Rooting around the archives:

There were some overlooked remarks made by Bush in his speech about the Faith-Based Initiative. This was also the speech where he denounced Trent Lott - and that that aspect got the most coverage. However, Bush also said these words: (our emphasis)

We've reformed welfare in America to help many, yet welfare policy will not solve the deepest problems of the spirit. (Applause.) Our economy is growing, yet there are some needs that prosperity can never fill. We arrest and convict dangerous criminals; yet building more prisons is no substitute for responsibility and order in our souls. (Applause.)

No government policy can put hope in people's hearts or a sense of purpose in people's lives. That is done when someone, some good soul puts an arm around a neighbor and says, God loves you, and I love, and you can count on us both. (Applause.)

To which we reply:

• Before addressing "problems of the spirit", how about addressing problems of the body?
  
  
• Government policy can put food in people's stomachs, heat in people's homes, medicine in people's children, and knowledge in people's brains.
  
  
• Those are needs that prosperity can always fill.

posted by Quiddity at 12/14/2002 10:44:00 AM