Posted on 12/13/2008 2:12:25 PM PST by daisyscarlett
The subject of the President’s weekly radio address was fighting substance abuse in America. TRANSCRIPT
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is in Iraq and spoke to the troops at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
Here. Thank you.
"If you value your posting privileges, don’t let me catch you on a Dose thread again. Got it?" ~ Lead Moderator
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, our country received good news in the fight against illegal drugs. New data show that illicit drug use amongst young people continues to decline -- and that we are making good progress in our efforts to help thousands of Americans renew their health and hope.
Substance abuse is a serious challenge for our Nation. Addiction breaks hearts, destroys families, and keeps our citizens from fulfilling their God-given potential. The drug trade also enriches our enemies, and brings crime and violence to our streets. So in 2002, I committed our Nation to an ambitious effort to cut drug use by limiting demand, reducing supply, and helping addicts get treatment.
Over the past six years, we've made great strides toward these goals. Parents, teachers, mentors, and counselors have done fantastic work to educate children about the dangers of drug abuse. Law enforcement officers have risked their lives to cut the supply of drugs on city streets. And with help from our international partners, we're pursuing drug dealers around the world, and interdicting supply before it reaches our shores. This year, the Coast Guard took possession of more than 360,000 pounds of South American cocaine -- an all-time record.
To help Americans break the chains of addiction, we've built strong partnerships with faith-based and community groups. These groups open minds and change hearts in a way no government bureaucracy can -- so my Administration has supported their life-changing work. Through our Access to Recovery program, addicts receive vouchers they can redeem at treatment centers of their choice -- including faith-based centers. So far, this program has helped more than 260,000 addicts along the path toward clean lives.
Taken together, our efforts to reduce demand, cut supply, and help people break the chains of addiction are yielding measurable results. Over the past seven years, marijuana use by young people has dropped by 25 percent. Methamphetamine use by young people is down by 50 percent. And the use of cocaine, hallucinogens, steroids, and alcohol by America's youth are all on the decline. Overall, illegal drug use by Americans is down by 25 percent -- meaning we have helped approximately 900,000 young people stay clean.
These statistics reflect successful government policies. They also represent the courage and compassion of Americans who are determined to help their fellow citizens win their struggle against drugs. On Thursday, I met with some of these people at the White House, and I am inspired by their stories.
I was especially interested in a young man named Josh. At age 19, Josh had never touched drugs or alcohol. He had a promising life and career ahead of him. Yet after a car accident left him injured and unable to work, Josh started abusing alcohol and cocaine. He put his marriage and career in jeopardy. Eight different treatment programs failed to turn his life around -- but the intervention of his grandmother, the support of his wife, and the loving influence of God did. Today, this young man is free of drugs. He's a caring husband and father. And Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers is one of the best players in Major League Baseball. More importantly, he and his wife Katie make time to share their blessings. Through their ministry, they're helping other Americans avoid the suffering their family endured.
Josh Hamilton shows that the devastation of drug addiction can happen to anyone -- but that with faith and determination, anyone can turn a life around. So today I ask every American with a drug or alcohol problem to seek treatment -- because your life is precious to the people who love you, our Nation needs your contributions, and there is a more hopeful future ahead. I ask all Americans to reach out to your neighbors in need -- and do your part to help our Nation win the fight against illegal drugs. Thank you for listening.
President George W. Bush, , right, walks to a newer model presidential sports utility vehicle as he leaves the White House for a morning bike ride, Saturday Dec. 13, 2008, in Washington.
General Ray Odierno, commander of multi-national forces Iraq, speaks with the media before meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates at Joint Base Balad, Iraq December 13, 2008.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates (L) speaks with Brigadier General Brian Bishop before meeting with troops at Joint Base Balad, Iraq December 13, 2008. Gates arrived in Iraq on Saturday amid a sharp decline in the violence that raged after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and ahead of a gradual U.S. drawdown of its military might in the country.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks to troops at Joint Base Balad during a town hall meeting, Iraq December 13, 2008
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates (R) walks with General Ray Odierno, commander of multi-national forces Iraq, following a town hall meeting with troops in Balad, December 13, 2008.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates greets Air Force personnel before leaving Joint Base Balad, Iraq December 13, 2008. Gates arrived in Iraq on Saturday amid a sharp decline in the violence that raged after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion and ahead of a gradual U.S. drawdown of its military might in the country.
For the past 15 yerars, Worchester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine and the Maine State Society have sponsored an event where about 10,000 holiday wreaths are placed at graves in Section 12 of Arlington National Cemetery to honor our nations veterans. The wreaths for 2008 were placed today.
People wait for a truck of wreaths to be unloaded at Arlington National Cemetery December 13, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia.
Hi daisyscarlett!
Secretary of Veterans Affairs James B. Peake (L) and Morrill Worcester, president of the Worcester Wreath Company (C) hold wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery December 13, 2008 in Arlington, Virginia.
2001
THEME: Home for the Holidays
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush pose for their Christmas portrait in the Blue Room in front of the official White House Christmas Tree Dec. 2. 2001
2002
THEME: All Creatures Great and Small
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush stand before the Blue Room Christmas Tree Sunday, December 8, 2002 prior to hosting a reception for the Kennedy Center Honorees. Mrs. Bush is wearing a floor length gown designed by Arnold Scaasi. White House photo by Eric Draper.
THEME: A Season of Stories
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush pose for their official Christmas portrait in front of the White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, Dec. 7, 2003. This year's holiday theme at the White House celebrates children's storybook characters with, "A Season of Stories."
THEME: A Season of Merriment and Melody
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush pose for their annual Christmas portrait in front of the Blue Room Christmas tree Dec. 5, 2004.
Such elegance. We have a long wait until we have a hope of seeing its like again.
2005
President George W. Bush and Laura Bush stand before the White House Christmas tree in the Blue Room of the White House. In keeping with this year's theme, "All Things Bright and Beautiful!" the Fraser fir is decorated with fresh white lilies. White House photo by Eric Draper
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush pose for a holiday portrait in front the White House Christmas Tree Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006. White House photo by Eric Draper
2007
Celebrating the 2007 holiday season, President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush pose in front of the Christmas Tree in the Blue Room of the White House. White House photo by Eric Draper
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