For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 10, 2001
Radio Address by the President to the Nation
THE PRESIDENT: Good
morning. This past week I have been making the case for tax
reductions. I've asked Congress to act quickly on my tax
relief plan, so that Americans can face these uncertain economic times
with more of their own money. I will continue to make that
case until relief has passed.
And next week, I will also focus on another
important issue: our national security. This is
the most basic commitment of America's government, and the greatest
responsibility of an American President. Our nation's ideals
inspire the world, but our nation's ships and planes and armies must
defend these ideals and sustain our allies and friends.
American influence is unquestioned, but
maintaining it requires work in every generation. The
relative peace our nation enjoys today is not
inevitable. Peace is earned by strength and strength begins
with the men and women who wear the uniform. New weapons and
technologies are important, but they are only as effective as the
people who use them.
On Monday, I will travel to Fort Stewart, in
Georgia, to meet with soldiers and their families. I want to
thank them for their service and give my full support in
return. They deserve the best training, the latest and best
equipment, and long overdue improvements in their pay, housing and
standard of living.
And, so, as I promised, I will announce
meaningful increases in funding to improve the lives of our men and
women in uniform.
There's an old military
saying: Soldiers enlist, but families
reenlist. We need to treat families well and encourage
military careers. All our men and women in uniform, after all, are
volunteers. We must make sure our military is a place where
Americans are proud to serve, and proud to stay.
On Tuesday, I will be in Norfolk, Virginia for
a tour of the Joint Forces Command and a glimpse of the next generation
of military weapons. America has some big choices to make as we
prepare for the challenges and dangers of modern
warfare. Battles will no longer be won by size alone;
stealth and speed will matter more. And we must make sure
our country, itself, is protected from attack from ballistic missiles
and high-tech terrorists.
At week's end, I will meet in Washington with
Secretary of State Colin Powell and our diplomats at the State
Department. I selected General Powell for that post, in
part, because he brings a soldier's wisdom to the work of
diplomacy. His charge is to help me pursue a clear,
consistent and decisive foreign policy.
Whenever America acts in the world, our
principles must be certain, our intentions beyond doubt, our strength
be unchallenged. This is how conflicts are
avoided. This is how problems are dealt with before they
become crises.
Next week's trips signal the priority I place
on our military. The highest honor and greatest duty of this
office is to serve as Commander-in-Chief. I want every man
and woman in the Armed Forces to know that I respect your service and
appreciate your sacrifice.
Thank you for listening.
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