Bush touts Homeland Security unit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- President Bush's proposal to create a new Homeland Security Department met with an enthusiastic response Tuesday at a north Kansas City high school.

Bush, standing in front of a poster touting the new department, told an audience of about 900 people that he believes creating the department was the best way to ensure Americans' safety.

The president released his plan last week to move parts of 100 existing federal agencies into one Cabinet-level department to defend the country against terrorist attacks and improve domestic security.

"I don't view this as a political issue. Loving America is an American issue," the president told an audience of about 900 people at Oak Park High School. "It's important to elevate this debate way beyond political parties."

While some members of Congress have criticized the plan, Bush urged his audience to let their political leaders know of their support.

Doing what's right

"We need people to remind the turf fighters not to be nervous," he said. "We're talking about doing what's right for America."

Eva Arndt, who attended the speech, said she intended to heed the president's call.

"I agree 100 percent with what he said," said Arndt, who attended the speech with her two young sons and her mother. "I will be contacting my congressman and my senator ... If everyone would take to heart even half of what he said, this country would be so much better."

Johnny Simpson, a member of the North Kansas City School Board, said the president's speech gave him a better understanding and provided clarification for the need for the new department.

"I also thought it was great the way he reaffirmed our values, and said America is not a sleeping giant," Simpson said.

Earlier, Bush was briefed on water security as he toured the Kansas City Water Works plant with Tom Ridge, homeland security director, and EPA administrator Christie Todd Whitman.

The water facility is the main collection point for the city out of the Missouri River and also serves several communities in eastern Jackson County.