Obama: ‘When the World Is Threatened’ or ‘Needs Help,’ ‘They Call Us’
"In a world full of broader social challenges, it is America that has the unique capability and know-how to help contain and combat a threat like Ebola, the epidemic in Africa. And yesterday, on top of all of we’re already doing to help, I announced the major boost to our response. We’re establishing a military command center in Liberia at the request of their government to support civilian efforts across the region. And Major General Darrell Williams, commander of our army forces in Africa arrived yesterday. He’s already on the ground and our armed forces will bring their unique, unrivaled expertise in command and control and logistics and engineering, including creating an air bridge to get health workers and medical supplies in West Africa faster. And obviously, in all our efforts the safety of our personnel will remain the top priority. In the nation of Liberia, one person who heard this news yesterday was reported to say, 'We have been praying to get the disease wiped out of our country so the coming of U.S. troops will help us get that done, we will be happy.' And that’s the story across the board. If there’s a hurricane, if there’s a typhoon, if there’s some sort of crisis, if there’s an earthquake, if there’s a need for a rescue mission. When the world is threatened, when the world needs help, it calls on America. Even the countries that complain about America. (Laughter) When they need help, who do they call? They call us. And then America calls on you."