    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 8, 2008]
    [Page 168]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Briefing on Regional Tornado Damage in Lafayette,
    Tennessee
    February 8, 2008

        Listen, I want to thank you for the briefing. People have got to
    understand here in the region that a lot of folks around America care
    for them now. And I'm here to listen, to determine, to make sure that
    the Federal response is compassionate and effective. I don't want people
    to think something is going to happen that's not going to happen. And
    therefore, when we say something is going to happen to help them get
    their feet back on the ground, it will happen.
        Secondly, I am here to thank the people that will provide the
    compassion for people who hurt. I notice we've got the Red Cross sitting
    over there. They're good responders. They respond to help people in
    need.
        Thirdly, I will make it clear to people here that I have no doubt in
    my mind this community will come back better than before. Macon County
    people are down-to-earth, hard-working, God-fearing people, who, if just
    given a little help, will come back stronger.
        And that's what--and so I want to thank you all for the briefing.
    Governor, again, thank you for being
    here. Appreciate the Senators and Congressmen joining us too.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:12 a.m. at the Lafayette Fire
    Department's Atwell & Scruggs Fire Station. In his remarks, he referred
    to Gov. Philip N. Bredesen, Jr., of Tennessee.