February 8, 2008

THE PRESIDENT: Phil and June Spears have just -- I looked in their eyes and saw incredible sadness and worry. And I know the Governor joins me in sharing our concerns with you. But I hope a couple of things become evident to you. One is, a lot of people who care about you, total strangers showing up here in this community to help you get back on your feet.

And the government has got a role to play. I want to thank the senators and congressmen for being here, because they know that there is programs available for you. And one of the things people have got to do is call a number. Life has been turned upside down here. If you've been affected you ought to call 1-800-621-3362, 1-800-621-3362. And that's where you can find out the help that is available.

What happened is, is that the Governor and his team quickly moved as this storm moved through this -- moved through the state of Tennessee, and he made an assessment and he sent the paperwork up to me. And because he moved quickly I was able to sign a disaster declaration that then frees help. And so we want the folks to know there is help from the federal government, and he can get the number I just outlined; but there's also going to be a lot of help from loving neighbors.

And we're sorry you're going through what you're going through. You know, life sometimes is unfair and you don't get to play the hand that you wanted to play. But the question is when you get dealt the hand, how do you play it? And I've come away with this impression of the folks in Macon County: one, you're down to earth, good, hard-working people; they have a respect for the Almighty; and this community is going to be as strong as ever. That's what I think. I bet you feel the same way.

MR. SPEARS: Yes, sir. If it wasn't for my friends, I don't know what I'd do.

THE PRESIDENT: And you're going to find you got some new friends showing up, too -- a lot of people you've never heard of, they don't know who you are, total strangers. But when they know there's a neighbor in need they'll come and help you. And I appreciate you giving me a chance to come by, and I know the folks traveling with me appreciate. We're so sorry you're going through what you're going through, but there's help -- that's what you've got to know.

Anyway, God bless. Thank you.

END 12:45 P.M CST