Military

DATE=10-8-01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-281553

TITLE=BUSH / TERRORISM WRAP (L)

BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush has opened an office of homeland security to fight terrorism. The move came on the second day of U-S and British air strikes against targets linked to the Taleban and suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network in Afghanistan. Mr. Bush has blamed Osama bin Laden and his followers for the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from Washington.

TEXT: At a White House ceremony, Mr. Bush presided over the swearing-in of the man he chose to lead the new Office of Homeland Security, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge.

The president said he hopes the new office will ease Americans' concerns about possible retaliation now that U-S and British forces have begun striking what U-S officials say are terrorist camps and Taleban military installations.

Vowing that the United States would wage what he called 'a united and determined' fight against terrorism, Mr. Bush outlined a set of goals for the new Homeland Security Office:

/// BUSH ACTUALITY ///

One: take the strongest possible precautions against terrorism by bringing together the best information and intelligence. In the war on terror, knowledge is power. Strengthen and help protect our transportation systems, our food and water systems and our critical infrastructure by making them less vulnerable to attack. Respond effectively to terrorist actions if they come. The Office will coordinate federal assistance with state and local efforts. America is going to be prepared.

/// END ACT ///

For his part, Mr. Ridge acknowledged his task of working with many agencies will be difficult. He appealed for cooperation from all levels of government.

/// RIDGE ACTUALITY ///

We must open lines of communication and support like never before, between agencies and departments, between federal and state and local entities, and between the public and private sectors. We must be task-oriented. The only turf we should be worried about protecting is the turf we stand on.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Ridge also vowed that while the United States cracks down on terrorism, the freedoms Americans enjoy would be protected. He said, in his words, terrorists would not take away Americans' way of life. (Signed)

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