect enough money to wage a States of America, and war is what they got. viable campaign in 2004. We’ve captured or killed many leaders of the I’m honored that members of the congres- Al Qaida network, and the rest of them know sional delegation are with us. I’m particularly we’re on their trail. In Afghanistan, in Iraq, pleased that the chairman is with us, a fine we gave ultimatums to terror regimes. Those American, a great friend, a person whose regimes chose defiance, and those regimes counsel and advice I take seriously, Senator are no more. Fifty million people—50 mil- Dick Lugar; a person with whom I’ve played lion people in those two countries once lived golf and don’t intend to play again since he under tyranny, and now they live in freedom. took money from me—[laughter]—Con- Two-and-a-half years ago, our military was gressman Dan Burton; and another star of not receiving the resources it needed, and the congressional delegation is with us, and morale was beginning to suffer. We increased that’s Congressman Mike Pence. the defense budget to prepare for the threats I’m so pleased we’ve got State officials of a new era. And today, no one in the world with us, Todd Rokita, who is the secretary can question the skill and the strength and of state—Mr. Secretary, I’m glad you’re the spirit of the United States military. here—the State auditor, Connie Nass, is with Two-and-a-half years ago, we inherited an us; the Republican house leader, Brian economy in recession. And then the attacks Bosma, is with us today, as is State Rep- came on our country, and we had scandals resentative Mike Murphy. I’m so honored in corporate America, and war. All affected you all are taking time out of your day to be here. All politics is local. You have to work the people’s confidence. But we acted. We to prepare the groundwork for a new Gov- passed tough new laws to hold corporate ernor who’s coming soon, Mitch Daniels. criminals to account. And to get the economy Speaking about my man Mitch, I noticed going again, I have twice led the United a gracious move by David McIntosh in to- States Congress to pass historic tax relief for day’s newspaper, a move of party unity, a the American people. move of serving something greater than him- Here is what I know, and here’s what I self. David, I appreciate your class act. I’m believe, that when Americans have more proud to call you friend, and I’m glad you’re take-home pay to spend, to save, or to invest, here tonight. Thank you for coming. the whole economy grows, and people are There are people who have worked in my more likely to find a job. We understand administration who are here. But one of the whose money we spend in Washington, DC. more famous Indianapolis citizens is with us It is not the Government’s money we spend. tonight, who is serving our country with dis- It’s the people’s money. tinction, a man who understands the Faith- We’re returning more money to people to Based Initiative about as well as anybody in help them raise their families. We’re reduc- the country, and that’s my friend Stephen ing taxes on dividends and capital gains to Goldsmith. Thank you for coming, Stephen. encourage investment. We’re giving small Finally, I’d like to thank Jim Kittle, who businesses incentives to expand and to hire is the chairman of the Indiana Republican new people. With all these actions, we’re lay- Party. Get your uniform on, Jim. We’re ready ing the foundation for greater prosperity and to roll. But I appreciate your service. Thank more jobs across America so every single per- you all again for coming. It’s a huge turnout. son in this country has a chance to realize In the last 21⁄2 years, our Nation has acted the American Dream. decisively to confront great challenges. I Two-and-a-half years ago, there was a lot came to this office to solve problems, not to of talk about education reform, but there pass them on to future Presidents and future wasn’t much action. So I acted. I called for generations. I came to seize opportunities in- and Congress passed the No Child Left Be- stead of letting them slip away. I believe this hind Act. With a solid bipartisan majority,

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we delivered the most dramatic education re- izen—has a chance to work and to succeed forms in a generation. We’re bringing high and realize the great promise of our land. standards, and in return for Federal money, It is clear that the future of freedom and strong accountability measures to every pub- peace depend on the actions of America. This lic school in America. We believe that every Nation is freedom’s home, and we are free- child can learn the basics of reading and dom’s defender. We welcome this charge of math, and we believe every school must history, and we are keeping it. Our war on teach the basics. This administration is chal- terror continues. The enemies of freedom lenging the soft bigotry of low expectations. are not idle, and neither are we. This country The days of excuse-making are over when will not rest. We will not tire. We will not it comes to education. We now expect results stop until this danger to civilization is re- in every classroom so that not one child in moved. America is left behind. Yet our national interest involves more During these 21⁄2 years, we reorganized than eliminating aggressive threats to our our Government and created the Depart- safety. Our greatest security comes from the ment of Homeland Security to better safe- advance of human liberty, because free na- guard our borders and ports and to protect tions do not support terror. Free nations do the American people. We passed trade pro- not attack their neighbors. Free nations do motion authority to open up new markets for not threaten the world with weapons of mass Indiana’s farmers and ranchers and entre- terror. Americans believe that freedom is the preneurs and manufacturers. We passed deepest need and hope of every human budget agreements to help maintain much heart. And I believe that freedom is the right of every person. And I believe that freedom needed spending discipline in Washington, is the future of every nation. DC. On issue after issue, this administration America also understands that unprece- has acted on principle, has kept its word, and dented influence brings tremendous respon- has made progress for the American people. sibilities. We have duties in the world, and The U.S. Congress has shared in these when we see disease and starvation and great achievements. I’ve got a great working hopeless poverty, we will not turn away. On relationship with Speaker Hastert and Lead- the continent of Africa, America is now com- er Frist, and I intend to keep it that way. mitted to bringing the healing power of med- I look forward to working with Members of icine to millions of men and women and chil- Congress to change the tone in Washington, dren now suffering with AIDS. I’ve called DC, to get rid of the needless partisan bick- upon a fine citizen of Indianapolis to lead ering, and to focus on results, so the people an incredibly important mission of human know we have done our job. rescue. I want to thank Randy Tobias for his And those are the kind of people I’ve at- willingness to serve in a great cause. tracted to my administration. I’ve put to- We face challenges at home as well, and gether a fantastic administration to serve the our actions will prove that we’re equal to American people, good, honorable, decent those challenges. The economy is getting bet- people. Our Nation has had no finer Vice ter, but so long as people who want to work President than Vice President Dick Cheney. are looking for a job, I will continue to work Mother may have a different opinion. to make the conditions for capital investment [Laughter] for the entrepreneurial spirit to remain In 21⁄2 years, in 21⁄2 years’ time, we have strong. I care when I hear that people are come far, but our work is only beginning. not working. I have set great goals worthy of a great na- As well, we have a duty to make a commit- tion. First, America is committed to expand- ment to America’s seniors by strengthening ing the realm of freedom and peace for our and modernizing Medicare. A few weeks ago, own security and for the benefit of the world. the Congress took historic action to improve And second, in our own country, we must the lives of older Americans. For the first work for a society of prosperity and compas- time since the creation of Medicare, the sion so that every citizen—every single cit- House and Senate passed reforms to increase

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choices for our seniors and to provide cov- bill. They need to get together and get a bill erage for prescription drugs. Now that the to my desk. Congress is back from their August break, Our strong and prosperous Nation must it is time for the House and the Senate to also be a compassionate nation. I will con- iron out their differences and to get a bill tinue to advance our agenda of compas- to my desk. The sooner they get the job done, sionate conservatism. We will apply the best the sooner American seniors will get the and most innovative ideas to the task of help- health care they need. ing our fellow citizens in need. And for the sake of our health care system, There are still millions of men and women we need to cut down on the frivolous lawsuits who want to end their dependence on Gov- which increase the cost of medicine. People ernment and become independent through who have been harmed by a bad doctor de- hard work. Congress must work with us to serve their day in court, yet the system build on the success of welfare reform, to should not reward lawyers who are simply bring work and dignity into more of—in the fishing for rich settlements. Because frivo- lives of more of our fellow citizens. lous lawsuits drive up the cost of health care, Congress should complete the ‘‘Citizen they affect the Federal budget. And there- Service Act’’ so that more Americans can fore, medical liability reform is a national serve their community and their country. issue which requires a national solution. I And both Houses should reach agreement on have proposed a good plan to the Congress. my Faith-Based Initiative to support the ar- The House of Representatives responded mies of compassion that are mentoring our with a good bill. The bill is now stuck in the children, that are caring for the homeless, United States Senate. Senators must realize that are offering hope to the addicted. Our that no one in America has ever been healed Nation should not fear faith. We should wel- by a frivolous lawsuit. come faith into the lives and to help heal I have a responsibility as your President our fellow citizens who hurt. to make sure the judicial system runs well, A compassionate society must promote op- and I have met that duty. I have nominated portunity for all, including the independence superb men and women for the Federal and dignity that come from ownership. This courts, people who will interpret the law, not administration will constantly strive to pro- legislate from the bench. Some Members of mote an ownership society in America. We the Senate are trying to keep my nominees want more people owning a home. We will off the bench by blocking up-or-down votes. continue to promote policies which will close Every judicial nominee deserves a fair hear- the minority homeownership gap in America. ing and an up-or-down vote on the floor of We want people controlling their own health the United States Senate. It is time for some care plans. We want people in control of their Members of the Senate to stop playing poli- own retirement accounts. And we want more tics with American justice. people owning a small business, because we In order to make sure we have economic understand in this administration, when an vitality, the Congress needs to complete work American owns something, he or she has a on a comprehensive energy plan. Our Nation piece of the future, a vital stake in the future must realize that our electricity grid needs of our country. to be modernized. I have proposed a mod- In a compassionate society, people respect ernization plan to the Congress. We need to one another and take responsibility for the promote alternative sources of energy like decisions they make. The old culture of ethanol. We need to use our technologies to America is changing. The old culture used be able to explore for energy here at home to say, ‘‘If it feels good, do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve in environmentally friendly ways. We need got a problem, blame somebody else.’’ It’s clean coal technology. For the sake of eco- changing to a new day in which each of us nomic security and for the sake of national understands that we’re responsible for the security, this Nation must become less de- decisions we make in life. pendent on foreign sources of energy. Both If you’re fortunate enough to be a mom the Senate and House have passed an energy or a dad, you’re responsible for loving your

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child with all your heart and all your soul. to be Global AIDS Coordinator. This item was If you’re worried about the quality of the not received in time for publication in the appro- education in the community in which you priate issue. live, you’re responsible for doing something about it. If you’re a CEO in corporate Amer- ica, you’re responsible for telling the truth The President’s Radio Address to your shareholders and your employees. And in the new responsibility society, each September 6, 2003 of us is responsible for loving our neighbor just like we’d like to be loved ourself. The Good morning. This month, as students culture of service and the culture of responsi- across the Nation are starting a new school bility is growing around us. I started what year, parents, teachers, and principals are we call the USA Freedom Corps to encour- starting to notice a difference in America’s age Americans to extend a compassionate schools. The No Child Left Behind Act that hand to neighbors in need, and the response I signed into law last year is raising standards has been strong. People have heard the call for student achievement, giving parents more to serve our country. information and more choices, requiring Our charities are strong. Our faith-based more accountability from schools, and fund- efforts are vibrant. People are being healed ing education at record levels. because fellow Americans are serving our The premise of the No Child Left Behind Nation by loving somebody. Policemen and Act is simple: All children can learn, and the firefighters and people who wear our Na- only way to make sure our children are learn- tion’s uniform are constantly reminding us ing is to measure their progress with tests. what it means to sacrifice for something So the No Child Left Behind Act requires greater than yourself. Once again, the chil- dren of America believe in heroes, because regular testing in the basics of reading and they see them every day. math for every child in every school, starting In these challenging times, the world is in the third grade. And the law sets a clear seeing the resolve and the courage of Amer- goal for American education: Every child in ica, and I have been privileged to see the every school must perform at grade level in compassion and character of the American reading and math, which are the keys to all people. All the tests of the last 21⁄2 years have learning. come to the right nation. We’re a strong To meet this goal, all 50 States and the country, and we use that strength to defend District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have the peace. We’re an optimistic country, con- designed accountability plans that have been fident in ourselves and in ideals bigger than approved by the Department of Education ourselves. Abroad, we seek to lift whole na- and are now being put into effect in Amer- tions by spreading freedom. At home, we ica’s schools. School districts across America seek to lift up lives by spreading opportunity are now providing parents with lists of out- to every corner of America. This is the work side tutors who can give extra help at no cost that history has set before us. We welcome to low-income children in underperforming it. And we know that for our country and schools. Those parents also have the option for our cause, the best days lie ahead. of transferring a son or a daughter out of May God bless you all. Thank you all. a school that is not doing the job to a better NOTE: The President spoke at 6:18 p.m. at the public school or charter school. And soon Murat Centre. In his remarks, he referred to Indi- every community in America will have report ana gubernatorial candidate Mitchell Daniels, Jr.; cards on every local public school, so citizens Allan B. Hubbard, former chairman, Indiana State can measure progress and push for reform. Republican Party; former Indiana gubernatorial candidate David McIntosh, who withdrew his can- While we’re demanding excellence from didacy September 4; Stephen Goldsmith, chair, schools, we’re also giving them extra re- board of directors, Corporation for National and sources to succeed. Since this new law went Community Service; and Randall Tobias, nominee into effect, 40 States have received a total

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