    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [January 17, 2009]
    [Pages 1580-1581]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    January 17, 2009

        Good morning. For the last 8 years, I have had the honor of speaking
    to the American people Saturday mornings through this radio address. In
    hundreds of broadcasts, I have talked to you about important issues
    affecting our security and our prosperity. And today, in my final
    address, I want to send a simple and heartfelt message: Thank you.
        Eight years ago, Laura and I left our home in
    Texas to come to Washington. Through two terms in the White House, we
    have been blessed by your kind words and generous prayers. We have been
    inspired by those of you who reach out to feed the hungry, clothe the
    needy, and care for the sick. We have been moved by the courage and
    devotion of those of you who wear the uniform. Serving as your President
    has been an incredible honor.
        Like every individual who has held this office before me, I have
    experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given
    the chance. Yet I've always acted with the best interests of our country
    in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was
    right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made, but I
    hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.

    [[Page 1581]]

        The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and
    there are some guiding principles that should shape our course. While
    our Nation is safer than it was 7 years ago, the gravest threat to our
    people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient and
    determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this
    conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must
    meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve, and we
    must never let down our guard.
        At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with
    confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can
    be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject
    isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our
    borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and
    prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America
    does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.
        As we address these challenges and others we cannot foresee today,
    America must maintain our moral clarity. I've often spoken to you about
    good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are
    present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise.
    Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time,
    everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally
    right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We
    must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause
    of peace.
        Eight years ago, on a cold January morning, I stood on the steps of
    the United States Capitol, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore a
    sacred oath to defend our people and our Constitution. On that day, I
    spoke of ``our Nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of
    dignity.'' Next week, my term of service will come to an end, but that
    story and that dream will continue.
        On Tuesday, Laura and I will join all
    Americans in offering our best wishes to President Obama, his wife Michelle, and
    their two beautiful girls. And later that day, we will return to the love of
    family and friends in Texas. I will depart office proud of my
    administration's record, and I will spend the rest of my life grateful
    for the opportunity to have served as President of the greatest nation
    on Earth.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:30 a.m. on January 16 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on January 17. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    January 16, but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. In his
    address, the President referred to Malia and Natasha ``Sasha'' Obama,
    daughters of President-elect Barack Obama. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of this address.