Radio Address of the President to the Nation

Listen to the President's Remarks

THE PRESIDENT:Good morning.This week, we opened some important newfronts in the war on terror.We're taking the war to the enemy and we arestrengthening our defenses here at home.

In last weeks' radio address, I warned that time was running out for the Taliban toturn over the terrorists they shelter.They did not listen, and they are paying a price.

On Sunday, American and British forces launched strikes at terrorist camps andTaliban military targets in Afghanistan.Our men and women in uniform are performingas they always do, with skill and courage.And they have achieved the goals of thefirst phase of our campaign.We have disrupted the terrorist network insideAfghanistan.We have weakened the Taliban's military.And we have crippled theTaliban's air defenses.

American forces dominate the skies over Afghanistan and we will use thatdominance to make sure terrorists can no longer freely use Afghanistan as a base ofoperations.

This campaign will not be completed in one attack.Our enemy prefers to attackthe helpless.He hides from our soldiers.But we're making a determined effort to takeaway his hiding places.The best defense against terrorism is a strong offensiveagainst terrorists.That work continues.

At the same time, we are taking further action to strengthen our protections againstterrorism here at home.This week, I signed an executive order creating a new Officeof Homeland Security.The Office is headed by a skilled and tested leader, formerPennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.

Governor Ridge is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran.He's an effective executiveand he knows what we're up against, because his own state was one of the threewhere Americans died on September the 11th.

Governor Ridge is charged with coordinating a comprehensive national effort toprotect our country against terrorism, to frustrate terrorists' plans, to help protectvulnerable points, and to prepare our response to potential threats.Tom Ridge willreport directly to me, and he will have the full support of our entire government.

I understand that many Americans are feeling uneasy.But all Americans shouldbe assured:We are taking strong precautions, we are vigilant, we are determined, thecountry is alert, and the great power of the American nation will be felt.

Our nation is grateful to so many Americans who are rallying to our cause andpreparing for the struggle ahead:FBI agents, intelligence officers, emergencyresponse workers, public health authorities, state and local officials, our diplomatsabroad, law enforcement teams who safeguard our security at home, and soldiers,sailors, marines and airmen who defend us so far away.

Many others are asking:What can I do? Americans already contribute to the waron terror by their patience and patriotism, by their resolve and generosity.

Yet, I have one more task, one especially for America's children.I urge you toshow the best of America, by directly helping the children of Afghanistan who aresuffering from the oppression and misrule of their own government.Many aremalnourished, many are starving.

Put a dollar in an envelope.Mark it, "America's Fund for Afghan Children," andsend it here to the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC,20509-1600.Working with the American Red Cross, we will get that money to Afghanchildren in need.

This is something the children of America can do for the children of Afghanistan,even as we oppose the brutal Taliban regime. We will oppose their evil with firmjustice, and we will answer their hatred with compassion for the Afghan people.

Thank you for listening.

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