The best part of the speech was when he indicated that the primary function of the federal government was to provide for the security and safety of the people of the United States as stated in the Constitution.(to cheering and vigorous applause)
The gymnasium of the Southern Maine Technical College was packed to standing room only.
Wall to wall behind the President were Coast Guard personel including color and honor guard. Secretary Minetta made one particularly memorable introductory remark to honor the Coast Guard before he brought up the President ..."If the mission is wet and impossible...call the Coast Guard."
President Bush stated that the Coast Guard should have all the modern technology and equipment the need to do the job they are now called upon to do. He also said he wants to see the military personel get a raise
He also got a rise out of those in attendence after referring to the State of Maine as "My second home".
I was actually surprised to see him come to Maine, but feel very honored in also having seen him earlier this month in Durham NH where he introduced his Education Reform Act.
Prior to that event was a reception in the Library on the UNH campus where he spoke for about 5 minutes then astonished us by wading into the audience and spending about 45 minutes with us visiting, joking and allowing photos.
I believe he will continue to avail himself to the people and grow his popularity even larger, if that's possible.
If they'd just take the INS checkpoint (which is 90 miles north of the Mexican border) off the freeway I commute on every day (the I-15), that would save them a bundle of money. Plus, they could relocate the INS agents staffing that location to the border, which would help make the country safer! (And also get rid of the frustrating traffic jams which must be endured by tens of thousands of people every day at the checkpoint.)
I looked for the mention of Florida or California or Texas borders.....nothing.
You were there? If so, this is an excellent first-hand Freep report. I would also have cheered wildly at hearing him say that the first duty of the government is to defend the country according to the Constitution. I hope that he really will beef up security along our borders, but I also hope he'll work to make America less friendly to illegal immigration. People who are here illegally should not receive benefits of any kind. As long as we give those benefits, nothing the government does can keep them from invading our country.
WFTR
Bill