Portland–President George W. Bush told an enthusiastic crowd Saturday that he empathizes with the plight of Oregon’s Klamath basin farmers and ranchers impacted by the federally-mandated shut off of irrigation water last summer.
Speaking before some 2000 Oregonians at Parkrose High School in Northeast Portland, President Bush said he and Senator Gordon Smith and Rep. Greg Waldon spent time during their journey from California to Oregon talking about the problem and possible solutions.
“I am deeply concerned about parts of your state that aren’t being treated very well. I share your concerns about people making a living off the land. We will do what we can to make sure water is available to you,” President Bush promised, inciting a loud roar of support from the crowd.
The president was in Oregon in part to drum up support for his economic stimulus package and to also lend political clout to what some believe will be a tough re election bid by Senator Smith. Oregon leads the nation in unemployment at 7.4 percent.
Earlier in the day, President Bush had visited a private company in Portland as well as Portland Community College, where he had a private meeting with students.
“I believe 2002 is going to be a fabulous year for America,” President Bush said nearly an hour after the schedule 2 p.m. agenda.
He said political advisors saw the economic slowdown coming months before it hit but there are signs recovery is underway.
Terrorism against America will not be tolerated, President Bush emphasized.
“September 11, evil people decided to attack America,” President Bush said. “This is not a religious war. It’s a struggle of good versus evil…but make no mistake about it, good will prevail.”
President Bush called those who harbor terrorists “parasites”. Drawing on his Texas ranching background, the president said parasites find hosts and ultimately weaken them.
“We weakened their host, the Taliban is no longer in power,” President Bush said.
The containment of the Al Quaida brought new life to those who lived under its tyranny, President Bush said.
“We led the coalition that liberated women and children who had lived under an incredibly repressive government,” President Bush said. “Joy came on people’s faces when the Taliban could no longer hold them to an outdated, dictatorial point of view.”
President Bush said he was proud to have defeated Al Quada but also proud that the United States fed the people of Afghanistan and delivered medical supplies.
“It’s only been 90 days,” President Bush said. “It’s not been very long at all. For the Taliban it has seemed like a very long time. We had a good strategy and a great military.”
Terrorists can run but “we will smoke you out” the president said, repeating his often heard battle cry.
“There are no shades of gray here,” President Bush said of countries who might choose to host our enemies. “You are either for us or you are against us. This nation aroused is a mighty nation.”
President Bush said his biggest job is to “make sure no one harms American people.”
Referring to the renewed partisan bickering underway in Washington, D.C. president Bush suggested, “It’s time for all of us to think about what’s best for America and not what’s best for political parties.”
He urged elected officials to set priorities and get things done.
“I’m proud of our political party but I’m an American first,” President Bush said. “Some want to go back to the old ways.”
President Bush said he supports extending unemployment payments–and in some cases such as for those impact by the September 11 attacks–medical payments, but ultimately Americans need jobs, not government payments.
“The biggest job creators are small businesses and entrepreneurs of America,” he said. “We need to give people their own money back. Government doesn’t create wealth.”
President Bush said the best way to lift the nation out of recession is to provide tax relief.
“My answers to those who want to raise taxes is “no!”
America needs to expand its job base by allowing businesses to make investments in capital which ultimately leads to new jobs.
“Let’s create more jobs,” President Bush urged. “Let’s put politics aside and come together and do what’s right for this country.”
President Bush said many Americans are reassessing their values after the events of September 11. He said the highest priority of any parent should be to love their children with all of their heart and soul.
Before his speech began, Senator Smith joked with the president about the college football season and presented him with a University of Oregon jacket.
“I wasn’t a Duck believer before,” President Bush said, “but now I am.”
Relaxed and clearly at ease, the president said he was headed home to Crawford, Texas after his Oregon visit for “some real home cooking.”
Portland Mayor Vera Katz was present Saturday but Governor John Kitzhaber was not. A special appearance was made by Miss America Katie Harman, a Portland State University student.
President George W. Bush has a balance “between empathy and a force that will lead us to peace,” Miss America Katie Harman told some 2,000 people Saturday at Parkrose High School.
A Centennial High School graduate (a Parkrose rival), Harman was crowned four months ago.
“I’m so proud of our president,” the Portland State University student said. “He’s doing an excellent job representing all of us. We support you 100″ Mr. President.”
Harman urged her generation that “this is the time for us to rise up and assume our responsibility.”
Traveling some 20,000 miles a month, Harman said she visited Ground Zero in New York City September 24.
“I spoke to rescue workers and construction workers, some of whom were already there from Oregon,” Harman said. “Their motivation to rebuild our country was so evident. There can be life in the midst of death. They are our heroes, many of them worked 24 hour shifts. It was a miracle. They put aside their own human needs, fatigue, to help others.”
Harman said she is byoyed by the renewed patriotism of this country. “I love it, “she said. “Under the leadership of President Bush, we can make this nation so strong.”
During his travels, Harman has visited the Star Bangled Banner, the flag that inspired the song.
I noticed its stitches,” she said. “There were stitches for the stars, the the red and white stripes. Those stitches represent us. We bond together as Americans and no one can tear us apart.”
An accomplished vocalist, Harman sang “When You Believe” and led the crowd in “God Bless America.”