Stories O Bush example essay topic

The rebirth of South Central Los Angeles a decade after it was torn apart by riots can be an example for a nation still recovering after last fall's terror attacks, President Bush said Monday. Bush told an enthusiastic audience at First AME Church that the unrest had given way to positive change. 'Out of this violence and ugliness came new hope,' Bush said. Where burned-out hulks of buildings stood, businesses now thrive, examples of 'what is possible in America when people put aside differences,' Bush said.

Prior to his speech, Bush spoke with community and business leaders who told him 'investment in South Central Los Angeles is first and foremost good business policy, and it obviously is good social policy as well. ' QUICK VOTE Have race relations in the United States improved in the last decade? Yes No View Results CNN News Pass Video o Trio remembers L.A. riots o Sights and sounds of the riots o Reliving the L.A. riots o The faces of the L.A. riots MORE STORIES o Bush: South Central is example for American Ex-police chief: Morale low in Los Angeles for ceo Los Angeles riot still echoes a decade later Caught on tape: King beating stirs video revolutio no Post-riot reforms bring new challenges to LAPD EXTRA INFORMATION o Gallery: A look back By the numbers: The L.A. riot so Key players: Where are they now? RESOURCES o Five years later, wounds from L.A. riots still sting " Ten years after civil unrest that made history, the community is rebuilding herself with great hope and great promise,' he said. Bush then returned to education, one of his favorite topics. 'Reading is the new civil right,' he told the audience composed primarily of blacks.

'If you can't read, you can't possibly be educated, and if you are not educated, you can't succeed. 'In order to make sure that everybody, and I mean everybody -- I don't care how you vote -- everybody gets a shot, we " ve got to make sure everybody gets educated. ' Bush used the church audience to make another pitch for federal funding of faith-based programs in the delivery of services such as health care. 'Government can hand out money, but government cannot put hope in people's hearts.

It cannot put faith in people's lives,' he said. 'Faith is a powerful motivator. ' Although his comments were warmly received, some religious institutions say they do not want to perform such functions out of fear they would distract them from their primary goals. The president said he knows first-hand the impact faith can have on a person's life. 'I'm just a humble sinner who sought redemption,' he said. 'Preach, Mr. President,' one member of the crowd exhorted.

Bush then toned down his enthusiasm. 'I don't want to get too far,' he said laughter.