The challenges to freedom and security from radical fundamentalism must be added to that list, as well. And we have to recognize, as mentioned by both the Chancellor and President Sarkozy earlier today, that there are other forces that are shaping this new century: The spread of weapons of mass destruction and dangerous diseases, endemic disease a growing gap between the rich and poor ethnic animosity in failed states and a rapidly warming planet and uncertain supplies of energy, food, water. And President Obama looks forward to taking our message to the G20 meeting in London in April.Īnd even as we grapple with an economic crisis, we're also - have to contend with a war in Afghanistan now in its eighth year, and a war in Iraq well into its sixth year. The United States is trying to do its part. These remedies are going to have an impact, as you all know, far beyond our shores, just as the measures all of you are taking will be felt beyond your borders, as well.Īnd because of that, to the greatest extent possible, we're going to have to cooperate to make sure that our actions are complementary, and to do our utmost to combat this global crisis. We're looking - we're also working to stabilize our financial institutions by injecting considerable amounts of capital, purchasing some assets and guaranteeing others. Our plan includes doubling the production of alternative energy over the next three years computerizing our citizens' medical records to drive down cost equipping tens of thousands of our schools and colleges with 21st century classrooms, laboratories and libraries expanding the broadband across America and investing once again in science, research, technology - all the things that spur innovation. Working with the Congress, we'll make strategic investments that create and save we believe 3 to 4 million jobs, and in the process, boost our competitiveness in the long run. In the United States - like many of you - we're taking aggressive action to stabilize our financial systems, to jumpstart our economy, and, hopefully, lay a new foundation for growth in the 21st century. We are all confronting a serious threat to our economic security that could further spread instability and erode the progress we've made in improving the lives of all our citizens. But this year, more than ever before, we know that our physical security and our economic security are indivisible. And that's what this new administration is determined to do.įor 45 years, this conference has brought together Americans and Europeans - and, in recent years, leaders from beyond the Transatlantic community - to think through matters of our physical security. That's what, in our view, this moment demands. In this moment, our obligation to our fellow citizens is to - in our view - put aside the petty and political notion that - to reject the zero sum mentalities and rigid ideologies, and to listen to and learn from one another, and to work together for a common prosperity and security of all of us assembled in this room. While every new beginning is a moment of hope, this moment - for America and the countries represented in this room - it is fraught with some considerable concern and peril. And we recognize that these challenges, the need to meet them, is not an opportunity - not a luxury, but it's an absolute necessity. That new tone is rooted in a strong bipartisanship to meet these common challenges. I come to Europe on behalf of a new administration, and an administration that's determined to set a new tone not only in Washington, but in America's relations around the world. But because we are still grappling with legislation relating to our so-called stimulus package to deal with our economic issues - both Senators John McCain and John Kerry were hoping to join my three House colleagues here today, they are usually here, but they send their regrets. And now, I bring the regrets of two friends who are usually here. And we've gone through the oldest of our traditions: that is the peaceful transfer of power. Today I am especially honored to represent this administration. But I am honored to be back here, as well, as the Vice President of the United States, representing a new administration and, hopefully, a new day. I've attended this conference many times as a United States senator, and three of my congressional colleagues are here with me today. Ladies and gentleman, it's an honor to be back in Munich. REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN AT 45TH MUNICH CONFERENCE ON SECURITY POLICY
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