THE
PRESIDENT: Listen, I want to thank leaders of the -- in the faith --
faith-based and community-based community for being here. We've got
people who represent thousands of volunteers who are in the midst of
helping save lives.
You know, there's a debate here about refugees. Let me tell you my
attitude and the attitude of people around this table: The people we're
talking about are not refugees. They are Americans, and they need the
help and love and compassion of our fellow citizens. And the people at
this table are providing that help and compassion and love.
If you want to help, support the Red Cross or the Salvation Army or
your church or the United Way. Houston, for example, is going to kick
off a United Way campaign, and that money is going to help with the
costs of the displaced persons inside of Houston. So please give cash
money to organizations that are directly involved in helping save lives
-- save the life who had been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
We have spent time talking about how we can make sure we continue
progress, make sure people get -- not only continue to get the affection
and love of people in the private sector, but also to make sure that the
government gets people their Social Security checks, or their veteran's
benefits checks, the checks that -- unemployment checks. And we'll do
that, we'll do that.
Out of the darkness will come some light, and the light I saw
yesterday at the program in Baton Rouge with T.D. Jakes was so apparent
to me. And it's based upon the fact we've got citizens who are willing
to take time to love somebody like they would like to be loved
themselves, welcome a stranger in their midst. And for those of you who
have done that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You're a part
of the strength of this country. You're what makes America a great
place.
In the meantime, we'll continue to work together to do our duty and
to help our citizens who hurt, and help this great part of the country
rebuild.
God bless.