Bush visits Tennessee, sees tornado damage

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Correction — August 15, 2023

Due to an error in the archiving process, a vandalized version of this article containing an expletive was allowed to remain unnoticed. This error has been rectified and the article restored to its original text at publication.

George W. Bush, the president of the United States has visited Tennessee, which was hit by over 25 tornadoes which caused over 33 deaths. In the visit Mr.Bush said that “the government has got a role to play” in repairing the damage from the tornado and that anyone who has been affected should call 1-800-621-3362 to "find out the help that is available.”

Mr. Bush started the speech by saying that he "looked in their [Phil and June Spears, residents of Tennessee] eyes and saw incredible sadness and worry." He continued by saying that he believes “the Governor [of Tennessee] joins me in sharing our concerns with you.”

Later in the speech Mr. Bush said that he’s "sorry you're going through what you're going through," to the residents of Macon County, which he was visiting. He continued by saying that "life sometimes is unfair and you don't get to play the hand that you wanted to play," and that he believes "the question is when you get dealt the hand, how do you play it?" He continued by saying that the community of Macon County "is going to be as strong as ever."

Image Gallery

George Bush flying over Tennessee
George Bush meeting with residents of Tennessee
George Bush looking at the damage
George Bush with the mayor of Macon County

President Bush was under considerable criticism after people believed he did not help the citizens of New Orleans. The White House is being sensitive to criticism because they are not going to every state that has been struck by these storms. The reason that President Bush is going to Tennessee and Arkansas and not any other states is because they are the only ones that asked for help, the White House said.

Related news

"Many killed in tornadoes across southern U.S." — Wikinews, December 5, 2008

Sources

"080205's Storm Reports" — USGS, February 5/6, 2008
"Bush tours tornado-hit Tennessee, pledges help" — Reuters, February 8, 2008
"President Bush Tours Tornado Damage in Tennessee" — White House, February 8, 2008

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