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Senate seem to think we can afford to do I spent a little time with some people that nothing, that the economy will get better on work for a company called InFocus, which its own, sooner or later. I say that if your is a company—[applause]. John, it sounds job is in danger or you have a loved one out like you packed the crowd. [Laughter] Either of work, you want that recovery sooner, not that, or you’ve got a big family. [Laughter] later. But I want to thank John Harker and his We need a plan to lengthen unemploy- team for coming to talk to me about how ment benefits; we need a plan to shorten the best they think we can stimulate growth. I recession. The Senate should act on both. want to thank them for employing people in America’s workers cannot afford more delay. this part of the world, for trying to figure Thank you for listening. out how to grow their economy, for worrying about their workforce, as well as making a NOTE: The address was recorded at 9:20 a.m. on quality product. I’m going to share some January 4 at the Bush Ranch in Crawford, TX, thoughts that John shared with me in a little for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on January 5. The tran- bit. But I do want to thank you for coming. script was made available by the Office of the I also want to thank my friends Senator Press Secretary on January 4 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office of the Gordon Smith and Greg Walden. They were Press Secretary also released a Spanish language hitchhiking in California and they needed— transcript of this address. [laughter]. They were looking for a free ride, and Air Force One happened to be available. [Laughter] But they did fly down with me. Remarks at Parkrose High School in I’m impressed by these two good men. Portland, Oregon We spent a lot of time talking about Or- January 5, 2002 egon. They’re deeply concerned about the fact that a lot of people aren’t working; I am, Well, thank you all very much for such a too. They’re deeply concerned about the fact gracious and warm welcome. It’s nice to be that parts of your State are not being treated back here in Oregon. I’m impressed by the very well. We spent time talking about the Mighty Ducks; they’re awfully good. I wasn’t Klamath Basin. I share their concern about a believer; now I am. [Laughter] They’re people who make a living off the land. And good. Of course, they gave my Texas boys I told these two good men that we’ll do ev- a good lesson last year, as I recall. [Laughter] erything we can to make sure water is avail- But thanks for coming out on a Saturday able for people who farm. afternoon to say hello. I was earlier in Cali- I also want to thank two of the Congress- fornia, and then I’m here—went to a com- men from this area, Earl Blumenauer and munity college. You’ve got a wonderful com- Darlene Hooley, for being here, as well. munity college here in the Portland area, Thank you so much for coming; I appreciate which is worried about helping people find you being here. I know you had better things work. And I went by and saw the good in- to do on Saturday afternoon, and here you structors there that are trying to help people are, stuck with me. [Laughter] Thanks for help themselves. coming; it means a lot. And I come in here to be able to share You know, there were some—some of the some thoughts with you. And then I’m going things that are happening in Washington, I to hustle on home for dinner—[laughter]— expected. And there was one thing that hap- right there in Crawford, Texas. pened was not expected. It’s been a heck of I want to thank Katie Harman for being a year. [Laughter] I will tell you, before I here. It was a pleasure to meet your mayor. get into the expected and unexpected, I be- Mayor Katz, thank you for coming. It’s very lieve 2002 is going to be a fabulous year for gracious for you to be here today. America. I picked a good man from Portland to rep- I remember meeting with business leaders resent us in New Zealand; that’s my friend in Austin, Texas—this is before I began head- Butch Swindells, who is now the Ambassador ing north to become sworn in as your Presi- to New Zealand. dent—and there was deep concern about the

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economy then. A year ago December, people ghanistan. While we dropped bombs, we also were saying, ‘‘This economy is soft, and we’re dropped food and medicine and clothing to going to be in for a rough ride.’’ It was not make sure that the innocents in Afghanistan unexpected to see the economic slowdown. could survive the brutal winter in that part And I want to share some thoughts with you of the world. We’re a great nation. about how we can reverse the trend—al- We’re making steady progress, and I use though I’m optimistic about our economy. the word ‘‘steady’’ because sometimes it There are some numbers coming out that ap- seems like there is a certain impatience in pear that things are getting a little better: the airwaves. But I don’t believe there’s an The unemployment rate is 5.8 percent. But impatience amongst the American people. As if you’re unemployed, it’s 100 percent, and a matter of fact, I think the American people I’m worried about that. are very patient. They understand this is a The unexpected, obviously, was Sep- difficult assignment, and they understand, tember the 11th, when evil people decided like I do, that we’ve got to be patient in order to attack America. I say ‘‘evil people’’ because to be successful. I don’t view this as a religious war. I view But we’ve accomplished a lot in 90 days. this as a struggle of good versus evil. And That’s not a very long period of time. It’s make no mistake about it, good will prevail. been a long period of time for Al Qaida— We are making steady progress in the first [laughter]—but it hasn’t been a very long pe- theater on the war against terror. We have riod of time for us. made it clear to people that we weren’t going The reason we’ve had—we’ve got a good to allow the injustice done to America to strategy, and we’ve got a great military. For stand, and that if anybody harbored these those of you who serve in our military or for people or fed them or clothed them or tried to provide them help, they were just as guilty those of you whose sons or daughters or rel- as the terrorists were. atives serve in the military, thank you. These people are like parasites, and they But I do want to remind our fellow citizens find a host. And for those of you who ranch, that we’re now in a dangerous phase of this you understand what a parasite can do to the war in Afghanistan, because those who are host cow, for example; too many parasites willing to send young people to their suicide weaken the host. What happened was, was death hide in caves, themselves, to save their that they became parasites in Afghanistan. own skin. And I told the world, just like I But we weakened the host; the Taliban no told the American people: You can hide, but longer is in power. we will smoke you out and bring you to jus- And as a result, this great nation should tice. be proud of the fact that we led a coalition I’m so sorry to report that Sergeant Nathan that liberated women and children, a coali- Chapman lost his life yesterday. But I want- tion that brought down a government that ed—I want Sergeant Chapman’s family to was so incredibly repressive it’s hard for know that the cause for which he died is just those of us who live in America to under- and noble, the cause of freedom and the stand. Some of my finest memories thus far hope that our children and grandchildren will of this war against terror was the joy that be able to grow up in a world that is free came on people’s faces when they realized of the barbaric behavior of terrorism. that the Taliban would no longer hold them We’re on a mission, and we will not yield hostage to an outdated, outmoded, dictatorial until the mission is complete. The war against point of view. terror is broader than just Afghanistan, and I am so proud of our country. I’m proud that is exactly what I have made clear to of the fact that at the same time that we members of the vast coalition which we have waged a war against Al Qaida and the put together. I said there are no shades of Taliban, we fed the people. I read an impor- gray in this fight for civilization—there are tant headline the other day that—it said it no shades of gray. Either you’re with the looked like we avoided a terrible disaster by United States of America, or you’re against providing food for thousands of people in Af- the United States of America.

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I’m sure there were some people who job. It shows what’s possible when you set were anxious to sit on the fence for a while. aside party—listen, I’m a proud party man, But what they’ve come to realize is that this but I’m American first, and that’s what we Nation, when aroused, is a mighty nation, a ought to be dealing with when it comes to nation that, when we make up our mind legislation. And there are troubling signs that we’re going to do something, we’re going to some in the Nation’s Capital want to go back do it. We’re going to shake terrorism loose to the old ways, and I don’t think we ought wherever it exists and bring those to justice to let them do that. I think we ought to focus who have hurt America and bring those to on what’s good for the country. justice who might hurt America. And take the issue of the economy. Like Let me tell you that part of this war is yourselves, I’m deeply concerned about the overseas, but part of it is here at home. My fact that Oregon leads the country when it biggest job as your President is to make sure comes to unemployment, and we’ve got to no one harms the American people. My big- do something about that. First, my principle gest job is to rally the resources of this coun- is this: In tough times people need an unem- try, and have a homeland defense that will ployment check, but for the long term, what take every lead, every idea, every hint that they need is a paycheck, and we’ve got to somebody may harm us and rout them out, figure out how to get jobs going. and give them a chance to protect America, I think it’s very important for us to extend and give them a chance to make this land unemployment benefits, including monies to secure. help people pay for their health care, for And if we find somebody who wants to those whose lives were affected on 9/11. I harm America, who espouses the philosophy think it’s very important for our country to that’s terrorist and bent, I can assure you we do this. I know there is the will to get that will bring that person to justice. done in Washington, DC. It makes sense that This Nation is on alert, and it should be, we help people. but one of the things we’re not going to let I met with the people in the community the terrorists do is to cause us not to behave college today, a chemical engineer and an like Americans and enjoy our freedoms and electrical engineer who were reliant upon the enjoy our neighborhoods and enjoy travel high-tech world to make a living. They got and enjoy the great wonders of our country. laid off. They need these benefits so they can They think they can shut us down; they’ve help themselves and be prepared when the got the wrong country they’re dealing with. economy recovers. There is a new spirit in this country, and But any economic stimulus plan must also a unity that is so powerful and so real that expand the job base. We ought to be asking even a fellow who is hermetically sealed in ourselves, what does it take to increase more the White House can feel it. [Laughter] I jobs so people can find work? And that starts am proud of the Nation. with understanding that the biggest job cre- And we should not respond one way ators in America are the small businesses and abroad and have a different attitude about entrepreneurs of America. issues that face us at home. Here’s what I I mentioned that last winter we got the think: I think it’s time for Congress to focus indications that the economy was slowing on what’s best for America, and not political down. And that’s one of the reasons I fought parties. I believe we need to set priorities so hard for tax relief. Because I understand and get positive things done. that if the economy is growing down—slow- I’m getting ready to sign an education bill ing down, the best thing to do is to give peo- on Tuesday. My friends in Midland, Texas, ple their own money back. The best thing will not believe it when they turn on C– to do is—because the Government doesn’t SPAN or one of these other channels because create wealth, the Government creates an I am going to stand up and say to the Nation: environment in which the entrepreneurial One, this is a good piece of legislation and, spirit can flourish. two, I want to thank Senator Ted Kennedy There is an amazing new kind of economic for working on it with me. He’s done a fine theory working its way through Washington,

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and it said that tax relief causes recessions. your lives.’’ That’s the America I know, and [Laughter] I’m not exactly sure what eco- that’s the America I love. nomic book that came out of, but if you want It’s been an amazing event—series of to get your way out of a recession, you pro- events that have taken place. One of the most vide tax relief. The worst thing you can do— heartening things for me is to know that the worst thing you can do is raise taxes in thousands of Americans are reassessing their a recession. And yet, some in Washington, values. Moms and dads are asking what they DC, are talking about getting rid of the tax can do to be better parents—that, as a result cuts. I can’t think of anything worse for grow- of the evildoer, not only are we responding ing our economy. The answer to those who militarily and not only have we put this broad want to raise taxes is: No, you’re not going coalition together that says we’ll rid the world to raise taxes. of terror, but here at home people are saying, Most small businesses are sole proprietor- ‘‘Gosh, let me reassess my life.’’ It’s so impor- ships or, perhaps, a limited partnership. And tant for moms and dads to know that the when you cut personal income taxes, you’re most important job they will ever have is to really affecting the ability of small businesses love their children with all their heart and to grow. The question we ought to ask is, all their soul. how do you expand the job base? I’m so pleased to report to you that the I spent time with John and the people of great fabric of the country, in terms of help- his good company. I like the idea of providing ing people, exists because of faith-based insti- incentives to encourage corporate America tutions, regardless of their religion; all across to make investments in capital which is equal neighborhoods in America, that people are to jobs eventually. We ought to have an eco- asking the question, ‘‘What can I do to help’’; nomic stimulus package that says, let’s create that the great mosaic of America is made up more jobs for the American people. And we of the millions of acts of kindness which takes ought to get on about the American people’s place every single day. September the 11th business—put politics aside and come to- was an attack on our country, but it didn’t gether and do what’s right for this country. affect our heart; it didn’t affect our soul. We have the ingredients for a plan. There’s My great hope for the year 2002 is that a bill that came out of the House; there was people who want to work can find a job. one that could have come out of the Senate; My hope is that our military is safe in their the votes were there. And so I just hope some mission. I understand the war on terror is of the Senators that kind of stood in the way going to beyond probably 2002. I have no of getting an economic plan done listen to unrealistic aspirations about a calendar, a the people and hear the voices of the people quick calendar. and come back and do what’s right for the But my true hope, as well, is that the great country. compassion of America and the value system I’ll tell you something about America: The that has made us so different and so unique people are the true strength of this country. continues to be vibrant and strong; that peo- And we can talk about Government all we ple, when they want to know how to help want to talk about, but the thing that makes America, turn to a neighbor in need and say, this country great is our people. I have been ‘‘I want to help, to provide comfort for a child so proud of the American people. I love the who may need a loving mentor,’’ to say to stories that had to do with the aftermath of somebody elderly on your block, ‘‘Gosh, I September the 11th. When they heard that want to provide you company.’’ women of cover, women of the Muslim faith, That’s the great—that’s my hope for the were worried about going outside their home country, that our compassion continues to because somebody might take severe action well up and that this great American experi- against them, Jewish women and Christian ence continues to touch every possible heart. women in the suburb of Detroit called up I pray for peace, I pray for prosperity, and on the phone and said, ‘‘We want to help I pray for the greatest land on the face of you go to the store. We want to provide what- the Earth—America. ever comfort we can so you can go about Thank you.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 3:15 p.m. in the tisan bickering, that we ought to come to- school’s Aldo Rossi Field House. In his remarks, gether, we ought to unify around some sen- he referred to Katie Harman, Miss America 2002; sible policy and not try to play politics with Mayor Vera Katz of Portland; Charles J. Swindells, tax relief or, for that matter, economic stim- U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand; John V. ulus packages. Harker, president and chief executive officer, InFocus Corp.; Representative Greg Walden of I’ll be glad to answer a few questions. Oregon; and Sfc. Nathan Ross Chapman, USA, Fournier [Ron Fournier, Associated Press]. who was killed January 4 by hostile fire in Afghani- stan. National Priorities and the Federal Budget Q. Mr. President, can you increase fund- Remarks Following a Meeting With ing for the military and homeland security the Economic Team and the Federal without dipping into the Social Security and Reserve Board Chairman and an Medicare accounts? And Chairman Green- Exchange With Reporters span, if I could—— January 7, 2002 The President. Well, wait. I promised him that he could come. He’s an independent The President. I want to thank Chairman soul, and he can have a press conference Greenspan for coming. He’s here to offer his elsewhere. But one of the things we’re not independent advice and counsel about the going to do is drag the Chairman into a press state of our economy. I want to thank my conference. Otherwise, he won’t come economic team for keeping me abreast of back—[laughter]—to the White House. what we’re learning during our Christmas Q. I’m sure he would—— break. I look forward to a substantive discus- The President. Well, you can find him at sion about how to wisely put policy in place his place of business. Sorry to tell you how that will help this economy recover. to do—it’s a new year. [Laughter] I plan to I’m—we’re making good progress in win- be much more assertive with the press. ning the war in Afghanistan, and we’ve got Q. [Inaudible]—going to ask him if he to make good progress about helping people thought the recession was over, that’s all. find work. The cornerstone of any good pol- The President. Okay. I said to the Amer- icy is going to be to take care of—help people ican people that this Nation might have to help themselves, and take care of those who run deficits in time of war, in times of a na- may have lost their job as a result of 9/11. tional emergency, or in times of a recession. But always remember, the most important And we’re still in all three. We had a national thing for those who have lost their job is to emergency; we’re trying to win a war; and be able to find work. And so the question we’re in a recession. So I have no problem I’m going to ask, and the question I hope figuring out ways to win the war, figuring Congress asks, is, how best to create jobs? out ways to protect the homeland—and those What can you do to encourage economic will be the priorities of my budget—and at growth so that people who want to work can the same time—and spending the money find work? necessary to do both—and at the same time, I’m optimistic that 2002 is going to be a recognizing that we may not balance the better year than 2001. And we will discuss budget for this year. ways here to make—to figure out how Gov- It makes sense to spend money necessary ernment can make that happen. One thing to win the war; it makes sense to spend I will do, after the course of these discussions money necessary to protect the homeland. and some discussions later on this week, will And we’re in a recession. There are some put in my budget an economic stimulus pack- talk about raising taxes. That would be a dis- age. aster, to raise taxes in the midst of a reces- And speaking of that, I hope that when sion. Even—I think you’ll find that to be— Congress comes back they will have listened most economists agree with that point of to their constituents and that Congress will view. Certainly, if they’re fair about it, they realize that America, like me, is tired of par- will say that.

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