    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [October 13, 2001]
    [Pages 1235-1236]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    October 13, 2001

        Good morning. This week we opened some important new fronts in the
    war on terror. We're taking the war to the enemy, and we are
    strengthening our defenses here at home.
        In last week's radio address, I warned that time was running out for
    the Taliban to turn over the terrorists they shelter. They did not
    listen, and they are paying a price.
        On Sunday American and British forces launched strikes at terrorist
    camps and Taliban military targets in Afghanistan. Our men and women in
    uniform are performing as they always do, with skill and courage, and
    they have achieved the goals of the

    [[Page 1236]]

    first phase of our campaign. We have disrupted the terrorist network
    inside Afghanistan. We have weakened the Taliban's military, and we have
    crippled the Taliban's air defenses. American forces dominate the skies
    over Afghanistan, and we will use that dominance to make sure terrorists
    can no longer freely use Afghanistan as a base of operations.
        This campaign will not be completed in one attack. Our enemy prefers
    to attack the helpless. He hides from our soldiers. But we're making a
    determined effort to take away his hiding places. The best defense
    against terrorism is a strong offensive against terrorists. That work
    continues.
        At the same time, we are taking further action to strengthen our
    protections against terrorism here at home. This week I signed an
    Executive order creating a new Office of Homeland Security. The Office
    is headed by a skilled and tested leader, former Pennsylvania Governor
    Tom Ridge. Governor Ridge is a decorated Vietnam
    combat veteran. He's an effective executive, and he knows what we're up
    against because his own State was one of the three where Americans died
    on September the 11th.
        Governor Ridge is charged with coordinating a
    comprehensive national effort to protect our country against terrorism,
    to frustrate terrorists' plans, to help protect vulnerable points, and
    to prepare our response to potential threats. Tom Ridge will report
    directly to me, and he will have the full support of our entire
    Government.
        I understand that many Americans are feeling uneasy. But all
    Americans should be assured: We are taking strong precautions; we are
    vigilant; we are determined. The country is alert, and the great power
    of the American Nation will be felt.
        Our Nation is grateful to so many Americans who are rallying to our
    cause and preparing for the struggle ahead: FBI agents; intelligence
    officers; emergency response workers; public health authorities; State
    and local officials; our diplomats abroad; law enforcement teams who
    safeguard our security at home; and soldiers, sailors, marines, and
    airmen who defend us so far away.
        Many others are asking, ``What can I do?'' Americans already
    contribute to the war on terror by their patience and patriotism, by
    their resolve and generosity.
        Yet, I have one more task, one especially for America's children. I
    urge you to show the best of America by directly helping the children of
    Afghanistan who are suffering from the oppression and misrule of their
    own Government. Many are malnourished; many are starving.
        Put a dollar in an envelope. Mark it, ``America's Fund for Afghan
    Children,'' and send it here to the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania
    Avenue, Washington, DC 20509-1600. Working with the American Red Cross,
    we will get that money to Afghan children in need.
        This is something the children of America can do for the children of
    Afghanistan, even as we oppose the brutal Taliban regime. We will oppose
    their evil with firm justice, and we will answer their hatred with
    compassion for the Afghan people.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 11:20 a.m. on October 12 in the
    Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on October
    13. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on October 12 but was embargoed for release until the
    broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address. The Executive order of October 8 is
    listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.