The Honorable William Perry Democratic National Convention Monday, July 26, 2004

BOSTON, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech by the Honorable William Perry at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, July 26, 2004:

Ladies and gentleman, thank you for the opportunity to address this convention.

I have been involved in cold war crises when nuclear war was threatened. I have been involved in the development of stealth and smart weapons when deterrence was at risk. I have dealt with the dangerous turmoil in Russia and Eastern Europe after the Soviet Union disintegrated. But, I have never been as worried about the management of our country's security as I am today. It is time for a change.

Let me tell you why I am here to support John Kerry for President. John Kerry has a lifetime of experience and the deep knowledge of national security to lead this country through the serious challenges that face our nation.

He has a plan to combat terrorism more effectively. He has a plan to protect our homeland. He has a plan to turn the tide against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, to eliminate nuclear terrorism and to contain bioterrorism. He has a plan to get us on track in Iraq. John Kerry understands that we must keep our military the strongest in the world.

In the heat of the last presidential campaign, the Republicans promised our military that "help is on the way." Instead, our forces have been dangerously overstretched. Against sound military advice, the administration believed that Iraqis would welcome U.S. forces as liberators. Our soldiers and our Marines have had to bear the brunt of this stunning miscalculation. Based on his own service, John Kerry understands what our troops need.

With John Kerry as president, help really will be on the way! And, he understands that America must restore its international position of leadership. Without the strong support of our allies and partners, we simply cannot protect our security.

We cannot rebuild Iraq alone. We cannot prevent nuclear proliferation alone. We cannot stop terrorism alone. We must isolate the terrorists -- not isolate the United States.

John Kerry understands this and will lead this country and will lead the world toward peace. The stakes could not be higher. Thank you very much.

And now it is my pleasure to introduce Congresswoman Hilda Solis from Los Angeles to talk about homeland security and energy independence.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT:  Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/