Gov. Bush would confront the tough problems -- not to pass them on to next generation

Governor Bush is talking about responsible leadership, responsible communities, and responsible individuals this week. This isn't a set of promises -- it is a set of challenges for Americans and their government.

Joined today by retired Gen. Colin Powell, George W. Bush today outlines how America should be a country of strong communities and self-governing citizens.

This is the kind of country our government should encourage. Governor Bush will encourage government to help families and communities, and give them options, not orders. Governor Bush believes we should trust people with responsibility and help them live their lives, not try to run their lives.

(See how Governor Bush called for a Responsibility Era in his speech to the Republican Convention.)

Younger workers should be trusted to invest some of their payroll tax for their own retirement, as part of a stronger Social Security system that builds personal wealth and independence. Al Gore is opposed to it.

Governor Bush believes education is a national priority, but a local responsibility. I want to give schools the resources and authority to chart their own path to excellence. Al Gore thinks Washington knows best.

Governor Bush believes that when low-income children are trapped in failing schools, their parents should be trusted to make other choices. Al Gore would deny them those options.

Governor Bush believes that seniors should have a better Medicare system, with prescription drugs, access to the latest medical technology, and more control over their health care. Al Gore has a one-size-fits-all answer, dictated by Washington, from Washington.

I believe that low-income people should get help buying the private health insurance they choose. My opponent wants to expand a bureaucracy.

Governor Bush believes every American deserves a tax cut. Al Gore offers tax cuts only for the few and the favored, for those he calls the "right" people. And even his "right" people only get tax cuts when they do what government says.

Governor Bush believes in supporting the good work of churches and charities in communities across America. Al Gore calls their work the "crumbs of compassion" and looks to government instead.

Governor Bush trusts people and communities with responsibility, and my proposals help them meet those responsibilities in practical ways.

My opponent would expand government more than we've seen in 35 years.

It is the duty of responsible leadership to confront the tough problems -- like saving Social Security and Medicare -- not to pass them along to the next generation. America cannot sacrifice long-term solutions for short-term political gains.

There was a time when leaders spoke of passing the torch to a new generation of Americans. On Social Security, my opponent would pass the buck to a new generation of Americans -- leaving trillions in debt to voters he will never face.

It is the duty of responsible leadership to bring people together, not to pit one group against another. We cannot save Social Security by scaring our seniors and taxing their grandchildren.

America needs new and responsible leadership, so together we can confront out greatest challenges. A responsible leader sets a clear agenda and brings people together to achieve it. A leader accepts responsibility and shares credit. A leader stands on principle, so a good leader is predictable -- he doesn't try to be all things to all people, or change personalities, say, for different debates. Governor Bush will provide responsible leadership.