    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [June 11, 2002]
    [Pages 960-966]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Missouri
    June 11, 2002

        Thank you very much. Please be seated. Thanks for that great
    Missouri welcome. I'm honored to be back here, to talk about how we're
    doing and what we're doing to make sure that America is safe and secure
    and America's a promising place for everybody who lives here.
        I'm traveling in pretty good company today. I've asked--I had asked
    two of my Governors friends to join me in Washington, DC, to serve our
    Nation. And thankfully, they both agreed. First, the former Governor of
    New Jersey, now the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
    Agency, a fine lady, a person doing an excellent job on behalf of all
    America, Christie Todd Whitman. And
    the former Governor of Pennsylvania, a man who, right after the attacks
    on our country, agreed to leave his job and come and serve as the
    adviser on homeland security, the first such adviser, a guy who has
    worked endless hours to make sure America is as safe as can possibly be,
    and that's my friend Tom Ridge.
        I want to thank Members of the United States Congress who are here
    today, some of whom flew down on Air Force One. I'm not suggesting they
    like a free flight. [Laughter] But it was good to have them on the
    plane: Senator Kit Bond, from the State
    of Missouri--where are you, Kit--thank you. Congressman from this area,
    Sam Graves--Sam, thank you for being here.
    [Applause] Sounds like Sam has got a lot of his cousins here. [Laughter]
    Kenny Hulshof as well, from the State of
    Missouri--Kenny, thank you for being here. I appreciate it.
        The next fellow's not from this area, although he claims he was born
    in Kansas City. He's a Congressman from California, chairman of the
    Rules Committee, David Dreier. Thank you for
    coming, David. Former Congressman Jim Talent
    has joined us today. I'm glad you're here, Jim. Thank you for coming.
    And the mayor of Kansas City, Madam Mayor Kay Barnes, is here. Thank you for coming, Madam Mayor. I'm honored
    you're here.
        I also want to thank the school officials. Mr. Principal, thank you for opening up this beautiful high school. I
    appreciate you giving us a chance to come by and share some thoughts
    with my fellow citizens.
        You know, I don't know what went through the minds of the enemy when
    they hit us. I can't imagine what they were thinking; what kind of
    thought process did they have? I guess they thought America was so
    materialistic and so self-absorbed and so selfish that all we would do
    after the attack was maybe file a lawsuit or two. They didn't understand
    that we love freedom, and if somebody tries to take our freedoms away or
    if somebody tries to

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    frighten us because of our freedoms, we'll respond. And I'm proud to
    report this mighty Nation has responded. We are fierce, and we're tough
    when it comes to defending our values.
        I see a lot of you have brought your children; I want to thank you
    for that. And I want you, as moms and dads and as grandparents, to make
    sure you tell your children that we fight not to seek revenge but we do
    so because we seek justice and that the overriding ambition of this
    country is to achieve long-lasting peace.
        It's important our fellow citizens of all ages understand the goal
    and vision of a strong and tough America is a more peaceful world, that
    we long for chance for our own children and children all across the
    globe to grow up in societies which tolerate people based on--and don't
    prejudice--based upon people's religious beliefs, that we honor--we
    honor freedom of religion; we respect other people's opinions; we honor
    the notion of being able to speak freely with political discourse.
    That's what we honor.
        It's important that when our children read about military movements
    or arrests, that it's all done with a clear understanding that this is a
    peaceful nation and that we long for a freer day for everybody around
    the globe.
        Our country is--I like to use the word ``tough,'' because we are. We
    are; we're a tough country. We've got a great military. And for those of
    you who have got relatives in the military, I want to thank you on
    behalf of a grateful nation and thank them on behalf of a grateful
    nation as well.
        We're also a patient nation. The American people understand that
    this is a new type of war. After all, we were attacked. We lost
    thousands of innocent citizens. Old wars used to be battle lines and
    tanks moving here and equipment moving there and logistics. New wars are
    wars fought against shadowy enemies, people who hide in caves and then
    are willing to send youngsters to their death. And that kind of war's
    going to require patience and resolve. It's going to require us
    gathering the best intelligence we possibly can. It requires our great
    Nation to assemble a vast coalition of freedom-loving people to join us
    as we're seeking these killers one by one. It requires us cutting off
    their money. One of the things that the terrorists and the enemy can't
    stand is to have their money dried up. They operate on money as well as
    they do on hate, and we're working with the financial institutions all
    over the world.
        We've got over 60,000 American troops around the world fighting
    terror--a bunch of them in Afghanistan now. Not only are they in
    Afghanistan to fight terror, they're also there to bring some order into
    a chaotic society. One of the things I was most proud of is that when we
    sent our troops, they arrived in Afghanistan; they weren't there to
    conquer a country; they went in to liberate a country from the clutches
    of one of the most barbaric regimes in the history of mankind. And
    thanks to the United States and our coalition, young girls now go to
    school for the first time in their lives.
        This is an unusual kind of war because it sometimes will show up on
    your TV screens, and sometimes it won't. Sometimes there will be moments
    of high drama, and of course, good reporters will be going--all kinds of
    hyperventilating about this action or that action. [Laughter] And
    sometimes you won't see a thing.
        Interestingly enough, we've rounded up and detained over 2,400
    terrorists, and that's good. It's not just us; our friends have as well.
    We're making progress. You probably read in the newspaper; the number's
    now 2,401.
        And it's not very dramatic at times when that happens. But you need
    to know that we're steady and strong on the subject of keeping America
    free. I'm going to talk about homeland security, but the best way to
    secure our homeland is to hunt the killers down, one by one, and bring
    them to justice, and that is what we're going to do.

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        It also is a new kind of war, because we're going to be confronted
    with the notion that these shadowy terrorists could hook up with a
    nation that has got weapons of mass destruction, the nations that I
    labeled ``axis of evil,'' people who in one case have gassed their own
    people with a weapon of mass destruction, people who aren't afraid to
    use these weapons, people who hate America because of our freedoms. And
    I've made it clear that we will use all tools at our disposal. But one
    thing we are going to do is defend the American people and make sure
    that these terrorist networks don't hook up with these nations that
    harbor bad designs on us and at the same time develop the worst kind of
    weapons.
        We owe it to our children to defend freedom. We owe it to our
    children to defend what we believe in, and we owe it to the world to
    speak clearly: Murder of innocent people is always wrong; societies
    which mistreat women are always wrong; religious intolerance is always
    wrong. And this country has a duty to speak out loud and clear. And when
    we see evil--I know it may hurt some people's feelings; it may not be
    what they call diplomatically correct--but I'm calling evil for what it
    is. Evil is evil, and we will fight it with all our might.
        I recognize the best way to defend our homeland is to go on the
    offense, and we're going to. But we've got to do a pretty good job on
    defense as well. And that's why I've called for the creation of the
    Department of Homeland Security, a new Cabinet agency. And I'd like to
    explain why I did so.
        Right now, there are over 100 agencies responsible for a part of
    homeland security--100 different entities at the Federal level. Now, I'm
    a person who believes in accountability. One reason I believe in
    accountability is because I understand who the American people are going
    to hold accountable if something happens--[laughter]--me. [Laughter] And
    therefore, I'm the kind of fellow who likes to pick up the phone, and
    say, ``How are we doing? How are we doing on implementing the
    strategy?'' I don't like the idea of calling 100 different agencies. I
    like to call one, and say, ``Here is the strategy, and what are you
    doing about it? And if you're not doing something about it, I expect you
    to. And if you don't, I'm going to find somebody else that will do
    something about it.''
        We've got to have accountability. In order to get good results, it's
    important to hold people accountable and align authority and
    responsibility. And so that's part of my thinking, is to take the
    functions and put them under one--in one Cabinet agency. The idea, of
    course, is not to grow the size of Government. I ran on making sure we
    didn't grow the size of Government. The idea is to make Government more
    effective and more efficient so we can do our job.
        Within this Cabinet Department, we're going to have four basic
    functions. One are borders. We've got to do a better job of protecting
    the borders of the United States. We need to know who's coming in and
    why they're not going out. [Laughter] We need to know what they're here
    for and how long they say they're going to be here for. And that
    requires a management plan and focus and technology. And I'll be honest
    with you, we've got a long way to go to make sure that what they call
    the INS is working the way we want it to work. But we've got the
    strategy; we know what we need to do.
        Secondly, we've got to support our first responders, the fine police
    and fire and emergency medical squads, not only here in Kansas City but
    all across the country. We need to help them with their strategy of
    responding if need be.
        Thirdly, we've got to develop detection capability to be able to
    detect weapons of mass destruction, chemical, nuclear, biological
    weapons, and if they ever were to be used, figure out what to do about
    it. We've got to have a strategy to deal with bioterrorism, for example,
    here in America.

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        And finally, we must have the capacity to analyze all sources of
    intelligence so that we can imagine the worst and plan for it, so we can
    figure out how best to deal with the new threats that face America. And
    those are the four major categories.
        And people say, ``Well, can you give me some examples of why it's
    necessary?'' Well, I'll give you a couple. The Customs Department: Their
    job is to collect tariffs and to worry about people bringing things into
    our country, and yet they work for the Treasury Department. Well, the
    Treasury Department's job is to worry about fiscal matters, not the
    security of the homeland.
        Or how about the Coast Guard? The Coast Guard can do a good job of
    patrolling our borders, and they do. The Coast Guard is a fine outfit.
    But guess who they report to? The Transportation Department. The
    Transportation Department is worried about highways and airplanes and
    railroads. And so, in order to make sure that we had a strategy that
    works and a focus that is intense, it's important to have these agencies
    that have got responsibility to defend our homeland under one leader,
    under one Department. In other words, we've aligned functions, and that,
    in itself, will help change cultures within agencies. And that's an
    important aspect of making sure we defend our homeland. We've got to
    make sure agencies that have not been focused on defending the homeland
    change the culture, so that they do a more effective job of doing so.
        And I'll give you one example of where things have changed in a
    positive direction, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI. And
    we've been reading a lot about the FBI lately. And I appreciate those
    who come forward and make suggestions as to how to better protect the
    homeland. But I wasn't surprised that the FBI wasn't fully prepared for
    the war against terror, because, after all, the FBI's major job up until
    September the 11th was to make cases against people who committed crimes
    already in America--white-collar crimes, spies. They really weren't
    focused on preventing attacks.
        And so we needed to change the culture. The FBI man running it now,
    a guy named Robert Mueller, came on
    one week before September the 11th. That's when he started his job. He's
    had his hands full. [Laughter] But he's a good man. He knows what to do.
    And he discovered that we needed to change the attitude, the focus, the
    culture within the FBI, so that its major function now is to think about
    how best to prevent attack, is to chase down every lead, to run down
    every hint, to follow every possible--every possible terrorist activity
    and find out what they're up to, so that we can keep America safe. And
    it's happening--it's happening.
        Now, that's not to say they're still not going to have an important
    law enforcement function; they're not going to do what they used to do
    in the past. They are, of course. But the attitude in America has got to
    change, because we've got a new problem we're faced with. It's an enemy
    that--who is very tough and smart and determined. They're not as tough
    and smart and determined as we are, however.
        The other thing we are doing a better job of is having the CIA,
    which collects information overseas, coordinate with the FBI. That's
    part of how you restructure agencies in order to better protect America.
    It used to be they didn't talk very much. There was kind of a--I guess a
    structural problem. You just need to know we've changed that. We've
    changed it.
        It started, I guess, many ways with--every morning I meet with
    George Tenet, who's the head of the CIA, and
    then after I named Bob Mueller, right
    after September 11th, he comes in every day as well. There's nothing
    like having face-to-face discussions with agency heads to determine how
    we're doing and whether or not people are talking to each other. And
    they are. And they are, and that's important. It's important that we
    link up the two.

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        And this new capacity at the homeland--Department of Homeland
    Security is going to be also important, where we'll have people whose
    job it is to analyze everything we see and assess everything we hear.
    And it's to make sure it's all in one area, so we can get a clearer
    picture of what may or may not be happening to America.
        As well, it is important for us to trust the local folks; to do a
    better job at recognizing in Washington we don't have all the smarts,
    that we want to work with the mayors, people at the local level. We want
    to hear from the police and fire. We just came from one of the water
    treatment plants here in the area, and we're pleased to see how secure
    the plant is. Christie Todd was
    telling me, however, that we're going to eventually have grant money for
    water treatment facilities all around the country, to encourage them to
    make sure that any--there's a full assessment of the plant, to address
    any vulnerability that may exist. This one didn't appear very
    vulnerable, I want you to know. So I was looking--I was pleased to take
    a big gulp of water when I arrived here. [Laughter]
        But I want you to know we're making progress. We've got a good
    strategy, we do. It's going to be an interesting challenge to see if
    Congress responds.
        I had a good meeting today with Speaker Hastert and Representative Gephardt from Missouri, as well as Senator Daschle and Senator Lott and all the
    leadership from both parties. And in our discussions, I made it clear to
    them that I don't view this as a political issue. I don't view it as a
    Republican issue or a Democrat issue. I think loving America is an
    American issue. It's important to elevate this debate way beyond
    political parties, and I was pleased with the meeting. I was pleased
    with the spirit of the meeting.
        You know, sometimes there's a not-invented-here attitude in
    Washington. I don't care who gets the credit for putting this thing in.
    I just want it done right, and I want it done on behalf of the American
    people as quickly as possible.
        It may seem kind of easy, but here's the problem. There's a lot of
    people--there's 100 different agencies involved with homeland security.
    It means there's a lot of people in the Congress and in the Senate who
    have got jurisdiction over those agencies. In other words, that's what
    they call ``turf,'' and people like to defend their turf. And so, all of
    a sudden, when you're saying, ``Well, you know, Mr. Chairman, we're
    going to have to take this away from you and put it in a single agency.
    You don't get to fund it anymore,'' it kind of makes the chairman
    nervous.
        So what I'd like--I need the help of the American people to remind
    the turf fighters not to be nervous, because we're talking about doing
    what's right for America.
        I believe we can get it done; I really do. But I want your help--
    need to talk to the Members and the Senators. Just let them know that
    you appreciate--you appreciate their efforts, their concerns about the
    homeland, but you hope that they will join the White House and work hard
    together to do what's right for the American people. I sincerely think
    this is right. Otherwise I wouldn't have proposed it.
        You know, I am an optimistic guy. I believe--I believe this
    country--I know this country is a fabulous country, but I believe we've
    got great days ahead of us. I believe that by being strong and tough,
    that we can achieve peace. I believe that. I sincerely, honestly believe
    it. And not only do I believe we can bring peace for America, I believe
    we can bring peace to parts of the world that may not seem like there
    ever is going to be peace.
        This country has got a great chance to lead the world toward a more
    peaceful tomorrow. I know they're watching us pretty carefully--that is,
    the other leaders and other countries. If America blinks, they'll
    probably go to sleep. We're not blinking. We're not blinking. America
    understands

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    that history has really called us to action. Out of the evil is going to
    come some good, and it's going to be peace. And out of the evil is going
    to come some good at home too. I believe that as well.
        You know, people ask me, they say, ``What can I do to help, Mr.
    President? What can I do to be a part of this war on terror?'' And my
    answer is, if you want to fight evil, love your neighbor like you'd like
    to be loved yourself. If you want to do some good, mentor a child; teach
    a child to read; walk across the street and say to a shut-in, ``What can
    I do to help you?'' A simple act like that is all part of doing some
    good here in America.
        And it's happening in this country. It really is. You know why? The
    great strength of America is the people. The great strength is the
    American people, because not only are we tough, like I said; we're also
    a compassionate people. We care deeply about neighbors in need.
        You see, out of the evil will not only come peace, but out of the
    evil I believe that we have a chance to address hopelessness and despair
    which exists in some neighborhoods in this great country. It just sure
    does. And we've got to do it. We've got to do it with better education
    systems. We've got to welcome faith-based programs into the
    compassionate delivery of welfare and help, because after all, faith-
    based programs exist because of a universal call to love your neighbor
    like you'd like to be loved yourself.
        We've got--if you're interested in helping, we've got a program
    called the USA Freedom Corps. You can get right on the Internet and find
    out what's available. There's some fantastic ways to help, and you can
    become a soldier in the army of compassion.
        We've got one such soldier today, Denny Barnett. Where are you, Denny? Denny is somewhere here. There he
    is. Denny, thank you for coming. Denny is--was out at the airport to
    meet me, and I want to thank him for coming. He drew the short straw. He
    was going to be with Laura in Salt Lake City,
    Utah. Instead he got stuck with me. [Laughter] But Denny is--works for
    the Partnership for Children. He has been a soul who has spent his life,
    his adult life, helping in his church, working with the Boy Scouts,
    works for Habitat for Humanity, is a soldier in the army of compassion.
    It doesn't require a Government law or Government edict to get Denny to
    work; he just followed his heart and, as a result, is part of making
    society a better place.
        You see, one person can't do everything in America, but one person
    can do something. And our society, folks, changes one heart and one soul
    and one conscience at a time. That's how we change America, and it's
    happening in this country. Out of the evil is coming good. Out of the
    evil, America is taking a good hard look at what's important. There's
    moms and dads taking an assessment of their--of what's important in
    their life, and that is to love your children with all your heart and
    all your soul.
        You know, we live in a fast-paced society, no question about it. But
    people are beginning to understand that a full life is one in which you
    serve something greater than yourself in life, that to have a full and
    complete life, you do more than just worry about yourself. You help a
    neighbor in need. You do something to make a country you love stronger.
        I guess that example came home most vividly when men and women on
    Flight 93 realized that their airplane was going to be used as a weapon,
    called their families, told them they loved them, said a prayer, said,
    ``Let's roll,'' and sacrificed themselves for something greater. They
    served their country. What a great example. What a great example for
    others to see. All of us are sad it happened, but all of us can use the
    example of serving something greater than yourself to help fight this
    war against terror.
        You know, there is no question in my mind that this great country is
    going to show the world what we're made out of.

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    This great country will show the world that we fight for what we
    believe, as we seek justice. And this great country will show the world
    the true compassion and decency of a great nation.
        Thanks for coming. May God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 2:50 p.m. in the school's gymnasium. In his
    remarks, he referred to John Krueger, principal, Oak Park High School.