Posted on 01/06/2002 8:15:38 AM PST by KQQL
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- President Bush said Saturday he's "deeply concerned" about Oregon's jobless rate -- the highest in the country -- and pledged to help Klamath Basin farmers hit last year by drought.
During a three-hour visit to the state, Bush also campaigned for two Oregon Republicans facing re-election this year: U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith and U.S. Rep. Greg Walden.
In a speech devoted largely to his battles against terrorism and taxes, Bush addressed three issues of concern to Oregon, promising water for Klamath farmers and jobs for the unemployed, and praising the No. 2-ranked University of Oregon football team.
Flanked by Smith and Walden, Bush told a hand-picked audience at Parkrose High School in Portland, "I"m impressed by these two good men."
After speaking of Oregon's economic troubles, Bush said Smith and Walden are "deeply concerned about the fact that parts of your state are not being treated very well."
He did not elaborate. Nearly in the same breath, Bush spoke about farmers in Klamath Basin who last summer went without irrigation water because of federal protection of endangered fish species.
"I share their (Smith's and Walden's) concern about people living off the land. I told these two good men we'll do everything we can to make sure water is available for people who farm," Bush said. He provided no details.
Bush drew a connection between Oregon's high jobless rate and his debate with Senate Democrats over stimulating the economy.
"I am deeply concerned that Oregon leads the country when it comes to unemployment. We've got to do something about that," Bush said.
"In tough times, people need an unemployment check. What they need in the long term is a pay check. We have got to figure out how to get jobs for them," he said.
"That's one of the reasons that I fought hard for tax relief. When the economy is slowing down, the best thing is to give money back, because the government does not create wealth," Bush said.
Oregon last fall became the first state to declare itself in a recession, and in November it had the nation's worst jobless rate -- 7.4 percent. The state has been hit hard by layoffs in the high-tech and manufacturing sectors.
Congress left for a recess last month deadlocked over how to stimulate the nation's economy. Bush proposed a blend of corporate tax cuts and extended unemployment benefits; Democrats wanted more for health benefits for the unemployed.
In an earlier stop in California, Bush called for bipartisan unity in the congressional battle over how to revive the economy, while criticizing Democrats who question his tax cuts as the solution.
"Not over my dead body will they raise your taxes!" he declared with a shout, wading into an election-year battle.
In the war against terrorism, Bush told the Portland audience, "We are making steady progress. Sometimes it seems there is a certain impatience in the air waves," he said, referring to criticism aired in the media.
"I think that the American people are very patient. They understand that this is a difficult assignment," he said.
"We have accomplished a lot in 90 days," he said. "That is not a long period of time. It has been a long time with al-Qaida, but it has not been a long time for us."
Introducing Bush, Smith joked that the president expected to receive members of the University of Miami Hurricanes football team at the White House. The Hurricanes won the national championship, finishing just ahead of the Oregon Ducks.
Smith gave Bush an Oregon football jacket, and the president responded, "I'm impressed by the mighty Ducks. They're awfully good. I wasn't a believer. Now I am."
Bush faced a less friendly reception from about 500 activists who tried to march to a job center to protest the president's domestic and foreign policies.
They were kept a few blocks from the site by a row of riot police and barricades. As the protesters milled around the police line, a military helicopter circled above.
Three young women were cited for interfering with a police officer.
The protest was organized by a peace group called Portland Peaceful Response Coalition, and included marchers representing environmental and anti-globalization causes.
"Hey George, we didn't like your dad and we don't like you," the protesters shouted, alluding to hostile receptions that Portland activists would give Bush's father when he was president.
Bush's economic prescriptions also drew criticism from some Oregon Democrats and labor leaders, who said his medicine would do little or nothing for jobless workers.
"Helping millionaires with tax breaks doesn't give unemployed working families money to buy groceries," said Jim Edmunson, chairman of Oregon's Democratic Party. "Apparently the president has no better idea how to find jobs for Oregonians than he does to find Osama Bin Laden."
Edmunson dismissed Bush's comments about the economy and about Klamath Basin as "bumper sticker slogans" that are merely intended to make sure Smith gets re-elected.
"Gordon Smith is the last Republican U.S. Senator on the West Coast. He is an endangered species," Edmunson said.
Oregon AFL-CIO President Tim Nesbitt said, "The president is offering us a Trojan horse."
"He has dressed up his plan as economic stimulus, but it's really a lot of tax breaks for big business with little that's helpful for laid-off workers and a lot that will hurt funding for services to the unemployed," Nesbitt said.
Copyright 2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
GW is a man.
Where were you Mr. Bush when the farmers needed you last summer, ya didn't care and ya didn't follow it like the rest of the country, now you go there as you have a Political agenda to fulfill.
We receive this magazine in the office. Our media guy gets it for "the other side". He doesn't agree with them. Anyway, they have a Klamath article in this months magazine. A link is posted on their site but I can't get the article to pull up. It reads well. They tried for as balanced as you are going to get from a magazine that also promotes not eating meat. There was some statments in the article though that were so missleading I think they deserve a freep.
When we can read the article of course.
You forgot...and to throw more money at it the problem.
Ok, found the article. It's worth a read if you can keep from barfing. Maybe I'll post it on FR after breakfast.
They have a letter to the editor spot on the first link.
Bush had his chance to show himself as one of the people... the kind that REALLY works the land. The people for whom a ranch is far more than a place to take a vacation on.
He blew it.
Build the bypass.
As one who made the trek from Dallas, TX, to Klamath Falls to participate in the May 7 Bucket Brigade, I am very pleased with the President's committment to provide water for the Klamath Basin farmers.
We need to constantly remind ourselves who are friends are, and who are our enemies.
How many of you BUSH BASHERS actually live in Klamath, and how many of you are just outside agitators?
That statement really touches me deeply for they are the salt of this earth!
Ah, the classic left-coast leftist. All insult, no brains. It appeals to about 2/3 of the population of California, Oregon and Washington (probably because 2/3 of the populations of these states also have no brains).
The Democrats can be brazen here because they have the majority locked up. And it is pretty brazen. I guess we all must just see the truth according to RATS: High taxes equals economic growth. You want a good economy: Increase taxes. Millionaires are greedy bastards who employ no one. And of course, the oxymoron "unemployed working families" makes perfect sense to them.
Just what about this statement don't you understand, pal?
How 'bout some friendly advise?
Y'all had best be real careful from this moment forward; not only in what you say, but the tone of what's said.
From where I stand, & how I'm reading some of the commentary comin' outa some of you (excluding the usual bigmouths)?
Y'all are starting to get frightfully close to alienating those who have tried to (& maybe even can) help out on this ugly, unfortunate situation.
Think you're alone now, do ya?
...not a threat, not a promise, just a GD'ed fact; use your heads & strike while the metal is hot, will ya.
Bingo...I would love to hear someone tell what Algores speech would have been from Portland had he stolen the election.
Amen!
Are you concerned about free thought and free speech, show me when Free Speech was repealed. Btw, that looks like a threat!
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