For Immediate Release
July 3, 2004
President's Radio Address
Audio
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. As Americans gather this weekend to
celebrate the Fourth of July, we can take pride in our country's great
history, and look to the future with confidence. America remains a
shining example to the world of all that free people can achieve. And
our goal as a nation is to make sure that all Americans can share in
the promise of our country.
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Our economy is showing steady progress. We've completed our 10th
consecutive month of job creation. We added 112,000 jobs in June, and
have added more than 1.5 million new jobs since last August. The
unemployment rate has steadily declined, to 5.6 percent from 6.3
percent a year ago. With more jobs, and lower unemployment, we are
seeing rising consumer confidence, higher incomes, continued gains in
the rate of home ownership, and a restored sense of opportunity.
Our strengthening economy is a tribute to millions of American
entrepreneurs and workers. By their hard work and optimism, our nation
has overcome recession, terrorist attack, corporate scandals, and the
many economic challenges that come in a time of war.
Our government is also doing its part. With pro-growth policies in
Washington, we aim to encourage the hard work and optimism of our
people. With tax relief, we are strengthening the spirit of
enterprise. When people are allowed to keep more of what they earn,
that is good for families trying to make ends meet, good for businesses
looking for new customers, and good for those looking for jobs in our
expanding economy.
Now that jobs are coming back, we must build on this progress, and
help American workers and families continue to meet the challenges of
our changing economy. My plan will help America continue to lead the
world, help our workers gain the skills they need, and create an
environment where small businesses will thrive and create new jobs.
Our first responsibility is not to raise taxes on hard-working
Americans. All of the tax relief we have passed should be made
permanent, so families can continue to keep more of what they earn, and
businesses can plan for the future with confidence. I have a plan to
help businesses and families with the rising costs of health care, and
reduce the burden of frivolous lawsuits that unnecessarily punish the
job creators in America. I'm working to open more markets and level
the playing field for American entrepreneurs, and farmers, and
ranchers.
Our global economy requires Americans to remain prepared for change
and innovation. That is why I have proposed to help our public schools
and community colleges teach our future workers the skills they need to
succeed. For the sake of economic security and job creation, I
proposed a national energy policy that encourages conservation and
production at home, and makes us less dependant on foreign sources of
energy. All of these proposals are aimed at helping Americans prepare
to meet new economic challenges, and I will continue to push the
Congress to see them enacted into law.
This Fourth of July weekend, as Americans celebrate our freedom,
our thoughts are also with the men and women who defend that freedom as
members of the United States military. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and
elsewhere, they are fighting terrorists that threaten America, and
helping to build hopeful, democratic societies where the ideology of
terrorism has no place. Our nation honors their sacrifice. And one of
our greatest sources of pride on this Fourth of July is that men and
women like them wear the uniform of our country.
I thank all of our servicemen and women for standing post. I wish
all Americans a happy Independence Day.
Thank you for listening.
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