    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [October 17, 2001]
    [Pages 1253-1257]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the California Business Association Breakfast in Sacramento,
    California
    October 17, 2001

        Thank you all so much for that warm welcome. And I also want to
    thank the hundreds of our fellow Americans who lined the road coming in
    from the helicopter pad. It's really good to be here in California to
    report on our progress in the struggle against terror. Now, there's the
    long version, and there's a short version. So I'm going to start with
    the short version: Our people are united; our Government is determined;
    our cause is right; and justice will be done.
        I want to thank Gerry Parsky. I want to
    thank all the folks who put on this--organized this event. I appreciate
    so much

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    the Governor, Gray Davis, coming, and all the
    elected officials.
        I particularly want to say hello to the members of the Sacramento
    Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 7. They may not remember, but I do--I
    got to meet them in New York City. [Laughter] They were part of an
    incredible outpouring of compassion and support from all across the
    country. I've got to tell you, I was amazed when I went into the
    building, and they said they were from California. I said, ``This
    country is fabulous, when we've got people from California, from
    Sacramento, going all the way over to help their brothers and sisters at
    the World Trade Center.'' And I know you're just as proud of them as I
    am, and thank you all for being here.
        This great State is known for its diversity, people of all races,
    all religions, and all nationalities. They've come here to live a better
    life, to find freedom, to live in peace and security, with tolerance and
    with justice. When the terrorists attacked America, this is what they
    attacked. And when we defend America, this is what we defend.
        We are fighting for the security of our people, for the success of
    our ideals, and for stability in large parts of the world. We fight evil
    people who are distorting and betraying a great religion to justify
    their murder. Our cause is just. We will not tire. We will not falter,
    and my fellow Americans, we will not fail.
        New York City and Washington, DC, are 2,500 miles from here. Yet,
    for all of us, an American is an American, no matter where we live, no
    matter what our race, no matter how we pray. The people of New York and
    Washington are our neighbors, and when terrorists attack them, they
    attack us all. And the terrorists are hearing from us all.
        They are hearing from a compassionate nation, a nation that sends
    food and medicine to starving people of Afghanistan, a nation whose
    children--and I know we've got some here who have raised money at the
    elementary school--whose children are sending their dollars to save the
    children of Afghanistan. They are hearing from a tolerant nation, a
    nation that respects Islam and values our many Muslim citizens. They are
    hearing from a prayerful nation, a nation that prays to an almighty God
    for protection and for peace. And they are hearing from a patient and
    determined nation, a nation that will continue this war for as long as
    it takes to win.
        Ours will be a broad campaign fought on many fronts. It's a campaign
    that will be waged by day and by night, in the light and in the shadow,
    in battles you will see and battles you won't see. It's a campaign waged
    by soldiers and sailors, marines and airmen, and also by FBI agents and
    law enforcement officials and diplomats and intelligence officers. It's
    a campaign that is being waged in distant lands and a campaign being
    waged by our new Office of Homeland Security.
        To keep us safe, we're working around the clock. We're on the
    lookout. We have questioned and detained more than 750 terror suspects
    and material witnesses in our country. And the broad coalition we put
    together has detained hundreds of suspected members of the Al Qaida
    organization. Our world coalition is working. We are taking apart the
    terrorist network, piece by piece. We're taking away their money by
    freezing their assets and choking off their incomes.
        Our campaign will be difficult, and it's going to take time. But I
    can promise you this: It will be waged with determination, and it will
    be waged until we win. We will do whatever it takes to protect our
    country, protect the good American families. And we will do whatever it
    takes to punish those who have attacked us.
        We'll do whatever it takes to defeat terror abroad, wherever it
    grows or wherever it hides. In Afghanistan, our Armed Forces are
    performing their duty with skill and success. We've destroyed many
    terrorist camps. We've damaged the Taliban's air defenses. We've
    seriously weakened all

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    those in Afghanistan who wish to inflict harm on people anywhere in the
    world.
        We're paving the way for friendly troops to defeat the Taliban and
    root out the Al Qaida parasites that the Taliban hosts and protects.
    We're enforcing the doctrine that says this: If you harbor the
    terrorists, you are guilty of terror, and like the terrorists, you will
    be held responsible.
        We are not alone in this struggle. The war against terrorism is an
    international war, and we're fighting with a broad, broad coalition.
    Many nations around the world have joined with us in this cause,
    including nations from the Islamic world. Some countries contribute
    intelligence. Some help with law enforcement. Some join with military
    power, like our friends Great Britain. We are supported by the
    conscience of the world. And we are surrounding terrorists and their
    sponsors in a tightening net of justice.
        Later today I fly to Shanghai to meet with leaders from all round
    the Far East and leaders whose nations touch the Pacific, including
    Russia and China. We'll be strengthening our cooperation in the war on
    terror. We'll strengthen the economic ties that bring growth and hope to
    the entire world.
        The terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, and we will defeat
    them by expanding and encouraging world trade. In order to help me
    expand world trade, I've asked the Congress to give me what's called
    trade promotion authority, the ability to seek America's interests
    around the world.
        America will do whatever it takes to strengthen our security here at
    home. I've named former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge to head the new Office of Homeland Security, to help
    expose and to frustrate the plans of terrorists. We've adopted new
    measures to protect our airlines, so Americans can fly with greater
    confidence.
        We're responding rapidly to investigate anthrax reports and to
    quickly give preventative treatment to any who are exposed. Thousands of
    FBI agents are aggressively following every lead in our antiterror
    campaign. And I urge Congress to act quickly to update our laws and
    procedures so we can better protect our country and punish those who
    threaten us.
        The terrorists want us to stop our lives--that's what they want.
    They want us to stop flying, and they want us to stop buying. But this
    great Nation will not be intimidated by the evildoers.
        America will do whatever it takes to get our economy moving again.
    These are difficult times. Too many Americans are hurting. Too many are
    worried about their jobs and their businesses. And I know that
    California has been hit especially hard. America has got great
    resources, though. We've got the most skilled workers in the world, the
    best workforce. Taxpayers have just received their rebates. Interest
    rates have been cut to the lowest level in years. Energy prices are
    declining. The entrepreneurial spirit has never been stronger in
    America. The basics of our economy are ripe for growth.
        Yet, recent events have been a shock--no question about it--have
    shocked our economy. And people need help. And the Government in
    Washington is actively responding. We've already announced additional
    spending to rebuild New York and the Pentagon, to stabilize our airline
    industry, and to make sure we have enough money to defend our country.
    And I'll work with Congress to help workers who have lost their jobs
    because of the sudden economic slowdown.
        I've outlined additional economic stimulus package. I've listened
    carefully to members from both political parties. It's a package that
    will provide a needed lift for our economy. I urge Congress to act now
    to accelerate the tax relief we've already planned for the years ahead,
    so consumers will have more money to spend. I urge Congress to have more
    tax relief for lower- and moderate-income families in America who are
    especially hard hit. And I urge Congress to reform the corporate

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    income tax, and as well, allow businesses to deduct more of the costs of
    new investments immediately, so as to create jobs for American people.
        And I ask Congress to now act on an energy bill that the House of
    Representatives passed back in August. This is an issue of special
    importance to California. Too much of our energy comes from the Middle
    East. The plan I sent up to Congress promotes conservation, expands
    energy supplies, and improves the efficiency of our energy network. Our
    country needs greater energy independence. This issue is a matter of
    national security, and I hope the Senate acts quickly.
        On all these great issues, there's a spirit of respect and
    cooperation in Washington, I'm pleased to report. [Laughter] This
    morning I had breakfast with the four leaders of the Congress. And while
    we have our differences, I do want you to know, there is a strong
    determination to do what's right for the American people.
        I have butted heads in the past--[laughter]--with the leadership.
    But I want you to know, I applaud their love for America and their
    determination--their determination--to get the people's business done in
    a way that will make you proud. We're making good progress about
    changing the tone. The terrorists thought they affected us, but they've
    only made this Nation stronger.
        Not only do I applaud the leadership; I applaud the American people
    for your courage in a time of trial. We're living through a unique
    moment in American history. This is a time of rediscovery, of heroism
    and sacrifice and duty and patriotism. These are core values of our
    country, and they're being renewed. We found them waiting for us just
    when we needed them.
        Our forefathers would be proud, really proud of what they see in
    America today. They would be proud of the selfless duty of the
    firefighters and police officers of New York, firefighters and police
    officers all around our country, and the men and women who wear the
    uniform of the United States of America.
        Our forefathers would salute the modern-day sacrifice of the brave
    passengers on Flight 93, who, after reciting the Lord's Prayer, said,
    ``Let's roll,'' and stormed the hijackers, taking the plane down and
    probably saving thousands of lives on the ground.
        Our forefathers would know and recognize the spirit of unity and
    patriotism everywhere in our country, and they would say, ``Well done,
    America.''
        No, the true character of this great land has been revealed in
    adversity. Americans are generous to our neighbors in need. Americans
    are tolerant toward our fellow citizens of every background. Americans
    are alert to danger but calm and determined in the work ahead. And
    Americans are reaching out across the world to say: We wage a war on the
    guilty, not the innocent; we're friends to people of all faiths and
    enemies only to those who choose to make enemies of us.
        And Americans know we must act now. We must be strong, and we must
    be decisive. We must stop the evil ones, so our children and
    grandchildren can know peace and security and freedom in the greatest
    nation on the face of the Earth.
        Our Nation has felt great sorrow. Yet, this can be a time of great
    achievement. A great evil can be turned to greater good. The terrorists
    did not intend to create a new American spirit of unity and resolve, but
    they are powerless to stop it.
        At my Inaugural, I said that some Americans feel as if they share a
    continent but not a country. We don't feel that any longer. We know
    we're one people. We know we're one country. We're united from coast to
    coast by a determination and a firm resolve to see that right prevails.
        I will take that determination with me to meet leaders of the world
    in Shanghai. And America will take that determination all the way to
    victory.

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        Thank you for having me. God bless. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:38 a.m. at the Sacramento Memorial
    Auditorium. In his remarks, he referred to Gerald L. Parsky, chief
    executive officer, Aurora Capital Group, who introduced the President;
    and Gov. Gray Davis of California. The Office of the Press Secretary
    also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.