    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 8, 2008]
    [Pages 168-169]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Tour of Tornado Damage in Lafayette
    February 8, 2008

        The President. Phil and June Spears have just--I looked in their eyes and saw incredible
    sadness and worry.
        Phil Spears. It's true.
        The President. And I know the Governor joins me in sharing our concerns with you. But I hope a
    couple of things become evident to you. One, there's a lot of people who
    care about you, total strangers showing up here in this community to
    help you get back on your feet.
        And the Government has got a role to play. And I want to thank
    the Senators
    and Congressmen for being here,
    because

    [[Page 169]]

    they know that there is programs available for you. And one of the
    things the people have got to do is call a phone number. If your life
    has been turned upside down here, if you've been affected, you ought to
    call 1-800-621-3362, 1-800-621-3362. And that's where you can find out
    the help that is available.
        What happened is, is that the Governor and his team quickly moved as this storm moved through
    this--moved through the State of Tennessee, and he made an assessment,
    and he sent the paperwork up to me. And because he moved quickly, I was
    able to sign a disaster declaration that then frees help. And so we want
    the folks to know that there is help from the Federal Government, and he
    can get the number I just outlined. But there's also going to be a lot
    of help from loving neighbors.
        And we're sorry you're going through what you're going through. You
    know, life sometimes is unfair, and you don't get to play the hand that
    you wanted to play.
        Mr. Spears. That's true.
        The President. But the question is, when you get dealt the hand, how
    do you play it? And I've come away with this impression of the folks in
    Macon County: One, they're down-to-earth, good, hard-working people.
    They have a respect for the Almighty. And this community is going to be
    as strong as ever. That's what I think.
        Mr. Spears. Yes, sir.
        The President. I bet you feel the same way.
        Mr. Spears. Yes, sir. If it wasn't for my
    friends, I don't know what I'd do.
        The President. And you're going to find you got some new friends
    showing up too----
        Mr. Spears. Appreciate it.
        The President. ----people you've never heard of, they don't know who
    you are, total strangers. But when they know there's a neighbor in need,
    they'll come and help you.
        And I appreciate you giving me a chance to come by, and I know the
    folks traveling with me appreciate. We're so sorry you're going through
    what you're going through, but there's help, and that's what you've got
    to know.
        Anyway, God bless. Thank you.
        June Spears. Thank you.
        Mr. Spears. Appreciate it.
        The President. Yes. Hang in there, brother.

    Note: The President spoke at 12:43 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to
    Gov. Philip N. Bredesen, Jr., of Tennessee.