They deserve a government that gives them the tools to dream and build and prosper on their own. In a responsibility era, government should trust the people. And in a responsibility era, people should also be able to trust their government. Public officials should call on Americans to be responsible. But lectures don t replace leadership.
Leaders lead by example.
Leaders must be responsible, and in our great democracy, the top responsibility rests with the President of the United States. I am prepared to assume this awesome responsibility, and I will be guided by principles and convictions that will not change. When I ran for Governor of Texas, I told my fellow Texans that I would be guided by four fundamental principles - they shaped every decision I made as Governor, and they will shape every decision I make as President. I believe government should be limited and efficient. I believe in local control, because local people know better than anyone else the needs of their schools and their communities.