Pubdate: Mon, 21 May 2001 Source: CNN (US Web) Copyright: 2001 Cable News Network, Inc. Contact: http://www.cnn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/65 BUSH URGES NOTRE DAME GRADS TO LEAD LIVES OF SERVICE NOTRE DAME, Indiana (CNN) -- President Bush urged graduates of Notre Dame University Sunday to use their idealism in the war against poverty and make a commitment to public service. Wearing a blue gown, the president told the 2,500 graduating students to "revive the spirit of citizenship" and "marshal the compassion of our people" in meeting the nation's needs. Bush praised his predecessor when he said the nation has won one battle in the war on poverty: ending welfare dependency. "That is a tribute to the Republicans and Democrats who agreed on reform, and to the president who signed it, President Bill Clinton." But he called on the students to help win the war. In a 21-minute speech, Bush urged public obligation and personal responsibility in fighting poverty. He praised volunteering and public service, saying great societies are also caring societies. "Mother Teresa said that what the poor often need -- even more than shelter and food, though these are desperately needed as well -- is to be wanted," Bush said. "And that sense of belonging is within each of us to provide." 'Compassion Capital Fund' Bush said government also has a responsibility to support the work of charities and poverty programs. To that end, Bush said, he created the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. First on the office's agenda is a "compassion capital fund" to match private donations with federal money. A second proposal would allow all taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions, including those that are not itemized on tax returns. And last, Bush said, the office is working to implement and expand "charitable choice," to ensure faith-based organizations aren't discriminated against when competing for social service contracts. "Government should never fund the teaching of faith, but it should support the good works of the faithful," Bush said. "The federal government will not discriminate against faith-based organizations." The president also proposed two new initiatives in the areas of housing and drug treatment. The first, which Bush said will be included in his budget next year, is a three-fold increase in federal funding for groups like Habitat for Humanity, in order to expand home ownership. The second is a proposed $1.6 billion in new funds for drug treatment -- to close the gap, the president said, "between the 5 million Americans who need drug treatment and the 2 million who currently receive it." Presidential 'Domer' Bush left the students with a charge to have concern for their fellow citizens. "Serve a neighbor in need," he said, "because a life of service is a life of significance." Onstage, Bush was joined by National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, a former trustee of the school who also holds two Notre Dame degrees. Sitting in the audience was first lady Laura Bush, in whose name a new Notre Dame scholarship was established. Bush also was presented with an honorary doctor of laws degree. He joked in his speech that while his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, may be the family's only Catholic, the degree made him the only "Domer," or holder of a Notre Dame degree - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager