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I BELIEVE THAT THE GREAT CITY OF NEW ORLEANS WILL RISE AGAIN |
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by George W. Bush
I've just completed a tour of some devastated country. Started in Alabama. Worked out way down through Mississippi and end-up here in one of America's great cities, and saw first-hand the devastation that this city has gone through. I know people in this part of the world are suffering. I want them to know that were making prog ... ah ... there's a flow of progress. I want to thank the Governor for her hard work and thank the Mayor. I know that some of the folks in the outlying parishes of Louisiana wonder whether or not people are paying attention to 'em ... we are. Saint Charles, Saint Bernard ... I understand the devastation you've gone through as well. So does the governor, so do the senators. This is a devastating storm. This is a storm that's going to require immediate action now ... I'm pleased to report ... thanks to the work of ...???? General of Louisiana ... the troops have been called in ... the convention center is secure. One of the objectives that we had today was to move in and secure that convention center and make sure the good folks there got food ... and water. the caravans, the bus caravans are continuing on as is the airlift. The people of this part of the world have gotta understand ...and by the way ..we just came from the 17th street lift. A lot of folks are working hard to repair that levy. They're working around the clock ... 24 hours a day..people from the federal and local state government are working to breech that.. ah...to fill that breech. The mayor has been tellin' me, not only by telephone but also here in person how important it is that we get that breech filled and get that pump station up and running. And we went there to inspect progress being done and the people of New Orleans have gotta understand that there's a lot of people working hard and they are making good progress. You know I'm gonna fly outta here in a minute but I want you to know that I'm not gonna forget what I've seen. I understand that the devastation requires more than one day's attention. It's going to require the attention of this country for a long period of time. This is one of the worst natural disasters we have faced with national consequences. And therefore there'll be a national response. I look forward to continuing to work with the governor ... and the mayor ... and the members of the senate and the house of representatives ... to do our duty ... to help the good folks of this part of the world get back on their feet. Here's what I believe! I believe that the great city of New Orleans will rise again...and be a greater city of New Orleans. I believe the town where I used to come from, Houston Texas, to enjoy myself, occasionally too much, [laughter] will be that very same town. It'll be a better place to come to. That's what I believe. And I believe the great state of Louisiana will get and become a vital contributor to the ... to the ... to the country. I believe the people of Mississippi will recover. I understand we got a lot of work to do. And I understand it seems dark right now. But by workin' together and pullin' together and capturing that great spirit of our country ... a great city will rise and a great state will be vibrant. If you wanna help ... If you're listening to this broadcast, contribute cash ... to the salvation army and red cross. There will be other opportunities to give. We hope you do give. But right now we need cash to be given to the salvation army and red cross. They are on the front lines providing help...to the people who need help. May God bless the people of this part of the world. May God continue to bless our country." |
