GEORGE W. BUSH QUOTES IV

American politician & U.S. President (1946- )

Those who based decisions on principle, not some snapshot of public opinion, were often vindicated over time.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Decision Points


Too many doctors are going out of business. Too many OB-GYNs aren't able to practice their ... their love with women all across this country.

GEORGE W. BUSH

remarks, September 6, 2004


The desire for freedom resides in every human heart. And that desire cannot be contained forever by prison walls, or martial laws, or secret police. Over time, and across the Earth, freedom will find a way.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech to United Nations General Assembly, September 21, 2004


Once a strategic afterthought, homeland defense has become an urgent duty. For most of our history, America felt safe behind two great oceans. But with the spread of technology, distance no longer means security.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech at the Citadel, South Carolina, September 23, 1999


As yesterday's positive report card shows, childrens do learn when standards are high and results are measured.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech to schoolchildren in New York City, September 26, 2007


The war we fight today is more than a military conflict; it is the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century. On one side are those who believe in the values of freedom and moderation -- the right of all people to speak, and worship, and live in liberty. And on the other side are those driven by the values of tyranny and extremism -- the right of a self-appointed few to impose their fanatical views on all the rest. As veterans, you have seen this kind of enemy before. They're successors to Fascists, to Nazis, to Communists, and other totalitarians of the 20th century. And history shows what the outcome will be: This war will be difficult; this war will be long; and this war will end in the defeat of the terrorists and totalitarians, and a victory for the cause of freedom and liberty.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech at the American Legion National Convention in Salt Lake City, UT, August 31, 2006


You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.

GEORGE W. BUSH

remarks in Townsend, TN, February 21, 2001


The advance of freedom is the surest strategy to undermine the appeal of terror in the world. Where freedom takes hold, hatred gives way to hope. When freedom takes hold, men and women turn to the peaceful pursuit of a better life.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech aboard the USS Lincoln, May 1, 2003


America has never been an empire. We may be the only great power in history that had the chance, and refused -- preferring greatness to power and justice to glory.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech, November 19, 1999


We will reform Social Security and Medicare, sparing our children from struggles we have the power to prevent.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech, January 20, 2001


America is a great force for freedom and prosperity. Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.

GEORGE W. BUSH

State of the Union Address, January 31, 2006


I suspected there would be a good-size crowd once the word got out about my hanging.

GEORGE W. BUSH

remarks at the unveiling of his National Portrait, December 19, 2008


See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda.

GEORGE W. BUSH

remarks, May 24, 2005


I'm going to put people in my place, so when the history of this administration is written at least there's an authoritarian voice saying exactly what happened.

GEORGE W. BUSH

discussing his forthcoming book, March 17, 2009


Our country must abandon all the habits of racism because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Second Inaugural Address, January 20, 2005


Retirement security also depends upon keeping the commitments of Social Security, and we will. We must make Social Security financially stable and allow personal retirement accounts for younger workers who choose them.

GEORGE W. BUSH

State of the Union Address, January 2002


Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

GEORGE W. BUSH

speech, September 11, 2001


Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have 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.

GEORGE W. BUSH

farewell speech to the nation, January 15, 2009


Like slavery and piracy, terrorism has no place in the modern world.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Address to the United Nations General Assembly, September 23, 2008


REPORTER: Thank you, sir. A simple question.
GEORGE W. BUSH: Yes. It may require a simple answer.
REPORTER: What's your definition of the word "torture"?
GEORGE W. BUSH: Of what?
REPORTER: The word "torture." What's your definition?
GEORGE W. BUSH: That's defined in U.S. law, and we don't torture.
REPORTER: Can you give me your version of it, sir?
GEORGE W. BUSH: Whatever the law says.

GEORGE W. BUSH

press conference, October 18, 2007