Remarks in a discussion in Hudson, Wisconsin

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, August 23, 2004

And so the No Child Left Behind Act sets high expectations and high standards. It believes in local control of schools. It believes in empowering parents. But it also says, "Let's measure to determine whether curriculum works, to determine whether or not our children are learning to read." And if not, let's correct the problem before it is too late. And we're making good progress. These test scores are beginning to rise. The achievement gap is beginning to close. And what I'm telling you is there's more work to do when it comes to the education. I want the high school diploma to mean something. We need to focus on math and science to make sure our youngsters have the skills necessary to compete in this world. I like to tell people we've--we're getting the job done when it comes to our schools. And by making our schools work, America will be a better place.

I'll tell you what else will make America a better place. It's a place where those of us in Government understand the limitations of Government. See, money can hand out--Government hands out money, but it cannot put hope in a person's life. That happens when people who have been called to love a neighbor step up and put their arm around a lonely soul or somebody who hurts or somebody who needs compassion and says, "What can I do? How can I help you?" And so I'm running again to continue to rally the armies of compassion, to encourage people who want to love a neighbor like they'd like to be loved themselves to continue to do so. And equally as well is to open up Federal monies, Federal grants to faith-based organizations, people that are able to--[applause].

One of the examples I like to use is, if somebody is addicted to drugs, sometimes a counselor can work. But a lot of times it requires a change of heart in order to change life. And the faith-based programs are those programs that are able to help a person change their heart, to get them less hooked on drugs or alcohol. And so there's a--part of my vision is for a better country. I want everybody in America to realize the great promise of this land.

This is a fantastic country we have. And the values are--when I'm talking about changing America one heart and one soul at a time, I'm talking about Scout masters who take time to work with these kids to pass on good, solid values. I'm talking about people who go see a neighbor and a shut-in. See, we can change and will change America one heart at a time, one soul at a time. Listen, I recognize somebody can't do everything, but somebody can do something to help this country be a compassionate, hopeful place.

I'm here to talk about making the country a stronger country. That starts with making sure our economy is strong. Listen, we want people working. That's what we want in America. And we've been through a lot. When you're out there campaigning and talking to people, remind them what we have been through as a country. We've been through a recession. That means we're going backwards. That means it's hard to find work. It means if you're a small-business owner, you're nervous about making payroll.