comment. Here is the ending snip from the speech. Watch how many times God and religion appear:
snip...
Do you remember a guy named Charlie Gaines? Somebody gave me a quote he said, which I think kind of describes the environment we're in today. I think he's a friend of Jesse's. He said, "Blacks are gagging on the donkey but not yet ready to swallow the elephant." (Laughter and applause.) Now that was said a while ago. (Laughter.) I believe you've got to earn the vote and seek it. I think you've got to go to people and say, this is my heart, this is what I believe, and I'd like your help. And as I do, I'm going to ask African American voters to consider some questions.
Does the Democrat party take African American voters for granted? (Applause.) It's a fair question. I know plenty of politicians assume they have your vote. But do they earn it and do they deserve it? (Applause.) Is it a good thing for the African American community to be represented mainly by one political party? That's a legitimate question. (Applause.) How is it possible to gain political leverage if the party is never forced to compete? (Applause.) Have the traditional solutions of the Democrat party truly served the African American community?
That's what I hope people ask when they go to the community centers and places, as we all should do our duty and vote. People need to be asking these very serious questions.
Does blocking the faith-based initiative help neighborhoods where the only social service provider could be a church? Does the status quo in education really, really help the children of this country? (Applause.) My note: NO, WE DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE TO CONVERT AND BELIEVE AND BECOME THE AMERICAN TALIBAN TO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN HELP!!!!)Does class warfare --
has class warfare or higher taxes ever created decent jobs in the inner city? Are you satisfied with the same answers on crime, excuses for drugs and blindness to the problem of the family? (Applause.) My comment: What is this crap? When did LOWER TAXES FOR THE RICH created DECENT jobs in the inner city? Those are legitimate questions that I hope people ask as this election approaches. I'd like to hear those questions
debated on talk radio, I'd like it debated in community centers, in the coffee shops. It's worthy of this country for this debate to go forward and these questions to be asked and answered. My comment: on Limbaugh??? O'Reilly???? Hannity??? The only thing you hear from them is HATE for the lazy poor. I'm here to say that there is an alternative this year.
There is an alternative that has had a record that is easy to see. If you dream of starting a small business and building a nest egg and passing something of value to your children, take a look at my agenda. If you believe schools should meet high standards instead of making excuses, take a look at my agenda. If you believe the institutions of marriage and family are worth defending and need defending today, take a look at my agenda. (Applause.) My comment: PLEASE, PLEASE take a look at the EFFECTS of his agenda. How many jobs have been lost for the poor? What is their unemployment rate? Where is the real improvement in the schools? If you believe in building a culture of life in America, take a look at my agenda.
If you believe in a tireless fight against crime and drugs, take a look at this agenda. If you believe that our men and women in uniform should be respected and supported 100 percent of the time, take a look at my agenda. (Applause.)
I cannot even COMMENT on this one. What is the % of prisoners that are minorities compared to those who are not who committed the same crimes? What was his record in Texas? If you're struggling to get into the middle class and you feel like you're paying plenty of taxes, take a look at my agenda. (Applause.) My comment: many minorities are just trying to survive... being able to pay taxes on a REASONABLE SALARY WITH HEALTH INSURANCE would be a delight! If you're a small business owner who is trying to expand your job base and are worried about excessive lawsuits, increasing taxes and over-regulation, take a look at this agenda. (Applause.)
And finally, if you believe in the power of faith and compassion to defeat violence and despair and hopelessness, I hope you take a look at where I stand. (Applause.) (MY COMMENT: I am so fed up when he tries to cram RELIGION down people's throats. ELIMINATE ALL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS and force people to convert so they can eat...)You see, I believe in my heart that the Republican party, the party of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, is not complete without the perspective and support and contribution of African Americans. (Applause.)
And I believe in my heart that the policies and actions of this administration, policies that empower individuals and help communities, that lift up free enterprise and respect and honor the family, those policies are good for the nation as a whole. That's what I believe. And I'm here to thank you for giving me a chance to come and express those beliefs.
I'm proud to be with an organization
that does so good My comment: What???? does so good???? , so much good for the American people. I'm honored that your Chairman would extend an invitation to me. Thanks for coming, and may
God bless you and may
God continue to bless the country. (Applause.)
Transcripts:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/07/20040723-8.html