Remarks to the Community in Tarboro, North Carolina

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Sept 27, 1999

But the American people know that no individual can handle this alone, and our community ought to be doing this together. So let me say, finally, I have been - as always, but particularly today - profoundly impressed by the spirit of the people here. One of the ministers over there - one of the ministers over there, who looks like a professional weight lifter, by the way - [laughter] - has got a shirt on that says, "Too blessed to be stressed." [Laughter] And I want you to keep that attitude.

I know - man, I can only imagine what it's like, especially for those of you with young children, spending night after night in the shelters with all these people, some of whom you know, some of whom you don't; everybody is bumping up against everybody else. You get tired of the prepared meals; you wonder where you're really going to be able to go. I know it's frustrating.

But we've got to wait until the water goes down. Then the mayor has got to be careful - both these mayors - before the water can be turned on again, to make sure that it's safe, that the supply hasn't been contaminated. There are just things that have to be done.

So I urge you to keep your spirits up and know we're going to be with you every step of the way. Know that you have strong advocates in your local officials, your wonderful Governor, and your very vigorous congressional delegations that are represented here. We're going to stay with you until you get back on your feet again, as long as it takes.

Thank you, and God bless you.

NOTE: The President spoke at 2:27 p.m. on Main Street. In his remarks, he referred to Mayors Donald A. Morris of Tarboro and Delia Perkins of Princeville, NC.