Whatever new threats and challenges may emerge, our nation will be able to face them squarely, deal with them, and yet allow our people to continue to live free and unafraid. The decisions you make, the courage and creativity you bring to your responsibilities, will determine America's future. Liberty and our way of life are fragile gifts - their care is in your hands. We thank you for stepping forward to shoulder that immense responsibility. Your country is grateful, and proud of each of you.

When there happens to be a weapon of mass destruction suspect site in an area that we occupy and if people have time, they'll look at it.

The worst mistake is to have the best ladder and the wrong wall.

The United States, as all you know, did not come to Iraq for oil, not to occupy. We came here only to help.

Move decisions out to the Cabinet and agencies. Strengthen them by moving responsibility, authority, and accountability their direction.

The problem is the people who tend to be the best organized are the most radical and the most vicious.

Watch the growth of middle level management. Don't automatically fill vacant jobs. Leave some positions unfilled for 6-8 months to see what happens. You will find you won't need to fill some of them.