    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 8, 2008]
    [Page 489]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Afghanistan Provincial Governors
    April 8, 2008

        I've just had a fascinating opportunity to discuss Afghanistan with
    eight Governors. I started off the meeting by telling them I was a
    Governor once. And I--and they were then telling me their stories, their
    concerns. First of all, they universally thanked the American people for
    standing with them as this new democracy takes hold.
        Secondly, there's concerns about unemployment, about economic
    development. Some Provinces are quiet. And the Governor wondered whether
    or not, because it's quiet, people remember the people in the Province
    exist. Other Provinces have got some difficult security problems.
        They shared with me very candidly their concerns about different
    types of operations, their desire to see to it that the police get
    better training and better equipment.
        And I shared with them our desire to help them succeed, because one
    of the things that really matters in democracy is that local governance
    is strong and good and honest, that the people are being able to see the
    benefits of democracy. And it's hard work in Afghanistan, but I told
    these leaders I think it's necessary work.
        And I want to thank them for coming to America. They've got a very
    busy schedule. They've been to several States. And I think it's going to
    be very important for our fellow citizens to meet these good men and to
    understand the problems they face, and their desire to have their
    families live in peace, and young girls go to school, and be people
    treated with dignity.
        So I want to thank you all for coming. Thank you for the wonderful
    gift, and I'm proud you're here.
        I'm now going to show them the Oval Office, a shrine to democracy.
    Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:18 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House.