Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Apr. 2

It also requires—I wanted to make sure week. And the recommendation was that that the Governor and mayor would be we could transfer this property, if that’s using this property for education purposes. what I wanted to do. And it’s something That’s what the mayor said he would do; I want to do, because I think it’s going the Governor said he wanted to do that. to make the life of a city that has been They took a look at it and decided this tragically affected by killers and murderers is what they wanted to do. And it makes better. And I think it will enhance the qual- a lot of sense to me, and using it for edu- ity of education for the people of New cation purposes will make it easier for me York. And to me, that is a worthwhile and to facilitate the transfer, by the way. noble cause. Q. Mr. President, the previous adminis- tration didn’t want—I was just wondering, what specifically persuaded you? NOTE: The President spoke at 11:15 a.m. in The President. Well, I took a look at it. the Oval Office at the White House. In his I mean, it’s a good question. I took a look remarks, the President referred to U.S. Spe- at it. I listened to what George said. He’s cial Envoy to the Middle East Gen. Anthony my friend; I trust his judgment. I’ve known Zinni, USMC (Ret.); and Crown Prince him for a long time, and Rudy Giuliani Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The President also as well—both of them were passionate in referred to the Tenet plan, the Israeli-Pales- their appeal for us to consider transferring tinian cease-fire and security plan of June 13, Governor’s Island. And I knew Mike was 2001, negotiated by Director of Central In- very interested in enhancing the quality of telligence George J. Tenet; and the Mitchell education in New York City. report, the Report of the Sharm el-Sheikh And I took a look at it. I came back— Fact-Finding Committee, issued April 30, obviously, things didn’t happen quickly 2001. The transcript released by the Office after September the 15th trip, because we of the Press Secretary also included the re- had a lot on our mind. But it took a while marks of Governor Pataki and Mayor to work it through the White House staff, Bloomberg. A tape was not available for and it arrived on my desk sometime last verification of the content of these remarks.

Remarks Honoring the 2002 Super Bowl Champion April 2, 2002

The President. I’m honored to welcome what I learned, that in politics and sports, the Super Bowl champ Patriots to the Rose the experts are often wrong. Garden. I want to thank their owner, Bob I was really impressed by the character Kraft, for his leadership. And of course, of this team. Most of all—I obviously I want to thank their coach. Coach Bill watched the game—I was amazed at the has brought a lot of organization and clarity play and how they won. For a guy growing of purpose to this organization. I can re- up in Texas, that snow game looked pretty member when they were down on you a rough. [Laughter] But I know all the Pa- little bit—I know how you feel. [Laughter] triot fans were thrilled with that game and As a matter of fact, the Patriots learned the Super Bowl. I know you’ve got some an interesting lesson. I remember watching great fans here. all the experts talk about the Super Bowl. No one thought they’d win. They learned

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Obviously, Members of the Congress are of guys. They were champs on the field great fans. It’s good to see Senator Ken- and, more importantly, champs off the nedy, Senator Jeffords, who are here. I field’’—by sending not only a clear message don’t know if any Members of the Congress about the importance of teamwork but are here as well, but I want to thank you about the importance of serving something both for coming. greater than yourself in life, whether it be I was impressed by a lot, but let me the Salvation Army in the area or tell you what impressed me most was when after-school programs so some child realizes the team took the field prior to the Super somebody cares about them or how they Bowl. It wasn’t one of these things where conduct their own home life—is just as im- the spotlight was on any individual; every- portant to me and America, for that matter, body went out at the same time. I thought than winning on the football field. So it’s that was a pretty good signal to America an honor to welcome true football champs that teamwork is important, that the indi- but, as well, really fine Americans to the vidual matters to the team, but the team Rose Garden. is bigger than the individual. That’s one Congratulations. of the things I try to explain to people in Washington, that we’re here to serve [At this point, , chairman and something greater than ourself. And I ap- owner, and , head coach, preciated so very much that signal to the made brief remarks and presented the country. President with a team jersey and an auto- I remember watching the early Patriots graphed football.] there in Houston, when they came down The President. I appreciate that. Thank to the AFL. And I remember Gino you, sir. That is short. [Laughter] Congratu- Cappelletti. And Gino Cappelletti said this lations. Congratulations to you all. about this team—I think you probably re- member Gino Cappelletti, don’t you, Sen- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:25 a.m. in ator Kennedy? You were around in those the Rose Garden at the White House. In his days—[laughter]—barely, but around. ‘‘I remarks, he referred to retired Patriots play- think every guy that ever played for the er Gino Cappelletti. The transcript released Patriots would be proud of this bunch. by the Office of the Press Secretary also in- They are not only a team with great heart cluded the remarks of Mr. Kraft and Mr. and toughness; they’re also a good group Belichick.

Remarks Following a Roundtable Discussion With Early Childhood Education Experts in Media, Pennsylvania April 2, 2002

I just finished a discussion about early Dream, we’ve got to make sure every child childhood development. I want to thank the has the necessary foundation to be good experts and the teachers and the soon-to- readers, good writers, good comprehenders, be teachers and those who are running which means that this Nation must do a Head Start programs for sharing their better job of focusing our education strat- knowledge with Secretary Paige and me. egy on early childhood development pro- One thing is for certain: In order for grams. all Americans to realize the American

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