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http://classified/email/data_source/exchange/record/cd009/aprl 998/35413 a35.html 1/5/2010
Lastly, let me say that I believe that the nation needs to operate more by
values that we say we espouse but that you live with in your community
But maybe the most important thing we could do in the near term is to f
pass comprehensive legislation that would make it possible for us to im]
the proposals to reduce teenage smoking. More people die as a result of
tobacco-related illnesses every year than virtually every other thing you
think of put together — accidents, AIDS, cancer, all of it put together. Tl
thousand kids start to smoke every day, even though it's illegal; a thousr
have their lives shortened as a result of it.
We have the potential now, if we can resolve the honest policy differenc
pass a big plan here which will make a huge difference and cut the rate ■
literally save a million lives over the next five years. So I want you to ki
that I may have to — you know, it's an election year. There is only about
more days when Congress is scheduled to be in session in this town. Bu
want them to go home without dealing with the tobacco issue. I just thin
wrong. We've had a year to debate this, and it's enough time.
We have a major clean water initiative this year that we have the suppoi
interestingly enough, most of the agricultural groups in America - I'm r
pleased with that. Forty percent of our water is still not clean enough to
in, after all of the changes that have been made. We have basically clear
the problems of pollution from sewage systems and from factory run-of
of
And the Patient's Bill of Rights would simply say that you have a right t
advice from your doctor on what's best for you from a health care point
view,
not just whafs most cost effective; if you need to see a specialist, you hr
right to see one; if an emergency develops and you have to go to an erne
room, that should be covered by your plan. I think it's very important.
We also have a commission looking at reforming Medicare for the 21st
century,
and we plan to come up with a proposal - it's a bipartisan group - next
deal with that. We have an enormous opportunity here, I think, to do me
help people who are working to cover their child care costs. That's a big
of the budget this year.
pressures in this new system to sacrifice quality for profit if the going g(
tough.
it's very important. That means among things that I intend to continue tl
initiative I have to try and continue to push the frontiers of closing the g
between us across racial lines. I intend to try to get a reauthorization of •
national service program, Americorps, this year to give more young peo
chance to earn money for college by serving in their communities.