Radio Address by the President to the Nation, 01-17-09 (Final)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2009/01/20090117.html ^

[Salvation]

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 17, 2009

President's Radio Address

  President's Radio Address
  Audio
  En Español

      In Focus: Bush Record

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. For the last eight 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 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 seven 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 -- 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 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 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.

 

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[Salvation]

For your reading and listening pleasure as well as your comments!

[Salvation]

Let’s keep this positive, please.

[Salvation]

Radio Address Ping!

Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Radio Address Ping List.

This is the LAST Radio Address I will post. Just cannot bring myself to post Obama's nonsense.

I'll look for the Republican Response, but anyone is free to post them. I'll just ping the list.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

I positively think Scooter should get a Presidential pardon.

[Salvation]

That still may happen. A couple more days here!

[FocusNexus]

Thanks for posting this.

Thank you, President Bush, for all you’ve done for this nation, under such difficult cirmustances.

God bless you and your family, as you return to private life.

[Salvation]

For the Bush Record -- who can forget these words?

"Either you are with us or you are for the terrorists."  ~~George W. Bush

[Mark was here]

I had the honor of meeting President Bush fir a quick handshake and a couple of words.

He is a great man who went against what I bet were his political instincts and did the right thing simply because it was the right thing to do in freeing Iraq, and hoping to set an example of freedom in the Arab world.

I will miss him.

Thank you Mr. Bush.

[blackie]

GWB is a good man!

If you’re in Texas next Tuesday, check this out:

http://www.texasgop.org/site/DocServer/President_Bush_Welcome_Home_Event_012009.pdf?docID=6382

[petertare]

Bless the President and his family. He has run the race in difficult conditions, and we are the better for it. Thank-you GW Bush. You served us with decency and always honorably. Now enjoy life with just one current title—
American citizen.

[P.O.E.]

I’m going out on a limb here, but I predict Bush follow the traditions of yore and return to a private life. Sure he’ll make appearances and speak for causes, but he won’t be making a spectacle of himself like Clinton & Carter.

Farewell and Godspeed to a good and honest man, the likes of which we may not see for a long while.

[DakotaRed]

President Bush has displayed a class act we haven’t seen from previous administrations. After all he has been put through, names he has been called, lies told about him and false accusations thrown at him, he stands and thanks America for letting him serve.

Lesser men would have stood and extended their middle finger at those who denigrated him daily.

He is a class act and restored the class and prestige to the Presidency that others demeaned.

His steady hand will be missed.

Thank you, President George W. Bush

[La Enchiladita]

So sad.... I think it would be neat if he signs up as a FReeper:)

[Alia]

Thank you, Salvation. Thank you for your faithfulness in posting this thread every week over the past 8 years. I shall miss these.

As President Bush said: "our Nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity."

Must and will continue. God Bless you and God Bless America.