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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

10 August 2002

Transcript: Bush Describes Iraq as "Enemy Until Proven Otherwise"

(Aug. 10 remarks at Ridgewood Country Club in Waco, Texas) (1010)
President Bush, in August 10 remarks at the Ridgewood Country Club in
Waco, Texas, described Iraq as "an enemy until proven otherwise" but
said he has "no timetable" for any policies regarding its leader
Saddam Hussein.
"We're in the process of consulting not only with Congress ... but
with our friends and allies. And the consultation process is a
positive part of really allowing people to fully understand our deep
concerns about this man, his regime and his desires to have weapons of
mass destruction," he said.
Bush stressed that "we owe it to our children and our children's
children to free the world from weapons of mass destruction in the
hands of those who hate freedom."
The American people understand that "weapons of mass destruction in
the hands of leaders such as Saddam Hussein are very dangerous for
ourselves, our allies," he continued. "They know that when we speak of
making the world more safe, we do so not only in the context of al
Qaeda and other terrorist groups, but nations that have proven
themselves to be bad neighbors and bad actors."
Following is the White House transcript of President Bush's remarks:
(begin transcript)
Remarks by the President to the Pool
Before and After Golf
Crawford, Texas
August 10, 2002
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE TRAVEL POOL
Ridgewood Country Club
Waco, Texas
7:19 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: Anybody got anything?
Q: Do you, sir?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I do. I'm in close consultations with my senior
staff on a variety of subjects. As I said yesterday, I have no
timetable for any of our policies as regards to Iraq. That --
yesterday I spent time with my principal advisors on that subject, as
well as others. I am pleased with the reports about the productivity
of American workers. I thought that was a continuing signal that our
economy grows and strengthens.
Next week I'll be having an economic summit that we'll discuss ways
that we can further job growth. So, anyway, I'll be spending some time
on subjects that might interest you all.
Q: Mr. President, yesterday in an interview I guess with Scott, you
described Iraq as the enemy.
THE PRESIDENT: I described them as the axis of evil once. I described
them as an enemy until proven otherwise. They obviously, you know,
desire weapons of mass destruction. I presume that he still views us
as an enemy. I have constantly said that we owe it to our children and
our children's children to free the world from weapons of mass
destruction in the hands of those who hate freedom. This is a man who
has poisoned his own people, I mean he's had a history of tyranny.
Q: I'm sorry, if I could follow up. Are you surprised that you haven't
been able to build more support within the region and within Europe
for taking action?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, Stretch, I think most people understand he is a
danger. But as I've said in speech after speech, I've got a lot of
tools at my disposal. And I've also said I am a deliberate person. And
so I'm -- we're in the process of consulting not only with Congress,
like I said I do the other day, but with our friends and allies. And
the consultation process is a positive part of really allowing people
to fully understand our deep concerns about this man, his regime and
his desires to have weapons of mass destruction.
Last question, and then I've got to go chip and putt for a birdie.
(Laughter.) It was a good drive.
Q: It looked kind of right.
Q: Do you think the American people are prepared for casualties in
Iraq?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think that that presumes there's some kind of
imminent war plan. As I said, I have no timetable. What I do believe
the American people understand is that weapons of mass destruction in
the hands of leaders such as Saddam Hussein are very dangerous for
ourselves, our allies. They understand the concept of blackmail. They
know that when we speak of making the world more safe, we do so not
only in the context of al Qaeda and other terrorist groups, but
nations that have proven themselves to be bad neighbors and bad
actors.
Thank you. Have fun today.
7:22 A.M. CDT
# # # #
9:56 A.M. CDT
THE PRESIDENT: I'm having a lot of fun. It's good to be back here with
my friends in Texas -- including Senator Sibley, a fine lad.
SENATOR SIBLEY: A young man. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: We're just talking about the old days, what it's like
to be in a legislative environment where Republicans and Democrats can
get together to do what's right; what it's like to be in a legislative
environment where people decide to do what's best for a -- something
greater than themselves as opposed to what's best for a political
party.
Q: Think you'll be able to do that in Washington with pension reform?
THE PRESIDENT: I hope so, on all issues. My call is that Republicans
and Democrats need to work together -- like on homeland security, on
terrorism insurance, on pension reform. There's too much politics in
Washington.
SENATOR SIBLEY: I don't remember anybody ever busting a judge.
THE PRESIDENT: Yes, busting judges, as he mentioned. There's too much
politics.
SENATOR SIBLEY: It never happens.
THE PRESIDENT: Of course, he's talking about a fine Texas woman named
Priscilla Owen, who's being busted for political reasons. She's been
elected statewide here in Texas. People know here and trust her
judgment and, yet, they're playing politics with her. Thank you for
remembering that.
Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful afternoon.
END 9:58 A.M. CDT
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)



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