Bush pushes defense plan

CHARLESTON - President Bush defended the decision to invade Iraq as he pitched a plan Thursday to step up security at the nation's ports, including the one in Georgetown.

Bush wants to boost the budget for the Homeland Security Department by $3.6 billion next year, allowing officers to screen cargo before it heads to the United States and adding new technology to protect the country from terrorist attacks.

He also vowed to continue to hunt leaders who target America, saying Saddam Hussein's capture in a hole sent the message that the U.S. won't give up.

With the spotlight on ports, S.C. officials urged residents near those in Georgetown and Charleston to be alert and realize the harbors pose risks.

"The best way to defend the homeland is to stay on the offensive," Bush said, standing at Union Pier Terminal. "There is no hole deep enough to hide from America."

Bush also defended the decision to invade Iraq even though no chemical, biological or nuclear weapons have been found. Saddam had the knowledge and the labs to make them, he said.

"America did the right thing in Iraq," Bush said. "We had a choice: either take the word of a madman, or take action. I'll defend America every time."

Greeted by several hundred cheering supporters, Bush brought his Republican stances on tax relief, national security and jobs to South Carolina, which two days earlier voted in a pivotal primary that will help choose Bush's Democratic opponent for the White House.

Like many of the Democrats who have visited the state, Bush promised to help those who need jobs by offering training that will prepare them to fill in-demand positions. He also urged lawmakers to keep his tax cuts, which he said have improved the economy.

"People have more money in their pockets to spend," Bush said.

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge joined Bush to emphasize the ports proposal, aiming to put more security layers in place while not stifling the business.

"Today, we are more vigilant than ever before," Ridge said.

Locals need to be alert and realize an attack is always possible, despite unprecedented security strategies that have emerged since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, S.C. leaders said.

"Port security is a big issue, not only in Charleston but in Georgetown," said U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-Hanahan, who flew with Bush on Air Force One. "There's always a risk. I think we are doing a better job, but I don't want to give Georgetown any false sense of security."

Locals also need to play a role by watching for unusual behavior, Gov. Mark Sanford said after greeting Bush.

"We, too, are part of homeland security," Sanford said. "We can't look solely to Washington."

Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, D-Charleston, criticized Bush's plan, saying the funding isn't adequate.

Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride skipped a City Council workshop to see Bush, praising him for focusing on national security and the economy.

"When the president comes to South Carolina, he needs to be supported," McBride said.

A group of Coastal Carolina University students took political science class on the road.

"You don't get to see the president but once in awhile," said CCU senior Marie Rice. "We are just huge supporters of everything he does."