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a time in American history when those of in turn, make sure our neighbors are loved us in Washington, DC, or in the State cap- just like they’d like to be loved themselves. itals, recognize that oftentimes the most You can understand why I’m optimistic hopeful and promising programs of help about our country, because I am the Presi- come from places of worship. It doesn’t dent of the greatest nation on the face of matter what their religion is; the people the Earth. Thank you for coming. May God hear that universal call to love somebody bless. May God bless America. just like they’d like to be loved themselves. This is a period of time when America, NOTE: The President spoke at 10:43 a.m. at instead of cowering in the face of terrorism, the Klein Auditorium. In his remarks, he re- stood defiantly in the face of evil; when ferred to Leslie Lenkowsky, chief executive not only did we fight for freedom, but we officer, Corporation for National and Com- promoted the peace. And this will be a munity Service. The President’s principles time in history when our Nation’s compas- for the proposed legislation were outlined in sion comes forth, where the collective face ‘‘Principles and Reforms for a Citizen Service of America is a compassionate, joyous na- Act,’’ made available April 9 on the White tion, that will not allow evil to prevail and, House web site.

Remarks at a Republican Luncheon in Greenwich, April 9, 2002

Thank you for that warm welcome. It’s ple of Connecticut to reelect Johnny. He’s nice to be back in the State in which I done a heck of a job as your Governor. was born. I was running for Congress one And you get a good Lieutenant Governor time, and they accused me of not being with him as well. I appreciate Lieutenant able to represent the people of west Texas Governor Jodi Rell* for being here. Thank because I was born in Connecticut. And you very much. It’s great to see you again. I said, ‘‘Heck, I just wanted to be close Lieutenant Governor Rell and I spent some to my mother on that day.’’ [Laughter] quality time campaigning together, and I I know I’ve got a lot of people here found her to be a very bright, very accom- are friends of Mother and Dad’s. I just plished soul. It’s great to see you again, want you to know they’re doing great, and Jodi.* so am I, and so is my wife. I’m sorry Laura And I’m also here because I want Denny couldn’t be with us today. She went to the Hastert to be the Speaker of the House. Queen Mother’s funeral in London, and It is important that we elect Republicans she’s flying back tonight. But let me just from Connecticut to support Denny tell you, for somebody who is a public Hastert. school librarian, who wasn’t all that thrilled I remember one time, right after—in the about politics and all that in love with poli- fall, people said, ‘‘Well, do you plan on ticians, she’s made a fabulous First Lady; campaigning?’’ I said, ‘‘Yes, I plan on cam- she really has. She’s brought a lot of com- paigning.’’ It is in my interest to campaign fort to the Nation when we needed to be for good candidates, because I think it’s comforted, and she brings a quiet dignity in the Nation’s interest that we have people that I’m most proud of. like and Nancy Johnson and I also want to thank my friend Johnny Rowland. I’m here because I want the peo- * White House correction.

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Rob Simmons represent the good people Listen, he understands what I under- of Connecticut in Washington, DC. stand: Governments don’t create wealth— I appreciate Shays. [Laughter] Some- we know that—but governments need to times, he appreciates me. [Laughter] But create an environment in which people are I enjoy working with him because he’s a willing to risk capital, in which the entre- man of deep compassion. He cares deeply preneur can flourish. That’s what’s hap- about the human condition, and so does pening in Connecticut, thanks to Johnny his wife, Betsi. And it’s been an honor to Rowland’s leadership. call them friends, and I appreciate you all I gave a speech the other day on the very much. importance of making sure that children I want to thank Charlie Glazer, the event learn how to read early in life, so that when chairman, longtime friend. I appreciate they start kindergarten, there’s not this your tireless work. And I want to thank huge learning gap that takes place in Amer- those who represent the grassroots of the ica. Johnny figured that out way before my Connecticut party. Oftentimes, those of us speech. He figured out preschool education in public office only focus on one aspect was important before a lot of other people of politics. But I like to remind people knew it was important. And I appreciate Johnny’s efforts on focusing the State of that it takes the good folks dialing the Connecticut and his budget on preschool phones and mailing the mail, holding those programs as well as spending billions of signs up—at least the ones that say nice dollars to make sure class sizes are smaller things on them. [Laughter] They’re the in the State of Connecticut. ones who really oftentimes don’t get the Listen, we passed historic education re- credit. And so for those of you who have form in Washington, DC. And thanks to toiled in the vineyards on behalf of can- the Members on the stage and both Repub- didates such as me and those on the stage, licans and Democrats working together, fi- thanks from the bottom of our heart. And nally, in Washington, we were able to pass thank you all for helping the party, which a meaningful piece of legislation, part of helps Johnny, and helping the two can- which is to not only hold people to high didates who have got serious challenges. standards and to expect the best out of First, on Johnny. The way we like to every child, but part of it is we’re going put it in Texas is, he’s the kind of fellow to trust the Governors and local people to that does in office what he said he would figure out the path to excellence. And it do. I can’t tell you how important it is gives me great confidence in supporting to have people who hold office who deliver. such a bill, knowing that Johnny Rowland And one of the jobs of a Governor is to is the Governor of the State of Con- help restore faith in the political process necticut. of a particular State. And the best way to Serious crime has dropped by 15.7 per- defeat cynicism is to accomplish things on cent in the State of Connecticut since behalf of everybody, is to rise above the Johnny’s been the Governor. His record traditional noise that tends to dominate the speaks for itself, and I’m confident the political scene and perform. And that’s State will be wise enough to send Johnny what Johnny has done. He said he would back to the statehouse for another term. cut taxes, and he did. He said he would I certainly hope so, because he’s a good reduce those taxes which inhibited growth man. in the State of Connecticut, and he did. And Nancy Johnson’s got a race. And And as a result, the economy here has been surely the people of her congressional dis- vibrant and exciting, thanks to Johnny’s trict are going to be wise enough to send leadership. this good soul back to Washington, DC,

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because she is a good soul. She’s the dean repeal of the death tax is an important part of the delegation. She’s a leader in the of letting people realize the American Republican Party. She has got enormous Dream. And we’ve got small-business own- respect on both sides of the aisle, and that’s ers all over the country who’ve worked all important. If you’re a person who goes to their life, who want to leave their business Washington to get something done, you’ve to their heirs, to a son or a daughter, and got to have the respect on both sides of can’t do so because of the death tax. the aisle, and Nancy Johnson does. She is— Listen, getting rid of the death tax was she has been in the Oval Office more than great for farmers and ranchers. It’s good one time with steady counsel and good ad- to—it’s a good policy if you’re worried vice, and she’s not afraid to give it. [Laugh- about urban sprawl, so they can keep the ter] farmland in their families for generations. She is a leading authority on health care And we need to make it permanent. We and retirement security. If I’ve heard her need to make sure that the good work we say one time, I’ve heard her say 50 times, did doesn’t change because of a quirk in ‘‘Let’s work together to get a plan to make how Washington works. So the three sure our seniors have got prescription drug Members up here are going to be impor- coverage.’’ I agree with Nancy. We need tant to make sure that the repeal of the to work together to achieve some important death tax is forever, and that will be good national objectives. for the country. Nancy is a builder. She’s a good, steady And I appreciate Rob Simmons. He and soul. She is working on pension reform, I showed up about the same time in Wash- and she proudly stood with me when it ington. [Laughter] And he is doing a fine, came time to cut the taxes. And I want fine job. He’s respected. When he speaks, you to know we cut the taxes right at the people listen to what he has to say. As right time. She understands that when you you know, he has had a lifetime of service give people their money back or let them to the country. He worked for the CIA keep their own money in the first place, after he served in the Army. He worked it increases demand. And when you in- on the Senate staff. He’s in the State legis- crease demand, somebody is going to sup- lature. He’s worked hard, very hard, at ply something for you. And when they sup- every position he’s held. And he’s been a ply that good or service, it means jobs. Cut- very fine Member of the United States ting taxes, which I understand was unpopu- Congress. He cares deeply about our vet- lar on some of the opinion pages around erans. He’s a member of the Committee America, was the exact right thing to do, of Veteran Affairs. He knows our country and I want to thank Nancy and Rob and owes a lot to the people who have worn Chris for their support. the uniform. He’s also on the Armed Serv- And we sent the death tax on its way. ices Committee. The Armed Services Com- We’re getting rid of that death tax. But mittee is important for the State of Con- unfortunately, there is a quirk in the law necticut. It’s important to have his voice that means that the repeal of the death heard on behalf of not only Connecticut, tax is not permanent. It’s hard for me to of course, but the entire Nation. But I’m explain why you eliminate the death tax, confident he’d tell you things about Con- and all of a sudden it’s able to come back necticut first. [Laughter] And the people to life. [Laughter] That’s Washington. of his district will be doing the State of [Laughter] Connecticut a very important service to We need to make the tax cuts perma- send him back to Washington, DC, as well. nent, and the three Members from the I have mentioned a couple of the issues United States Congress understand that the that we’ve worked on, education and tax

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relief. But there’s a lot to do in Wash- and what is their purpose for coming into ington. We need an energy policy, an en- our country. We’ve got to make sure we ergy policy on the one hand that enhances have a mechanism in place to deal with conservation, that unleashes the technology any bioterrorist attack that may occur. And of the country to enable our cars to run so we’ve got—and I’ve got a good man, cleaner, our plants to burn cleaner. But a friend of Johnny’s and mine who is a we need to explore more, too. We need fellow Governor of ours from Pennsylvania to be less dependent on foreign sources named Tom Ridge, running this operation. of crude oil. This was made pretty clear You also need to know that every morn- the other day when Saddam Hussein stands ing that I’m in Washington, I go into the up and announces he’s going to try to orga- Oval Office—which is a fabulous office, by nize an oil boycott. You know my opinion the way. [Laughter] It’s a great shrine to about Saddam. [Laughter] The world’s not our country. I sit at the desk where the going to follow him. But it just goes to Roosevelts—I guess since I’m a President, show how important it is to diversify our I can call them the Roosevelt boys—sat supply away from places like Iraq. at the desk, John Kennedy, . We need to have trade promotion au- And I think my dad had a different desk. thority passed for the good of American And so I sit there and open up a threat workers. I need to be able to negotiate assessment that our people put together trade agreements with countries all around about noise we hear of one kind or another the world. That bill passed the House, just about the enemy still is interested in hitting like the energy bill. It stalled in the Senate. us. And so I’m reminded every day that Nothing seems to be moving out of the my job is to protect America, which I’m Senate these days. A faith-based initiative going to do. Anytime we get a hint, anytime passed the House. It is now sponsored by we get any evidence that somebody might of Connecticut. It’s stalled be thinking about doing something, you in the Senate. need to know we’re moving, and we’re We’ve got a lot of work to do in Wash- moving in a way that would make you ington, DC, and I appreciate these House proud. Members’ support. But there’s no greater But the best way to secure the homeland work to be done than to protect the Amer- is to find the enemy wherever they try to ican people. I have submitted a budget that hide and bring them to justice. The best prioritizes homeland defense and our na- way—make no mistake about it—you tional security. I submitted a budget that should not be confused about the nature recognizes that we’ve got to prepare Amer- of the people we’re dealing with. They hate ica for whatever emergency may come, a us because we’re free. They hate the budget that puts ample amount of money thought that Americans welcome all reli- in place to enable our first-responders, our gions; they can’t stand that thought. They brave police and firefighters and EMS hate the thought that we educate every- crews all around the country, to have the body. They hate our freedoms. They hate equipment and training necessary to re- the fact that we hold each individual—we spond should the enemy hit us again. dignify each individual. We believe in the I know the Coast Guard Academy is dignity of every person. They can’t stand based here. In my budget, I beefed up that. the Coast Guard in order to make sure And the only way they know to express that our borders are more secure. themselves is through killing, coldblooded We’ve got to change the INS, the Immi- killing. And so we need to treat them the gration and Naturalization Service, so we way they are, as international criminals. understand who’s coming into our country And that’s why my defense budget is the

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largest increase in 20 years. You know, the And it’s important that we be patient and price of freedom is high, but for me it’s united and strong, because there are still never too high because we fight for free- a lot of them out there. There just are; dom. that’s the reality. I deal with reality every I’ve tried to speak as clearly as I possibly day. But there’s no cave deep enough for can: ‘‘You’re either with us, or you’re not these people to hide in. You just need to with us. You’re either with us, or you’re know that. against us.’’ And the good news is, there’s The other day we hauled in a guy named a lot of people with us. A lot of people Abu Zubaydah. He’s one of the top love freedom like we do, and we’ve got operatives plotting and planning death and a vast coalition we’ve put together that we destruction on the United States. He’s not work on. I had the honor of welcoming plotting and planning anymore. He’s where Tony Blair down to the ranch. We’ve got he belongs. no finer friend, no stronger partner in our History has called us into action, and this quest for freedom than Tony Blair. Nation is responding. You’ve got to under- I also said that if you hide a terrorist stand my mindset and what I think. We’ve or feed one, you’re just as guilty as a ter- got to act on behalf of the little ones. rorist. And the Taliban found out exactly We’ve got to secure the world and this what we meant. We went into Afghanistan civilization as we know it from these evil not as conquerors but as liberators. people. We just have to do this. It is so hard for people to understand, And that includes making sure that some the fact that this was a government—it’s of the world’s worst leaders who desire to hard for people in America to understand possess the world’s worst weapons don’t that this is a government that would not team up with faceless, Al Qaida-type killer let young girls go to school. I mean, these organizations. We owe it to the future of were barbaric, backward people. And we this country to lead a coalition against na- got them out of office. And not only did tions that are so evil and, at the same time, we get them out of office, we kept a nation desire incredibly evil weapons. And you just from starving. We’re helping with their need to know, so long as I’m the President, health care system. I am so proud of the my focus is going to be defending freedom contributions that our military and Ameri- and making sure that, when they look back cans have made. It is a signal to the world at history, they will have said the United that we’re not only tough—if somebody States did what was necessary to keep the wants to take us on, they will have made world free from terror and barbaric behav- a bad mistake. But we’re also compas- ior. sionate, and we care deeply about the And I want to thank these Members for plight of our fellow human beings, no mat- their strong support of the defense budget ter what part of the world they live in. that I submitted. And my call, of course, The enemy must be chagrined. You to the Congress is that instead of passing know, first of all, I can’t imagine what went the defense budget last, like they always through their mind when they attacked. I try to do, let’s pass it first; let’s get it done. like to remind people, they must have felt Let’s make sure our troops understand we were so materialistic and so self-ab- they’re going to have the best equipment, sorbed and so weak and feeble that all we the best training, and the best pay possible would do would be to file a lawsuit. early in the budget cycle, not late. [Laughter] I believe strongly in the inherent good They thought we would grow weary. of our country. I’m an optimistic fellow be- They thought we would tire. Man, are they cause I know what a great land we are— wrong. This Nation is united and strong. have—and what a great people we are. I

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believe out of this evil that has been done American experience but you’ve got to give to our Nation will come incredible good. and you’ve got to help people in need. It There’s no doubt in my mind; there’s no means we’ve got corporate responsibility in doubt in my mind, if we’re firm and delib- America. CEOs of corporate America must erate and tough, we’ll achieve peace in not only be responsible for full disclosure places where we never dreamt there would of assets and liabilities, but they must also be peace. If we’re steady and rout out ter- stay focused on the health and welfare of ror wherever it exists, we can achieve their workers. peace. And I know this country can re- There is a responsibility era emerging in spond to the evil acts by responding with America to the better—to the better—and acts of kindness and decency. as a result, we’ll be able to overcome evil People say, ‘‘What can I do to help?’’ with good. The answer is, love a neighbor like you’d And perhaps that change of attitude and like to be loved yourself. If you want to change of culture is best reflected by what help America fight evil, do some good in took place on Flight 93. For me, it was your neighborhood. Put your arm around one of the most meaningful stories of Sep- a child who may wonder whether or not tember 11th and on. It’s the story of aver- the American experience is meant for them age Americans flying an airplane—on an and say, ‘‘I love you.’’ And more than that, airplane, traveling our country just like ev- teach them how to read, so they can under- erybody else has done—most everybody has stand what America is all about. If you done—just got on an airplane and said, really want to help, support your schools. ‘‘I’m going to go somewhere,’’ for business Help people understand that loneliness and or pleasure, whatever it was. And they were despair do not have to be a way of life. told on their telephones that America was Walk across the street to a shut-in who under attack. And they told their loved may live in your neighborhood and say, ‘‘I ones they loved them, and they said a pray- care for you. What can I do to help you er, and they drove the plane in the ground today?’’ to save others’ lives. It’s small acts of kindness and decency It is the ultimate—it’s the ultimate state- that define the true face of America for ment of personal responsibility to serve the world. If you want to fight evil, do something greater than yourself. And that’s some good. And it’s that gathering momen- what’s happening in America. Americans all tum of millions of acts of kindness which around our country are serving something will have the American people stand greater than their own self-promotion. And squarely in the face of the evildoers. that’s good. And that’s the American spirit. And that’s happening in America. It is. And that’s why I am so incredibly opti- Our culture is beginning to change from mistic about the future of this country, be- one of—that basically said, ‘‘If it feels good, cause we’re a land full of decent and caring just go ahead and do it,’’ and ‘‘If you’ve and compassionate Americans. got a problem, blame somebody else,’’ to Thank you all for coming today, and may one in which we’re all responsible for the God bless you all. decisions we make in life, that we’re re- sponsible for loving our children. The most important job you’ll ever have as a mother NOTE: The President spoke at 12:55 p.m. in or father is to love your children with all the Regency Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency your heart and all your soul. Greenwich. In his remarks, he referred to A responsible period of time says that President Saddam Hussein of Iraq; Prime you will be involved in your community, Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom; that you shouldn’t just take from the great and Abu Zubaydah, a leader of the Al Qaida

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terrorist organization, who was captured on March 28.

Remarks Following Discussions With Secretary General Lord Robertson of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization April 9, 2002

President Bush It’s an honor to welcome We must take on new members, securing Lord Robertson back here to the White freedom from the Baltic to the Black Sea. House. NATO is an anchor of security for And NATO must forge a new relationship both Europe and for the United States. with Russia that is even more constructive, And Lord Robertson is a very strong leader so that we can finally and forever abolish who is helping NATO meet the challenges the divisions that are relics of a previous of the new century. era. Since September the 11th, NATO has These are difficult challenges, requiring been a bulwark in the fight against terror. determination and leadership. And I’m so On September the 12th, for the first time happy that NATO has a strong visionary in history, NATO invoked Article V, declar- leader in my friend Lord Robertson. It is ing an attack on one of its members is our fourth meeting since I’ve taken office, an attack on all. NATO did so to show and I look forward to many more. its strong support for the United States. Lord Robertson, I appreciate you com- And NATO nations are backing up those ing. words with action. More than a dozen of Secretary General Robertson. Mr. Presi- our NATO Allies are contributing forces dent, thank you very much for these kind to the war against terror in Afghanistan. words. And I’m delighted to be here at NATO aircraft have been deployed to pa- the White House today, because it was on trol our skies in support of America’s secu- this very day in this city, 53 years ago, rity. And the airspace of NATO members that a group of nations came together to has been critical to coalition air operations. create a common defense against a com- The United States is deeply, deeply grateful mon threat, by saying an attack on one for this support. country would be deemed to be an attack This past weekend in Texas, I thanked on all. Prime Minister Tony Blair for the many It was, however, a very different world valuable contributions of Great Britain. when NATO redeemed that pledge last Today, on behalf of the American people, September. But although the world has I thank Lord Robertson for his leadership changed, the ties that bind the 19 NATO and for the help of our NATO friends. nations together have not, because this is The United States will consult closely an alliance built on shared principles and with our allies as we move forward in the not on convenience, built on permanent war against terror. This is an important mo- values, not on expediency. ment for NATO, and as we prepare for So as the President has said, it should the NATO summit in Prague later this be no surprise that so many NATO na- year, we must address some critical chal- tions—all the NATO nations—are at the lenges. NATO must develop new, flexible forefront of this war on terror. NATO is capabilities to meet the threats of the 21st the kind of alliance that you need, because century. when facing a long-term strategic challenge,

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