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Bush speaks to Columbia crowd President George W. Bush addressed thousands of enthusiastic locals on issues of healthcare, education, voting, the economy, and terrorism at the Boone County Fairgrounds Tuesday afternoon.
Bush opened his speech by encouraging the crowd to register, vote, and spread the word, especially to the “discerning democrat” group. Medical liability reform was reinforced throughout the day. Bush used State Senate 19th District Candidate Michael Ditmore as an example of a doctor forced to discontinue his practice because of insurance associated with medical liability. Bush promised Medicare Reform by 2006 and declared, “We must allow small farms to join together and buy insurance at the price of businesses.” Bush assured farmers would have less economic worries. Tax cuts, increased use of ethanol and biodiesel, and a continuation of corn and soybean sales around the world all encouraged the agricultural community, he said. To strengthen the economy, Bush guaranteed adding more jobs to the growing job market, tax code reform, and a stop to junk lawsuits that threaten small business. A promise of growth in Pell Grants for college students received positive feedback from the crowd. Bush dealt with education issues saying, “Every child can learn and every school must teach…I believe you gotta raise the bar.” He spoke on assessing students, closing the achievement gap in America, early intervention programs, and focusing on math and science. Focusing on standing firm in values, Bush moved into his closing: freedom in America and in foreign countries. “We’re facing terrorism abroad so we don’t have to face them at home.” He explained our involvement in fighting terrorism and called for liberty around the world. Bush updated on the situation abroad, citing ten million registered voters in Afganistan and the upcoming January elections in Iraq. Bush also referred to the $87 million funding the troops, and how Democratic candidates John Kerry and John Edwards had voted against the funding. “Freedom is not America’s gift to the world, it is Almighty God’s gift to each and every man and woman,” he said. “I will never relent in defending American: whatever it takes.” Dan Morris, 2004 MU alumna and staff sergeant in the Army National Guard, had an unusual take on Bush’s speech and on his activities as president. Morris recently served 6 months in Kuwait. “He’s shown incredible strength and leadership and has had America’s interest at heart, even when it’s been unpopular,” Morris said. On the president’s stance on foreign support for the war in Iraq, Morris said “He took a diplomatic approach, then he did what was necessary since that didn’t work. And I like how he still stands by that.” Bush expressed took a familiar stance on America’s issues. “I wasn’t surprised,” Morris said. “But it was made real to me how real and genuine and natural he is in a smaller venue.” Bush seemed to fit his image of “what you see is what you get”, a point that he stressed when comparing himself to a “flip-flop” Kerry. Bush noted that Kerry has changed his views on the war 3 times now. “I was talking with a guy the other day,” said Morris, “and he pointed out that this election is all about George W. Bush, you are for him or against him.” Speakers earlier in the day charged the audience for Bush’s arrival. They included Ditmore, 27th District State Senator Peter Kinder, 16th District State Senator Sarah Steelman, State Speaker of House Catherine Hanaway, Secretary of State Matt Blunt, and U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshoff, all Republicans seeking office in Missouri this year. The Peter Dawson Band from Texas and Mark Wills, traveling with President Bush, entertained the crowd and pumped them up with songs like, “And the Crowd Goes Wild.” Many MU students showed up for the event. Tyler Profilet, volunteer and MU freshman, reacted to Bush’s speech: “I love our president and the freedoms he provides…I think Bush did a great job reiterating what he’s stood for all four years.” Profilet volunteered to help yesterday by signing up with the College Republicans. They contacted him, and he told them he’d do anything to help. “They’ll use you to help if you’re willing.” Others who just went to hear the speakers and take part in the excitement of the day were influenced, as well. Darren Kritzer, MU senior, came because he didn’t have class and had the opportunity to receive a ticket from a friend. “I liked it. I thought Kenny Hulshoff did great…I’m gonna vote straight Republican.” A few protestors demonstrated outside the gates as rally-goers left the grounds.
© 2003 CAFNR Corner Post |
