Remarks by the President at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Coal Association

Business Wire, July 31, 2008

We're working on hydrogen-powered automobiles. These little fellows will be driving -- maybe driving hydrogen-powered automobiles. That's not going to be happening any time soon, but there's a great potential in tapping hydrogen. I would repeat, in order to manufacture hydrogen you're going to have to have enough electricity to be able to do so, but there's some great promise. If you think back to the changes in America, I mean, it's remarkable progress in our country. Technology has changed a lot about how we live, and it's going to continue doing it.

And that's why we got -- that's why I'm confident in the future. I just want to make sure that we understand that there isn't a single solution, and to make sure the American people understand you're a part of the solution. You're a part of making sure that the country remains optimistic and hopeful.

I talk a lot about our energy resources, but the best resource in America is the brain power and the optimism of the American people. We're a fabulous country. You know, I have seen America at its very best in seven and a half years. I marvel at the entrepreneurial spirit in our country. I love the fact that people go from nothing to something. Our small business owners are great people. I love the fact that we've got people who understand the dangers we face, understand we're facing ideological people that use murder to achieve their objectives, and want to hurt us again here at home.

I marvel at the fact that we've got a country where people say, "I want to serve, and to wear the uniform of the United States." (Applause.) And I am constantly amazed at the millions of acts of kindness and compassion that take place on a daily basis in the United States of America.

We've got people who feed the hungry, provide care for the homeless, love a neighbor in need -- and it doesn't require one law from Washington, D.C. Many of these folks respond to a higher law, a higher calling. This is a compassionate, decent, fantastic country, and it's been my honor to be your President for seven and a half years. (Applause.)

I'm proud to be here with you. I'm proud to call you friend. This is not a farewell address. (Laughter.) I'm sprinting to the finish. (Laughter.)

God bless. (Applause.)

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