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Remarks at a Bush-Cheney probably a pretty good thing to travel with Reception in Palm Beach Gardens, him. I know the Lieutenant Governor, Toni Jennings, is here. The attorney general, January 8, 2004 , is here. Tom Gallagher is here. Where’s Gallagher? I appreciate you coming. Thank you all. Thanks for coming. It’s A lot of members of the statehouse are great to be back in the great State of Florida. here. It’s a good sign when State senators We carried it once, and we’re going to carry and State reps show up. After all, you win it again. campaigns by energizing the grassroots. I ap- And I want to thank you all for your help. preciate the members of the statehouse I appreciate you showing up today. I appre- being here. I’m looking forward to working ciate your contributions. I appreciate your with you to carry Florida. I want to thank friendship, appreciate your prayers. I appre- all the grassroots activists who are here. I ciate you laying the foundation for what is want to thank you for what you’re going to going to be a great national victory in Novem- do, which is to put up the signs, to man the ber of ’04. phone booths, to put out the mailers, and And I’m getting ready. [Laughter] I’m to turn out the vote. loosening up. [Laughter] But there’s plenty I want to thank the mayors and local offi- of time for politics. See, I’ve got a job to cials who are here. I want to thank all those do. I’m focused on the people’s business in who worked hard to make this event such Washington, DC. I want you to remind your a successful event. We’ve had three event co- friends and neighbors that I will continue to chairmen, the Guzzettas, the Gaineses, and work hard to earn the confidence of every Elizabeth Fago. I want to thank you for your American by keeping this Nation secure and hard work. I appreciate your good work. strong and prosperous and free. My friend Mercer Reynolds is here. He’s I love my brother Jeb. He is a great Gov- the national finance chairman. He’s from ernor. He is a great Governor, first and fore- Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s taken a lot of time most, because he has a large heart. He cares out of his private life to help make sure we deeply about the people. He and I share get well funded in what’s going to be a tough some things in common. We share the same campaign. I want to thank my friend Al Hoff- last name. [Laughter] We share the same po- man from the great State of Florida, who is litical consultant—[laughter]—Mother. doing such a fantastic job as the—raising [Laughter] And we both married extremely money. And of course, there’s Tom Petway well. and Zach Zachariah, two good buddies as I’m honored to be onstage with a fabulous well, who have been working hard to make first lady for the State of Florida, Ms. this campaign go well. Columba. And a great First Lady for America In the last 3 years, our Nation has acted sends her love. I’m sorry Laura is not here. decisively to confront great challenges. I I know she was Jeb’s first choice to be the came to this office to solve problems instead speaker today. [Laughter] She’s in Wash- of passing them on to future Presidents and ington. But I’m a lucky man to have married future generations. I came to seize opportu- Laura Bush. She is a great wife, a fabulous nities instead of letting them slip away. My mother, and a wonderful First Lady for administration is meeting the tests of our America. time. I know my friend and former colleague in Terrorists declared war on the United the Cabinet Mel Martinez is with us. Mel, States of America, and war is what they got. thank you for being here today. I know Con- We’ve captured or killed many of the key gressman is with us. Mr. Con- leaders of the Al Qaida network, and the rest gressman, I’m glad you’re here. I’m sorry of them know we’re on their trail. In Afghani- Congressman Clay Shaw is not here. This is stan and in Iraq, we gave ultimatums to ter- his district, I understand, but he is traveling ror regimes. Those regimes chose defiance, with Speaker Denny Hastert. He made a and those regimes are no more. The world good choice. When the Speaker calls, it’s is better off, and so are the 50 million people

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in those two countries who once lived under for Title I students, for the poorest of stu- tyranny, and today, they live in freedom. dents. But now, because we believe every Three years ago, our military was not re- child can learn to read and write and add ceiving the resources it needed and morale and subtract, we’re insisting that States meas- was beginning to suffer, so we increased the ure. We want to know. defense budgets to meet the threats of a new The State of Florida, led by this great Gov- era. And today, no one in the world can ques- ernor, is on the leading edge of education tion the skill and the strength and the spirit reform because he holds people to account. of the military. And the reason he does is because he and Three years ago, the economy was in trou- I both know every child can learn. We are ble and a recession was beginning. And I challenging the soft bigotry of low expecta- want you to remember what we have come tions. We’ve raised the bar. We’ve raised the through. Not only was a recession beginning, standards. We expect results so that not one but our country was attacked. And then there single child in America is left behind. were corporate scandals and war, all of which We’ve reorganized our Government dur- affected the people’s confidence. But this ad- ing the past 3 years and created the Depart- ministration acted. We passed tough new ment of Homeland Security to better guard laws to hold corporate criminals to account. Florida’s ports, better guard our borders, to And to get the economy going again, I have better protect the American people. We twice led the United States Congress to pass passed trade promotion authority to open up historic tax relief for the American people. new markets for Florida’s ranchers and farm- This administration understands that when ers and entrepreneurs and manufacturers. Americans have more take-home pay to We passed budget agreements, much-need- spend, to save, or invest, the whole economy ed budget agreements, to help bring spend- grows, and people are more likely to find a ing discipline to Washington, DC. job. So we’re returning more money to the And last month, we completed the greatest people to help them raise their families. advance in health care coverage for Amer- We’ve reduced taxes on dividends and capital ica’s senior citizens since the creation of gains to encourage investment. We’ve given Medicare. The new Medicare law that I small businesses incentives to expand and to fought for and signed—the bill that I cam- hire new people. With all these actions, we paigned for, worked for, and signed will give have laid the foundation for greater pros- older Americans the option of a prescription perity and more jobs across America, so every drug benefit and more control over their own single citizen has a chance to realize the health care, so they can receive the modern American Dream. medical care they deserve. Today, the American economy is strong, On issue after issue, this administration and it is getting stronger. The figures for the has acted on principle, has kept its word, and third quarter of the year 2003 show the econ- has made progress for the American people. omy grew at an annual rate of 8.2 percent, The Congress gets a lot of credit. I enjoy the fastest pace in nearly 20 years. Produc- working with Majority Leader Bill Frist, tivity is high. Business investment is rising. Speaker Denny Hastert, Congressman Mark Housing construction is expanding. Manufac- Foley. We’re working hard in Washington, turing activity is increasing, and we’ve added DC, to change the tone of the Nation’s Cap- over 300,000 new jobs in the last 4 months. ital. There’s too much politics, endless back- The tax relief we passed is working. biting, zero-sum attitudes. And the best way Three years ago, there was a lot of talk to do that is to stay focused on the people’s about education reform, but there wasn’t business and on results. And we have deliv- much action. So I acted. I called for and the ered results over the last 3 years. Congress passed the No Child Left Behind A major reason this administration has Act. With a solid bipartisan majority, we de- been successful is because I have surrounded livered the most dramatic education reforms myself with really good, decent, capable, in a generation. We’ve increased spending honorable people, people from all walks of out of the Federal Government, particularly life, people who have come to the Nation’s

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Capital to serve the United States of Amer- and more of their own self-government. ica, not a special or self interest. This Nation These are not easy tasks, but they are essen- has had no finer Vice President than Vice tial tasks. And America will finish what we President Dick Cheney. Mother may have a have begun. We will win this essential victory second opinion. [Laughter] in the war on terror. In 3 years, we have come far. We’ve done We’re working to oppose proliferation of a lot, but our work is only beginning. I have weapons around the world. Last month, after set great goals worthy of a great nation. First, talks with the United States and Great Brit- America is committed to expanding the ain, Libya volunteered to disclose and dis- realm of freedom and peace for our own se- mantle all its weapons of mass destruction curity and for the benefit of the world. And programs. Leaders around the world now second, in our own country, we must work know weapons of mass destruction do not for a society that is prosperous and compas- bring influence or prestige. They bring isola- sionate so that every citizen—every citizen— tion and other unwelcome consequences. regardless of their background, has a chance And nations who abandon the pursuit of to work and to succeed and realize the great promise of this country. these weapons will find an open path to bet- It is clear that the future of freedom and ter relations with the United States of Amer- peace depend on the actions of America. This ica. Nation is freedom’s home and freedom’s de- Our greatest security comes from the ad- fender. We welcome this charge of history, vance of human liberty, because free nations and we are keeping it. The war on terror goes do not support terror, free nations do not on. The enemies of freedom are not idle, and attack their neighbors, free nations do not neither are we. This country will not rest; threaten the world with weapons of mass ter- we will not tire; we will not stop until this ror. Americans believe that freedom is the danger to civilization is removed. deepest need and hope of every human We are confronting that danger in Iraq, heart. I believe that freedom is the future where all the people of that country can now of every nation, and I know that freedom is be certain they will never again have to fear not America’s gift to the world, freedom is the rule of Saddam Hussein. The Ba’athist the Almighty God’s gift to each man and holdouts largely responsible for current vio- woman in this world. lence now know there will be no return to America understands that unprecedented the corrupt power and privilege they once influence brings tremendous responsibilities. held. All Iraqis who have taken the side of We have duties in this world, and when we freedom have chosen the winning side. see disease and starvation and hopeless pov- We still face terrorists who would rather erty, we will not turn away. On the continent go on killing the innocent than accept the of Africa, America is now committed to rise of liberty in the Middle East. You see, bringing the healing power of medicine to they know that the advance of freedom in millions of men and women and children suf- Iraq would be a major defeat for the cause fering with AIDS. of terror. This collection of killers is trying to shake the will of the United States. The We face challenges here at home as well, United States will never be intimidated by and we will prove that we’re equal to the a bunch of thugs and assassins. challenges. This administration will continue We are on the offensive in Iraq. We’re ag- to promote a progrowth, pro-small-business, gressively striking the terrorists in Iraq. We pro-entrepreneur economic agenda until ev- will defeat them there, so we do not have erybody who wants a job can find one. to face them in America. And a lot of nations And for the sake of our health care system, are helping to build a free Iraq, because they we need to cut down on the frivolous lawsuits understand a free Iraq is in their interest. which increase the cost of medicine. I appre- A free Iraq will make the world more peace- ciate Jeb’s leadership on this issue. He and ful. And we’re standing with the Iraqi people I understand that people who have been as they assume more of their own defense harmed by a bad doc deserve their day in

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court. Yet, the system should not reward law- reform to bring work and dignity into the yers who are simply fishing for a rich settle- lives of more of our fellow citizens. ment. Frivolous lawsuits drive up the cost With the help of Congress, we’re working of health care, and they therefore affect the to ensure more Americans serve their com- Federal budget. munities and through their country— Medical liability reform is a national issue through the citizen service programs. Both that requires a national solution. I put forth Houses should come together and pass my a good plan. The House of Representatives Faith-Based Initiative. Our Government passed it. However, the bill is stuck in the should not fear the influence of faith in the Senate. And I know two United States Sen- lives of our fellow citizens. As a matter of ators who keep it stuck in the United States fact, the great strength of the country is the Senate, and they might happen to be from fact that we’re a nation of many faiths. And your State. The Senate must act on behalf faith-based community programs are those of the American people and pass medical li- that are often able to change people’s hearts. ability reform, and the Senators must under- And when you change a person’s heart, you stand no one has ever been healed by a frivo- help save a person’s life. lous lawsuit. We need to rally the armies of compassion, I have a responsibility as the President to those who mentor our children, those who make sure the judicial system runs well, and care for the homeless, those who offer hope I have met that duty. I have nominated su- to the addicted. A compassionate society is perb men and women for the Federal courts, a society that promotes opportunity for every people who will interpret the law, not legis- citizen, including the independence and dig- late from the bench. Some Members from nity that come from ownership. This adminis- the United States Senate, two of them from tration will constantly strive to promote an this State—[laughter]—are trying to keep my ownership society in America. We want more nominees off the bench by blocking up-or- people owning their own home. We have a down votes. Every judicial nominee deserves minority homeownership gap in America, a fair hearing and an up-or-down vote on the and I have put forth a plan to close that gap. Senate floor. It is time for some of those We want people owning and managing their Members of the United States Senate to stop own health care plans and their own retire- playing politics with American justice. ment accounts. We want more people own- This country needs an energy plan, and ing their own small business, because we un- the Congress needs to get an energy plan derstand that when a person owns some- to my desk. I’ve been calling for one for sev- thing, he or she has a vital stake in the future eral years now, an energy plan that encour- of America. ages energy efficiency and conservation, that In a compassionate society, people respect uses technology in wise ways to find addi- one another. They respect their religious be- tional supplies of energy. For the sake of eco- liefs. They respect their opinions. And they nomic security and for the sake of national take responsibility for the decisions they security, this country must become less de- make in life. The culture of this country is pendent on foreign sources of energy. changing from one that has said, ‘‘If it feels A strong and prosperous nation must also good, just go ahead and do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve be a compassionate nation. I will continue got a problem, blame somebody else,’’ to a to advance our agenda of what I call compas- culture in which each of us understands that sionate conservatism, which means we’ll we’re responsible for the decisions we make apply the best and most innovative ideas to in life. the task of helping fellow citizens who are If you’re fortunate enough to be a mother in need. There are still a lot of people, mil- or a father, you’re responsible for loving your lions of men and women, who want to end child with all your heart. If you’re worried their dependence on government, become about the quality of the education in the independent through hard work. We must community in which you live, you’re respon- continue to build on the success of welfare sible for doing something about it. If you’re

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a CEO in corporate America, you’re respon- chairman, and Tom Petway III and Zach Zacha- sible for telling the truth to your shareholders riah, Florida State finance cochairmen, Bush-Che- and your employees. ney ’04, Inc.; former President Saddam Hussein In a responsibility society, each of us is of Iraq; and Senators Bob Graham and responsible for loving our neighbor just like of Florida. The President also referred to Title I of the Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994 we’d like to be loved ourselves. And we see (Public Law No. 103–382), which amended Title the culture of service and responsibility I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act growing around us. You know I started— of 1965 (Public Law No. 89–10). right after September the 11th, I started what’s called the USA Freedom Corps. It’s a chance for people to find out ways to ex- Remarks in a Discussion With tend a compassionate hand to a neighbor in Women Small-Business Owners need, and the response has been strong, real- January 9, 2004 ly strong. A lot of Americans—and I’m sure many The President. Thank you all. Thank you, are here—understand that patriotism can Mr. Secretary. You wrote that—you read that mean helping somebody who hurts. Chari- just like I wrote it. [Laughter] It’s good to table organizations in America are vibrant, be here at the Commerce Department. After neighborhood healing groups are really good, all, that’s what we’re here to discuss, is com- faith-based programs are strong. Police and merce and jobs and how to keep the entre- our firefighters and people who wear the Na- preneurial spirit strong in America. tion’s uniform remind us on a daily basis what Let me start off by saying, first of all, thank it means to serve something greater than you all for coming. We’re going to have an yourself. Once again, the children of America interesting discussion about what it means to believe in heroes, because they see them own your own business and risk capital and every day. employ people, what it takes to be a In these challenging times, the world has businessowner. And we’ve got five really seen the resolve and the courage of America. smart, capable women who are running their And I’ve been privileged to see the compas- own businesses. Before we get to this discus- sion and the character of the American peo- sion, though, I want to say I’m really opti- ple. All the tests of the last 3 years have come mistic about the future of our Nation’s econ- to the right nation. We’re a strong country, omy. This economy is strong, and it is getting and we use that strength to defend the peace. stronger. We’re an optimistic country, confident in I’m optimistic for one reason, because I ourselves and in ideals bigger than ourselves. just spent a little bit of time with five people Abroad, we seek to lift up whole nations by who are on the frontline of hiring. Their opti- spreading freedom. At home, we seek to lift mism was really evident, as I think you’ll soon up lives by spreading opportunity to every hear. Secondly, I’m optimistic because I see corner of America. This is the work that his- things happening. Unemployment dropped tory has set before us. We welcome it and today to 5.7 percent. That’s not good enough. know that for our country, the best days lie We want more people still working. But nev- ahead. May God bless you. Thank you for ertheless, it is a positive sign that the econ- coming. omy is getting better. I see the manufacturing orders are up dra- NOTE: The President spoke at 6:10 p.m. at the matically. I know the productivity is high in PGA National Resort. In his remarks, he referred America. Home construction is strong. All to Gov. of Florida and his wife, the signs in our economy is—are very strong. Columba; former Secretary of Housing and Urban And that’s positive for somebody who might Development Mel R. Martinez; Lt. Gov. Toni Jen- nings of Florida; Charlie Crist, Florida State attor- be wondering about whether he or she is ney general; Tom Gallagher, chief financial offi- going to find a job. cer, Florida Department of Financial Services; Al Secondly, I know what we have overcome Hoffman, finance chairman, Republican National in this country. I mean, this economy has got Committee; Mercer Reynolds, national finance to be pretty darn strong to have come

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