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QUOTE OF THE DAY
Statement by the President Today, I signed the instrument of ratification for the International Convention Against Doping in Sport adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization on October 19, 2005.

This Convention is a valuable tool in protecting the integrity of international sport and the health of athletes. The Convention advances international cooperation on doping control matters and promotes a drug-free competitive environment for athletes. Ratification of the Convention represents the culmination of the longstanding efforts of the international community and the United States to jointly develop an equitable and harmonized approach to anti-doping control and enforcement measures in international competition. Importantly, the Convention highlights the vital role of youth education, comprehensive drug testing, and research in combating doping.

The timing of the United States' ratification, on the eve of the Beijing Olympic Games, is appropriate. Over the next several weeks, the world will be focused on the talent and dedication of the world's most accomplished athletes. The Convention makes clear that the use of performance enhancing drugs to gain a competitive advantage undercuts the positive attributes of sport.

I remain particularly concerned that doping sends to young people the message that performance is more important than character and health. As a result, my Administration has aggressively pursued education campaigns, research, and drug testing, as well as cooperation among public and private partners to encourage clean, fair, and healthy sport competition. These efforts have coincided with a significant decline in the number of young people using performance enhancing drugs.

The challenges posed by doping must also be addressed by international cooperation and collaboration. By ratifying the Convention, the United States is demonstrating its continued commitment and leadership in working with the international community to combat this public health issue.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

President Bush, escorted by Brig. Gen. Margaret Woodward, the 389th Airlift Wing Commander, waves on the tarmac of Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, prior to boarding Air Force One for a trip to Asia

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DOSE GOING UP PLEASE WAIT FOR THE ALL CLEAR BEFORE POSTING OR REPOSTING ANY PHOTO OR GRAPHICS

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President George W. Bush walks from Marine One to the Oval Office on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. The President was leaving on a three-nation trip to Asia

President Bush, escorted by Brig. Gen. Margaret Woodward, the 389th Airlift Wing Commander, waves on the tarmac of Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, prior to boarding Air Force One for a trip to Asia

President Bush's daughter Barbara Bush arrives to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. She was traveling with the President to Korea, China and Thailand.

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President Bush, and first lady Laura Bush, board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. He was leaving for Korea, China and Thailand

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President Bush and first lady Laura Bush waves prior to boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008.

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Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, leaves his campaign headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska Monday Aug. 4, 2008 carrying boots he plans wear when he meets President George Bush in Fairbanks, Alaska later in the day.

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TOASTER HOUSEKEEPING - Congratulations to the winners - I will either post the August ones on Thursday

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All clear - please feel free to post or repost any photos or graphics in the spirit of this thread

[silent_jonny]

Thank you for the Dose, Snugs!