Bush visits Indiana

SOUTH BEND -- President George W. Bush met an enthusiastic crowd when he stopped in South Bend Thursday to raise money for Indiana Republicans. Although his speech was slated to be non-political in nature, Bush hinted at some of the tension in Congress as the House and Senate are under tight deadlines to push through legislation. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce gave away 5,000 free tickets for the speech, mainly to Chamber members and business constituents. Bush spoke at a rally at the South Bend Regional Airport before an enthusiastic crowd, and then proceeded to a fund-raiser reception for Rep. Chris Chocola (R-South Bend) where dinner went for $250 a plate and $4,000 could buy you a photo with the President.

Those lucky enough to land tickets arrived outside the gate of the American Airlines hanger before 9 a.m. The crowd was told to remain in place when Air Force One arrived, but it could not help but shift toward the open hanger door when the high pitched sound of the engine grew louder. Bush spoke about the economy and job security to a diverse group including union members, small business owners and families with children. He also addressed the challenges facing the U.S. "The first challenge is to make sure that there is economic security in America," he said. "A better and a stronger America is an America in which people are able to find work. "If you let a person keep his own money, that person is more likely to demand a good or service. When they demand a good or service in our society somebody is more likely to produce it. When somebody produces that good or service somebody is more likely to find work," Bush said. Bush said it is necessary for Congress to be careful not to overspend. Instead of giving the go-ahead on every new program, congressmen need to prioritize, he said.
The Secret Service was quick to designate the area surrounding Morris Performing Arts Center as a "sterile zone," meaning no one was allowed access for a protest or other reasons. But protesters managed to find a new space to express their views. Hundreds gathered in James R. Seitz Park, across the St. Joseph River overlooking the arts center for a march through the city and rally. "I'd like to see more concern with working people in this country instead of corporations and profits. It's very easy for them to go out of this country and exploit workers. I expect to be treated fairly and make a living in the country that I love," said Brian Bogeart, a member of a local carpenters union. At each stop during Bush's trip, he is recognizing a volunteer who has performed community service as part of his "September of Service" program. Ricardo Rios, an Americorps volunteer, was the South Bend honoree. Rios has educated families in Mexico and now works with middle school students in South Bend. The president wants to foster "an American culture of service, citizenship and responsibility." "Our biggest job is to protect you, the American people," Bush said. "Our biggest job is to secure our homeland to make sure we're safe."