Disaster Operations Center of the American Red Cross

Remarks by the President to the Travel Pool While Visiting the Disaster Operations Center of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross Washington, D.C. 10:43 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: I've come to the Red Cross to, one, thank the good folks here who are working here. We've got people from around the country who have come to help heal the lives of those who have been affected by this terrible disaster.

I told some folks back there that the world saw this tidal wave of disaster ascend upon the Gulf Coast, and now they're going to see a tidal wave of compassion. There's over 5,000 Red Cross -- or nearly 5,000 Red Cross volunteers that are working long hours at shelters in 19 states to help these folks that have been displaced get their feet back on the ground.

I can't think of anything more encouraging for someone who has endured the tragedy of a storm than to have a loving soul say, I'm here to help you. And I want -- I want you to know a lot of people care for you. And that's -- that's the spirit of the Red Cross and it's volunteers.

If you want to help -- help this country heal after the result of this disaster, please give cash money to the Red Cross. I just passed the place where volunteers and staffers are taking calls from around the country, and the response has been good, but there's more that needs to be done. Remember, it's the Red Cross that provides much of the first compassion that a person finds; it's the Red Cross that helps provide cash money for somebody to help them transition from being disrupted -- having their lives disrupted to a more normal life. It's the Red Cross that helps feed. And so the Red Cross needs money.

The Red Cross can use volunteers. People -- this is a storm of enormous magnitude. A lot of people's lives have been affected. I know much of the country is focused on New Orleans, Louisiana, but parishes outside of New Orleans have been ruined. Up and down the coast of Mississippi, communities have been destroyed. And so we need more manpower. And if you want to help, please call the Red Cross, and -- your local Red Cross and they'll find a way for you to help.

And finally, the Red Cross is in need of blood, and there's a blood drive going on. As a matter of fact, the White House will be having a blood drive on Friday. And I will be encouraging the employees there to donate blood. And I hope others will do so, as well.

This country is coming together to help people who hurt. And one of the leaders of the army of compassion is the Red Cross. And I'm grateful for your leadership, Marty. I want to thank all the good folks here who have -- who really show the world the great compassion of our country. Thanks for letting me come by to say hello.

END 10:46 A.M., EDT REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT TO THE TRAVEL POOL WHILE VISITING THE DISASTER OPERATIONS CENTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, September 4, 2005

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President's Statement William Rehnquist

Chief Justice William Rehnquist and William Rehnquist or rehnquist and Supreme Court or SCOTUS and President Bush

President's Statement on the Death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist
The Roosevelt Room, 10:01 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Our nation is saddened today by the news that Chief Justice William Rehnquist passed away last night. Laura and I send our respect and deepest sympathy to this good man's children, Jim, Janet, and Nancy. We send our respect to all the members of the Rehnquist family.

William H. Rehnquist was born and raised in Wisconsin. He was the grandson of Swedish immigrants. Like so many of his generation, he served in the Army during World War II. He went on to college with the help of the G.I. Bill. He studied law at Stanford University. He graduated first in his class, that included his future colleague, Sandra Day O'Connor. Judge Rehnquist, and his late wife, Nan, raised their family in Phoenix, where he built a career as one of Arizona's leading attorneys. He went on to even greater distinction in pubic service as an assistant U.S. attorney general, associate justice of the Supreme Court, and for the past 19 years, Chief Justice of the United States.

He was extremely well respected for his powerful intellect. He was respected for his deep commitment to the rule of law and his profound devotion to duty. He provided superb leadership for the federal court system, improving the delivery of justice for the American people, and earning the admiration of his colleagues throughout the judiciary.

Even during a period of illness, Chief Justice Rehnquist stayed on the job to complete the work of his final Supreme Court term. I was honored and I was deeply touched when he came to the Capitol for the swearing-in last January. He was a man of character and dedication. His departure represents a great loss for the Court and for our country.

There are now two vacancies on the Supreme Court, and it will serve the best interests of the nation to fill those vacancies promptly. I will choose in a timely manner a highly qualified nominee to succeed Chief Justice Rehnquist. As we look to the future of the Supreme Court, citizens of this nation can also look with pride and appreciation on the career of our late Chief Justice.

More than half a century has passed since William H. Rehnquist first came to the Supreme Court as a young law clerk. All of his years William Rehnquist revered the Constitution and laws of the United States. He led the judicial branch of government with tremendous wisdom and skill. He honored America with a lifetime of service, and America will honor his memory.

May God bless the Rehnquist family. Thank you all very much.

END 10:04 A.M. EDT For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, September 4, 2005

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