President Bush Says Strength of America Lies in the Hearts and Souls of Its People

Excerpt from Remarks by the President in Town Hall Meeting With Citizens of Ontario, California

President Bush spoke at an hour-long town hall meeting in Ontario, California, January 5 about the war on terrorism and his economic growth and job creation plan, and answered questions about U.S. energy policy, education, and illegal immigration.

The event was sponsored by the Latin Business Association, the Ontario Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, and the Latino Coalition.

The following excerpt is taken from the White House transcript:

THE PRESIDENT: .... We're taking action. We're taking action against evil people. Because this great nation of many religions understands, our war is not against Islam, or against faith practiced by the Muslim people. Our war is a war against evil. This is clearly a case of good versus evil, and make no mistake about it -- good will prevail. (Applause.)

(Intervening text...)

I also want our country to continue to embrace the values that make our nation so wonderful. I've always told people that I believe the great strength of our country lies not in our halls of government, but in the hearts and souls of the American people. (Applause.)

I got to see -- running for President is certainly not a distant memory. (Laughter.) It really puts you through the paces. But it's important because if you pay attention to what you see, you will begin to really see the strength of America. I see the strength of our country in our classrooms. I see the strength of our country in faith-based institutions that -- of Christian faith, Jewish faith, Muslim faith, all of which exist to help people in need. It's the true strength of America.

After September the 11th, many of our fellow countrymen took a step back and said: Is my life worth it now? Am I living my life the way that -- in a worthwhile way? People have begun to assess their priorities. I've been pleased to read story after story about how moms and dads are beginning to realize the most important job they will ever have is to love their children with all their heart and all their soul. (Applause.)

I love the story that came out of Michigan about the women of cover, of Muslim faith, who didn't feel comfortable about going to their home. And so Jewish and Christian groups, ladies' groups, went to the neighborhood and said, we'll walk you to the door. Because the America we know is not one that castigates an individual based upon their religion. The America we know is a society that's open and free, and a society that says, if you dream the big dream, you can realize it if you work hard. It's a society that says you can worship the way you want to worship, and a society which says, you've got to love your neighbor just like you love yourself. That's the spirit of America that I know. (Applause.)

It's a million acts of kindness and compassion on a daily basis that define the true spirit and the true strength of America. We live in a blessed land. The values are great, the system is wonderful, but most of all, the people are the best in the world.

Thank you for coming. God bless. (Applause.) Thank you all. I'll be glad to answer some questions. Now that I'm in California, I've got to walk around like a talk show host. (Laughter.)