Text of Remarks by George W. Bush, Governor of Texas, and Laura Bush

Aug. 12, 1996

George W. Bush:

I'm proud to be a Republican. Tonight, tonight throughout this convention, we celebrate something that is bigger than this election, bigger than our moral responsibility as America and the free world, bigger than our economic opportunities, we celebrate the hearts of America.

The ideas you will hear at this convention are all based on the Republican party's confidence in people, in ooech and every individual's ability to make a difference. All across this country people of good heart and good will are reaching out every day to help a neighbor, to provide for their families, and to work in their communities.

It is the heart and will of America that gives me confidence when I say that we can solve the biggest problem facing our country, and that is a failed country, and a failed culture. A culture which once delineated right from wrong and good from bad has shifted to a culture that flouts virtue and revels in irresponsibility. It's a culture that says if it feels good, do it, and be willing to blame somebody else for society's ills.

To compound the problem, big government has assumed duty shrugged off by a changed grabbing all the gusto than in personal responsibility. National democrats have insisted ly every problem demands a government solution. And as a result, taxes are up and bureaucracies are large.

And the results for America have been tragic. Men father children and walk away expecting someone else to care for them. Young girls from all walks of life are having more and more babies out of wedlock. And one in eight Americans are dependent on welfare. Violent juvenile crime is exploding.

Laura and I have twin daughters who are 14 years old, and we love them dearly. But the world we want to leave for them is not the world they will inherit unless as a society we act now. I want you to know that I'm an optimist. I have seen a culture change in my lifetime, and I know it can change again. Not backwards, but forwards and to a new day in which everybody is held responsible for what they do and what they say.

It won't be easy, but it must happen. And Republicans must lead the way. What we need in America is renewal of spirit, a return to selfless concern for others. Government can put money in your pocket, but it cannot hand out hope or put a sense of purpose in our lives.

Our forefathers wisely saw the need to separate church and state. But they never intended that we deny the essential role that faith plays in our daily lives. our public institutions and our people must teach values, standards of behavior which have stood the test of time. Love your neighbor. Give an honest day's work for an honest day's wages. Respect private property and respect the opinions of others.

But most of all, always remember remember, it is you who's responsible for what you do and what you say. I know we can prevail. Big changes happen when people are ready to say, enough is enough. Each one of us must lead by example. We must all be good citizens and good neighbors. We must promote good values in our homes, and good values in our communities.

I urge you to teach a child to read. When you return home, open up a child-care center for a welfare mom at your church or synagogue. Sit with the elderly or disabled. I know we can create a more decent and compassionate society. We Republicans and we Americans must reach out for the hands of those who are not as strong and not as fortunate as we are.

I am proud to introduce tonight someone who is doing just that, she is the first lady of my life life, and the first lady of the great state of Texas, Laura Bush.

Laura Bush:

This week, our twin girls joined thousands of Texas children in starting back to school. And thanks to a challenge the governor issued earlier this year, teachers and parents and students in Texas know clearly what we expect. That every child will learn to read proficiently by third grade grade, and will continue reading on grade level or better throughout their school years. the goal is simple, yet profound.

As a former public schoolteacher and librarian, I know how important reading is. George and I believe that reading is to the mind what food is to the body. Nothing is more basic or essential. And in Texas, nothing will take a higher priority.

While our public schools and teachers are an essential part of achieving our goal, we knew that schools couldn't do it alone. That's why we challenged all Texans to get involved, to give of themselves, and wonderful things began to happen. Through a program called "experience corps," retired senior citizens put their wisdom and experience to work, helping low-income children learn to read. Boy scouts and girl scouts took up the challenge, committing thousands of volunteer hours in one-on-one tutoring or group projects.

My mother-in-law took an interest. And you know what happens when Barbara Bush gets involved in something. With support from the Barbara Bush foundation for family literacy, we created the first ladies family literacy initiative for Texas. It funds projects designed to create families of learners. Projects which put a book in the center of the family circle.

The projects and ideas are as varied as our diverse state. But they have one thing in common, they happen person to person, one individual at a time. George and I visited schools all across Texas. We've seen firsthand the power of parents, teachers and school officials working together.

George and I will not be satisfied until every child in Texas, each and every child, learns to read. We know nothing less is acceptable, because nothing less than a fair shot at the best possible future for all of our children is acceptable. A child who can read is a child whose own ability to make a difference is unlimited. And that's the heart of our reading initiative. And our Texas and American dreams.

AllPolitics home page