Presidential Radio Address - Jan 17, 2009

Transcript Text

  • PRESIDENT BUSH

    At 00:01
    52 seconds

    Good morning. For the last 8 years, I have had the honor of speaking
    to the American people Saturday mornings through this radio address. In
    hundreds of broadcasts, I have talked to you about important issues
    affecting our security and our prosperity. And today in my final
    address, I want to send a simple and heartfelt message: Thank you.
    Eight years ago, Laura and I left our home in Texas to come to
    Washington. Through two terms in the White House, we have been blessed
    by your kind words and generous prayers. We have been inspired by those
    of you who reach out to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and care for
    the sick. We have been moved by the courage and devotion of those of you
    who wear the uniform. Serving as your President has been an incredible
    honor.
    Like every individual who has held this office before me, I have
    experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given

  • PRESIDENT BUSH

    At 00:53
    1 minute

    the chance. Yet I've always acted with the best interests of our country
    in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was
    right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made, but I
    hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.
    The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and
    there are some guiding principles that should shape our course. While
    our Nation is safer than it was 7 years ago, the gravest threat to our
    people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient and
    determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this
    conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must
    meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve, and we
    must never let down our guard.
    At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with
    confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can
    be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject
    isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our
    borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and
    prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America
    does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.
    As we address these challenges and others we cannot foresee today,

  • PRESIDENT BUSH

    At 02:12
    45 seconds

    America must maintain our moral clarity. I've often spoken to you about
    good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are
    present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise.
    Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time,
    everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally
    right. This Nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We
    must always be willing to act in their defense and to advance the cause
    of peace.
    Eight years ago, on a cold January morning, I stood on the steps of
    the United States Capitol, placed my hand on the Bible, and swore a
    sacred oath to defend our people and our Constitution. On that day, I

  • PRESIDENT BUSH

    At 02:57
    23 seconds

    spoke of ``our Nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of
    dignity.' Next week, my term of service will come to an end, but that
    story and that dream will continue.
    On Tuesday, Laura and I will join all Americans in offering our best
    wishes to President Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful
    girls. And later that day, we will return to the love of family and

  • PRESIDENT BUSH

    At 03:20
    16 seconds

    friends in Texas. I will depart office proud of my administration's
    record, and I will spend the rest of my life grateful for the
    opportunity to have served as President of the greatest Nation on Earth.
    Thank you for listening.