Remarks in Canton, Ohio

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, August 9, 2004

Audience members. Yes!

The President. We will engage these enemies in Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere so that we do not have to face them here at home. We'll continue to lead the world with competence and moral clarity. We put together a strong coalition--a strong coalition joined together to defeat the terrorists. There are nearly 40 nations involved in Afghanistan, some 30 nations involved in Iraq. Over the next 4 years, we will continue to build alliances and work with our friends, but I will never turn America's national security decisions over to leaders of other countries.

We must keep our commitments to help Afghanistan and Iraq become peaceful, democratic societies. You see, these two nations are now governed by strong leaders who believe that there's a democratic future for their countries. These are courageous people who have stood up and led. And more and more of their citizens are joining them. More and more of the security needs in Iraq are being handled by Iraqis. It's their future. It's their responsibility. They understand that the men and women, the fathers and mothers of Iraq, want their children to grow up in a peaceful world just like the moms and dads of America want their children to grow up in a peaceful world.

When we acted to protect their own security, we promised to help deliver them from tyranny, to restore their sovereignty, and to help them on the path to liberty. And when America gives it word, America will keep its word. And in these times, America's commitments are kept by the men and women of our military. I've had the privilege of meeting with those who defend our country and sacrifice for our security. I've seen their great decency and unselfish courage. The cause of liberty, the cause of freedom, is in really good hands.

And we must make sure that the men and women who wear our uniform have the very best--the best training, the best equipment. And so last September, while our troops were in combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq, I proposed supplemental funding to support them in their missions. This legislation provided funding for body armor and other vital equipment, for hazard pay, for health benefits, and ammunition and fuel and spare parts. In the Senate, only a handful, only a small, out-of-the-mainstream minority voted against the legislation. And two of those twelve Senators are on the ticket opposing US.

Audience members. Boo-o-o!

The President. Senator Kerry tried to explain his vote this way: "I actually did vote for the $87 billion, before I voted against it." [Laughter] End quote. [Laughter] Now, he's offering different explanations. At one time he said he was proud that he and his runningmate voted against the funding for the troops, and then he said, "The whole thing is a complicated matter." [Laughter] There's nothing complicated about supporting our troops in combat.

In the long run, our security is not guaranteed by force alone. We must work to change the conditions that give rise to terror: poverty, hopelessness, and resentment. A free and peaceful Iraq, a free and peaceful Afghanistan will be powerful examples to their neighbors. Free countries do not export terror. Free countries do not stifle the dreams of their citizens. Free countries listen to the hopes and aspirations of the people that live there. By serving the ideal of liberty, we're bringing hope to others and making America more secure. By serving the ideal of liberty, we serve the values we believe in. Freedom is not America's gift to world; freedom is the Almighty God's gift to every man and woman in this world.