Today, we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage,
compassion and character.
America, at its best, matches a
commitment to principle with a concern for civility
. A civil society demands from each of us good
will and respect, fair dealing and forgiveness. Some seem to believe that our politics
can afford to be petty because, in a time of
peace, the stakes of our debates appear small. But the stakes for America are never small. If
our country does not lead the cause of
freedom, it will not be led.
If we do not turn the hearts of children toward knowledge and character, we will lose their gifts
and
undermine their idealism.
If we permit our economy to drift and decline, the vulnerable will suffer most.
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Bush's inauguration address continued
4-26f) 7Pw: X' Vision