[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 25 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Page 1019]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks During a Visit to the Headquarters of the Association for the 
Advancement of Mexican Americans in Houston, Texas

June 14, 2002

    Let me say a couple of words. I know you're anxiously awaiting them. 
First, it's great to be back in Texas. I'm proud to be here with my 
friend the Governor and Congressman Green.
    Before I talk about service, I want to say something about Karachi. 
We fight an enemy that are radical killers; that's what they are. You 
know, they claim they're religious people, and they blow up Muslims. 
They have no regard for individual life.
    Our hearts go out to the--our citizens and those affected by the 
bombings that took place. Our prayers are with their families, are with 
the families of the people in Pakistan as well.
    But these people, if they think they're going to intimidate the 
United States, they do not understand the United States of America. And 
we will continue to hunt them down and seek justice.
    Secondly, as we make America more secure, we've got to make it a 
better place. Today is Flag Day. We can talk about patriotism, but a 
true patriot is one not only who salutes the flag, but a true patriot is 
one who serves the community in which they live.
    So I want to thank AAMA for its great work in Houston and now, I 
understand, the valley. I want to thank the visionaries who put together 
this charter school. I want to thank AmeriCorps for being a part of the 
after-school program. I want to thank the mentors for understanding that 
out of evil done to America and out of the evil continuing to be done to 
others around the world can come some incredible good. And the good that 
can happen is, children can realize the great American Dream--start 
right here, learn to read, go to college, and can succeed in America; 
that where there may be hopelessness and despair, love and compassion 
will overcome it.
    And so I want to thank you all for letting me come by. Thank you for 
reading so well, and see you in college.

Note: The President spoke at 1:30 p.m. at the Headquarters Summer 
Enrichment Camp. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Rick Perry of 
Texas. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue. A tape was not available for verification of the 
content of these remarks.