I was also fortunate that I was raised in a part of the world, West Texas, where individualism is strong.

There will be no going back to the era before September the 11th, 2001 - to false comfort in a dangerous world.

America has entered a great struggle that tests our strength, and even more our resolve. Our nation is patient and steadfast. We continue to pursue the terrorists in cities and camps and caves across the earth. We are joined by a great coalition of nations to rid the world of terror. And we will not allow any terrorist or tyrant to threaten civilization with weapons of mass murder. Now and in the future, Americans will live as free people, not in fear, and never at the mercy of any foreign plot or power.

Helping people helps defines a strategy that makes public and private moneys more effective when it comes to helping save lives.

The true history of my administration will be written 50 years from now, and you and I will not be around to see it.

I believe in open government. I've always believed in open government. I don't e-mail, however. And there's a reason: I don't want you reading my personal stuff.

The course of this nation does not depend on the decisions of others.