First Draft

Presidential Farewell Address Crack Van

FUCK YOU BALTIMORE! Posts in the van belong to their posters, not to Jude, Scout, Athenae or the regulars. Share the HAMS with the n00bs.

Update: Van closed! Thanks to all for stopping by!

A.

Obama's Letter To His Daughters

Awww:

I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.

These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.

I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.

Via ONTD_Political.

A.

Your President Speaks!

Today, in Toyako, Japan.

That's What They Call It

The United States, Japan, and United Kingdom launched what's called a Clean Technology Fund, and we hope Congress funds that effort.

What The G8 Nations Have Got

The nations sitting around the table have got much, and I think we're required to help those who don't.

See Also:  New Orleans

Those have been -- you know, oftentimes in the political process people talk big, but they never follow up.

What We Got To Do

And so one of the key ingredients of these recent meetings was all of us need to be reminded that when we say we're going to do something, we got to do it.

What We Got To Deal With On

We also agreed that on high energy prices that we got to deal with both on the supply and demand.

Welcome To Offshore America

The Democratic leaders in Congress will not allow us to explore for oil and gas in parts of Alaska, offshore America, and now is the time for them to change their mind.

I'm Firmly!

We also -- I'm firmly -- believe that we can do this kind of exploration in environmentally friendly ways.

Brain Wreck

In other words, this was a -- you know, a lot of meetings on important subjects, and we accomplished a lot.

Your President... Wait For It... SPEAKS!

Today, in Toyako, Japan, after a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

There Is Some Areas

We talked about Iran; we talked about a variety of issues. And while there's some areas of disagreement, there's also areas where I know we can work together for the common good.

I Plan On Discuss It

And now I plan on -- discuss it face to face as Presidents of our respective countries.

You Know, Don't You?

So we can get a lot done together and, you know, a lot of important issues.

I Mean, You Do Know

There is -- you know, Iran is an area where Russia and the United States have worked closely in the past and will continue to work closely to convince the regime to give up its desire to enrich uranium.

Do You Know?

You know, I'm not going to sit here and psychoanalyze the man, but I will tell you that he's very comfortable, he's confident, and that I believe that when he tells me something, he means it.

Your President Speaks! Again!

Yesterday, in Toyako, Japan, during a presser with Japanese PMYasuo Fukuda.

A Lot Of You Know

I think I was sharing my views with some of the Japanese press when they were in the United States, Mr. Prime Minister, about how Japan is going to lead the world when it comes to battery technologies, and that I anticipate our country will be able to be using battery technologies in automobiles that look like cars, not golf carts, and which will save us a lot of -- a lot of, you know, reliance upon oil.

Uninsurance Benefits

We're -- we passed uninsurance benefits -- unemployment benefits -- excuse me.

What We Got

And yet we got a problem when it comes to reliance upon foreign sources of oil.

Your Question Sucks

Somehow there's this notion -- inherent in your question is the delisting therefore took away their sanctions. That's just not an accurate statement on your part -- if you think that -- I'm not assuming you do think that, but -- they're a highly sanctioned regime.

What The Chinese People Are Watching About

I also believe that the Chinese people are watching very carefully about the decisions by world leaders, and that this -- I happen to believe not going to the opening games would be -- the Opening Ceremony for the Games would be an affront to the Chinese people, which may make it more difficult to have a -- to be able to speak frankly with the Chinese leadership.

Your President Speaks!

Last Wednesday, July 2, at the White House, during a roundtable interview with the Japanese press.

What He Got

So here's the thing -- I'm going to have a few comments, and then got time for one question apiece.

Return Of The Is-Is

My own view is, is that here in the United States we can do more to find oil.

Diversifying The Fuel

Here at home, as you know, we're diversifying the fuel by the use of ethanol.

What's Driving The Food Prices

In terms of food prices, a lot of the food prices are being driven by energy costs.

What We Got To Remember And Mean

And we got to remember that there is suffering in the world and that when we speak, when we make pledges, we got to mean what we say.

People...  People Reminding People...

And I will gently remind people, to the extent I can be gentle, that it's important for people, when they hear us talk, to know that there will be results.

Brainwreck

And so we've got a -- by the way, this all is part of this war on terror -- I do want to thank the Japanese government and Japanese people for clearly understanding the stakes.

What The Six-Party Talks Is

Secondly, I believe that the six-party talks is the best way to effect change in the North Korean regime -- positive change.

Can Japan Do It More Better?

The question is can Japan solve this issue alone better, or does it make sense to have the United States and other countries expressing the same concerns?

An Effective Way To Deal With A Problem Way

And it's an effective way to deal with a problem way diplomatically.

Rebellion In The Cerebellum

And we of course will consult with our partners to deal about -- I mean, step one is no change in the current status, which means highly sanctioned -- probably the most sanctioned nation in the world. And step two is, of course, we'll consult and figure out a way forward.

Holy Crap!™

You know, it's an interesting notion that -- I said today in my press availability in the Rose Garden -- I don't know if you were there or not -- you know, I wonder whether or not some of these nations who are creating greenhouse gases -- but considered still developing nations -- are used to the period of Kyoto, when they weren't held to account about what they were producing. I wonder if that's their mind set. Because if it is, it'll make any international agreement ineffective if they're not a part to it, because, you know, it is estimated that -- well, China is creating a lot of greenhouse gases and will continue to do so.

Medulla Ohmigodda

And step one is a long-term goal. In other words, if you can get nations to commit to a goal, you've got them committed to a process. If, however, the process doesn't matter whether you're a part or not, or you may be a part at some point in time -- in my mind that won't produce the results that are necessary to deal with the global climate change issue.

Is-Is Strikes Again

And I told you about some of the technologies dealing with automobiles and, you know, the interesting thing is, is that the world is now beginning to waken up to the beauty of nuclear power.

If One Is They

And, I mean, if one is really concerned about global warming and greenhouse gases, they ought to be carrying signs insisting upon the development of nuclear power plants.

One Of The Things That Iteresting Is

And you know, one of the things that interesting is Japan and the United States are working on technologies to deal with the waste.

Synaptic Static

But this will be a great opportunity to discuss about other things we can do while we're trying to work -- you know, by the way, everything we're going to do is meant to strengthen the United Nations process and not weaken it.

There's A Process

I mean, that is a complete declaration, at least of that aspect of what they said -- when they said they would dismantle -- or disable and then dismantle. And so we've got -- you know, there's a process.

Face Serious

We did conduct multilateral diplomacy, and the world was supportive of saying to Saddam Hussein, disclose, disarm, or face serious -- and he made the choice. He was the one who got to make the choice because he -- you know, he defied the world.

The JimmyJeff Process

Now I understand sometimes people love process so everybody feels good, you know.

What I'd Ask Me

Now, one thing that's interesting -- I think I'll you find this interesting, at least you'll play like it's interesting -- is this: Should the Iranian regime -- so I'm the guy who just talked about nuclear power, right? Should the Iranian regime -- do they have the sovereign right to have civilian nuclear power? So, like, if I were you, that's what I'd ask me.

What Sato Got

Sato. Got another question?

Son Of Is-Is

My attitude is, is that I -- look, this was a painful period in our respective histories.

Promoting Japan's Relations With Japan

And we expect Japan to work hard to have good relations with Japan, just like Japan ought to hope that we have good relations with China, which we do.

A Good Relations

In good foreign policy and good diplomacy, a good relations with one makes it easier to have a better relations with another country.

Brain Strain

We're pushing forward on an action-for-action, verifiable -- and by the way, the next stage of this, just so everybody is comfortable, there will be a verifiable -- a verification regime in place, so that -- to answer your question, Michero, it will be less speculation and more transparency.

His Base

Q You must be the most excellent expert on oil business.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. (Laughter.) Look where our price is. (Laughter.)

Democrat Leaders

And now all of a sudden the price got high enough where the American people are now beginning to hear that message, and I hope the Democrat leaders in Congress hear it, which is, you know, allow this new technology be deployed to find new reserves.

There Was 15

Let's see, Iraq and troops. Okay. First of all, there was -- the people have -- okay, you got to have benchmarks. I think there was 15 benchmarks -- 18 benchmarks.

Mental Meltdown

You know, law enforcement is there is an action, there's a crime, and then there -- law enforcement acts.

Whoever The Next President Understands

And my hope is whoever the next President understands this is a war and that we can't relax, and that there's an enemy that wants to do free people harm, and that we have an obligation as free societies to keep the pressure, not only for our own security, but for the security of others.

The Creature From The Black Is-Is

The answer is, is because safe haven is a risk.

Your President Speaks!

Today, in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Royal "We"?

I am so honored to be here at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center. This is often called the "President's Hospital." The reason why is this is where the President gets medical care. But I'm relieved today not to be on the treadmill, weighing in and getting a blood test. I also will tell you that the care that the President gets here is extraordinary.

This Man Wear The Uniform!

This man wear the uniform of the United States military, and I'm proud to be with this veteran, and now public servant for the state of Maryland.

Your President Speaks! Again!

Today, at the White House, during a mini-presser.

A Troop Loses Their Life

First of all, anytime a troop loses their life, whether it be in Afghanistan, Iraq, or elsewhere, our hearts go out to their families.

What You Got To Understand

One thing, however, that you got to understand is that we have doubled Afghan troops -- coalition troops have doubled from two years ago.

Gasoline Prices Are In Short Supply

It makes no sense for -- to watch these gasoline prices rise when we know we can help affect the supply of crude oil, which should affect the supply of gasoline prices.

What We Have Got

But I want them to understand fully that we have got the opportunity to find more crude oil here at home, in environmentally friendly ways, and they ought to be writing their Congress people about it; and they ought to say, you ought to be opening up ANWR and Outer Continental Shelf, and increasing oil shale exploration, for the sake of our consumers, as well as become less dependent on oil.

Get A Understanding

Yes, well, the first thing, John, is to make sure we get a understanding that all of us need to agree on a long-term goal.

What We Got To Do

Thirdly, if you really do want to make sure technologies move around the world, we got to reduce these trade barriers and tariffs that prohibit technologies from moving like they should.

President YouKnow

And that is why we have been pursuing multilateral diplomacy when it comes to convincing the Iranians that the free world is sincere about, you know, insisting that they not have the technologies necessary to develop a nuclear weapon.

Hates Pressers

As you might remember, I worked closely with Vladimir Putin on this issue, when I said that -- when asked at one of these innumerable press conferences, did you -- do you think they ought to have a civilian nuclear program, I said, of course, they should, but they can't be trusted to enrich.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, during a roundtable on housing assistance.

What We Got

Because we got some people who are -- just with some little help, some advice and some counseling will be able to figure out a way to stay in the home.

And Now In The Home!

That's what Patty bought -- she had a home and was very worried about being able to stay in it; got some good advice from Sue and now in the home.

There Is Some Good Programs

There's some good programs coming out of Washington, all aimed at saying to the American citizen, if you are worried about staying in your home, contact a counseling service, we'll help you -- "we" being the collective group of people there in this business, after all, this is a HUD-funded counseling program; you receive some money from HUD for your counseling.

What He Thinks We Can Get Us

Congress can help, when they come back, to pass a good piece of housing legislation that modernizes the FHA and reforms these GSEs. And I think we can get us a bill.

Brainwreck

This is an issue on people's minds. It's an issue where there is good help to be had. And so if people are looking for help here in Arkansas, it's a good place to turn to -- Family Services.

There Is Experts

And there are other places around the country where people can get help, where there's experts that are helping refinance their mortgages or work with their mortgage companies to help you stay in their homes.

The Challenges We Have Got

We're a country that has overcome challenges before -- and we've got some challenges: high gasoline prices, we've got some challenges in the housing industry.

We Depending Too Much!

We depending too much on energy from overseas; we ought to be finding more energy here at home.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House, following a meeting with President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines.

A Lot Of American-Americans, Too

First, I want to tell you how proud I am to be the President of a nation that -- in which there's a lot of Philippine-Americans.

And When My Room Is Cleaned

And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the -- of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House.

There Is Some

I know there's some families that are hurting.

The Importance Of Desiring The Advancing Of The Moving Forwarding

We talked about our mutual desire to advance how important it is to move forward the bilateral and multilateral trade agendas.

There's Peace Available

The President has been very strong in having a carrots-and-sticks approach -- "sticks," of course, say we're not going to allow for people to terrorize our citizens; the "carrot" approach is that there's peace available.

The You-Knows

Some are wondering whether or not their loved ones will, you know, reappear. We, the American people, care about the human suffering that's taking place, and we send our prayers.

We talked about, you know, food, and I assured the President we'll continue to help.

And, you know, I'm proud of my country.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterda, in Iowa City, Iowa

Gives Out Wrong URL

One of the things that happens in a disaster such as this is that citizens from around the country want to know how they can help. They see the picture of this kind of flooding on TV and they know that people are hurting and they want to know how they can participate in helping the rebuilding. Well, one way that the people can do is they can go on their computers and dial up volunteer.org.*

* website is www.volunteer.gov

Thanks For The Hugs

And I really again want to congratulate the local folks here for really showing great compassion and working hard and hugging people and giving people hope.

What We All Got To Do

And now we all got to come together and help people deal with the rebuilding of Iowa.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House, after a meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev.

The Global War On Plurals Continues

How do we get more energy on the market; how do we help others, our respective countries and others, realize the blessings of additional energy supply?

Flunked Econ 101

I mean, we're in a world that is -- where supply has exceeded -- where demand has exceeded supply.

There Is High Prices

There's high prices.

The Global War On Plurals Continues To Continue

And so we had a good discussion about the diversification of energy supply.

The One What?

On the one -- we're helping, we're part of a very important coalition; we're allies, and yet we don't get treated the same as other people within the EU.

AbramoffHalliburton?

I reminded the Prime Minister that all of us have got a responsibility to deal with corruption. When we find corrupt officials in the United States, we expect them to be, within the rule of law, be dealt with. And that's what you're doing.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, at the White House, while celebrating Black Music Month.

Thinks Marian Anderson Was Hispanic

President Franklin Roosevelt called on the talented Maria [sic] Anderson to sing "Ave Maria" for the King and Queen of England.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House, after a briefing about the flooding in Iowa.

"George Bush Doesn't Care About White People"
-Kanye Midwest

Of course, our hearts and thoughts go to those who lost life.

Brainwreck

When I was overseas I spoke to the Governor, and he said, listen, I -- the federal -- we need federal help on drinking water.

Is-Is Strikes Again

My only point to you is, is that we're in constant contact with people on the ground to help make sure that we save lives.

Vortex In The Cortex

And we want to work with state and local folks to have a clear strategy to help people find -- get back into a place that -- where they can live.

What The Country Has Got

The country that's being affected by these floods has got a lot of farm country, a lot of people raising livestock.

What We Have Got

We've got what we called a Disaster Relief Fund.

Your President Speaks! Again!

Today, in London, during a preser with British PM Gordon Brown.

It's A Sicness

It's hard to take a society that had been ravished [sic] by brutality and convince people to take the risk necessary to work for civil society and freedom for women and to educate their children.

The Fundamental Question Of History Is Going To Look Back On It

The fundamental question of history is going to look back on it, is did we understand the duty that we've been called to do, to protect ourselves and hope others?

Holy Crap!™

No, I know there's a lot of discussion here in the British press about, well, you know, is there going to be enough troops, or not enough troops, and all that business; is he trying to distance this, that and the other -- it's just typical.

The Global War On The Personal Posessive Continues

And I -- you know, you obviously are emotional on the subject and I don't blame you, because the people of Zimbabwe have suffered under Mugabe leadership, and we will work with you to ensure these good folks have free and fair elections to the extent -- best extent possible, which obviously Mr. Mugabe does not want to have.

Pledge-Makers, No!  Check-Writers, Yes!

And so my message at the G8 is: Looking forward to working with you; thanks for coming to the meeting -- just remember, there are people needlessly dying on the continent of Africa today, and we expect you to be more than pledge-makers. We expect you to be check-writers for humanitarian reasons.

The Decline Of The Security Situations

That's what I'm doing -- that as the Iraqis are trained up, as they're taking more responsibility, as the security situations decline, as the economy is improved, as political reconciliation is taking place, we can bring more troops home.

Be In More Charge

Let them take more -- be in more charge of their own security and their own government, and that's what's happening.

You Know, Don't You?

And so, you know, I mean -- look, the key thing for me is that I have -- you know, is that Gordon shares with me his plans.

There Is No Surprises

So there's no surprises.

The Pak Government

And so we'd look forward to working -- I mean, one thing that can happen is there can be, you know, more dialogue between the Pak government and the Afghan government.

The Unbearable Lightness Of Being Pak

And I know there needs to be better cooperation, and there needs to be trilateral cooperation on the border; trilateral being Pak, Afghan and coalition border patrols to prevent people from coming back and forth to cross the border.

He's An Ideological War-Being

Absolutely it's necessary if you believe we're in an ideological war being -- the theaters of which right now, the most notable theaters are Afghanistan and Iraq.

There Is Some Who Say

I understand that, because there is some who say that perhaps freedom is not universal.

White-Guy Methodists

Maybe it's only, you know, white-guy Methodists who are capable of self government.

There Is People Will Say

And, so, yes, I'm sure there's people will say, they could have done things better here and there.

Medulla Ohmigoddah

So you go around asking nations -- by the way, it's not a problem for Great Britain -- so you say to your partners, don't sell goods; you know, let's send a focused message all aiming to create the conditions so that somebody rational shows up.

The Six-Party Talks Has

Ed, I just strongly disagree with your premise that the six-party talks has encouraged Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

His Legacy:  "A Multilateralism To Deal With Tyrants" - Like Saddam

And so it's -- I said the other day that, you know, one of the things that I will leave behind is a multilateralism to deal with tyrants, so problems can be solved diplomatically.

Uh-Oh

So if I were the North Koreans and I were looking at Iran, or the Iranians looking at North Korea, I'd say, uh-oh, there are coalitions coming together that are bound tightly -- more tightly than ever in order to send us a focused message.

Your President Speaks!

Satruday, in Paris, during a presser with Frnech President Sarkozy.

Rich Iranians Need Not Apply

As a matter of fact, Vladimir Putin delivered that very message to the Iranian regime. He also delivered this message: that because you have been untrustworthy, because you haven't fully disclosed your programs to the IAEA in the past, that we can't trust you to enrich. And therefore Russia will provide the fuel necessary for the civilian nuclear reactor. And therefore you don't need to rich.

Brainwreck

We want their economy to be strong so people can grow up in peace and hope; and they've got a -- this Ahmadinejad is obviously -- takes a different position from that.

His Policies Is

So his policies are what's creating the depravation inside Iran.

What Olivier Has Got

Olivier. Tossing a bone to somebody who has got a French name.

Do You Know?

And therefore, we're working hard with the elected government of Iraq about, you know, U.S. presence and coalition presence, in a way that the elected government is comfortable. And it's interesting to be working with a democracy where, you know, people are trying to prepare the ground to get something passed in the parliament, for example, or the free press is vibrant.

When "Is-Is" Meets "You Know"

So my point to you is, is that, you know, it's been a -- there's always difficulties in democracies, but the notion of getting this work done is important.

Your President Speaks! Again!

Yesterday, in Rome, during a presser with Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi.

The Return of the Have-Gots

The United States is committed to convincing those of us that have got economic development and produce greenhouse gases to agree to a long-term goal.

Mental Massh-Up

And therefore Vladimir Putin went and said -- and he believes that -- and he said, we'll provide the fuel for you, and we'll not only provide the fuel, we'll gather the spent fuel -- so you don't need to enrich.

Is-Is Strikes Again

But what they need to hear is, is that we are firm in our resolve to prevent them from having the capacity to make a nuclear weapon.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, in Rome.

Brainwreck

I'm real proud of the fact that my fellow citizens have contributed to the restorations building -- it turns out someone from the great state of Texas, notably Mercedes Bass*.

One Of The Best Diplomacy

I want to thank you all for sponsoring these exchanges. Madam Mayor, I'm particularly pleased that you're here. You know, one of the best diplomacy -- the best diplomacy for America, particularly among young folks, is to welcome you to our country.

Rebellion In The Cerebellum

You get to see first hand the truth about America -- like a lot of images.

Contributing To The Society

We love it when somebody has a dream, and then is -- works hard to achieve the dream, thereby contributing to the society and creating jobs for people, so they can realize their aspirations as well.

*Mercedes Bass, wife of billionaire Bush-donor Sid Bass.

Your President Speaks!

Today, during a presser in Meseberg, Germany.

What We Have Got

And that we had a lot of -- we've got a lot of issues that we can talk about.

America or Iran?

They deserve better from having, you know, their government held up as, you know, unsafe and not trustworthy.

The Process We Are Going Forward

So that's the process we're going forward.

Mispelled "Traitor"

You know, it's -- I'm a free trader.

Um, Predicate?

A lot of protectionism in the American political scene these days.

Gets Snippy

I just told you that all options are on the table, and my first choice is to solve this diplomatically.

Thanking The Message

And I want to thank the message that came out of the EU meeting yesterday, which is that if they choose to be -- continue to be obstinate, there will be additional sanctions.

What It Is

First of all, I think we'll end up with a strategic agreement with Iraq. You know, it's all kinds of noise in their system and our system.

There Is All Kinds

There's all kinds of press in the Iraqi scene, of course to the benefit of the Iraqi society.

The Progress

And I'm pleased with the progress. I don't know whether or not it's -- the progress has made it here to Germany or not yet, but the progress in Iraq is substantial, and it's going to help change the Middle East for the better.

The "Is, Is"s

Our position is, is that we ought to enforce the sanctions that are in place, and we ought to work with our allies to levy additional sanctions if they choose -- if the Iranians choose to continue to ignore the demands of the free world.

And one of the lessons of Iraq is, is that in order for a democracy to develop or in order for an economy to develop, there has to be a measure of security, which is now happening.

Your President Speaks!

Today, during a presser at Brdo Castle, Karnj, Slovenia.

What We Have Got

We've got a lot of relations with countries in our neighborhood.

We Have Travel

We talked about how to make sure we have travel in a way that comforts our societies.

To Helping Elevate Folks

The United States looks forward to working with EU nations to helping elevate folks from needless death.

The Global War On Articles Continues

It's interesting, my first visit as U.S. President to Europe included a -- my first stop in Slovenia. My last visit as U.S. President to Europe includes first stop in Slovenia.

There Is Going To Be Problems

Of course there is going to be problems and differences.

Where We Discuss Issues

But somehow they managed to forge a common position on a lot of key issues, and that's where we discuss these issues.

Brainwreck

And the reason why that's important is that they learn to enrich, it means they've learned to -- a key part of developing a nuclear weapon.

Urgencies!

There's a lot of urgencies when it comes to dealing with Iran, and the Israeli political folks -- and if you go to Israel and listen carefully, you'll hear that urgency in their voice, one of many urgencies.

I Had Been The Preznit

Secondly, I articulated a policy that I had been articulating ever since I had been the President.

Your President Speaks! Again!

Friday, during an interview by Gianni Riotta of RAI TV, Italy

The Global War On Plurals Continues

But the truth of the matter is, one reason why food price is so high is because energy prices are high.

Driving A Tractor Is An Energy

I mean, when you think about it, farming is a pretty energy-intensive business -- fertilizer is an energy; driving a tractor is an energy; crops to markets require energy.

What We Got

Look, we got a lot of common areas: Afghanistan -- and I will thank the Italian people for their sacrifices to help this young democracy.

It Was What It Was Not?

And it was -- we're all disappointed the intelligence wasn't what it was.

What's Called Sellout University

Start a freedom institute at what's called Southern Methodist University in Dallas, to talk about the universal values of freedom abroad and at home.

Your President Speaks!

Friday, during an interview by Natasa Briski of POP TV, Slovenia.

What Slovenia Has Got

And my impressions of Slovenia -- I've told this to a lot of people -- first of all, it's a beautiful country; probably somewhat undiscovered in America, but my fellow citizens ought to go and explore Slovenia because it's not only -- it's got -- you can ski, you can play golf

The United States And Europe Has Had Its Differences

And the United States and Europe has had its differences on certain issues, and -- but we've always had the same common values.

A Different Type Of Arrangements

A lot of countries had come from a different style of government, a different type of security arrangements, to one in which free nations were bound together.

Brainwreck

Hopefully, in terms of trade, that we'll fight off protectionism and keep trade open.

There Is Some Disputes

I know there's some trade disputes going on, but that shouldn't prevent us from being active in terms of perpetuating free and fair trade.

Holy Crap!™

Yes, Iran -- kind of the common threats will be on the agenda. For me -- as you know, I'm a big believer in freedom.

What We Got To Do

And we got to, in my judgment, extend that same concept to the Middle East from which a lot of violence comes.

The Know-How As To Know...   How?

And obviously one of the problems that we face is preventing Iran from developing the know-how as to how to make a nuclear weapon.

Synaptic Strike

But, you know, I also want to emphasize that -- but the United States -- I personally feel very strongly about helping people realize the blessings of life by freeing them from HIV/AIDS, or malaria, or hunger.

What We Got

But the truth of the matter is, when you really look at -- like, for example, our relations in the Far East, we got great relations with Japan, China and Korea -- South Korea; or India, for example -- we got new relations with India that no administration has ever -- South America and Central America.

So Many People Wanting To Be Come

Otherwise, why would so many people wanting to be -- come here, for example, which we welcome?

The Bubble

And so I don't -- I hear stuff like that, I just -- I dismiss it as kind of like what happens when there's kind of gossip and rumors and -- because the truth of the matter is, America, just like many nations in Europe, stands for what's right, which is decency, and freedom of speech, and freedom to worship.

I'm For Me!

I mean, they say, "We want change." Of course -- and I tell people every time I ran for politics I said, "We want change," unless, of course, I was the incumbent, in which case I was not for change, I was for myself.

Your President Speaks!

This morning, at the White House.

What We Got, Part I

We've got strong relations in Europe, and this trip will help solidify those relations. And we got a lot to talk about.

What we Got, Part II

First, I'm looking forward to talking about the freedom agenda with the European nations. Got a lot of work to do in Afghanistan.

What Laura Saw

She saw progress, but she also saw there needs to be a lot of work to be done -- there's a lot of work to be done.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House, regarding relief efforts in China.

Holy Crap!™

There's no question this is a major human disaster that requires a strong response from the Chinese government, which is what they're providing, but it also responds a compassionate response from nations to whom -- that have got the blessings, good blessings of life, and that's us.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, at the White House.

Brainwreck

And there really is kind of -- talks about the philosophical divide we face.

What We Got And Need

We got plenty of money in Washington. What we need is more priority. People got to set the priorities.

Maybe More Than 27?

If Congress doesn't act, 27 [sic] small business owners will face a tax increase of $4,066 on average.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, in Mesa, Arizona.

Wachu Got?

How many you got now?

Take Me To The Machine-Making Place

And so the fact that they purchased the machine meant somebody had to make the machine. And when somebody makes a machine, it means there's jobs at the machine-making place -- plus their employees are more productive, they're more competitive.

Two Years Come

And so I strongly urge the United States Congress to make the tax relief we passed permanent so that companies such as Silverado don't have to worry about what their tax burden is going to be in two years come.

What We Have, Right Now

See, we have times of economic uncertainty right now, and what creates more uncertainty for owners of businesses like these is whether or not their taxes are going to go up.

People That Work Here, aka Employees

And Congress ought to just declare once and for all we're going to make the tax cuts we passed permanent -- add peace of mind for these businesses leaders; it'll make it easier for their employees to keep a job; it'll make it easier for them to do what they want to do and take care of their -- people that work here.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House.

Trade Defined

Carlos Gutierrez is the Secretary of Commerce. Trade means commerce.

Products With Jobs

Today I'm going to spend some time so our fellow citizens understand the importance of trade by connecting trade with products with jobs.

The Global War On Articles Continues

Good jobs policy is a good trade policy.

Not "The Ambassador De South Korea"?

I want to thank Federico Humbert, the Ambassador de Panama. I want to thank Lee Tae-sik, Ambassador from South Korea.

What It Is

First of all, the -- you know, it's rough economic times.

If There Is Uncertain Times

If there's uncertain times, there's no worse signal to send than, you know, we may be raising your taxes.

What They Got

Of course, they got a huge appetite for spending your money, so it shouldn't surprise you that some up there really do want to raise your taxes.

Who Says This?

In other words, people think it makes good politics to say we're not going to let you trade.

What Our Fellow Citizens Have Got

And our fellow citizens I understand, you know, have got concerns about trade, and the reason why we've asked you to bring some of your products here is to remind people that that motorcycle is made by American workers, and that if we're able to more likely sell those motorcycles into Colombia, for example, or Panama or South Korea, that the worker who made that is more likely to get a pay raise or have somebody else join him or her on the floor.

Brainwreck

But I want to thank you for helping to try to change that attitude by bringing a practical -- some practical thoughts to this debate, kind of fight through all the rhetoric and remind our fellow citizens that -- of some of the facts.

More Better Good

One, our economy grows better when we export; two, there are jobs.

What We Got

If you're a farmer, we got some products here, grown right here in the United States of America.

Practical Lessons Of Why

Now, let me give you some of the practical lessons of why. Take dairy products.

Chunk Of Cheese

That means that the cost of that dairy product, chunk of cheese -- you know something about cheese, Petri, in Wisconsin -- a chunk of cheese is going to be 20 percent more expensive, which makes it harder to sell that product.

What Poppy And Bar Got

Broccoli -- they got a really high tariff on broccoli at my father's house.

What The Columbia Free Trade Vote Have Got

Secondly, the Colombia free trade vote, like these other free trade votes, have got national security implications.

What Colombia Has Got

Colombia has got a very bold leader named President Uribe, who is a reformist.

What All These Leaders Have Got

All these leaders have got a clear vision about enhanced prosperity in their country.

It Makes It Here

They're a threat to peace inside Colombia, and they provide a threat to the United States, in the sense that they -- to the extent that they facilitate drug trafficking, it makes it here.

What Dear Leader Needs

And a rejection of the free trade agreement with Colombia will undermine that which the leader -- the region needs.

Is Is

And all I can tell them is, is that politics is too strong right now.

What He Also Tell

But I also tell I haven't given up hope.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, at the White House.

The Global War On Plurals Continues

What they should do is allow for the construction of refinery and for environmentally friendly domestic exploration.

If The Truth Of The Matter

And if the truth of the matter is Congress were that concerned about the consumers, they ought to make sure that they make the tax relief we passed a permanent part of the tax code.

What You Got To Recognize

If you're worried about the economy, then you got to recognize that opening markets for U.S. goods and services will help strengthen the economy.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House.

Is-Is

And my own judgment is, is that we need to recognize military spouses every day.

Does Not Know The Name Of Our Country

You're carrying out the burdens -- you're serving our country. And it's noble service. And it's necessary service. And the United States America owes you a huge debt of gratitude.

Yes, of course! The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch!

She loves our military, she loves her boys, and she loves to sew. So she put these two loves together -- or three loves together -- and began to volunteer with Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Your President Speaks!

Today, in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

In Other Words...

Today there was another report out that showed that we lost 20,000 jobs last month, even though the unemployment rate dropped to 5 percent. In other words, the unemployment rate went down.

There Is Two Aspects

There's two aspects to that package I want to spend some time talking about; one of them is, is that you're going to get some money.

Energy Prices And Food Price

Thirdly, it turns out that this money is going to be very helpful in helping people deal with high energy prices and food price.

The Check Form

They started hitting last Monday, and Secretary of the Treasury Paulson is on top of this, and so you'll start seeing -- if you're not -- if you didn't get your money electronically, you're going to start seeing it come in the check form.

What You Got To Make Sure

And therefore, you got to make sure you sign up for the program in order to get the money.

Brainwreck

In other words, there's a -- you can effect the tax code that provides incentives for the CEOs to say, I think we need -- we ought to buy some equipment.

Inject Life

The point I'm trying to tell you is, is that we worked well with Congress and that the effects of a robust attempt to inject life hasn't really kicked in yet.

The "Third Hand" Joke Again

And I'm -- if you believe these economists, if they had three hands they'd say, on the one hand, on the other hand, and then on the third hand.

Hard Paying Jobs

And I want to thank the folks at World Wide for being a part of the leading edge of optimism here in America; a leading edge in making sure that people can find good, hard -- paying jobs.

When Was He In Congress?

When I first got to the Congress, I suggested that we have a comprehensive energy policy: one that recognizes the short-term effects of being reliant upon foreign oil; one that says we can use new technologies that will enable us to power our automobiles in different kinds of ways, using ethanol, for example, or battery technology; and one, ultimately, that will allow hydrogen to power the car.

What Hydrogen-Powered Means

Hydrogen -- we're doing a lot of research on your behalf to have hydrogen-powered automobiles, which means you're running on hydrogen, the waste product of which is water.

Where There Is Good Reserves

They would recognize that we can drill for oil and gas in environmentally friendly ways here in the United States, where there is good reserves; and they would build refineries.

There Is Constricted Supplies

No wonder there's constricted supplies.

What You Got To Do

If you want more of something, in this case you got to build the additional manufacturing capability.

We Don't Allow Us

My attitude is, I understand the pain, but I also understand if we don't allow us to explore in environmentally friendly ways for oil and gas reserves in the United States of America, we'll remain dependent in the short-term on foreign oil.

The Key To The Housing Market Explained

The key to the housing market is for the market to adjust -- you know, built too many houses.

What We Got To Work Through

We just got to work through the system.

There Is Things

But there's things government should and can do that is responsible -- mainly, is to help credit-worthy people stay in their home.

The Old Days

And here's the dilemma: If you got a -- bought yourself a mortgage, in the old days the originator of your mortgage, like a savings and loan, was somebody that you could go and talk in the office, say, listen, man, I got a little bit of a problem, I'm in a bind, I need a little help on my interest payment; or, can you extend my note out a little bit.

There Is Proposals

I know there's all kinds of proposals coming out of Congress.

Got Them A Mortgage

What I'm very concerned about is somebody went out and got them a mortgage, and the person that sold them the mortgage said, boy, this is a good, low interest rate for you.

Get On The Paper

These resets, as you know, you buy a low interest rate and you get on the paper, and then by a couple of years later, all of a sudden the interest rate booms up.

Going On The Full Story

And what I'm really concerned about is fraudulent tactics that didn't tell people that didn't really quite understand what was going on the full story.

Who Are These People?

A lot of people who say, trade is bad for our country. We shouldn't be a nation that opens up markets -- that's what they're saying.

A Tarrif Defined

Most goods coming here come in duty-free; most goods produced in the United States, or services like yours, pay a tariff. That means a tax; it's more expensive. It's harder to get into the market because what you charge is upped by tax.

What's Called FARC

There's a President of Colombia named Uribe, and he's got a tough situation down there because he's dealing with what's called FARC, which is an extremist group that uses drug dollars to perpetuate violence and to move their products -- mainly to here.

There Is Two Paths

In essence, there's two paths.

Those Damn Fancy Words Again

But you ought to be able to do it across jurisdictional boundaries. That's fancy words for, if you're a restaurant in Missouri, you ought to be able to put your employees in a risk pool with a restaurant in Texas.

Affordable Product

The larger the risk pool -- in other words, the more people involved in the insurance -- the less price goes up, the easier it is for somebody to find affordable product.

What We Got

We got a robust Medicare system -- which, by the way, my administration reformed for the first time since Lyndon Johnson, substantially reformed it since Lyndon Johnson was the President.

What Somebody You're Paying Has Got

It's nice to know if you're a consumer, isn't it, whether or not you got a -- whether or not somebody you're thinking about paying has got a good record.

There Is Errors

And that means oftentimes there's medical errors because the files get lost. Doctors can't write very clearly anyway.  And so you -- something gets illegible.

The Whole Medical Records

And all they did was take their chip and they plugged it into the computers in Houston, and the whole medical records was available.

Not Only It's Good

That's -- not only it's good for the customer, the patient, but what I'm telling you is it'll help wring out the inefficiencies in the system.

Getting Sued

And if you're an attorney, I don't mean to be stepping on your toe; everybody needs a good attorney, you know -- particularly me, since I'm getting sued all the time. But it's a -- I think I am.

War Pwesident

And I never thought I would be a war President; never wanted to be a war President. Didn't campaign in 2000 saying, I'm going to be a war President.

There Must Be

There must be some in the country who don't believe that the enemy is a threat.

The Soviet

The Cold War, a big standoff between the Soviet and the United States.

There Is No Rules

There's no rules with these people.

People That Burry

If you're facing people that burry [sic] in failed states you've got to understand how to find them.

A Dirty Number

The way I put it, just so people can understand in plain English: If al Qaeda is making a phone call into the United States of America, we better know why; if you're interested in protecting an attack, and there's a dirty number being called, the government of the United States better understand the intentions and why that phone call is being made.

Disenfranchising It

They're not going to let it vote.

Democrat Counterpart

They passed it out of the Senate -- Kit did a really good job of working with his Democrat counterpart -- and they buried that bill in the House of Representatives.

You're A Bunch Of Thugs

We just shouldn't be extending the same liberties to you, to a bunch of thugs that want to murder the American people.

Rebellion In The Cerebellum

Second aspect -- so in other words, give our professionals tools.

What We Got

We got a lot of really good people working.

Safe Haven Defined

You hear a lot of discussion about safe haven. Well, safe haven means that these non-state actors are able to find breathing space to be able to plot.

Those Damn Kids

And they're sophisticated -- you know, 19 kids on three airplanes -- it's a sophisticated operation -- four airplanes, excuse me.

Synaptic Stutter

You probably read your newspaper today -- I can understand if you didn't, but you probably -- well, anyway, there was a strike in Somalia, and the headline says "al Qaeda operative."

Medulla Ohmigoddah

Finally -- and by the way, Afghanistan was denial of the safe haven, and -- as well as I saw an existential threat, as did most of Congress, in Saddam Hussein.

What You Got To Understand

And so when you see hopelessness as an American President, you got to understand that the only way these thugs can recruit is when they find hopeless people.

What You're Watching Is You're Watching

And so it's -- so what you're watching is you're watching democracy unfold.

Something Happened

What happened between 41 -- that's what they call the old man, 41; I'm the 43rd President, 43 -- something happened.

A Interesting Debate

You know, it's a very interesting debate that's taking place.

There Is Two Aspects

There's two aspects of rising food prices; one, how it affects our own citizens.

What We Got

We don't have a scarcity issue in America, interestingly enough; we got a price issue.

He's Flammable

As you know, I'm a ethanol person.

There Is Good Days

You know, obviously, there's some good days and some bad days.

His Buddies Are Difficult?

I feel so strongly about my principles and my values and I'm an optimistic guy; that what may appear to be really difficult to deal with -- like my buddies from Midland, Texas -- that for me it's just part of the job.

Patterns Himself After Ceausescu

Now, the interesting thing from my perspective was that I was here, and there was a balcony lit in the town square, and I was told this was where the tyrant Ceausescu and his wife had made their last public appearance. And the story has it that he -- somebody started chanting, "Liar," and he realized his power was slipping away, and then he tried to get out of there, and anyway, he was done in by the people. They were tired of him; he was a brutal guy.

Is, Is

The good news is, is that we anticipated this.

There's two aspects to that package I want to spend some time talking about; one of them is, is that you're going to get some money.

The point I'm trying to tell you is, is that we worked well with Congress and that the effects of a robust attempt to inject life hasn't really kicked in yet.

The question is, is it available and is it affordable?

The other thing is, is that it's portable.

The other thing is, is that one of the real cost-drivers -- or two other cost-drivers I want to discuss -- so in other words, consumerism helps deal with cost.

You see, what's happened is, is that these phone companies which have allegedly helped the United States monitor conversations are now being sued for billions of dollars of lawsuits.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, at the White House.

What Government Is - ISN'T!

Government is love -- government is justice and law, it's not love. Love is found in the hearts of our fellow citizens.

M-O-O-N Spells Volunteer

And so Americans, if they want to find out how they can help, if you're motivated by Volunteer Week, or if you're motivated by hearing this message, you're motivated by a neighbor saying, gosh, it's really made my life better to help somebody in need, why don't you go to the website of USA Freedom Corps, and you can look it up at "volunteer.gov." It's not all that hard; you just get on there and type "volunteer.gov."

To Be A Citizen To Be

In my first inaugural address, I said it's important to be a citizen, not a spectator. And there's no better way to be a citizen to be a soldier in the armies of compassion, a foot soldier.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House, during the most lackluster presser in human history.

The Valley Girl President

I think the last time I visited with you it was like -- I said it was like a tax increase on the working people.

Brainwreck

They ought to say, why don't we -- I proposed, you might remember, taking some abandoned military bases and providing regulatory relief so we can build new refineries.

Medulla Ohmigodda

I mean, if we're generally interested in moving forward with an energy policy that sends a signal to the world that we're not -- we're going to try to become less reliant upon foreign oil, we can explore at home, as well as continue on with an alternative fuels program.

The Words On How To Define The Economy

I mean, you know, the words on how to define the economy don't reflect the anxiety the American people feel.

His Answer To High Fuel Prices

We're transitioning to a new era, by the way -- a new era where we're going to have batteries in our cars that will power -- enable people to drive 40 miles on electricity.

His Understanding Of Supply And Demand

We can also send a clear signal that we understand supply and demand, and then when you don't build a refinery for 30 years, it's going to be a part of restricting supply.

Fancy-Ass Words

As a matter of fact, the solution to the issue of corn-fed ethanol is cellulosic ethanol, which is a fancy word for saying we're going to make ethanol out of switchgrasses, or wood chips.

What We Got To Understand

And we got to understand we're in a transition period.

Synaptic Stutter

And so you ask -- you say that people think we can't -- there's not any more reserves to be found.

What New Technologies Enable For

New technologies enables for -- to be able to drill like we've never been able to do so before -- slant hole technologies and the capacity to use a drill site, a single drill site, to be able to explore a field in a way that doesn't damage the environment.

Cant't Stand The Stand

And one of the -- for example, one of the things the -- al Qaeda would like to do is blow up oil facilities, understanding we're in a global market, a attack on an oil facility in a major oil-exporting country would affect the economies of their enemy -- that would be us, and other people who can't stand what al Qaeda stands for.

Which Vision

I think we're making progress in Afghanistan, but there's a very resilient enemy that obviously wants to kill people that stand in the way of their reimposition of a state that is -- which vision is incredibly dark.

Does Not Understand What "Asymmetrical Warfare" Means

We're dealing with a group of ideologues who use asymmetrical warfare -- that means killing innocent people -- to try to achieve their objectives.

A Clear Message To Syria

And finally, we wanted to make it clear to Syria -- and the world -- that their intransigence in dealing with helping us in Iraq, or destabilizing Lebanon, or dealing with Hamas -- which is a destablizing force in our efforts to have a Palestinian state coexist peacefully with Israel -- that those efforts are -- gives us a chance to remind the world that we need to work together to deal with those issues.

We Have Done Increasing

And in the meantime we have done, increasing CAFTA, for example.

Actually Not A Matter Of Fact

That's why I told you that if Congress had responded -- matter of fact, Congress did pass ANWR in the late 1900s -- 1990s -- and the 1900s --  1990s.

There Is Rumors

There's rumors about Iranian help.

Provoke Response

So when you want to talk about peace being difficult in the Middle East -- it's going to be difficult, but it's even made more difficult by entities like Hamas, who insist upon lobbing rockets into Israel, trying to provoke response and trying to destabilize -- even destabilize the region more.

There Is Initiatives

There's some very interesting initiatives that are being developed there.

What You Got To Ask

But you got to ask, why is Hamas lobbing rockets?

What We Got To Do

And to answer whether or not people's conversation -- whether they're more effective, all we got to do is watch to see how Hamas behaves.

What It's Got

It's a country that used to be an exporter of food; it's now got terrible human conditions there.

Your President Speaks! Again!

Today, in Washington.

Here Is Services

And I don't think it should be viewed as controversial to say to a public school, if children are falling behind, here's supplementary services to help that individual child catch up.

Our Nation's Fabirc In Making Sure

One of the reasons I've come is to highlight this problem and say to our country: We have an interest in the health of these centers of excellence; it's in the country's interest to get beyond the debate of public/private, to recognize this is a critical national asset that provides a critical part of our nation's fabric in making sure we're a hopeful place.

His Whole Theory Of Life

My whole theory of life was we ought to be asking about results, not necessarily process.

There Is Actual Consequences

See, one of the -- what's very important to make sure that an accountability system works is there's actual consequences and outlets.

You're Qualify!

And one of the outlets would be if you're in a public school that won't teach and won't change, and you're -- qualify, here's a scholarship for you to be able to have an additional opportunity.

Losers

And to me this is a good way to help strengthen the schools that I was talking about that are losing.

Brainwreck

Faith-based schools can continue to serve inner-city children requires a -- to see that that happens requires a commitment from the business community.

"Go-by", AKA Model

In other words, good ideas can take hold. The job of this conference is to provide a kind of go-by for people who share a sense of concern about our nation's future.

Down With Government Law

Citizens -- you know, we're a -- we are a compassionate nation. What I see is America at its very best, which is these millions of acts of kindness and generosity that take place, and it doesn't require a government law.

Hindbrain Hullabaloo

Ten years ago private donors gave approximately $15 million to the church in Memphis to help revive Catholic schools in the city's poorest neighborhoods -- assets exist -- they're worried about them going away, so rather than just watch schools close, somebody -- individuals did something about it by putting up $15 million.

Offer Not Valid In Iraq

You've got to be a little worried in our society when somebody says, I don't think I want to measure. That's like saying, I don't want to be held to account.

Forebrain Foul-Up

And I want to thank those who have put forth the money, and call on all citizens to find ways they can contribute with their hearts to help educational entrepreneurs succeed -- is really what we're talking about, isn't it? Kind of innovation, they're willing to challenge the status quo if it's not working.

I Consider Yourself

I call it educational entrepreneurship -- so I'd consider yourself entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs.

Midbrain Mistake

Here are some ways -- I mean, these are levels of society that ought to all be involved, and hopefully out of this meeting, that there's concrete action.

Um... Mexican Women Do Not Call Themselves "Mexicana", Do They?

She is a -- she was born in Mexico -- Mexicana.

Chicago Ain't All That

And they moved to Chicago, probably to try to realize a better life -- I'm confident, to try to realize a better life.

What You Just Got

You either just got an A -- or an F.

Neuters Poor Yadira

Someday no telling what Yadira's going to be in life, but one thing is for certain: it's going to be a productive citizen, and America will be better for it.

Not Them Go Away

And my hope is, is that we're laying cornerstones for new schools here or revived schools; that we take the spirit of the Holy Father and extend it throughout the country, and work for excellence for every child; to set high standards, and when we find centers of excellence, not them go away, but to think of policy that will enable them to not only exist, not only survive, but to thrive.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, at the White House.

What He Got

He has grown -- got 100 employees now.

Doesn't Like To Say It's A Recession

This is obviously a difficult time for the economy, and I like to say it's a rough patch.

Holy Crap!™

And it's going to take a while for this to have an effect. The experts tell me that -- you've got these economists say, on the one hand, and on the other hand -- if they had three hands, it would be three opinions, but nevertheless -- with all due respect to some of my economist friends here.

Pretty Well Consensus

But pretty well consensus that the stimulus package, when it takes full effect, will affect our growth in the third quarter, which begins in July of this year.

What He Got

A couple other issues now that I got you stuck here.

More Than One Syllable

And finally, I strongly believe that Congress should allow small businesses to pool risk across jurisdictional boundaries -- those are long words -- like if you're a restaurant guy in Texas, you ought be able to put your employees in the same risk pool as a restaurant person in Maryland.

Brainwreck

In other words, the product that they -- selling is more expensive because of the tariffs.

What This Vote Has Got

The other thing is this vote has got enormous national policy implications.

Synaptic Stumble

First of all, it's in our interest to have a neighborhood that's free, when people who believe in rule of law and human rights -- support leaders in our neighborhood that are tough on dealing with narco-traffickers.

Was 26 -- And Drunk -- When Truman Died

I'm convinced -- I've never had a visit with Harry at all, but I'm convinced that he would say, the lessons I learned in trying to be a small business owner are lessons that are important for a decision-maker in the White House.

Your President.... Ur, Ah... SPEAKS!

Yesterday, in New Orleans.

Ought To Be Committed

You know, one of the things, I came to New Orleans and spoke about the federal commitment, and I said, it's been a devastating period and the federal government is committed and will remain committed to helping.

What We Got To Make Sure

But there are some significant problems. One is we got to make sure these levees meet the obligations and meet the standards.

Holy Crap!™

Secondly, I am concerned about the health care system that was torn up and needs to be rebuilt in a way that encourages there to be good health care and in a way that recognizes the changing population of New Orleans.

Stories On Crime

Thirdly, I have been concerned about the stories on crime, just like the citizens have been worried about the stories on crime.

Brainwreck

All in all -- and then, finally, public housing restoration.

Your President Speaks!

Today, in New Orleans, during a presser with Mexican President Calderon and Canadian PM Harper.

Cheney Asks Dumb Questions

One of the things -- people ask, well, does it make sense for Mexico, Canada and the United States to meet?

Colombia Goods

It makes no sense to me to say that Colombia goods can come into our country duty-free, yet our goods can't go into Colombia duty-free.

There Is No "Speaker Of The United States Congress"

The Speaker of the United States Congress has killed this bill unless she gives us a date certain for a vote.

Move Product In A Way

We're working to make sure we reduce regulations and to add -- to make sure that our small businesses and farmers and producers are able to move product in a way without a bunch of government regulations in between.

There Is Complications

And there's complications on these long borders; I understand that.

What We Got

For example, we got an issue with Mexico.

Brainwreck

The last time -- the time before last we met, the President made it abundantly clear that he felt the United States ought to do more to prevent guns from going into the -- from the United States into Mexico.

What The Process Do

And we put a process in place that do a variety of things, all aiming to make sure that our neighbors and our neighborhood isn't scourged by these thugs who use guns out of the United States to hold their people hostage, hold the country hostage.

Medulla Ohmygodda

I mean, one way to increase pressure on the border is to -- if you do away with NAFTA, there's going to be a lot of Mexicans -- more Mexicans out of work.

Rebellion In The Cerebellum

And if they -- if the Speaker doesn't bring -- give us a date certain on the bill, she's effectively killed it. It's her responsibility, and she's going to have to explain why the voices of false populism have been strengthened; why anti-Americanism could flourish, when America turns its back on a strong leader like President Uribe and a friend for democracy like President Uribe.

The Benefits Of Why

And so I'll continue to speak out on it, and assure our friends that we will work hard to explain to the people the benefits of why free and fair trade is in our nation's interest.

What We Got

We got people out there campaigning, "well, we're just going to tax the rich."

The So-Called President

You can't raise enough money to meet their spending appetites by taxing the so-called rich. Every one of those so-called "tax the rich" schemes end up taxing the middle class families.

Hoo-Ray!  Fourth Quarter 2007 GDP Grew At A Rate Of 0.6%

First of all, I -- we're not in a recession. We're in a slowdown. We grew in the fourth quarter of last year.

Diminshing Certainty

I think this is going to have a positive effect on the economy. Experts say it's going to have a positive effect on the economy. And so we'll see what happens there.

Dood Looks Like A Lady

You know, the President is plenty capable of handling reform. She's a -- he's a good honest man, who cares deeply about the people of Mexico, and he'll do what he thinks is right for the country of Mexico.

What We Got

And in terms of President Uribe, we got no better friend in South America than President Uribe.

The Trade Agreement We Honest Negotiated

He has the support of the United States of America in many ways, but if we don't agree to a free trade agreement that we honest -- negotiated in good faith with them, it will undermine his efforts, and will destabilize parts of the world.

A Your President Speaks Trifecta!

Yesterday, in New Orleans:

During a photo-op with Mexican President Felipe Calderon...

Is He Talking To Jenna Here?

I appreciate the fact that you inherited a very difficult situation. One, you inherited the high demand for drugs in the United States.

Brainwreck

We need to do -- continue our initiative that we started with -- during your administration, Mr. President, on dealing with arms trafficking -- arms from the United States into Mexico.

Cerebral Vortex

My hope, of course, is they fully fund the program, and they fund it -- a strategy that will be effective.

A photo-op with Canadian PM Stephen Harper...

If There Is Any Issues

I'm always interested in making sure that, if there's any bilateral tensions or bilateral issues, that I know of them, so that we can work collaboratively to deal with them.

The Borders Were Being Able To Flow

And in the past, one such issue was whether or not our people could travel back and forth between our respective countries in a way that didn't inconvenience them, or the borders were -- being able to flow smoothly so it didn't inconvenience trade.

And at a US Chamber Of Commerce Reception where he made a complete fool of himself.

The Face Of The Teachers

But there's a lot of hope in this city. I mean, you can see it in the face of the teachers.

Your President Speaks - Breifly

Today, in New Orleans.

No Habla

In 1824, New Orleans, Louisiana became the first site of the Mexican -- for the first -- became the site for the first Mexican consulate in the United States.

Your President Speaks!

Saturday, at Camp David, during a presser with President Lee Myung-Bak of the Republic of Korea.

The Global War On Subjets Continues

We had a wonderful dinner last night, and looking forward to having lunch, too, today.

Screw China And India

How can you possibly have an international agreement that's effective unless countries like China and India are not [sic] full participants.

Brainwreck

And that's why I assured him this major economies meeting that is taking place in Paris, I assured him I meant what I said in my speech in the Rose Garden, and that hopefully by the time we get to G8 there's a serious effort by all major economies to become active participants in a effective strategy to deal with this issue.

There Is Rumors

You know, there's all kinds of rumors about what is happening and what's not happening.

A Society In Which It's Hard To Get Information Out Of

But when you're dealing with a society in which it's hard to get information out of, you just have to wait and see whether they're sincere or not.

There Is All Kinds

Unlike our society, of course, where there's all kinds of people in the administration talking and sharing information with you -- some of it authorized, some of it's not -- it doesn't happen that way in North Korea.

There Has Been Moments

This has been a -- I've been at this for quite a while, and there's been moments where it looks like the process is going to go very smoothly and everybody is going to honor their commitments, and then for one reason or another, there's a -- there was a setback.

China Is A Opportunity

It's going to be very important a 21st century alliance recognizes that China is a opportunity for both nations to engage in a constructive way.

What The Step One Is

And so the step one is to anticipate the issues confronting our peoples in the 21st century, and step two is to develop a practical way to deal with those issues.

Your President Talks Too Much!

Today, in Washington, at America's Small Business Summit.

Brainwreck

On the other hand, it's the kind of place that you know the -- you knew the local shop person or the -- my friend, Jackie Hanks's Uncle Brutus had the local grocery store. And it was just that -- that fabric of the community was the small business owners.

Higher Price For Food And Gasoline

Workers and families are anxious on a variety of fronts -- including mortgage -- making mortgage bills and higher price for food and gasoline.

The Last I Can Remember Was He Predicted A "Soft Landing"

You know, we saw this coming. The last I can remember is talking to our team last year, and they said, there's a slowdown coming.

The Valley Girl President

Now, here in Washington that's like -- people say, that's not very much money.

Invest In New Plant!

Secondly, the stimulus package provides incentives for business to invest in new plant and equipment and new technologies.

What Somebody Has Got

And the reason why we're trying to provide incentives for businesses, both large and small, is because when you have the incentive to go purchase a piece of equipment, somebody has got to make the equipment.

She's A Manufacturing Concern -- Call'er Permac Industries!

I had the honor of meeting Darlene Miller. You may know Darlene. She's from a -- she's -- a manufacturing concern in Minnesota caller Permac Industries.

This How Incentives Works

The reason I bring up this example is this how -- this is how incentives work. Darlene was incented -- received an incentive to purchase machinery, to fill some space, to make sure she becomes more competitive.

Achieving An Achievement

She also had a pretty good achievement at -- and she received another good achievement, I understand.

Fighter Pilots Cannot Run Through Walls

And I met a guy named Tom Sawner. Now, he's an old fighter pilot, which means there's no wall he can run through.

What He's Got Him

He's a doer, an achiever, and he's got him a small business called Educational Options.

Rebellion In The Cerebellum

And one way that -- I mean, one thing Congress has got to understand is that there is -- what small business owners don't need is uncertainty.

What We Have Got In The Nation's Capital

Obviously there's a -- we've got needs in Washington, D.C.

Colombia:  More Than One Country

The Congress has passed laws in the past that enable Colombian goods to come here duty-free -- the vast majority of our products faces taxes to go into their countries.

He Signed The Trade Agreement Every Day For 500 Days

Yet after 500 days that we signed the agreement with Colombia, the one-sided trading relationship remains in place because the Congress has failed to act.

There Was Things

I explain to people, when I bought my first home in Midland there was actually things such as savings and loans, and the person that actually lent the money owned the note.

Do You Own A Businesses?

We want people owning their home -- we want people owning a businesses; we want people owning their own homes.

Medulla Ohmigodda

You can't make somebody an entrepreneur from government, but you can create an environment which encourages risk-taking, enables people to keep more of what they earn, let somebody stay more in the shop than in the courthouse, helps people help their workers.

Cerbral Vortex

And a lot of times, believe it or not, there is -- as I'm sure you know, that they all happen like at a kitchen table.

His Small Business Ruined By Blow

And sure enough, out of that simple idea and hard work -- because I understand as well as anybody how hard it is to build a small business, and it's not -- it takes a lot of time and a lot of effort and a lot of focus and patient spouses, and sometimes spouses actually watching the money to make sure the other spouse doesn't blow it.

It Was His Desires

It was his desires to not only pay his own college education, but then to convert that into something that would be good for consumers -- obviously if it wasn't good for consumers he wouldn't have much of a business history -- good for the people he's employed.

Role Of The Government:  Always Pay

And our -- the role of government is to never stifle that spirit, is to encourage the spirit, reward the spirit, and always pay -- and always remind our citizens that we are a vibrant and prosperous and hopeful nation, because we are a land blessed with vibrant and hopeful people.

Your President... Wait For It... SPEAKS!

Today, in Washington, at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.

Loves Him Some Government Program

We know that government program can answer the call like our armies of compassion can -- but we also know that government programs can support, and must support, their work.

Dick Cheney Keeps Asking

Oftentimes people ask me, why is it that you're so focused on helping the hungry and diseased in strange parts of the world?

Brainwreck

During these -- as President I've seen some of the great wonders of compassion as a result of our Catholic citizens.

They Work Hard To Ask Money

Laura and I had the honor of visiting with the Little Sisters and, you know, I was struck by how hard they worked to ask money to care for the old and sick, so that the old and sick don't have to beg for money.

Your President Speaks! AGAIN!

Yesterday, at the White House, during a presser with British PM Gordon Brown.

I'm Been A Pleasure

I'm -- been a pleasure to welcome a good friend to the Oval Office, and had a good discussion.

Fired Under Courage

Most thankful for the brilliance of the British helicopter crews that fired under courage and helped evacuate wounded Iraqi soldiers.

That Which I Feel

And I appreciate the fact that he went to the United Nations and made it abundantly clear that which I feel, as well, which is, you can't have elections unless you're willing to put the results out.

You Not Let The Will Of The People

What kind of election is it if you not let the will of the people be known?

Yes, It Would

And then of course we spent time on our economy -- ies. That would be two economies.

He Has Got The McCain Family Cookbook

And I'm -- Laura and I are going to cook you up a meal.

No Country For Old al Qaeda

Success in Iraq will be a significant blow to both al Qaeda and Iran's ambitions. And it's worth it, in my judgment, to succeed against al Qaeda, the very country -- the very group of people that attacked our country, and those who would like to do so again, even on a more massive scale.

Success = Victory + Success

And so, so long as I'm the President, my measure of success is victory and success.

The Global War On Articles Continues

And it's been effective -- effective program.

Brainwreck

And, you know, to say that, well, okay, it's okay to let them learn to enrich -- and assume that that program and knowledge couldn't be transferred to a program, a military program, is, in my judgment, naive.

Is All Aiming

And that is why the United States, in working with Britain and France and Germany and the United Nations Security Council, is all aiming to say to the Iranians: Verifiably suspend your program and there's a better way forward for you.

What We Got

We got a great relationship.

Cerebral Vortex

So it's -- our relationship is very special and it's -- I'm confident future Presidents will keep it that way.

If There Wasn't

Look, if there wasn't a personal relationship I wouldn't be inviting the man to a nice hamburger.

Appreciate Needs No Subject

Appreciate our special relationship with Britain, and I believe that the actions we've taken are making it stronger. We spent time talking about the terrorists and extremists.

Appreciate the fact that the Prime Minister briefed me on what the British commanders are saying about Iraq.

Appreciate the 7,900 British troops that are serving bravely in that country.

Appreciate the fact that some in the region have spoken out against violence.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, at the White House.

Like Laura Insisted We Did

Good people from Tennessee, who led hundreds of members of your community to switch to more energy-efficient light bulbs -- just like Laura insisted we did here at the White House.

Wow, That Is Good News!

And the good news is, Laura went over to dedicate the monument and did a fabulous job.

Hearing About An Old Guy

But today, you're tired of hearing about an old guy speak, we want to hear the stories of young people -- young people who will be the future leaders of the country, young people who have laid out a strategy as to how to protect their local communities and have done so.

TMI, Chimpy

Holy Crap!™

In this house, President Jefferson spread the word that liberty was the right of every individual. In this house, Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark off on the mission that helped make America a continental nation. And in this house, Jefferson was known to receive guests in his bathrobe and slippers.  Laura said no. I don't have a bathrobe.

Your President Speaks!

Today, at the White House.

Says Businesses Are Pissed

This administration anticipated these times. We worked with Congress to pass a pro-growth package that incensed businesses to invest; a pro-growth package that will be sending some of your taxpayers' money back to you.

There Is Constructive Things

Congress needs to modernize FHA; they need to modernize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I mean, there's constructive things Congress can do that will encourage the housing market to correct quickly by encouraging -- helping people stay in their homes.

Your President... Wait For It... SPEAKS!

Today, at the White House, after meeting Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singapore.

The Trade Agreement Was Kicked In

And I also am so pleased that the trade agreement that we negotiated during our respective times was kicked in.

Listen To The People Voices!

We spent time on Burma and the need for the military regime there to understand that they shouldn't fear the voices of people.

A Man Who Is Anti-Violence

They'll find -- if they ever were to reach out to the Dalai Lama, they'd find him to be a really fine man, a peaceful man, a man who is anti-violence, a man who is not for independence but for the cultural identity of the Tibetans being maintained.

What Goh Chok Tong Got

You got good knowledge and you've had a lot of experience, and you're kind to share it with me.

Your President Speaks! AGAIN!

Today, at the White House.

No Thanks

I can't thank the folks who care enough about a fellow citizen to offer their love and compassion.

Your President Speaks!

Yesterday, at the White House, after meeting the provincial governors of Afghanistan.

There Is Concerns

Secondly, there's concerns about unemployment, about economic development.

People....  People Who Remember People....  Are The Luckiest People... In The World

Some provinces are quiet, and the governor wondered whether or not, because it's quiet, people remember the people in the province exist.

What Other Provinces Have Got

Other provinces have got some difficult security problems.

That The People Are Being Able

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.

What The Provincial Governors Of Afghanistan Have Got

They've got a very busy schedule.

Shriners

I'm now going to show them the Oval Office -- a shrine to democracy.

Your President... Wait For It... SPEAKS!

Today, at the White House.

Who Are Jeff Gannon, Margaret Spellings, Condoleezza Rice, Jeff Gannon (again), and Rod Paige, Alex?

We got a meat packer, an apple processor, we've got a grinder, a large equipment manufacturer, education man.

The Global War On Plurals Continues

And that's important, because in times of economic uncertainty, we want people making investment, so when a person buys an apple press, somebody is going to have to manufacture that press.

Gasoline Is Both Toxic And Flammable

People have to make a living, and they're driving their cars and their trucks -- and fuel is hurting people.

Why We Got To

And so I fully understand that not only are people worried about their homes, they're worried about the cost of fuel -- and one of the reasons why we got to keep taxes low.

Synaptic Stutter

And thirdly, I, you know, I think we ought to, in terms of pro-growth packages, I think we ought to, again I repeat, give this one a chance to kick in.

Your President Speaks! AGAIN!

Today, at the White House.

I Didn't Agree By That!

These provisions were negotiated with -- and agreed by -- by the leadership of Congress -- like the Democratic leadership in Congress.

The Global War On Present Participles Continues

Level [sic] the playing field for American exporters is especially important during this time of economic uncertainty.