Remarks Honoring the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks December 13, 2001
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Administration of George W. Bush, 2001 / Dec. 13 Today, as the events of September the I look forward to visiting Moscow to con- 11th made all too clear, the greatest threats tinue our discussions as we seek a formal to both our countries come not from each way to express a new strategic relationship other or other big powers in the world but that will last long beyond our individual from terrorists who strike without warning administrations, providing a foundation for or rogue states who seek weapons of mass peace for the years to come. destruction. We’re already working closely together We know that the terrorists and some as the world rallies in the war against ter- of those who support them seek the ability rorism. I appreciate so much President to deliver death and destruction to our Putin’s important advice and cooperation as doorstep via missile. And we must have we fight to dismantle the Al Qaida network the freedom and the flexibility to develop in Afghanistan. I appreciate his commit- effective defenses against those attacks. De- ment to reduce Russia’s offensive nuclear fending the American people is my highest weapons. I reiterate our pledge to reduce priority as Commander in Chief, and I can- our own nuclear arsenal between 1,700 and 2,200 operationally deployed strategic nu- not and will not allow the United States clear weapons. President Putin and I have to remain in a treaty that prevents us from also agreed that my decision to withdraw developing effective defenses. from the treaty will not, in any way, under- At the same time, the United States and mine our new relationship or Russian secu- Russia have developed a new, much more rity. hopeful and constructive relationship. We As President Putin said in Crawford, we are moving to replace mutually assured de- are on the path to a fundamentally different struction with mutual cooperation. Begin- relationship. The cold war is long gone. ning in Ljubljana and continuing in meet- Today we leave behind one of its last ings in Genoa, Shanghai, Washington, and vestiges. But this is not a day for looking Crawford, President Putin and I developed back. This is a day for looking forward with common ground for a new strategic rela- hope and anticipation of greater prosperity tionship. Russia is in the midst of a transi- and peace for Russians, for Americans, and tion to free markets and democracy. We for the entire world. are committed to forging strong economic Thank you. ties between Russia and the United States and new bonds between Russia and our NOTE: The President spoke at 9:58 a.m. in partners in NATO. NATO has made clear the Rose Garden at the White House. In his its desire to identify and pursue opportuni- remarks, he referred to President Vladimir ties for joint action at 20. Putin of Russia. Remarks Honoring the 2001 World Series Champion Arizona Diamondbacks December 13, 2001 The President. We were looking for a I want to welcome the mighty little entertainment for tonight’s Christmas Diamondbacks to the White House. It party—[laughter]—but we didn’t find it. didn’t take you long to get here. I’m devel- [Laughter] oping a severe case of trophy envy. [Laugh- ter] We were lucky to get out of last place 1511 VerDate Jan 31 2003 08:44 May 21, 2003 Jkt 193362 PO 00000 Frm 00695 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\193362A.023 193362A Dec. 13 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2001 with the Rangers, and here you are— It really meant a lot to the people of thanks, in part, to you. But I do want to New York to see the Diamondbacks, kind congratulate you all. of the foe of the mighty Yankees, go to First, let me say welcome to the Arizona Ground Zero and to thank those people delegation. I’m glad to see the Senator and whose lives were hurting a lot, people who Members of the United States Congress had spent enormous amounts of energy try- here. Thank you all for coming. ing to rescue a fallen brother or sister be- It’s an amazing year, obviously, for our cause of what the enemy had done. And country. And the World Series couldn’t I really want to thank you all for doing have come at a better time. It gave the that. It was a true class act; not only a American people a chance to think about great baseball team but you’re obviously a something other than the war. And what group of really fine human beings. And for a fabulous World Series it was. that the Nation is grateful, and thank you. I want to thank—I want to congratulate God bless the players here and their Bob Brenly, rookie of the year. [Laughter] families. It’s a fabulous time of year, as What a great job he did. [Laughter] I still you can see. The White House is just ma- think I remember meeting you after throw- jestic in its beauty. It’s a special honor to ing out that ball. I was about 5 feet off be the President of the United States at the ground; I went with kind of a rising any time. It’s especially a special honor to slider. [Laughter] But it was an amazing be at a time when our Nation is bound experience, and Bob was there with Joe together for a common cause, and that’s Torre. And I really felt proud to be an to fight and win the war against terror. American at that moment. I know the play- So welcome to the White House, con- ers did, as well. gratulations, and may God bless you all. I want to congratulate the vice president and general manager, Joe Garagiola, Jr.— I’m always suspicious of guys who’s got a [At this point, Jerry Colangelo, Arizona famous father. [Laughter] And Rich Dozer; Diamondbacks chairman and chief execu- and of course, Jerry, I want to congratulate tive officer, made brief remarks, and pitch- you and the ownership group; and all the ers Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson pre- great players. sented the President with a gift.] The players gave us a fabulous Series. The President. Thanks. You can just stay I can’t think of a better way to end a World down there, and I’ll stand here—[laugh- Series, particularly in a time of national ter]—kind of like the jockey. [Laughter] need, than in the bottom of the ninth, in Curt, thanks; I love the relationship you the seventh game—everybody watching in have with your son. [Inaudible] Thank you the country, people cheering one way or all. the other, such joy and jubilation. So I want to thank the players. I also particularly want to thank the players for NOTE: The President spoke at 1:50 p.m. in going to Ground Zero. I know Matt the East Room at the White House. In his Williams’ quote was one that caught my remarks, he referred to Bob Brenly, man- attention, when he said, ‘‘We’re glad to get ager, Rich Dozer, president, and Matt Wil- a chance to shake the hands and talk to liams, infielder, Arizona Diamondbacks; and some of the true American heroes.’’ Joe Torre, manager, New York Yankees. 1512 VerDate Jan 31 2003 08:44 May 21, 2003 Jkt 193362 PO 00000 Frm 00696 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\193362A.023 193362A.