we cut education. we cut military affairs. we cut benefits for veterans. we cut everything. and folks told me it was the third rail of politics. i decided to go after something else -- entitlement for new jersey. pensions and health benefits are at government employees. this is when they told me we would have a real problem. we put forth common-sense reform. we forced them to pay more into their pensions. they had to actually paper health benefits. when i became governor, public employees in new jersey were not required to pay anything for their health benefits. we said the retirement age had to be raised. we said early retirement had to have a greater penalty if you're going to take it. we said there should be no cost of living adjustment to your pension until your fund is solvent. they said this is core to be impossible to do, but we did it. we read to the public and tell them why it is so important. we told them the pension fund would go broke in 2018. we told them our health benefit fund was $67 billion underfunded. it was. what happened? we actually convinced democrats. that separate the that i told you about who have the fun equip on the way in an early on, he deserves great credit. he sponsored the bill. only one-third of its own caucuses were willing to vote for it. he passed the bill in the state senate. the speaker of the assembly -- [applause] -- a democratic woman, she posted the bill in her house with only 13 of her 47 democratic colleagues willing to vote yes. why? because we lead. because we took the risk of first. because we told the truth. when you see these numbers in new jersey, and i tell you all of the things that we have done, do not tell me the american people are not ready to hear the truth. they know government is out of control. they know our debt and deficit are out of control. most of them are so confused. they do not have to like it. but they know in their heart they have to accept it. the only thing the american people care more about than today is tomorrow. tomorrow is about our children and our grandchildren. today is just about us. let's be clear -- we identified problems, we proposed specific means to fix them, we educated the public on the direct consequences of inaction, and then we compromised on a bipartisan basis to get results. bottom line, we took action. we did it with solid principles and with strong leadership. this is the only way you can accomplish these things is through the executive taking the risk and encouraging everyone else to come along with us when they know it is the right thing to do. where are we today? we are not dealing with multibillion-dollar budget deficits anymore. a year, and was able to post a budget with the first income- tax cut far new jersey in over 15 years. [applause] a 10% across-the-board tax cut that would give new jersey residents over $9 billion in relief over the next decade. here is the amazing thing -- you expect democrats to fight me on it. but instead, the majority of democrats are saying yes. they just argue with me about the best way to do it. that proves strong principled leadership can change the discussion in a state, our country, and even change the mind-set in a place like new jersey. when you have democrats agreeing with me that a time to cut taxes after a decade of raising them, then it is official. we have turned upside down. in new jersey, we have done this because we put our states interests ahead of partisan interests. we made friends with our democratic colleagues who are willing to do these things in a common-sense way. that is why our reforms of pension benefits will save $132 billion from taxpayers over the next 30 years. also, secure those penchant for the people who are counting on them. our police officers, firefighters, teachers are counting on them for their financial future. and, all of it teaches us that leadership matters and accounts. these accomplishments set a tone for the state. look at the republican governors in in many other states. when there is a problem, you fix it. that is a job you have been sent to do. you cannot wait for someone else to do it. when you do your job, you have to tell your citizens the truth about the deficit, the difficulty in solutions. treat them like adults. [applause] in a difficult time that america is in, this is the only way to govern. when we still to do this, we pay the price of the country many times over. the domestic crisis is obvious. growth slows, high levels of unemployment persists, we make ourselves even more vulnerable to the unpredictable behavior of rightfully skittish markets or the political decisions of our lenders. there is also foreign policy. to begin with, we diminish our ability to influence the behavior of others. there is no better way to persuade others to become more democratic and more market oriented, to show that our democracy in our markets work better than any other system. we need to care about this because we believe that democracy is the best protector of human dignity, liberty, freedom. we know this because history shows that mature democraci9es -- democracies will not revolt. as exports are the best creators of high-paying jobs and imports increased consumer choice. [applause] we have to care because all around the world come in the middle east and asia and africa and latin america, people are debating their own economic future is right now. they're looking for inspiration. right now. we have a stake in the outcome of their debates. middle east, that could become a largely democratic in half peace, it will be middle east that accepts israel and becomes a dependable source of energy for the entire world. there is no better way to reinforce the likelihood that others in the world will opt for more open societies and market- based economies that demonstrate that our own system is working well. at one time, our greatness was a reflection of our country's innovations, determination, ingenuity, and the strength of our democratic institutions. when there was a crisis in the world, america came together to help our allies. when there is a crisis at home, we put aside parochialism and with a greater public interest first. in our system, we dated for strong leadership -- we did it by strong leadership. now, our own political conduct has failed to live up to this tradition of exceptionalism. today, our role and our ability to affect change has been diminished. because of our own problems. and our own inability and unwillingness to effectively deal with it. i understand that succeeding at home, setting an example, that is not enough. it is a start. the united states will only be able to sustain a leadership position of around the world if the resources are there in our society to produce a society that others want to emulate. without the authority that comes from -- earned american exceptionalism. we cannot do good for other countries or continue to be a beacon of hope. they believe in their heart this is the best way to govern a people. [applause] i plead guilty to being an optimist. i believe in what this country of citizens can accomplish if they understand what is being asked of them. and how we will all ultimately benefit if the challenge is met. i believe is possible to have leadership that understands what is happening in new jersey is not just because our ideas are right, and by the way they are, i tell my staff all the time after we have had a big victory -- i gathered them together in my office and i tell them all the time, remember, the first reason and the most important reason we won is because we are right. there is no substitute for that. [applause] but, there is something else that is a human business, especially in this town, we have forgotten that. in new jersey, day after day, i spent time sitting with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, convincing them of the goodness of my spirit and my intentions and letting them know that i do not believe that compromise is a dirty word. the way i see it is -- there is always a boulevard between compromising your principles and getting things you want. you have to be willing to say no to things better at fundamental odds with your principles. never compromise your principles. you need to understand, especially in a place like new jersey and washington where there is divided government, you will not get everything you want. sometimes, that boulevard is more narrow and sometimes is more broad. it is always there. the job of a leader is to find your way onto that boulevard without driving into the ditch of compromising your principles. it can be done. leaders have an obligation to make those tough choices. in new jersey, this is what we are trying to do. we are hopefully setting example for the rest of the country. believe me, if people can do this in new jersey, we can do it anywhere. i do not want to hear excuses from anybody. we have 700,000 more democrats than republicans. we had an elected -- we had another elected a republican in 12 years before me. we're coming up on our 40th anniversary of electing a republican to the u.s. senate. 1972 was the last time new jersey said the republicans -- sent republicans to the senate. i do now to hear any other state crying that their state is so hard, we cannot do this. kempton new jersey, man, and be a republican. and, you will not hard. -- you will no hard. it can be done. that is where my optimism comes from. it is not about having everyone agree with you. i can guarantee you, the people in new jersey do not agree with everything i do and they do not always agree with the way i say it. but, they know i am telling the truth as i see it. i am not looking to be loved. i think politicians get themselves in trouble when they are looking to be loved. i get plenty of love at home. [laughter] i'm not bragging, i just do. [applause] i have a great wife and cotchery children. -- four greet children. i am not looking for people to love me because that is when deficits get run-up. when you are looking for love in this upcoming it is because you cannot say no to anything because someone, somewhere will not love you. that is why leaders make an uncomfortable decision, because they think that they will not be loved. my mother taught me something a long time ago. she said to me, christopher, if you have a to is between being loved and be respected, always take be respected. if you are truly respected, true love can come up love without respect is leading. she is talking about women. [laughter] but, i do think that this applies equally to politics. if you get people to respect you and make them understand that you are willing to say no, but you are willing to listen, but stand hard on principles that you have articulated to the public in the campaign and have been elected on and the principles he believed in, but you are also willing to compromise when those principles are violated. respect welcome. in new jersey, i think respect is coming for us because even those who do not agree with me know that when i looked them in the eye and tell them i will do something, i will do it. regardless of the perceived political costs. if i tell them no, they know that no means no. new york magazine did a profile on me recently. always a risky thing for a republican. the headline of the story was "the answer is no." my staff blue this up -- blew this up and take it to their dorsa when the lobbyists would come to see them and they close the door, they say turnaround, that is from the boss. the answer is no. [applause] being consistent is about leading by example. it is about not putting your finger in the wind to figure out which way the wind is blowing. it is about standing for the things that we believe in. which is that liberty and freedom and human spirit are the most powerful things in the world. and, being willing to stand up to those who give you the easy answers -- they come from those who believe government is the answer to every solution. we need to be strong enough and tough enough to do what needs to be done and just tell it like it is. there is no need for varnish, everybody. we do not have electric to put it on. we need to say it directly to the american people. they need to hear it. they are ready. they are ready to hear it. if we meet that challenge, like i know we can, we will allow the u.s. to once again export hope and liberty and freedom of around the world, not just by saying it, but by letting its. -- living it. i want to thank the members of the cato institute for setting an example for why liberty and freedom are so important to the future greatness of america. i left all that is exciting in new jersey to come here, as i told you, because i believe in what you believe in. please, never forget, never forget, it will not come without a fight. if you're willing to stand up and fight with me, i am willing to stand and fight with you for those principles that we believe in and hold dear and have built this country. we need to get fighting hard to even harder than we are now. because the stakes are too great to do anything less. so, we continue to fight the good fight in new jersey. we hope that it will inspire more people to fight all around the world. then, when we talk about american exceptionalism, we can really feel it. because we have it. we have not just had it as a part of our past, we are acting to make it a bedrock of our future. thank you very much. [applause] [captioning performed by national captioning institute] [captions copyright national cable satellite corp. 2012] >> the libertarian party selects its nominee today. c-span will have live coverage from the red rock resort beginning -- beginning and noon with the presidential selection process. uighur speeches and then delegates will vote for their party's nominees. we will have live coverage today of several campaign events with president obama and first lady michelle obama. they starred in columbus, ohio for the first of two obama for america campaign rallies. watch that event live at 1255 eastern on c-span out toward -- c-span.org. the second will be live at 4:35 p.m. where they will be on the campus of virginia commonwealth university. spend the weekend in oklahoma city with "book tv" and "american history tv." this includes the mustard political book. the oklahoma university president on his letter to america. a rare books from galileo, copernicus, and others. sunday at 5:00 p.m. eastern, oklahoma history on "american history tv." toor the bombing memorial with a designer. a look into african-american life in 1920's oklahoma and native american artifacts. once a month, c-span's local vehicles explore the history of literary lights of cities across america. this weekend, from oklahoma city on c-span2 and 3. >> this morning on "washington journal" we look at the jobs numbers with frederick joutz. we added 150,000 jobs in april, less than forecasted. the rock the boat president discussed the impact of the youth vote and the directing young people are leaning. the co-founder of the international civil rights center joins us on the current state of civil rights in the u.s. >> leon panetta appealed to u.s. troops to refrain from his conduct, saying incidents show a lack of judgment, professionalism, and leadership. his remarks came in response to the release of photos depicting troops posing with body parts and urinating on corpses. during his appearance at fort benning in georgia, secretary panetta praised the soldiers and said the strategic partnership agreement signed by president obama and afghan president karzai this week makes clear that the u.s. will finish the job right in afghanistan. [applause] >> good afternoon. it wakes me up. thank you very much for that kind introduction. it is always a great pleasure to be able to be with you, but in particular, to be with you here at fort benning. you have shown tremendous leadership in congress in supporting fort benning and its soldiers and the families that are all part of our military family. i would like to particularly recognize your work as co-chair of the congressional military families caucus. that is an extremely important caucus in the congress that tries to look out for the families that are so important to supporting those who serve in our military. 20 years of service, we thank you for all you have done. i also want to express my thanks to general brown, thank you for posting here. it has been a great treat to be able to be with you. and to relive some old memories and see a lot of the new things that make fort benning the best insulation in the world. [applause] it is an inspiring sight to be here to see so many soldiers gathered in one place. this is a big crowd. one day, i learned in life, especially as a member in congress, but never, never can you have enough sledgehammers. you never engage in a pure white -- fair fight. one will have more power. when i heard i was going to see you, i ask someone who spent a little time on kelly hill, which i expect? he said, this brigade is not fancy, but they are tough. he also told me a little bit about each of the units that make up this brigade. and, colonel johnson told me that you like to sign off -- sound off. i will try it out. first, we have got the queen of battle, the first of the 15th, that can do battalion. souding off] second, the second of the 69th this year. you remind all of us that are more equal speed and power. [sounding off] the third battalion, you are always courageous and faithful. [sounding off] and, the first of the field artillery, the rock support. [sounding off] >> the king of battle. [laughter] >> and, the king of battle. [sounding off] the third stb. [sounding off] and finally, the mighty eagles of the 203rd, bsb. [sounding off] it is an honor to be with all of you and an honor to be here, as i said, at fort benning. this is my first time at fort benning and secretary of defense. it is not my first time here at fort benning as a soldier. like you, i had the opportunity to come here in a previous capacity as a young army lt. back in 1964, almost 50 years ago. at that time, i spent 10 weeks in basic training here at fort benning. i went through the drill. i went through escape any nation. -- escapes and evasion. i understand a movthey moved that. i have been through the mud, humidity, swamps. yes, i have lots of warm memories of fort benning. and, like many of you, fort beginning was the first indirect into real army life. -- the first introduction into real army life. a baby understand what being a soldier was all about. -- it is made me understand what being a soldier was all about. i had a chance to visit here and i have to tell you that the treatment i am getting today as secretary is a of a lot nicer than what i got here as a lieutenant. -- is a of a lot nicer than what i got here as a lieutenant. the main reason i am here today is the main reason, when i go to other posts and when i visit the battlefield, the main reason is to thank you. to thank you for making the decision to step forward and and to serve this country. -- step forward in to serve this country. each of you has many very courageous decision. to serve this nation at a time of war. i am a big believer in public service. our democracy, from the very founding, depends on those who are willing to serve. and make this country a better place for those that follow. i am the son of italian immigrants. my parents, like millions of other immigrants, came to this country in the early 1930's. i used to ask my dad, why would you do that? why would you travel all that distance to a strange country? he came from a poor. in italy but they have the comfort of family. -- a poor area in italy, but they had the comfort of family. no language ability, no skills, why would you do that? my father said, the reason that he had my mother did it was because they believed they could give their children a bette