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Bush Aims to Comfort California

October 27, 2007 11:31 AM

ABC News' Lindsay Hamilton reports: In his weekly radio address, President Bush once again emphasized that the federal government is ready and able to respond to the California wildfire crisis that displaced over a half a million people this week. Bush went to California on Thursday as the fires ravaged the southern part of the state.

"I walked with a married couple through the charred remains of their home. I met with emergency responders. I talked with displaced families at a disaster assistance center. And I made a pledge to the people of California on behalf of all Americans: We will help you put out the fires, get through the crisis, and rebuild your lives," Bush said in the address.

The president highlighted the efficiency of the federal response, noting that assistance was granted within an hour of one of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's requests. He also paid tribute to the first responders who are still working to contain the massive fires.

"Despite the challenges of high winds and dry weather, firefighters are gaining the upper hand and earning the gratitude of their fellow citizens. Many of these brave men and women have battled the blaze in triple-digit heat. Some have worked around the clock. And more than once, firefighting teams were forced to take emergency shelter in their fire tents when threatened by approaching walls of flame. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet them, and I thank them for their courage," the president said.

October 27, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (1)

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Posted by: Firozali | Oct 30, 2007 2:43:26 AM

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