THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
______________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                 May 6, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AFTER THE TRILATERAL MEETING
WITH PRESIDENT KARZAI OF AFGHANISTAN
AND PRESIDENT ZARDARI OF PAKISTAN

Grand Foyer


4:11 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everybody.  We just finished an important trilateral meeting among the United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan.  And earlier today I was pleased to have wide ranging bilateral discussions with both President Karzai of Afghanistan and President Zardari of Pakistan.

We meet today as three sovereign nations joined by a common goal:  to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and to prevent their ability to operate in either country in the future.  And to achieve that goal, we must deny them the space to threaten the Pakistani, Afghan, or American people.  And we must also advance security and opportunity, so that Pakistanis and Afghans can pursue the promise of a better life.

Just over a month ago, I announced a new strategy to achieve these objectives after consultation with Pakistan, Afghanistan and our other friends and allies.  Our strategy reflects a fundamental truth:  The security of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United States are linked.  In the weeks that have followed, that truth has only been reinforced.  Al Qaeda and its allies have taken more lives in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and have continued to challenge the democratically-elected governments of the two Presidents standing here today.  Meanwhile, al Qaeda plots against the American people -- and people around the world -- from their safe haven along the border.

I'm pleased that these two men -- elected leaders of Afghanistan and Pakistan -- fully appreciate the seriousness of the threat that we face, and have reaffirmed their commitment to confronting it.  And I'm pleased that we have advanced unprecedented cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan on a bilateral basis -- and among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the United States -- which will benefit all of our people.

Today's meeting is the second in the trilateral dialogues among our countries.  And these meetings will coordinate our efforts in a broad range of areas, across all levels of government.  To give you a sense of the scope of this effort, Secretary Clinton, Attorney General Holder, Secretary Vilsack, Director Panetta, Director Mueller, and Deputy Secretary Lew will all host separate meetings with their Pakistani and Afghan counterparts.  And these trilateral meetings build on efforts being made in the region and in the United States, and they will continue on a regular basis.

Now there's much to be done.  Along the border where insurgents often move freely, we must work together with a renewed sense of partnership to share intelligence, and to coordinate our efforts to isolate, target and take out our common enemy.  But we must also meet the threat of extremism with a positive program of growth and opportunity.  And that's why my administration is working with members of Congress to create opportunity zones to spark development.  That's why I'm proud that we've helped advance negotiations towards landmark transit-trade agreements to open Afghanistan and Pakistan borders to more commerce.

Within Afghanistan, we must help grow the economy, while developing alternatives to the drug trade by tapping the resilience and the ingenuity of the Afghan people.  We must support free and open national elections later this fall, while helping to protect the hard-earned rights of all Afghans.  And we must support the capacity of local governments and stand up to corruption that blocks progress.  I also made it clear that the United States will work with our Afghan and international partners to make every effort to avoid civilian casualties as we help the Afghan government combat our common enemy.

And within Pakistan, we must provide lasting support to democratic institutions, while helping the government confront the insurgents who are the single greatest threat to the Pakistani state.  And we must do more than stand against those who would destroy Pakistan –- we must stand with those who want to build Pakistan.  And that is why I've asked Congress for sustained funding, to build schools and roads and hospitals. I want the Pakistani people to understand that America is not simply against terrorism -- we are on the side of their hopes and their aspirations, because we know that the future of Pakistan must be determined by the talent, innovation, and intelligence of its people.

I have long said that we cannot meet these challenges in isolation, nor delay the action, nor deny the resources necessary to get the job done.  And that's why we have a comprehensive strategy for the region with civilian and military components, led by Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and General David Petraeus. And for the first time, this strategy will be matched by the resources that it demands.

U.S. troops are serving courageously and capably in a vital mission in Afghanistan alongside our Afghan and international partners.  But to combat an enemy that is on the offensive, we need more troops, training, and assistance.  And that's why we are deploying 21,000 troops to Afghanistan and increasing our efforts to train Afghan security forces -- and I'm also pleased that our NATO allies and partners are providing resources to support our strategy.  And that is why we are helping Pakistan combat the insurgency within its borders -- including $400 million in immediate assistance that we are seeking from Congress, which will help the government as it steps up its efforts against the extremists.

And to advance security, opportunity, and justice for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, we are dramatically increasing our civilian support for both countries.  We were pleased that these efforts were recently amplified through the $5.5 billion that was pledged for Pakistan at an international donors conference in Tokyo -- resources that will help meet the basic needs of the Pakistani people.

The road ahead will be difficult.  There will be more violence, and there will be setbacks.  But let me be clear:  The United States has made a lasting commitment to defeat al Qaeda, but also to support the democratically elected sovereign governments of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.  That commitment will not waiver.  And that support will be sustained.

Every day, we see evidence of the future that al Qaeda and its allies offer.  It's a future filled with violence and despair.  It's a future without opportunity or hope.  That's not what the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan want, and it's not what they deserve.  The United States has a stake in the future of these two countries.  We have learned, time and again, that our security is shared.  It is a lesson that we learned most painfully on 9/11, and it is a lesson that we will not forget.

So we are here today in the midst of a great challenge.  But no matter what happens, we will not be deterred.  The aspirations of all our people -- for security, for opportunity and for justice -- are far more powerful than any enemy.  Those are the hopes that we hold in common for all of our children.  So we will sustain our cooperation.  And we will work for the day when our nations are linked not by a common enemy, but by a shared peace and prosperity, mutual interests and mutual respect, not only among governments but among our people.

I want to thank President Zardari and President Karzai for joining me here today.  I look forward to continuing this close cooperation between our governments in the months and years ahead.  Thank you very much, everybody.

END
4:19 P.M. EDT

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secrectary

For Immediate Release
May 6, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT THE CLOSE OF THE TRILATERAL MEETING WITH
PRESIDENT KARZAI OF AFGHANISTAN AND PRESIDENT ZARDARI OF PAKISTAN
Cabinet Room
4:04 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you, everybody. We're going to be making formal remarks over there, but we just wanted to say that we've had an extraordinarily productive day. And what is represented around the table is not just three Presidents but rather it's ministers, agency heads at every level, and that reflects the kind of concrete cooperation and detail that is going to ultimately make a difference in improving opportunity and democracy and stability in Pakistan and in Afghanistan. So we'll see you guys over there. Thank you.
END
4:05 P.M. EDT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
___________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                            May 6, 2009
OPENING REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
AT THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION
CABINET MEETING
Ceremonial Office
Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building
10:59 A.M. EDT
THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thanks, folks.  Look, thanks for coming over again.  I know this is a long trek.  A joke when I was in the Senate was the longest walk in Washington is from the Senate side to the House side.  But I think maybe the longest walk for you all is from your Cabinet offices to meet with me every week.  But thank you.
Look, in a little more than a hundred days I think we've accomplished -- you've accomplished a great deal.  We’re helping Americans get through a pretty tough time, and it's affecting the lives of individuals we're actually putting to work with what we're doing here.  We are creating jobs, God willing, jobs that are going to be able to be sustained long after this recovery occurs.  And we're laying the foundation for what I think is a stronger and a brighter economic future for us, not based on any bubbles. 
And a lot of times at these meetings, we go through and we talk about the specific work each one of your departments are doing.  But one of the things that we have not talked enough about is the spontaneity with which you all are cooperating with one another.  And there's a new synergy here.  I mean, I've not seen this in previous times, maybe because -- I mean, in previous administrations. 
And so the way we coordinate among various departments I think is going to really bear some real fruit.  And I think we're coming together.  And we're having an extra impact on the expenditure of this money, getting more than our money's worth for it. 
And today we have a perfect example of just that.  Steve Chu -- well, Secretary Chu and Secretary Donovan signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to coordinate energy retrofit and weatherization programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  That's not required, but they both got together and decided to get a bigger bang for the bucks we have and do it more efficiently and with more lasting impact.
And what we're trying to do here in this process -- and I really appreciate what you all are doing -- is not only get this money out the door, but shed the red tape without shedding accountability.  Too often a lot of the regulations we've had and the red tape that exists stood in the way of the people we are elected to serve.  And so I commit to the press that's here the work that's actually been done.  And particularly, I commend Secretary Donovan and Chu.  And I also want to thank Secretary Vilsack, who's not here, for his efforts to include the needs of tens of thousands of rural Americans.
The partnership proposal announced today between their agencies, that is Energy and Housing, is going to help push $5 billion for weatherization assistance programs out the door and into American homes, where obviously it's needed.  And through this and other efficiency programs, we're going to go a long way to reaching our goal, and doing it relatively quickly, of weatherizing a million homes out there.  That's a big, gigantic energy savings, but it also is a significant cost savings for those folks who live in those homes.
And in the process we're not only bringing down these costs, but we're reinvesting in a critical -- affordable housing for low-income and elderly people, but we're also, God willing, leaving a lot of men and women, after this is over, with jobs that are sustainable, jobs that are a foundation for a new economy, jobs that they're going to be able to keep for their -- for productive work.
And this is just the beginning of this strong partnership between the two departments, which are going to be working together continuously to make this new green economy a reality.
But also as we -- now that HHS is up and running and we're moving, there's going to be a piece of your weatherization program that hopefully we'll coordinate and we're going to be able to consolidate this in a way that we get the biggest bang for the buck. 
But I know this is just the first step.  I know you've been meeting with me so long you probably think it's a heck of a lot longer than a hundred days.  But we haven't even reached a hundred days yet for the Recovery Act, but we're on the cusp of doing that.  And I think this is an important step you guys are taking today, and indicative of a government committed and a Cabinet working together to actually make this Recovery Act work.  And with each step like this, we get one step closer to getting us out of this crisis; one step closer to getting America back on a firm footing, and a prosperous one.
But again, we talked about this a lot here.  We don't want to just -- the most important job is to create jobs and get us out of this recession.  But that's not the only objective we have.  When this is over, the kind of work you guys are announcing today, and what's been done already by many of you, hopefully we have a new process in place as how to spend and expend federal dollars efficiently and transparently to states and localities.  And so hopefully this is going to have a bigger bang than just merely a significant commitment we're making in terms of dollars to create jobs and get us moving.
So, thanks, and let's get down to work about what else we got to do.  And I thank you all for taking time to come in.  I appreciate it. 
END                                                                                                 
11:07 A.M. EDT    
 
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the First Lady
___________________________________________________________________________
AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY                         EMBARGOED UNTIL 8:30 PM EST

REMARKS OF FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AT
TIME 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE AWARDS

New York, NY 
May 5, 2009

"Thank you Rick for that kind introduction and thank you for including me in tonight’s festivities.

"It is a pleasure to join you all. 

"There are few times in history when the saying ‘we are all in this together’ would be more applicable than now. 

"Events like this one show how truly connected our world is;

"how one person’s invention can create an entirely new economy;

"how one person can change how we see the world. 

"The ability of one person to influence the outcome of someone else’s life inspires me.

"When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service, I realized right away that I had made the right decision. 

"There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize that they have the power to enrich not only their lives, but the lives of others as well.

"But careers in public service are not always encouraged. 

"We push our young people to strive for things, an advanced degree, a job title, a big salary. 

"Rarely do we urge them to stop and think about what their passion is, what kind of life they want to live, what kind of neighbors and colleagues and parents they want to be. 

"In doing so, we, as a society, often miss out on their creativity, their inventiveness, their resourcefulness– and some really good ideas! 

"We also miss out on the opportunity to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will direct their energy and talent toward solving their community’s – and our nation’s – most serious social problems. 

"Careers focused on lifting up our communities – whether helping transform troubled schools or training workers for green jobs or helping low-income families access health care – are not always obvious.

"But, at a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges, encouraging careers in public service and social innovation is more important than ever.

"Already, we are seeing young people leading the way with their entrepreneurial spirit, energy and commitment to serving their communities.

"For example, Charles Best, a former Bronx public school teacher, started an online philanthropic marketplace called Donors Choose to help teachers who were spending up to $500 a year out of their own pockets for basic classroom materials. 

"Through Donors Choose, ordinary citizens can directly fund projects initiated by enterprising public school teachers. 

"Online donations have helped students in San Jose become avid readers through the Dr. Seuss series. 

"An art class in the Bronx had no paint brushes.  Now every student has a set. 

"Rebecca Onie is a social entrepreneur who founded "Project Health" to help break the link between poverty and poor health. 

"I remember meeting Rebecca when I was at the University of Chicago and I was very impressed with her.

"Rebecca organizes college students to staff Help Desks in urban medical centers, universities and community centers. 

"Students then connect low-income families to other critical community and government resources – such as housing vouchers, supplemental nutrition assistance, and educational support.

"This year, 600 college volunteers will dedicate 100,000 hours to connect over 15,000 low-income children and adults to the resources they need to be healthy.

"And then there is John Alford who grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn, attended college in North Carolina and then Harvard Business School.

"John recently launched NOLA 180 a ‘turn-around’ organization for failing public schools in New Orleans. 

"NOLA 180 transforms these public schools into high-functioning charter schools that prepare every student for college.

"Langston Hughes Academy is the first school to benefit. 

"Students spend 50 percent more time in their classrooms.

"Parents are given teacher’s cell phone numbers so they can call for help with homework.

"And, in honor of their namesake, Langston Hughes, students receive instruction in persuasive writing, public speaking, debate and poetry. 

"In its first year, Langston Hughes students outperformed the city’s public school average in reading, writing and math. 

"Charles, Rebecca and John.  I know they are here somewhere.  Congratulations and thanks for all of your hard work.

"This is exactly the kind of social innovation and entrepreneurship we should be encouraging all across this country. 

"And that is why tonight, I am pleased to announce that as part of the new Serve America Act, the Administration is creating a Social Innovation Fund to help innovative nonprofit groups and social entrepreneurs, like the ones I just mentioned, expand their successful approaches to tackling our most pressing national challenges.

"The idea is simple: find the most effective programs out there and then provide the capital needed to replicate their success in communities around the country.

"By focusing on high-impact, results-oriented non-profits, we will ensure that government dollars are spent in a way that is effective, accountable and worthy of the public trust.  

"In this room of Leaders and Revolutionaries, Builders and Titans, Artists and Entertainers, Scientists and Thinkers, Heroes and Pioneers, I think we can all agree, we did not get to where we are alone. 

"Our success was made possible with the encouragement of a diligent parent or teacher, a grandparent who told us we had real talent, an older sibling who paved the way and set a good example, a scholarship or grant that created an unexpected opportunity, or a neighbor or community leader who told us to dream big.

"That’s certainly been the case in my own life. 

"I stand here today because of people who loved me, and pushed me and believed in me. 

"I stand here today because of scholarships and grants and experiences that gave me opportunities I was afraid to dream of.

"I never imagined that, as a result of all that support, I would be in a position to be a role model for girls around the globe. 

"Girls who look at me and see something more for themselves, more than society expects of them.

"Girls who now think anything is possible. 

"As global leaders, let’s not underestimate the power each of us has to change the world for someone – and let us not be afraid to try."

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the First Lady
_______________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                              May 5, 2009

REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY TO EMPLOYEES AT THE UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS

U.S. U.N. Offices
New York, New York


4:28 P.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you.  Thank you so much.  I am thrilled to be here.  Thank you, Susan, for that kind introduction.  I'm thrilled to be here, but I was just at Sesame Street, I'm sorry.  (Laughter.)  And I never thought I'd be on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird, and I was thrilled.  I'm still thrilled.  I'm on a high.  (Laughter.)  I think it's probably the best thing I've done so far in the White House.  But we were there talking about nutrition and healthy eating, and it's just been a thrill.  So I'm glad I could take the time to be here with you all. 

You know, I just want to tell you that Susan Rice -- I could take her introduction of me and turn it around and do the same thing for her.  She is a trusted adviser and friend to the President and to me.  And I know how appreciative Barack was when Susan agreed to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations, because of the importance that he places on the work that you all do.  And having someone that he trusts and expects -- and respects and admires and who is also wicked smart -- I like that one -- (laughter) -- just is a sign of how valued this work is to the White House. 

It is a pleasure to be here in New York.  This is my first trip back to the city since I've become First Lady.  It seems like I was just here, but it's been a hundred and seven, eight, nine days or something like that. 

But in addition to doing some traveling around the country and around the world a little bit, I've been doing, as Susan mentioned, a lot of traveling around Washington, and trying to meet our new neighbors.  That's something that we were taught; that when you move into a new place, that you learn about your community, that you introduce yourself, and you not just talk but you listen. 

And I've been going around to as many federal agencies as I can.  The goal is to hit all of them, and I've been to about 10 agencies, and really trying to shine a bright light on all of the hard work done by our nation's employees.

You know, my task when I go is simple:  is to say thank you.  And many people don't hear that.  Many people don't feel that the years that they've put in -- sometimes are not appreciated.  And my visits are just a simple way of saying yes, in fact, we see you, we know who you are, we value what you do, and we couldn't be here, wouldn't be here without you.

I've had the chance to meet so many people who've dedicated their lives, their entire careers to strengthening our nation.  And in fact, here today I want to acknowledge 40 of those people who are sitting in the front rows here -- oh, this is the 40.  (Laughter.)  I was trying to figure out while I was standing there, which is the 40?  (Laughter.)  It's you! 

It's my understanding that everyone over here has worked for the U.S. government for more than 20 years, and that includes Ivan Ferber.  (Laughter.)  Where's Ivan?  (Applause.) He has worked here a remarkable 47 years -- longer than I've been alive.  (Laughter.)  So let's give Ivan and all of them a round of applause.  (Applause.)

I have also been going around to do one of my favorite things, and that's meeting with kids in the schools and community centers and encouraging them to study hard -- my whole model is, being smart is really cool, so get it together -- telling them that we're going to need them to be prepared, basically, to take on the reins and become the future leaders, the future public servants, really trying to let them know that developing careers in public service and thinking about that now is a really good thing -- because we're going to need them, we're going to have a lot of work to do. 

And I've learned that I don't need to work too hard sending that message to your kids, because the President was sent a letter the other day from the son of Scott Turner.  (Laughter.)  Where's Scott?  All right, so Scott's son, Jack, a first grader -- okay, I know I'm going to embarrass you, but this is a good one -- (laughter) -- he wrote the following letter to the President:

Dear Mr. Obama, can you move to New York?  (Laughter.) Because people like you so much in New York.  I will help you come to New York.  (Laughter.)  And people are doing bad stuff in New York.  (Laughter.)  I will help you get the bad people.  And when I catch the bad people, I will put them in jail.  (Laughter.)  That's why I want you to move to New York.  From, Jack.  (Laughter and applause.)

So ladies and gentlemen, I think we have identified the new future New York Police Commissioner!  (Laughter.)  Jack, on the case.  (Laughter.) 

Now, I know that part of Ambassador Rice's mission is to strengthen the U.N., but I also didn't think that nepotism was a part of it, but it's sometimes a good thing, and I've got an embarrassing story for her, as well. 

A couple of weeks ago Susan's 11-year-old son, Jake, was here for Take Your Child to Work Day, a day that I know all drove us crazy, but the kids liked it.  We had -- we enjoyed it at the White House, as well.  But he was apparently embarrassed to be caught eating ice cream when the South African Ambassador was approaching his mother's office.  And not wanting to, and this is a quote from Jake, to "make a bad first impression," Jake dumped his ice cream -- (laughter) -- just so he could introduce himself.  Now, see, that's diplomacy -- (laughter) -- right there for an 11-year-old to sacrifice ice cream to shake the hand appropriately of a fellow ambassador. 

AMBASSADOR RICE:  If only he was so -- (inaudible.)

MRS. OBAMA:  Well, you know -- (laughter) -- they never -- they never do that with us.  (Laughter.)  But good home training -- he was able to do it outside.  So I want to thank Jake for taking so seriously his role in creating the best impression of American diplomacy. 

But I think our future is in good hands, from what I've been seeing, traveling around.  And I know that each and every one of you has a child in your life that you are desperately pushing ahead, and you know they can do it.  So I believe we're going to be okay.

And I believe we're presently in good hands because of all of you.  From what I'm seeing in my agency visits, people are ready and willing to sacrifice and roll up their sleeves. 

As the President has said, the United States is pursuing a new era of engagement when it comes to advancing America's interests around the world.  This new policy recognizes the fact that America's future is intricately linked to the rest of the world; that the threats facing the global community know no borders, and no single country can tackle them alone. 

And we've learned this again with the recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus.  We know now that we can not wall ourselves off from issues that are challenging our neighbors.  It is moments like this when having relationships based on mutual trust and respect will be most beneficial.  And as the world becomes even smaller and our future more inter-connected and the stakes ever higher, your work is more important.  It has never been more important.  Your work links the world to America and American ideals that are beacons of hope for millions of people. 

As I told the young women at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in London during our recent trip, I told them there was nothing in my life that would suggest that I would become First Lady.  Rather, it is the premise of America and the promise kept that brings me here today. 

There are millions of girls and boys in countries near and far who are looking for a way to make the most of their lives.  There are parents struggling to raise those kids, there are teachers working hard to teach them, community leaders struggling to give them safe, nurturing communities where they can grow and thrive.  And they're doing this against some pretty incredible odds, especially in developing countries.

And that's why the work that you do here to advance America's interests and to make the U.N. a more effective and efficient organization is so important.

There are people around the world counting on the success of your efforts.  The young boy who is forced to carry a rifle and become a child soldier, he's counting on you.  The girl locked out of the school house or attacked because she had the audacity to want to learn to read or write, she's counting on you.  The mother walking hours each day to find clean water for her children, she's counting on you.  And the father who leaves his family for months or years on end in search of work, he's counting on you, as well. 

Social and economic development programs give millions of people hope and a chance at a brighter future, paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous world for us all.

And in my role as First Lady, what I hope to do is to work with you in some way, shape or form to help build that mission.  And I am looking forward to joining you in this endeavor. 

So I want to thank you all for what you've done, what you will continue to do.  We are rooting for you, and we need you.  So thank you so much.  (Applause.)

END
4:38 P.M. EDT

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President
________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                           May 5, 2009

REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
AT THE ANNUAL POLICY CONFERENCE
OF THE AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC


THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.  (Applause.)  Please.  (Applause.)   Larry, thank you for that introduction.

Ladies and gentlemen, there's an old -- there's an old Saxon expression.   And what it says is -- (applause) -- there's an old expression.  This is the man who introduced me to AIPAC.  And there's an old expression that says an institution is little more than the lengthened shadow of a man.  This is the man right here. This is the man.  (Applause.)

Ladies and gentlemen, I was backstage and the stage director, a lovely young woman, was telling me that she was the stage director, and I told her how well I take orders.  (Laughter.)  And Larry was speaking, and I said, you see that man?  I said, he's been my friend for 38 years.  And she looked at me like, that's not possible -- (laughter) -- not that I don't look that old, but that she wasn't born, I don’t think -- when she said it.  (Laughter.)

But the truth is Larry, and his magnificent wife, have been just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful supporters of Israel and AIPAC.  And he really did, along with one of my closest friends, period, not just in politics, Michael Adler -- Michael Adler's dad in Miami and Larry Weinberg on the West Coast are the two people who gave me my formal education.  And I thank them both.  Thank you both.  (Applause.)

I say to the board and all of you that are here, I'm delighted by your warm welcome.  And it's very good to be among friends.  I'd like to begin by congratulating your president, David Victor, for -- and the incoming president, Lee Rosenberg.  Rosy, we're all pulling for your dad, Big Rosy, and we know how proud he must be right now as you're about to take on your new responsibilities.  (Applause.) 

I'd like to also congratulate AIPAC's Executive Director, Howard Kohr, and the rest of the staff for another successful conference.  (Applause.)

And I want to congratulate an old friend, who I think is probably the most articulate and eloquent speechmaker in the world, Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel -- (applause) -- on the 61st anniversary of Israel’s independence, which we're going to celebrate -- which we celebrated last week. And the President -- President Obama and I look forward to visiting later today with the President.  I'm anxious to see him in the White House.  (Applause.)

A little over a hundred days ago, our country started on a new path.  The citizens of this country made a very fundamental decision.  And it began with the historic inauguration of the 44th President, Barack Obama, but it grew -- it grew out of the determination of millions of Americans who desperately wanted to change not only the direction of our country, but quite frankly, the trajectory that the world was on.  That’s what the Obama-Biden administration has set out to do, a lofty goal but an absolutely minimum required task -- to change the direction of this country and all the trajectory of the world.  We not only want to do it here at home; we believe our fate is inextricably tied to the direction the world is moving in.

But in the midst of change, with all the change you will hear about, there is one enduring, essential principle that will not change; and that is our commitment to the peace and security of the state of Israel.  (Applause.)  That is not negotiable.  That is not a matter of change.  That is something to be reinforced and made clear.  (Applause.)  It seems almost unnecessary to state it, but I want the word to go forth in here that no one should mistake it. 

That commitment began when the United States of America emerged from World War II as the preeminent economic, political, and military power in the world, and one of our great Presidents, Harry Truman, reached out to a tiny, struggling state, emerging from the ashes of the Holocaust, and recognized the state of Israel.  It’s a commitment that spans generations, and administrations of both political parties.  And our job -- obviously you know it's yours -- just so you know, we know it's our job to ensure that that endures.

The bond between Israel and the United States was forged by a shared interest in peace and security; by shared values and to respect all faiths and for all faiths and for all people; by deep ties evidenced here today among our citizens, both Christian and Jew; and a common, unyielding commitment to democracy.

Indeed, we've both experienced recent elections and the peaceful transition of power.  I want to congratulate my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu -- and as they say in the Senate, he is my friend -- for his victory.  Bibi and I have been friends for a long, long time -- too long to mention.  And you know the old cliché -- imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Well, I looked at Likud’s website, campaign website -- and on behalf of the Obama-Biden administration, I must say I am flattered.  (Laughter.)  Take a look at the website.  It looked like we were running co-joint campaigns here.  (Laughter.)  And we didn’t charge Bibi a thing for it.  (Laughter.)  All kidding aside, a lot of you in the audience, and a lot of board members here, have been my friends for a long, long time

My commitment, though, to Israel did not begin with the friendships that I share on this stage.  As the friends on this stage know, and some of you have heard me say, my commitment began at my father’s dinner table.  My father was what you'd refer to as a righteous Christian.  My father -- we had dinner at my father and mother's home as an occasion to sit down and have conversation and, incidentally, eat, rather than eat and, incidentally, have conversation.  And over the years, my commitment was nurtured by many of the people in this room, starting with Larry and many others that are here.

In 1973, as a 29-year-old or just 30 -- just turned 30 years old, elected United States senator from the state of Delaware -- I made my first overseas trip to Israel.  It was on the eve at the time unknown of the Yom Kippur War.  I had just come from Cairo, and visited the Suez Canal.  And I then went to visit the Prime Minister, Golda Meir, which was one of the great honors.  I was asked not long ago, what are the two most meaningful meetings I ever had as a senator.  And they were with the freed later president of South Africa, and Golda Meir.  (Applause.)  They both embodied everything I had been taught -- different races, different religions, different regions -- the same tenacity and the same open heart.

I sat across the desk from the Prime Minister.  And she, as many of you know, is a chain smoker.  She continually smoked.  And she had a set of maps behind her, the old maps that were on rollers.  There was a whole big slew of them, like eight maps in one set.  And she was describing to me the Six-Day War and reading letters from the front, from young Israelis, most of whom had died defending their country.  It was very moving.  She kept flipping the maps up and down and pointing to different battles.  I'm sure many of you had the experience.  I'm sure you had the experience, Larry. 

And there was a young man sitting next to me who didn't say a lot.  His name was Rabin.  And we had a conversation that lasted -- I won't put a time on it, but I'm quite confident it was over an hour.  It was a long time.  It was a great moment for a young man like me.  It was meaningful.  I learned a lot.  But it also gave me a sense of the degree of -- how do I say it -- the pain, the history, the hope, the pragmatism, the grit of an entire nation.  And almost it seemed in mid-sentence, she looked at me -- and my good friend, Michael Adler, heard me say this before, it was -- kind of startled me -- she said, Senator, would you like a photo?  It was, like, by the way, do you want to go to the ball game?

And I said, well, of course, Madam Prime Minister.  And the office in those days that she had, there were double doors that opened up onto a hallway.  And we walked out, and there were photographers arrayed.  And we stood next to one another, looking straight at the camera, at the photographers and the cameras.  But she was talking to me without looking at me.  She said the following.  She said, Senator -- looking straight ahead, but talking -- she said, Senator, you seem worried.  You look like you're worried.  And I turned to her, and I said, well, Madam Prime Minister, I am.  The picture you just painted -- in those days 60 million Arabs, 2 million Jews, et cetera. 

And she put her hand out -- still looking at the camera -- on my arm.  She said, Senator, don't worry.  We Jews have a secret weapon in our struggle here.  We have no place else to go. (Applause.)  

And, for me, I thought at the time -- some of you know, she was so engaging -- I thought at the time, I'm probably the only person in the world she ever said that to.  (Laughter.)  And it was for me, at that moment, her comments crystallized for me everything I'd learned at my father's table, and everything about the basic responsibility of the United States to be a partner in ensuring that there will always, always be a place for Jews of the world to go -- (applause) -- and that place always must be Israel.  (Applause.)  It's real.  It's serious.  It's compelling.  It's the only certainty, the only certainty.  (Applause.)

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here today to tell you something you already know, and I assure you this -- President Barack Obama shares that same commitment.  (Applause.)  His support is rooted in his personal connection to the Zionist idea to which he spoke about last year at this conference.  He said last year that when he was a child, and I quote, "I was drawn to the belief that you could sustain a spiritual, emotional and cultural identity, and I deeply understood the Zionist idea that there is always a homeland at the center of our story."

Ladies and gentlemen, Barack Obama's commitment was reinforced -- not that it need to have been -- by his two relatively recent trips to Israel, when he met with Israeli leaders from across the spectrum -- and you all know it's a very wide spectrum in Israel; by the powerful, searing experience that he had visiting maybe in a sense the holiest of all places, commemorating the Holocaust; by seeing, first-hand, Israel's unique security dilemmas from a helicopter with top generals -- the sort of experience I had in '73 when I stood on the Golan Heights and realized if you had a really good arm you could literally throw a grenade down in the territory that could do damage to Israelis.

He also had it reinforced by traveling to the northern border, and met with families whose homes had been destroyed by rockets fired by Hezbollah and Hamas into their villages.  But the President and I both know that ultimately we'll be judged not by our commitment and our verbal assurances to you or to anyone else or to the state of Israel, but by the results of the commitment we have made.  (Applause.)

We believe that the results we seek, including a secure Israel at peace, can be best achieved by taking a new direction in our foreign policy; by, first and foremost, reestablish America's preeminent leadership in the world.  (Applause.)  The nation who asserts it leads, but has no one following, is not leading.  We must reassert the confidence that we once had, and the confidence the world once had in us to lead the world.

When America has confidence -- the confidence of our allies and our friends, and the broad support we need in the world -- not only is America stronger but Israel will be stronger, because America is able to be a more efficient partner and effective partner, and our adversaries and Israel's adversaries know that as well. 

In the Middle East, we stand for the premise that the status quo of the last decade has not served the interests of the United States or Israel very well.  It has not enhanced the peace and security of the region, no matter how good the intention.  I went to a Catholic grade school.  When you got in trouble, the nuns would make you -- I'd say, but, sister -- and they'd make you write on the board a hundred times after school:  The road to hell is paved with good intentions.  All the good intentions of the last decade have not resulted in a more secure, more stable Middle East; a more secure, more stable Israel; a more secure, more stable United States. 

So we are working to change that by responsibly ending the war in Iraq, by refocusing our efforts on Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda, by engaging all countries in the region, including those with whom we have overwhelming disagreements, in order to advance our national security interests. 

We are intensely focused on avoiding the grave danger, as Larry spoke about and others have, as well, including my good friend, John, of a nuclear armed Iran.  (Applause.)  A nuclear-armed Iran risks an arms race in the region that would make every country less secure; presents an existential threat.  What we have tried with Iran in recent years has obviously not worked.  What will work remains to be seen. 

Since 2000, Iran has installed thousands of centrifuges and produced over a thousand kilograms of low-enriched uranium; not capable of use in a nuclear weapon -- low-enriched -- but nonetheless, they have produced that.  Instead of arresting the danger; in the last six years, the danger has grown.  It has not been arrested.  We're determined to change that.  That's why we will pursue direct, principled diplomacy with Iran with the overriding goal of preventing them from acquiring nuclear weapons. 

The United States will approach Iran initially in the spirit of mutual respect.  We want Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations, politically and economically.  That's a path that the Islamic Republic can take if it so chooses.  Or that government can choose a different future:  one of international pressure, isolation; and one which nothing is taken off the table.

If our efforts to address this problem through engagement are not successful, we have greater international support to consider other options.  And ladies and gentlemen, don't kid yourselves -- international support matters, as we've learned over the last eight years.  (Applause.)  We must sometimes act alone, but it's always stronger when we act in unison.

Given the situation we inherited, we know we don't have unlimited time to make this assessment.  Iran also has played a dangerous role in the region supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah and undermining many of our friends and those who claim to be our friends.  Indeed, these proxies are the tools in my view, our view, that Iran uses to exploit conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- use it to their advantage.

In this way the continuation of Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab -- Arab-Israeli conflicts, strengthen Iran's strategic position.  They give Iran a playing field upon which to extend its influence, sponsor extremist elements, inflame public opinion -- all which are counterintuitive.  It's counterintuitive if you think about it, that Iran's Shia influence in a Sunni Arab world would be able to be extended.

There are many reasons to pursue an end to these conflicts.  It gives Israelis peace and security they deserve; to help the Palestinians fulfill their aspirations of an independent and better life; to ease tension in the regions -- in this region.

Today, one of the most pressing reasons may be to deprive Iran of the ability to extend its destabilizing influence.  Again, it's counterintuitive if you think about its ability to extend its influence in the region.

That's why from day one of this administration we began to make a strong, sustained effort on behalf of peace.  The President decided that we must be engaged; we must take risk on behalf of peace for Israel.  The President appointed one of our most tenacious diplomats to lead that effort, George Mitchell, and the President is strongly and personally committed to achieving what all have basically said is needed -- a two-state solution, with a secure Jewish state of Israel living side by side in peace and security with a viable and independent Palestinian state.  (Applause.)

He and I both believe that it's absolutely necessary to ensure Israel's survival as a Jewish democratic state that this occur.  (Applause.)  That is also the solution that Israel and the Palestinians committed to in the road map and reaffirmed in Annapolis.  It can be achieved.  It must be achieved.

There's an old expression, which Larry will get a kick out of, and it relates to Christianity.  G.K. Chesterton once said, "It's not that Christianity has been tried and found wanting; it's been found difficult and left untried."  Well, the truth of the matter is, the fact that peace has not occurred does not mean peace cannot occur. 

Same time, we'll pursue a secure and lasting and comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace.  The Israelis and its Arab neighbors have sufficient common interest to bring this goal within reach.  Progress towards peace has only been possible when people -- when people were willing to think differently; to take risks; to make a principled compromise.  That's why we have to pursue every opportunity for progress while standing up for one core principle:  First, Israel's security is non-negotiable.  (Applause.)  Period.  Period.  Our commitment is unshakeable.  We will continue to provide Israel with the assistance that it needs.  We will continue to defend Israel's right to defend itself and make its own judgments about what it needs to do to defend itself.  (Applause.)

Secondly, all of us have obligations to meet, including commitments Israel and the Palestinians made in the road map.  The Palestinian Authority must combat terror and incitement against Israel.  The United States and its partners have provided funding and training for a reformed Palestinian security force, which has impressed everyone, including the Israeli security officers with its recent demonstrations of professionalism and effectiveness.  We are right now seeking funds from Congress to expand this program.  But Israel has to work towards a two-state solution.  You're not going to like my saying this, but not build more settlements, dismantle existing outposts, and allow the Palestinians freedom of movement based on their first actions -- (applause) -- its access to economic opportunity and increased security responsibility.  This is a "show me" deal -- not based on faith -- show me.  Prime Minister Netanyahu has important ideas about how to achieve some of these objectives and we look forward to working with him to help develop them when he comes to visit. 

The Quartet and the Arab states also have clear responsibilities.  One of the most important is to support the Palestinian Authority with the tools and funds it needs to govern on the West Bank, develop and reform its institutions, help the people of Gaza work toward returning to Gaza.  We are doing our part with major assistance packages currently before the Congress.  We expect others to do theirs. 

The Arab states should act now, not later, to build upon -- (applause) -- to build upon the Arab Peace Initiative -- a constructive combination that contains the promise of a cooperative and comprehensive peace, but now is the time.  Now is the time for Arab states to make meaningful gestures to show the Israeli leadership and the people that the promise of ending Israel's isolation in the region is real and genuine.  They must take action now -- show me.  (Applause.)

Ladies and gentlemen, finally, the world must continue to make clear to Hamas that the legitimacy it seeks will only come when it renounces violence, recognizes Israel, and abides by past agreements -- period.  (Applause.)  These are not -- some say, when I repeat that and the President says it, that these are unreasonable.  These are not unreasonable demands -- they're basic standards of international conduct. 

We're working hard to provide assistance to Palestinians in Gaza that does not benefit Hamas, and to coordinate with our allies to end the smuggling of weapons in the Gaza, which continue.  And we demand -- we demand the immediate and unconditional release -- unconditional release of Gilad Shalit -- (applause) -- after nearly three years -- three years of captivity.  It is not acceptable.  (Applause.)  And we remain committed -- we remain committed to seeing him returned safely to his family.

We will also explore opportunities, as the Israelis are, for progress between Israel and Syria.  Peace between Israel and Syria could reshape the region.  We will ensure that it does not come if it comes at the expense of Israel's security or Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. 

The search for a secure and just and lasting peace in the Middle East has frustrated many and all who have come before us.  We understand the immensity of the challenge.  We recognize the hard choices that must be made.  But we also know this:  The path we have been on in recent yeas will not result in security and prosperity for Israel or the Palestinians, nor will it produce the stability and progress that's needed in the region to ultimately guarantee Israel's security.

Look, we know there are different views in this room.  We know there are different views in this town about how to move forward.  Nowhere are these issues debated more openly and vividly than in the streets of Israel and in the Knesset, which is an overwhelming tribute to its democracy.  But I believe the critical question is not where we stand today, but how we see tomorrow, and what we're prepared to do to get there.  This administration sees and seeks a future of lasting peace and security in which Israeli children can leave behind the tyranny of rockets and terror; when Israeli mothers, as they send their children off to school, do not have to worry about whether or not they will come home; or Palestinian children have full opportunities to live out their dreams, and the entire Middle East does not have to live under the dread of a nuclear cloud.

Delaying the pursuit of these goals is not an option.  It's easier, but it is not an option.  And the longer we wait, the harder it will be.  Now is the time to work together for the promise of a better day, and for the success and strength and security of our most-treasured ally, Israel. 

Thank you very much.  God bless you all, and may God protect our troops.  (Applause.)

END                 

 
 
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President
____________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                         May 4, 2009

REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
AT AN EVENT HIGHLIGHTING OFFSHORE WIND POWER
AND THE ADMINISTRATION'S COMMITMENT
TO BUILDING A CLEAN, DOMESTIC ENERGY POLICY
FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

The University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you all.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  Mr. President, I can assure you had I graduated from Rutgers, we'd still be here.  (Laughter.)  If you believe that, then you don't understand politics.  (Laughter.) 

Look, folks, it's great to be home.  It's great to be here at my alma mater.  And it's great to be in a room -- I've spent more serious time in this room today than I did when it was a library -- (laughter) -- which it was here, this room, when I was here as a student.  But it is genuinely good to be home. 

And I've been telling, as Senator Carper has, I've been telling my good friend -- as my colleagues in the state legislature know, you refer to your colleagues as good friends.  But this guy really is a good and loyal friend for a considerable amount of time.  As a matter of fact, I blame him for my son running for attorney general.  I advised him no, and he went to see Ken Salazar, who was attorney general.  And so Ken is totally responsible.

But, look, all kidding aside, the fact of the matter is Ken has heard me and Tom, and probably Mike and others -- I remember -- I remind people, Governor, we had the first solar home here on the university.  I remember when we started off, as you point out, Mr. President, as early as the '70s, the university sort of began to stake its claim on alternative energy.  And so this is not -- this is not new for us.  We have not been recognized for it necessarily, nationally, until recently.  But the truth of the matter is this has been an incredibly environmentally conscious state, as well as university. 

And I would not -- I'd be remiss if I didn't again recognize Governor Peterson, who did what probably I think paved the way for us being able to sustain this state in a way that wouldn't have occurred before with the Coastal Zone Act.  It was a gigantic -- it was such a departure from business as usual back in 1971, that in the '70s, early '70s, that I think it set the stage for so much more.

And I look over here at a man who should have been the director of EPA.  He was the acting director, and through pure politics was held up by our friends in the other party from being able to be confirmed as the director of the EPA, but a guy who has been working in this, Mike McCabe, for longer than many of you and I have been.  He goes back all the way to the days with -- when he was working with Senator Harkin in the establishment of Earth Day and a lot of other things.  Michael, you deserve a great deal of credit.  (Applause.)     

Mr. President, I get energized every time I just come on campus.  The students here at the University of Delaware, they get it.  As some of the students, you pointed out the graduate students, they get that the impact of leading greener lives not only helps us all today, but allows -- it's going to allow their children, their children to live a much better tomorrow than we're living today.  And the good news is we recognize it as well, all of us in here, the state legislators and the university personnel, and the people standing to my left and my right.

Mr. President and Secretary Salazar, the entire administration, the entire administration sees the everlasting benefits of a clean-energy future.  This is a moment.  This is a moment that comes seldom in history.  It's probably occurred five or six times in the history of the United States, when we reach an inflection point that is so consequential for the next generations, not because of the merit or demerit of those in power, but because OF the nature of the change that has taken place in the world and the country.  It's an inflection point. 

And we are determined, Senator Obama -- President Obama.  We were senators when we started planning this, before we got sworn in, in Chicago in late November and December and January.  We are absolutely fundamentally committed to the notion that we're going to lay down a new foundation for the economic, as well as the environmental future of this country.  This is the moment.

We get criticized by many for proposing the Recovery Act.  We get criticized for saying we have to deal with energy education and health care all at once -- we should just worry about getting the economy back.  We cannot, we cannot lead the world in the 21st century -- let me say it again -- we cannot without a fundamental shift in our education, energy, and health care policy.  So it's not a question of doing too much.  There is no option.  It is now.  Now.  Now.   

And for those who say that we could not invest the money in the Recovery Act, let me tell you failure to invest now would put us in a position where we would be behind the curve for the next generation, in my humble opinion.  Because much of what the Secretary was able to do here, much of what we're able to do out of the Department of Energy, and out of the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, all of which have energy impacts, is being funded on a one-time basis, with the boldest initiative any administration has every attempted in the midst of an economic recession -- a $787 billion down payment on the future.

Failure to act would result in 4 to 5 million additional lost jobs.  So it's a process folks.  And in this process, we really genuinely believe, and I know here you at the university you believe, we're in the beginning stages of beginning to change the world.  I know this sounds like hyperbole.  I'm back on campus and I feel as idealistic as I did when I was a 29 year-old kid summing up my campaign here for the United States Senate on campus. 

I am more certain, I am more committed, I am more idealistic about our opportunities than I have been the day I got elected to office as a 29 year-old kid.  I genuinely mean it.  Seldom do we get to a point where we have an option, an opportunity to literally alter the course of human history.  And it's like turning around a super tanker folks.  You change the heading of a super tanker by five degrees; 50 miles out, you're way off in a different direction than you were before you changed it.  And that's where we are right now.

In the most literal sense, that's why we're here today.  That's why we've chosen such a great university.  Now, I'm prejudiced, I know.  I'm not joking about this.  I say to the press and the national press that's here, I went here.  It's a great university, but it's even a greater university by a long shot.

We got a guy now at the helm of this university who has visions for this university that are totally, completely warranted.  And with the help of the legislature, and the help of the people of the state of Delaware, and the help of the philanthropies and the fundraising that go on, we in fact are going to be able to realize President Harker's dream for this university.  This is a premier institution, and no more than in the area of the kind of advancements we're talking about here.

This really is about making the world better.  And I'm not just -- I'm saying this because I'm on the university campus.  It's about the air we breathe.  It's about the water we drink.  It's about the mountains our children are going to be able climb, and it's about the lakes we swim in and the oceans that nourish us and, literally, renew our souls.  That's the world we intend to change, all of us.  And I'm sure you all share my view, Democrats and Republicans.

We've already begun.  It's been just slightly more than a hundred days.  The Recovery Act includes $11 billion to bolster state and local governments on one item alone, energy efficiency, energy-efficiency programs  -- to weatherize low-income homes that are already being put to work, for example.

Jack talked about the state buildings and the federal buildings.  I need not tell experts like you, sir, Professor, that the single biggest bang for the buck we could get is not with these wind turbines -- that's the future, the immediate future -- it's literally just weatherizing, just weatherizing, conservation.  The single biggest bang for the buck we can get.  We've been criticized for spending Recovery Act money to do that.  Today, here in Delaware, we're doing that and we're doing a lot more.

As the President announced on Earth Day, the Department of the Interior is releasing the regulations that will govern the development of renewable energy in the offshore waters.  These final rules are going to enable Delaware, and enable a nation, to tap into our ocean's vast, vast sustainable resources to generate clean energy in an environmentally sound and safe manner.

And with the release of these rules, we can much better, much better harness the wind here in Delaware, but also solar, wave, and ocean current energy along our nation's coast.  Gov, the prospects are unlimited.  The prospects are unlimited.  And it's time for us to dream really big, not small; not just in terms of whether or not we can actually provide the electricity for 50,000 or 100,000 or 200,000 homes in Delaware.  It is so much bigger than that.

And we're trying to do our part to spur investment -- a significant portion.  This is not the first.  This is multiple times that I've dealt with wind energy projects.  Just out of Missouri, John -- and I got to talk to you about what they're doing out there in creating in the steel mills and the turbines they're creating -- but not only that, the transformers that are being built.  Guess what happens.  This ultimately is about jobs.  It's jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs. 

I mean, we can't in Delaware -- we're losing jobs where people can, by a single job, live a decent way -- make a decent wage; have a sustainable income that can't be exported -- the job -- that allow people to live in a middle-class neighborhood like you and I grew up in.  Used to work at General Motors or Chrysler.  God willing, we'll be able to save some of it, we hope.  The truth of the matter is there's so many spin-offs here. 

And so the tax system that we wrote into the legislation provides financial incentives to projects like the one here in Delaware.  It's not just the regulations being issued; it's the significant incentives.  Let's not kid ourselves.  You can write the regulations, boss.  It ain't going, no matter what the state does, without these tax incentives. 

Across the country, the Recovery Act invests about $14 billion in renewables by allowing wind producers not only to access the investment tax credit, but also supports production tax credits.  It also -- thanks to the Recovery Act, the Department of Energy is spending $6 billion to underwrite up to $60 billion in loans -- $60 billion in loans for renewable-energy projects in the next 18 months.  And that's for projects just like the one we have here in Delaware.

Basically, between all our efforts, all of our efforts -- I mean everyone in this room, including the citizens of this state, we can finally truly get serious about our commitment to renewable energy of all types.  Not any of these things are enough.  You need to create the synergy to get this thing moving.  And we have the combination, the intellectual horsepower, the ingenuity, the policy changes needed that government had to supply to incentivize businesses to move in ways that they want to move in cooperation with the public sector.

But this is more than just a new source of energy, in my view.  And I go back to the purpose of the Recovery Act, which contains this money, these direct and indirect tax expenditures.  It is a new source of job creation, a new place for America to assert international leadership in climate change.  And most important, it's a way to build a platform -- build a platform for the economy of the future.  John, it's not just the platforms you're going to build for these windmills; it goes much more than that.  It's a fundamentally new approach to creating jobs that are not exportable, that pay a decent living union wage, and allow people to be able to turn to their kids and say, honey, it's going to be okay.  It's going to be okay.

I want to remind you of what -- President Obama and I have a simple proposition we both independently, and when we ran together, jointly talked about:  The measure of whether or not we succeed in economic growth is not whether the GDP increases; it's whether or not we increase the ranks of the middle class; it's whether or not we raise the living standard of middle-class workers.

I remind you, we had great economic growth in the end of the 19th century.  But guess what; they weren't decent-paying jobs.  So if we went out and created another 10 million jobs paying minimum wage, we would view that as a failure, a failure.  The middle class has been left behind.  It will not be left behind on our watch.  And a green economy is the automobile of the future.  It is the technology of the future. 

And so, folks, the economy and the environment, for the first time in my 37 years of holding high public office, they are the same shade of green.  We used to have those arguments, Bob, about whether or not by moving to a green economy we were going to cost ourselves jobs, cost ourselves economic opportunity.  Well, it's the opposite now.  We've reached that point, as I said earlier, that inflection point where jobs, economic growth, and the environment are the same shade of green, Gov.

And so I see firsthand everywhere I go -- a couple of weeks ago, as I said, I was at a transformer plant in Missouri, by the way, run by the UAW, putting people back to work as a consequence of building new wind farm projects out there in the central part of the state.  As a consequence of that order, because of the tax credits made available, they're building another new 100 windmills out there.  Guess what; they had to build these turbines.  I mean, they -- excuse me, had to build these transformers.  And it saved jobs, good-paying jobs.  So this, in a nutshell, is the story of the Recovery Act.

This is a story of how a new economy predicated on innovation, the environment, and efficiency is inspiring the kind of growth we need to build the 21st century to lead the world once again.  This is a story that stretches across Delaware, up and down our state, and throughout the entire country.  And it's a story we're writing together.  We've heard for years that a greener economy is going to benefit our grandkids -- and it will.  It clearly will.  But guess what.  It also will jumpstart our economy today.  That's the whole story. 

The whole story is that building a green economy is for us, as well as our children.  It's going to increase the bottom lines through greater efficiency, lower gas prices, reducing dependence on foreign oil, return America to it's rightful place as the leading edge of progress in the world.  And those of you who travel the world are saddened when you find out we're not viewed that way in so many other countries.  We plan on recapturing that. 

As we do all that, we're leaving men and women with jobs that cannot be exported; jobs that will form the foundation for this new economy; and jobs that they can keep forever.  This right here, right here, is how we're  going to rebuild the economy.  And this right here is how we'll quite literally begin to change the world.

So I want to thank the brilliant professors here, and the students here at the university for your innovative notions, and your willingness to plow into this for so long, for so many years; finally beginning to be rewarded; finally beginning to be listened to.

I want to thank the Governor for his leadership, and it's real; it’s genuine.  I want to thank the private sector for deciding that this is a place where we should be investing.  And I want to thank Ken Salazar and my colleagues in the Senate for being so supportive -- so supportive of this kind of leap. 

But I want to make it clear to you.  If all we do -- if all we do is create one wind farm out there -- if we don't, as a consequence of that, restore our steel plants; if we don't, as a consequence of that, restore jobs -- go through the numbers, and I will not take the time now -- if we do what we have at our disposal to do right here in Delaware, we're going to save tens of millions of dollars; we're going to create hundreds of good, durable, sustaining jobs, and we're going to lead the country in renewing our commitment to innovation and transforming this economy.  And I've always believed that's what this university had the capacity to be on the ground floor doing.  And, once again, you are, Mr. President.

So to all of you I say thank you.  God bless you for what you're doing.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

END   

 
 
THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                             May 4, 2009

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT CINCO DE MAYO EVENT

East Room

5:28 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Hello.  Gracias.

AUDIENCE:  Bienvenidos.

THE PRESIDENT:  Bienvenidos.  Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro -- (laughter) -- Cinco de Mayo at the White House.  We are a day early, but we always like to get a head start here at the Obama White House.

Cinco de Mayo marks a singular moment in Mexican history.  Nearly 150 years ago, a ragtag band of soldiers and citizens, badly outnumbered and facing impossible odds, held their ground on a muddy hill to defend their nation from what was at the time the most fearsome fighting force in the world.  That decisive victory at what became known as the Battle of Puebla ignited a pride in country and culture that Mexican Americans feel to this day.

And tomorrow, on both sides of our border, we'll pay tribute to our shared heritage by celebrating with friends and family, with love and laughter.  We'll remember that America is a richer and more vibrant place thanks to the contributions of Mexican Americans -- (applause) --

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Yeah!  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  I knew that was Manny over there.  (Laughter.)  Pat, do something about Manny.  (Laughter.)

We'll remember that the contributions of commerce and culture, in language and literature, in faith, and in food have all made America a better place.  And we will honor the service of Mexican Americans who have worn the uniform of the United States.  We'll also recommit to advancing the ambitions and the dreams of generations of Mexican Americans and all Latinos who have had an immeasurable impact on the life of this nation.

But even as we mark this joyous and festive occasion, we do so mindful of the fact that this is a difficult time for Mexico. The pain our global economic downturn has inflicted has only been deepened by the outbreak of the H1N1 flu, as well as the drug-related violence that has robbed so many of their future.

One thing we know:  Good neighbors work together when faced with common challenge.  And that's why we're working closely with the Mexican government to identify and treat illnesses that are caused by this new flu strain.  I spoke to President Calderón on Saturday about this joint approach.  That's why we're working in an urgent and coordinated fashion to end the drug wars.  That's why we'll continue to stand side-by-side with the Mexican people in pursuit of our common security and our common prosperity.

So I know this is a tough time on both sides of the border.  I know some of tomorrow's celebrations have been downsized or cancelled out of an abundance of caution, from Puebla to Mexico City to my hometown of Chicago.  And while we hope and pray that all these precautions and preparations will prove unnecessary, I applaud the Mexican government and all the leaders who are taking responsibility and appropriate steps in order to keep the people safe.

As we honor our heritage and our heroes tomorrow, I also know this:  Mexicans, Americans, and Mexican Americans are all a people who've known trial and persevered in the face of incredible odds.  We're a people of revolution; who value hard work and sacrifice; who forever look forward to the future with a deep and abiding faith that the dream of opportunity is still real and alive in our time.

And when one of my predecessors once visited Mexico City, he said that "while geography has made us neighbors, tradition has made us friends.  Economics has made us partners.  And necessity has made us allies... two great and independent nations, united by hope instead of fear."

John F. Kennedy's message nearly a half-century ago is my message now.  And when I made my first trip to Mexico as President, not just -- just three weeks ago, I was greeted by the children of both our nations waving flags of both our nations -- a powerful reminder that in the end, everything we do is done to guarantee a better future for our children and our grandchildren.

And while I was there, I found it impossible not to be touched by the warmth, the vigor, and the forceful vitality of the Mexican people -- a love of life I've seen in Mexican American communities throughout this nation.  And that's what we'll celebrate tomorrow, that's what we celebrate tonight, and that's what we will celebrate in the future.

So feliz Cinco de Mayo.  Thank you very much for being here.  And party on.  (Applause.)

Oh, I also want to -- I want to make sure that -- everybody knows the Bidens, but I want to make sure to acknowledge my good friend and a great friend of the United States, Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, and his lovely wife, Valencia.  (Applause.)

Excuse me.  In an incredible breach of protocol, I introduced my good friend, the Ambassador, but he has greetings from the people of Mexico.  So I take complete responsibility for that.  I apologize.  Will everybody please settle down, and let's hear from our Ambassador from Mexico.  (Applause.)

AMBASSADOR SARUKHAN:  Senor Presidente, Mrs. Obama, Mr. Vice President, Mrs. Biden, ladies and gentlemen, amigos, amigas.  It is a great honor and a pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate together Cinco de Mayo.  Perhaps no single anniversary captures the depth of our friendship and the ties that unite us as this one does.  True friendship, they say, must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity to be entitled to that name.

I believe that Mexico and the United States have together on multiple occasions in the past successfully faced hardships and overcome difficulties so that we may rightly claim to be true friends.

Today our two countries have yet again joined hands to address a common challenge.  Over the past few days we have worked together tirelessly, transparently and responsibly to identify and contain the spread of the H1N1 influenza outbreak.  We are firming and strengthening our cooperation, as well as providing an all-too-real example of the benefits of close cooperation and of the need to continue to deepen and widen our ties so that we may together build a strategic partnership.

Therefore, today, as the situation begins to stabilize, I would like to take this opportunity, Mr. President, to express the sincere gratitude of President Calderón and of the government and people of Mexico for all your support during this outbreak, and for your personal commitment to strengthen the already strong ties that bind our two peoples.

The festivities surrounding Cinco de Mayo may have their origin in the victory won in 1862 by Mexican forces against an invading French army.  But the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla has become a truly transnational celebration symbolizing the friendship that exists between our two nations, connected as they are by transported ties of family, history, culture and trade.

Here in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has also become a broader celebration, binding all Latinos as a community, and has acquired distinctive American undertones.  The transformation that this historic date has undergone in this country mirrors the one that all immigrants go through as they arrive and integrate into their new home, conscious that the U.S. thrives because it welcome newcomers, who in turn embrace its values and way of life.

And that is as it should be in a nation of immigrants such as the United States.  For American describes a oneness that points to citizenship and not the place of birth or nationality of the men and women it designates as Americans.  It makes reference to a singular citizenship and a highly plural civil society.

But beyond integration there must also be empowerment.  And this to a great extent is to be realized through the unity and organization that many of you here have dedicated your life to promoting within the Latino community.  Full citizenship can only be attained if people are well informed, organized and take an active part in the public life of their country.  Latino unity and organization is what precisely lies behind one of the most significant stories unfolding in contemporary America -- the coming of age of Hispanic community in this country, a community that many of you here represent today.

We thus need to continue to actively encourage the responsible and intelligent civic engagement and empowerment of Latinos to make sure that their voice is heard and their culture celebrated, and to ensure that they prosper as America prospers.

This is no small task, for notwithstanding the fact that the United States is a country that welcomes immigrants it would be naive to think that empowerment comes naturally and inevitably as a result of integration.  For some, for most recent immigrants, many of them Latinos, the obstacles are indeed significant.  Some would like to make these people invisible.  But as Ralph Ellison once said of the African American community, "If they are invisible it is simply because people refuse to see them."

This cannot stand, for to quote Ellison, "America is woven of many strands.  I would recognize them and let it so remain.  Our fate is to become one and yet many.  This is not prophecy, but description."

Ladies and gentlemen, no other bilateral relationship is more important than security and the prosperity of the United States than its relationship with Mexico, in the same way that the well being of the Mexican people is inextricably tied to the fates of the United States.  We must ensure that on both sides of the border our citizens remain co-stakeholders to this all-important bilateral relationship.  And in this endeavor the Latino community must continue to play a key role.

The celebration of the Cinco de Mayo by both our countries is a most permanent reminder of the common bond and heritage that our two nations share.  What we celebrate here today, Mr. President, is a common past and hopes and aspirations for a common future.

Thank you very much.  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  All right.  Now you can go party.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

END
5:40 P.M. EDT

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President
_________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                  May 4, 2009


REMARKS BY THE VICE PRESIDENT AT THE OFFICIAL KICKOFF EVENT FOR THE RESTORATION AND RENOVATION OF THE WILMINGTON TRAIN STATION
Amtrak Wilmington Train Station
Wilmington, Delaware

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Adrian (phonetic) and I, and all of us, have been hanging out at this station for a long, long time.  And as Ron, the station manager, and Adrian can tell you, I still ride this train.  I'll be riding it today.  I took it home a couple days ago.

And the longest stretch I've ever gone in my adult life, since age 32, actually, that I haven't been on an Amtrak train was the previous three weeks.  It's the first time ever I have been -- three weekends in a row I haven't been home.  See, the dog even knows it.  (Laughter.)  And he was angry that I didn't come home.  (Laughter.) 

But it's good to be home.  It's good to be back.  Senator Kaufman said it better than anyone has thus far, in my view.  I just wish he wrote speeches as good for me as he writes for himself.  (Laughter.)  Where the hell was all this when you were doing this for me?  (Laughter.)  I mean, that line about breakfast, lunch, dinner, rest, et cetera, all in one day on the train is a good one.  But it's true.  And it's true that all of you -- this is an Amtrak crowd out here.

First of all, let me say to labor, thanks, thanks for always having our back.  (Applause.)  Let me also say that it's always been nice to be home, but this is a special day.  I think it's a little nicer than almost any time that I've been here at this station.

Look, you can imagine today's ceremony is near and dear to my heart, and also to all the people standing behind me.  The people who tend to this station, the conductors who have become my personal and longtime -- and continued friends, the more than 7,000 round trips I've made on this track -- they're a part of my identity.  They're a part of who I am, whether I like it or not. 

When we were putting together the Recovery Package -- and it started back in Chicago, before we were sworn in -- I made it, as the President tells everyone, abundantly clear that if you're going to create jobs with a long-lasting platform for the future, it's rail, rail, rail, and rail. 

And so I make no apologies because I have been somewhat criticized by some for having so heavily influenced the amount of money -- more money is being invested in American rail, and all the components of rail, than any time in modern history.  We have allocated $8 billion for high-speed rail.  We've allocated another $5 billion -- $1 billion for the next five years.  We're making a commitment that is absolutely unprecedented since the turn of the last century, the turn of the 20th century.

And so for our family, and the families of the gentlemen behind me, this station has been home, and it's going to be a much nicer home.  This isn't just about making the station look better.  This is about making it more efficient.  Because what we expect to happen is -- we expect ridership to continually increase, not decrease.  Bob Dole, who is an old friend, and used to be the minority and majority leader -- and every time there would be a vote on Amtrak.  And before Tommy came, I'd be the guy who was viewed as the guy, and Bill Roth, helping Amtrak.

And ever the vote on Amtrak there's -- you see, in the Senate there's what they call the Well of the Senate.  There's two desks down at the bottom level below where the president of the Senate sits, and each, the democratic table and Republican table, they put a yellow sheet of paper out as Tom and Ted know.  And they'll say succinctly what the vote is about.

And every time we'd vote on Amtrak, Bob Dole literally would instruct the Republican desk to put the following note as to what the vote is:  Vote to keep Biden in Delaware.  (Laughter.)  That was his great sense of humor, because he pointed out if Amtrak ever stopped running, Biden would move to Washington.  Then that would be hell for everyone.  (Laughter.)  Well, I'm now in Washington.  (Laughter.)  And I am proud to say that the work that the men behind me have done for so many years -- and I've been part of it with them -- I've been able to be placed in a position -- if nothing else happened as Vice President, the mere fact of being able to significantly influence, along, I might add, with Rahm Emanuel, the considerable expenditure and commitment to rail in America has been worth the trip.

And so not only have we supported Amtrak, those of you behind you (sic), we continue to.  I still hope that every time I get on this train, which is still frequently, that people understand why I get on this train.  It is the single best investment of any traveling dollar you can invest in.  It is safer.  It is more reliable.  It is more certain.  It is more accurate than any means to get back and forth on this corridor.

I've devoted a significant part of my career to doing what I could do, along with others, to support this notion of getting rail de-stigmatized, because it was stigmatized for such a long time, this idea we only subsidize Amtrak.  We subsidize the airlines more.  We subsidize the highways more.  It's the least subsidized form of travel.  So I'm very, very proud to be part of an administration that not only was willing to listen to my notions about rail, but fully, thoroughly, totally embrace them, from an environmental standpoint, from an economic standpoint, and from a pure transportation standpoint.

We've dedicated $30 million to this project.  It is true that Tom and Mike and I worked very hard to set as monies for this station.  But we would not be spending a penny on it today without the Recovery Act.  We have no time to wait.  We cannot wait.  That's what the Recovery Act is about.  It's not only that.  You're building vehicles.  You're building/restoring cars down in Bear.  You're restoring vehicles that are needed by the rail companies just to get -- Amtrak, just to get to and from locations.  We're spending a lot of time and money.  Why?  It's about, as Ted said, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs.  That's why we cannot wait.          

This has the added convenience of a job being created today that is a good-paying job, mostly a union job, a job you can raise your family on, a job you can live a middle-class life on, as well as building a platform for the 21st century.  That's why the tens of millions of dollars that are coming to the state of Delaware under this Recovery Act would be -- we would be in desperate shape around the country without this legislation.

The fact of the matter is it goes well beyond rail.  It goes to the notion that you have over 40 governors who would be laying off scores of teachers, scores of policemen, scores of firemen, as well as not investing in education, not investing in the infrastructure, not investing in energy like we're doing in this bill.  Without this legislation, we would lose another 4 to 5 million jobs in America in the midst of this recession.

So ladies and gentlemen, we're doing this for the people of Delaware.  But we're doing it for the 28 million people who ride Amtrak every single week, 28 million people.  We're doing it because it will take care of a critical, but long-neglected needs of the rail system.  We'll be putting to work -- we'll be putting people to work immediately.  And it's an investment that will yield benefits for this economy in years to come.

Think about it.  If we shut down the Northeast Corridors -- Anne Canby, the former person running the transportation net in this state will tell you, and before that, Nathan Hayward -- if you shut down the corridor, it's not just you wouldn’t be able to ride into I-95, you would have to create seven, seven new lanes of highway on 95, costing an average $30 million a linear mile for one lane -- for one lane.  Not the seven lanes added, for one lane. 

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the single best investment for my grandchildren and my children I could possibly make as it relates to transportation.  So by improving our rail system, we're going to put even more people off the road, lowering the dependence on foreign oil, lowering the price of gas we put in our tanks.  And we're going to loosen the congestion, as Mike said, suffocating our highways; the incredible hours of lost productivity that adds up into billions of dollars a year.  And we're going to significantly, significantly lessen the damage to our planet.  All in all, we're going to ensure that we can travel the country throughout a system that is sound, that is secure, and is able to handle the full-speed-ahead progress that our new economy so desperately needs.

And I've heard the quip:  If God had meant man to fly, he wouldn't have given him rail works.  (Laughter.)  Well, I kind of believe part of that's true.  It's about the time we took the railroads and we made them the national treasure they used to be and should be.  Railroads and stations like this throughout the country have connected communities to each other.  And now they're going to move us forward into the 21st century by helping us secure, helping us secure and write a new history.

As for history, this station was built, as was pointed out, a little more than a hundred years ago.  And it has been the centerpiece of the Delaware community ever since.  But the fact that I've always loved about the original architect of this place, Frank Furness, wasn't just he was an architect; he was also a captain and a commander of Company F of the 6th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War.  And he received the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Battle of Trevilian, which -- actually, Trevilian Station, in Virginia, in 1884 -- excuse me, 1864.  To this day, he's the only American architect every to receive the Medal of Honor. 

It all seems kind of fitting to me, a story that meshes perfectly with the ethic and sacrifice and the hard work that has always defined the people of Delaware, and the people that make this station what it is; the people who make the places -- this place such a wonderful place to come home to, day in and day out.

So I thank you all.  I thank all the folks at this station who have become my family.  I thank all of you who've supported Amtrak for so long.  Our day has finally arrived, and just in time to provide the work, protect the environment, and to relieve congestion for the American people.  We're going to be redoing this not just in Wilmington, but all over America.

So let me end by saying, may God bless you all, and may God protect out troops.  This is a good day for the state of Delaware.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

END   

 
 
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the First Lady
_______________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                                    May 4, 2009 
REMARKS BY THE FIRST LADY
AT A LAMB SCHOOL HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENT
 Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School
Washington, D.C.
12:21 P.M. EDT
MRS. OBAMA:  Que fantastico!  (Applause.)  Thank you, Laurie, for that wonderful introduction.  You guys are terrific -- all the singing and the dancing.  It was just amazing.  You all look so pretty and bright, and your school is just beautiful.  You should be so proud to go here because it is a really beautiful school and you're so very lucky.
I also want to say Feliz Cuatro de Mayo -- (laughter) -- right?  Why, why?  Because what's tomorrow, really?  What's tomorrow?  Tomorrow is really actually Cinco de Mayo.  But I'm -- but I'm going to --
Q    (Inaudible.)
MRS. OBAMA:  What, what?  Yes, I'm right about that.  So today is actually what?
Q    Cuatro.
MRS. OBAMA:  Cuatro de Mayo.  So Happy Cuatro de Mayo.  (Laughter.)
I am really honored to be here.  This is one of the favorite -- one of my favorite things that I get to do is go around and visit schools and to talk to all of you.  So I am so happy to be here.  Even though it's rainy and soggy outside, I was looking so forward to today, and meeting all of you, and seeing your school, and hearing you sing and dance.  It's just a wonderful treat.
And at a time that we're celebrating Mexican culture and heritage, it's so important for us to think about some of the challenges that the folks in Mexico are facing right now.  And we want to make sure that we're sending our thoughts and our prayers out to people as they're getting well, and the rest of the people around the country as they're getting well, from folks who have gotten the flu and all that kind of stuff, right?  So we want to send good thoughts to everyone, okay?
But since I've moved to Washington -- because I didn't live here before, before my husband came -- became the President, me and our girls, our family, we lived where?
Q    Chicago!
MRS. OBAMA:  In Chicago.  She has the book, so she's -- (laughter) -- you've got the answers there.  It's this book -- I didn't even know what was going on.  (Laughter.)
So now that we've moved to Washington, our new community, we've really been trying to get to know the community and get to know our neighbors.  That's one of the reasons why at least once a week I get out of the White House and come and see you guys so I get to learn about your schools, learn about your neighborhoods, your communities, because I think it's important for all of us to get to know our communities, and not just to get to know it but to participate, because Washington, D.C., the place where you live, is just an amazing place.  Don't you think? 
I mean, you guys are living where there's the Capitol, and the White House, and the Washington Monument, and the Supreme Court -- because we're in the process of selecting a new Supreme Court member.  So there's so much excitement here.  And what happens here is that the whole world looks to Washington, D.C., to really understand what America means.  And you guys live here. 
So I want to make sure that the children of D.C. feel as much a part of the business part of D.C.; that you guys get to know the capital and you feel comfortable knowing where the White House is, and that you come to visit us, because it's important for you to understand what Washington is all about, not just what's going on in your schools and your communities, but what goes on in the capital, and that you feel like that space is your space, and that that's -- it's your democracy, as much as it is anyone else's.
And I want you all to keep in mind, as you think about this stuff, especially our Next Step folks, our AmeriCorps young people, is that I always want all of you to start thinking about public service.
And public service can mean a whole lot of things.  It just means that you take the time to help your community, because we're at a point in time when we're going to need a lot of help from you all, especially our Next Steppers, right?  Moving on, we are going to need you all to take on the next challenges of leadership.  And we want you, as you move forward, to think about developing careers in public service, whether it's working in government, or working in communities, or working with youth groups, or whether it's, you know, raising money.  Whatever it is, think about a way that you can develop a career or have some time spent in your life to give back, because all of you guys are future leaders.  Every single one of you, the three-year-olds on up to the 20-year-olds, we're all counting on you to make good choices.
So as First Lady I really want to make sure that people feel connected.  And one way that we're doing that with kids in D.C. -- and this is more for the older kids -- is that we're developing this summer at the White House a program called D.C. Scholars, where we're inviting teens from Washington, D.C. -- and it's exclusive to the teens who live in the area -- to come and be interns at the White House.
For the first time -- and this hasn't been done -- students from the D.C. public school system will have the opportunity to be interns at the White House.  We've already selected our first class.  But for those of you who are interested in coming to work in my office maybe, or working in the President's office, or -- you know, there's a whole range of opportunities.  It's important for you to look out on the web site at the White House for how to get involved in next year's summer program.
But in order to be a part of this program, you have to have your stuff together, right?  You all know that, right?  You're passing that down to these young people.  And by having your stuff together, it means that you have to do what?  What are some of the things that you need to be doing now in order to get really good internships?  What do you guys think you need to be doing?
Q    Working!
MRS. OBAMA:  Working hard, yes.  What else?  Just shout out.
Q    Studying!
Q    Reading!
MRS. OBAMA:  Studying, reading.
Q    Listening!
MRS. OBAMA:  What?
Q    Listening. 
MRS. OBAMA:  Listening.  To who?
Q    Teachers!
MRS. OBAMA:  Your teachers.  Who else should you be --
Q    Parents!
MRS. OBAMA:  Your parents.  You guys know this, right?  Let's see if some of the big kids know this.  (Laughter.)   What do you all have to be doing to have your stuff together? 
Q    Studying hard!
MRS. OBAMA:  Studying, right?  And learning.  All right, we got it, we got it.  I think -- have you -- do you all hear?  Do you all have it from the little people?
So one of the things that I try to encourage all students to do now, because -- listen, listen -- it is so important, the choices you make now as students.  And we're not looking for young people to always be at the top of their class.  A lot of times we look for the kids who are trying really hard, right, who are showing through the little things -- whether they come to class on time, whether they're pushing and challenging themselves, not whether they are always getting everything right.
I tell my kids, I want you to be comfortable with failing, because if you learn how to fail, then you're not afraid to do what?  To try, right?  So we're asking young people at this point in time in our country's history, we want you to try.  And if you're trying now, and you're staying out of trouble, and you're working with your teachers, and you're doing community service, and you're giving back, and you're getting decent grades, and you're listening to your parents, then opportunities like interning at the White House, working in the First Lady's Office, maybe standing here one day, are open to you.
And the White House internship program for D.C. public school kids is one way that we just want to create a little bit of an incentive for all of you all to just keep it up and keep pushing, right, whether you're three or 23.  You can do this.
So I really want to thank you all from -- on behalf of myself and the President and Malia and Sasha and Bo.   (Laughter.)  We are so happy to be here with you all today.  We are so proud of you.  We want you to know that you can do anything you want as long as you try, right?
So I'm going to stop now because I am -- I get to let you guys -- you guys get to ask me a couple of questions.  But I have to say, make them very easy questions, because it's very nerve-wracking being up here, and there are cameras back there and everything.  Please ask me something I can answer.
All right, do we -- we have a mic.  All right, Diane, why don't you -- feel free, you go around and find -- do a good mix of kids.  And we have time for three or four. 
All right, so your teachers are going to come around.  And speak up and tell me your name and how old you are, too, before you ask your question. 
All stand, stand up for me.  Stand up.  Stand up tall.  Stand up tall.
Q    What is your grandma's name?
MRS. OBAMA:  First, tell me your name. 
Q    Sierra (ph). 
MRS. OBAMA:  What?
Q    Sierra (ph). 
MRS. OBAMA:  How old are you?
Q    What is your grandma's name?  (Laughter.) 
MRS. OBAMA:  What's my grandma's name, or what's Malia and -- what's my mom's name, or what's Malia and Sasha's name?  Her name is Marian Robinson, but we call her Grandma.  (Laughter.)  Thank you for that question.  See?  I knew that.  I knew that one.
All right, stand up.  Tell me your name.
Q    Olivia (ph).
MRS. OBAMA:  How old are you, Olivia (ph)? 
Q    Eight.
MRS. OBAMA:  Ooh, big time. 
Q    What was it like your first time stepping into the White House?
MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, wow.  Well, the first time I stepped into the White House, it was to visit the Bush family, because they hadn't moved out yet, and after my husband won and he was the President-elect, we went to go visit.  And it was actually a very exciting experience for me, because I had never set foot in the residence of the White House, so it was very exciting.
But the thing is that the Bush family, they were so kind to us, they were so nice.  The Bush daughters were so nice to Malia and Sasha, and they showed them where their rooms might be, and they told them all the secrets of how life at the White House can be fun.  So it was really exciting for me, probably like you might feel if you walked into the house where you were going to live, right, for the first time.  That's how I felt.  I was pretty excited.
All right, let's get another question going.
Q    Yes, how are you doing, Ms. Michelle Obama? 
MRS. OBAMA:  It's good to --
Q    My name is George (ph), I'm an AmeriCorps member.
MRS. OBAMA:  It's good to see you.  (Applause.)
Q    And with the D.C. Scholars, is that only for people in D.C.?  Because we actually -- I live in Maryland.
MRS. OBAMA:  You know, that's a good question.  Where's my team?  Is it just for -- I think it's just for D.C. public school kids.  It's for D.C. public school kids.
Q    It's only for D.C.?
MRS. OBAMA:  But we -- you know, there goes Jocelyn, who's my policy director.  If you think you want to make a case for expanding it, go see her.  (Laughter.)
All right, we're getting another big person question.
Q    My name is Plazy (ph).  I'm 20 years old.  I want to ask a -- did you never had tried Mexican food?  What type of --
MRS. OBAMA:  Have I ever tried Mexican food?
Q    Yes, what type --
MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, let me tell you, Mexican food is my favorite food in the whole wide world.  I think I'm on record.  (Laughter.)  Ooh, what do I love?  I love -- oh, I love tortillas, I love tamales -- (laughter) -- I love beans and rice, I love mole, I love all the mole sauces, I love beef and lamb and quesadillas.  I mean, you name it.  The question is, what don't I like?  (Laughter.)  I like it all. 
All right, we want to do two more questions.  We can do two more.  We'll do two more. 
Okay, here we go.  We have a young lady with the mic. 
MS. COTTEN:  What's your name?
Q    Maya (ph).
MRS. OBAMA:  Maya (ph). 
Q    I'm seven years old.  What were there differences between living in the White House and your house in Chicago?
MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, yes, what are the differences?  Big differences.  First of all, you know, there's a lot of protection at the White House.  There are a lot of people who are around making sure that the President is safe -- the Secret Service, yes.  Some of them are here right now, yes.  (Laughter.)
But, you know, part of it is that the White House is not really just our house, and we don't view it that way.  Like, our house in Chicago, it was really just our house, right?  And we feel like the White House belongs to everybody.  So there are always people in and out of our house.  We have tours going on, we host receptions for people, we want to make sure that kids are coming in and out.  So we don't really feel like it's just our house for us; that it's a house for everybody.  But our house in Chicago is really just for us. 
So I think that's one big difference.  It's a house that we share.  We live in it for now, but we're borrowing it, and we have to take really good care of it.  But it really belongs to everyone in this country, which is why I want to make sure, if you guys haven't come and taken a visit -- and had a visit, you should come by and see what it looks like, right?  Make sure your teachers take you on a trip, or your parents take you over the summer, so that you see what it's like living there, okay?  
All right, we'll take one more question.  One more question.  You want to pick them?  Oh, we've got -- okay, there you go.
Q    My name is Stephanie (ph), I'm 24 years old.  And my question is more of a request.  I wanted to know if I can get your autograph on these two magazines that I've purchased.  (Laughter.)
MRS. OBAMA:  You know, what I'm going to ask you guys to do is just have -- who do we have here who can collect the things that we need to sign?  Well, I'll sign them, I'll make sure we collect them in the back.  So make sure you have something with your name on it so that we can get it back to you.  I'd be happy to.
Q    Thank you.
MRS. OBAMA:  All right, that wasn't a question.  We'll do one more question, and then we'll stop.
Okay, here we go.  Tell me your name.
Q    Amelia (ph).  I'm eight years old.
MRS. OBAMA:  Amelia (ph).  Thank you for the flower, by the way.
Q    You're welcome.  I'm eight years old, and I wanted to know what has surprised you mostly about the White House.
MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, see, this is a question; serious.  What has surprised me most?  I think -- you know, I didn't -- I didn't know that I would have this much fun doing what I'm doing.  I didn't know what to expect.  I didn't know how hard it would be, I didn't know how much work it would be.  I didn't know completely what to expect. 
But what I found is that this is a really good job.  I've always felt like public service is a really good thing to do.  I used to be a lawyer.  I went to law school -- you knew that because it's in the book, isn't it?  (Laughter.)  That's good.  But I practiced law, and I enjoyed practicing, but I decided early in my career that I wanted to make my career be something that helped others. 
And being the First Lady is like the icing on the cake of helping other people.  In this role, I have a big platform.  I can come by your school, and people will follow, and they get to see what's going on here, and they get to see your faces, and we get to remind them why education is important, and why investing in you guys is so good, and the whole world will see you dancing and singing just because I came by to say hi.
Or I can plant a garden, something as small as planting a garden, and the whole world will pay attention, and then we can talk about the importance of not just gardening but of eating good food, right, of making sure you guys eat fruits and vegetables and that they taste good.
I can get my kids a dog and we can talk about the importance of young people taking responsibility for their pets, because if you ask for a pet, you got to take care of it, right? 
So there's a lot I can do to help the public, and it's been fun and surprisingly fun for me.  So I think that'd be the most important thing.
So, you guys, thank you so much.  You've been great and patient.  (Applause.) 
END                                                                                                 
12:38 P.M. EDT