George W. Bush Quotes (675 quotes, page 7)

“Extremists in your midst spread propaganda claiming that the West is engaged in a war against Islam. This propaganda is false, and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror. This propaganda is false, and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror. We respect Islam, but we will protect our people from those who pervert Islam to sow death and destruction. Our goal is to help you build a more tolerant and hopeful society that honors people of all faiths and promotes the peace.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2006, United Nations General Assembly speech (September 2006)

Death , War , People , Peace

“What you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort; to defend needed reforms against easy attacks; to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor. I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, First inaugural address (January 2001)

Communication

“Our nation will continue to be steadfast and patient and persistent in the pursuit of two great objectives. First, we will shut down terrorist camps, disrupt terrorist plans, and bring terrorists to justice. And, second, we must prevent the terrorists and regimes who seek chemical, biological or nuclear weapons from threatening the United States and the world.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

World , Justice

“In other words, words can be empty and all that does is just reinforce the bad behavior of tyrants.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2011, Speech at the Gerald R. Ford Foundation (2011)

Behavior

“We can't stop short. If we stop now — leaving terror camps intact and terror states unchecked — our sense of security would be false and temporary. History has called America and our allies to action, and it is both our responsibility and our privilege to fight freedom's fight.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

History , Sense , Freedom , Fight

“My argument is keeping taxes low will encourage the private sector to create jobs.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2010, Interview on Today (November 2010)

“I hope I'm judged a success. I'm well-be dead, Matt, when they finally figure it out, and I'm comfortable knowing that I gave it my all, that I love America.”

George W. Bush

Interview with Matt Lauer http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nbc-news/40073863#40074095 (2010), aired 8 November 2010.
2010s, 2010, Interview with Matt Lauer (November 2010)

Love , Hope , Success , Dead

“Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”

George W. Bush

Remarks on the death of Osama bin Laden, May 5, 2011, The Los Angeles Times, May 1, 2011 http://web.archive.org/web/20110505081437/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-death-obama-george-w-bush.html,
2010s, 2011

Love , Women , Men , People

“In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character — on integrity and tolerance toward others and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self.
That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before — ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today and forever.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2005, Second Inaugural Address (January 2005)

Life , People , Truth , Family

“For decades, the circle of liberty and security and development has been expanding in our world. This progress has brought unity to Europe, self-government to Latin America and Asia, and new hope to Africa. Now we have the historic chance to widen the circle even further, to fight radicalism and terror with justice and dignity, to achieve a true peace, founded on human freedom.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2004, Speech to United Nations General Assembly (September 2004)

World , Peace , Justice , Hope

“Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy. This Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure, and it must act to increase energy production at home so America is less dependent on foreign oil.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Home , Dependency

“I recently received a touching letter that says a lot about the state of America in these difficult times, a letter from a fourth grade girl with a father in the military. As much as I don't want my dad to fight, she wrote, I'm willing to give him to you. This is a precious gift. The greatest she could give. This young girl knows what America is all about.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Invasion of Afghanistan (October 2001)

Girl , Time , Fight

“I trust God speaks through me. Without that, I couldn't do my job.”

George W. Bush

Private meeting with Old Order Amish in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (9 July 2004), reported in Jack Brubacker (2004-07-16), " Bush quietly meets with Amish here; they offer their prayers http://web.archive.org/web/20040722021601/http://lancasteronline.com/pages/news/local/4/7565," Lancaster New Era
Attributed, Private/attributed

God

“George Washington's long struggle for freedom has also inspired generations of Americans to stand for freedom in their own time. Today, we're fighting a new war to defend our liberty and our people and our way of life. And as we work to advance the cause of freedom around the world, we remember that the father of our country believed that the freedoms we secured in our revolution were not meant for Americans alone. He once wrote, "My best wishes are irresistibly excited whensoever in any country I see an oppressed nation unfurl the banners of freedom." President Washington believed that the success of our democracy would also depend on the virtue of our citizens. In his farewell address to the American people, he said, "Morality is a necessary spring of popular government." Over the centuries, America has succeeded because we have always tried to maintain the decency and the honor of our first President. His example guided us in his time; it guides us in our time, and it will guide us for all time.”

George W. Bush

President Bush Visits Mount Vernon, Honors President Washington's 275th Birthday on President's Day http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/02/20070219.html (February 19, 2007)
2000s, 2007

Life , War , People , World

“The security of our world is found in the advancing rights of mankind.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2004, Speech to United Nations General Assembly (September 2004)

World

“[M]y administration is committed to a leadership role on the issue of climate change.”

George W. Bush

June 11, 2001. "President Bush Discusses Global Climate Change" http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/06/20010611-2.html.
2000s, 2001

Change

“We have seen our discourse degraded by casual cruelty. At times, it can seem like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. Argument turns too easily into animosity. Disagreement escalates into dehumanization. Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions – forgetting the image of God we should see in each other. We’ve seen nationalism distorted into nativism – forgotten the dynamism that immigration has always brought to America. We see a fading confidence in the value of free markets and international trade – forgetting that conflict, instability, and poverty follow in the wake of protectionism. We have seen the return of isolationist sentiments – forgetting that American security is directly threatened by the chaos and despair of distant places, where threats such as terrorism, infectious disease, criminal gangs and drug trafficking tend to emerge. In all these ways, we need to recall and recover our own identity. Americans have a great advantage: To renew our country, we only need to remember our values.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2017, Speech at "Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In the World" event (2017)

God , Disease , Way , Confidence

“Our whole nation was blessed to have such men and women serving in our space program. Their loss is deeply felt, especially in this place, where so many of you called them friends. The people of NASA are being tested once again. In your grief, you are responding as your friends would have wished -- with focus, professionalism, and unbroken faith in the mission of this agency.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Columbia space shuttle disaster (February 2003)

Women , Men , People , Faith

“Again, he violated the one-question rule right off the bat. Obviously, you didn't listen to the will of the people.”

George W. Bush

News conference (4 November 2004) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27833-2004Nov5.html
2000s, 2004

People , Question

“We will work to prevent and repair damage by Saddam Hussein's regime to the natural resources of Iraq and pledge to protect them as a national asset of and for the Iraqi people. All Iraqis should share the wealth generated by their national economy. We will seek a swift end to international sanctions, and support an international reconstruction program to help Iraq achieve real prosperity and reintegrate into the global community.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, A Vision for Iraq and the Iraqi people (March 2003)

People , Communication , Support , Nature

“Let me be clear. Our first line of defense is a simple message: Every group or nation must know, if they sponsor such attacks, our response will be devastating.”

George W. Bush

1990s, A Period of Consequences (September 1999)

“There is more to do. We need to prepare our children to read and succeed in school with improved Head Start and early childhood development programs. We must upgrade our teacher colleges and teacher training and launch a major recruiting drive with a great goal for America: a quality teacher in every classroom.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Children , School , Teachers , Reading

“We want to empower women and encourage women and to develop civil societies so women can benefit.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2011, Speech at the Gerald R. Ford Foundation (2011)

Women

“The first ladies ought to be ambassadors as well.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2014, U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Spousal Program (August 2014)

“The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace. This is the belief that gave birth to our nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2009, Farewell speech to the nation (January 2009)

Women , God , Peace , Justice

“In the history of Iraq, a dark and painful era is over. A hopeful day has arrived. All Iraqis can now come together and reject violence and build a new Iraq.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Remarks on the Capture of Saddam Hussein (December 2003)

Pain , Hope , History

“In these 19 months that changed the world, our actions have been focused and deliberate and proportionate to the offense. We have not forgotten the victims of September the 11th, the last phone calls, the cold murder of children, the searches in the rubble. With those attacks, the terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States, and war is what they got.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2003, Mission Accomplished (May 2003)

War , Children , World , Search

“Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices -- secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers. Moms and dads. Friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, A Great People Has Been Moved to Defend a Great Nation (September 2001)

Life , Women , Way , Moms

“Fellow citizens: The year ahead will demand more patience, sacrifice, and resolve. It can be tempting to think that America can put aside the burdens of freedom. Yet times of testing reveal the character of a nation. And throughout our history, Americans have always defied the pessimists and seen our faith in freedom redeemed. Now America is engaged in a new struggle that will set the course for a new century. We can, and we will, prevail.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2007, Address to the Nation (January 2007)

Faith , History , Thinking , Freedom

“Good jobs must be the aim of welfare reform. As we reauthorize these important reforms, we must always remember the goal is to reduce dependency on government and offer every American the dignity of a job.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Dependency

“If money isn't loosened up, this sucker could go down.”

George W. Bush

Summing up the risk to the global economy if Congressional leaders failed to approve Treasury Secretary Paulson's $700 billion financial bailout plan, at a bipartisan meeting hosted by the White House (September 26, 2008); http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/united_states/article4834487.ece.
2000s, 2008

Money

“What was it like to be governor?”

George W. Bush

While inebriated at a dinner table http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nbc-news/40073863#40073863.
1980s

“Our war on terror begins with al-Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Freedom and Fear Are at War (September 2001)

War

“One of the great strengths of America is our active public square. Issues are influenced by the will of the people. That is why an educated citizenry is so important to the success of our country. As SMU graduates, you are well-equipped to participate in these vital debates. My hope is that you speak out on the issues that matter to you. Participate in your Nation’s civic life as citizens, not spectators. You’ll come to learn that who you are is more important than what you have—and that you have responsibilities to your fellow citizens, your country, and your family. By taking part in American democracy, you will make our country stronger.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2015, Remarks at the SMU 100th Spring Commencement (May 2015)

Life , People , Education , Family

“If there’s any comparison between the compassion and decency of the American people and the terrorist tactics of extremists, it’s flawed logic. It’s just — I simply can’t accept that. It’s unacceptable to think that there’s any kind of comparison between the behavior of the United States of America and the action of Islamic extremists who kill innocent women and children to achieve an objective.”

George W. Bush

Press Conference http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/09/20060915-2.html (September 15, 2006)
2000s, 2006

Women , Children , People , Behavior

“This time of adversity offers a unique moment of opportunity — a moment we must seize to change our culture. Through the gathering momentum of millions of acts of service and decency and kindness, I know we can overcome evil with greater good. And we have a great opportunity during this time of war to lead the world toward the values that will bring lasting peace.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

War , World , Peace , Evil

“My budget includes the largest increase in defense spending in two decades — because while the price of freedom and security is high, it is never too high. Whatever it costs to defend our country, we will pay.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Freedom , Country

“Taking care of women, is good politics.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2014, U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Spousal Program (August 2014)

Women

“The United Nations is an organization of extraordinary potential. As the United Nations rebuilds its headquarters, it must also open the door to a new age of transparency, accountability, and seriousness of purpose. With determination and clear purpose, the United Nations can be a powerful force for good as we head into the 21st century. It can affirm the great promise of its founding.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2008, Address to the United Nations General Assembly (September 2008)

Age

“My conviction comes down to this: we do not create terrorism by fighting the terrorists. We invite terrorism by ignoring them.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2005, Address to the Nation on Iraqi Elections (December 2005)

Fight

“Our progress is a tribute to the spirit of the Afghan people, to the resolve of our coalition, and to the might of the United States military. When I called our troops into action, I did so with complete confidence in their courage and skill. And tonight, thanks to them, we are winning the war on terror. The men and women of our armed forces have delivered a message now clear to every enemy of the United States: Even 7,000 miles away, across oceans and continents, on mountaintops and in caves — you will not escape the justice of this nation.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Women , Men , War , People

“A strong America is the world’s best hope for peace and freedom. Yet the cause of freedom rests on more than our ability to defend ourselves and our allies. Freedom is exported every day, as we ship goods and products that improve the lives of millions of people. Free trade brings greater political and personal freedom.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Address to Joint Session of Congress on Administration Goals (February 2001)

People , World , Peace , Hope

“No, I didn't read the budget. I hired people to read the budget. You read the budget? Well, yeah. It's the difference between somebody who's in Congress and somebody who's a governor.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2011, Speech at the Gerald R. Ford Foundation (2011)

People , Reading

“In recent decades, public confidence in our institutions has declined. Our governing class has often been paralyzed in the face of obvious and pressing needs. The American dream of upward mobility seems out of reach for some who feel left behind in a changing economy. Discontent deepened and sharpened partisan conflicts. Bigotry seems emboldened. Our politics seems more vulnerable to conspiracy theories and outright fabrication.”

George W. Bush

2010s, 2017, Speech at "Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In the World" event (2017)

Dreams , Feeling , Confidence , Change

“At the same time, we will not continue to pour taxpayers' money into schools that do not teach and will not change. My plan will give every failing school a fair chance to improve, but there will be a deadline, a moment of truth when parents are given better options and their children are given a way out. There are some honest differences of opinion in Congress about what form these options should take. I have my own plan which would help children in persistently failing schools to go to another public, private or charter school. Others suggest different approaches, and I am willing to listen. But all reform must be based on a principle: Children and parents, who have had only bad choices need better choices. And it is my duty as President to help them. In sending my plan to Congress, I ask that we act before this summer, when schools begin planning for the next school year. I hope to have the support of Republicans and Democrats alike, and I hope to have your support, as well. Thank you for listening.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, Radio Address to the Nation (January 2001)

Money , Children , Truth , School

“Thank you all. I want you all to know; it can't go any louder. I want you all to know that America today, America today is on bended knee. In prayer for people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here. for the families who mourn. This nation stands with the good people of New York City and New Jersey and Connecticut as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2001, I Can Hear You, the Rest of the World Hears You (September 2001)

People , Family , Loss

“I'm driven with a mission from God. God would tell me, George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan. And I did, and then God would tell me, George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq… And I did. And now, again, I feel God's words coming to me, go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East. And by God I'm gonna do it.”

George W. Bush

According to Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath, said by Bush to him, apparently in the same June 2003 meeting, as reported by BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4317498.stm. Shaath later clarified this with "We understood that he was illustrating [in his comments] his strong faith and his belief that this is what God wanted." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4320586.stm, i.e. Shaath didn't take Bush's statement literally.
Denied by White House spokesperson Scott McClellan, October 6, 2005. Denied also by Mahmoud Abbas, who attended the meeting in question. Abbas said "This report is not true. I have never heard President Bush talking about religion as a reason behind the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Bush has never mentioned that in front of me on any occasion and specifically not during my visit in 2003." http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/abbas-denies-bushs-mission-from-god-remark/2005/10/08/1128563027485.html.
Attributed, Disputed

God , Peace , Feeling , Fight

“Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror. The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax, and nerve gas, and nuclear weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens — leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international inspections — then kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world.”

George W. Bush

2000s, 2002, State of the Union address (January 2002)

Hostility , Children , World , Support

“I care what 51 percent of the people think about me.”

George W. Bush

On the Oprah Winfrey Show http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0009/19/ip.00.html (20 September 2000).
2000s, 2000

People , Thinking

“You don't get everything you want. A dictatorship would be a lot easier.”

George W. Bush

Responding to the difficulties of governing Texas, "The Taming of Texas," Governing Magazine (July 1998) http://www.governing.com/archive/1998/jul/bush.txt; also cited in Is our Children Learning?: The Case Against George W. Bush (2000) by Paul Begala.)
1990s