Bill Clinton: “In just a few days we celebrate the miracle of Christmas, the gift of light and hope that has lasted for nearly 2,000…”

“In just a few days we celebrate the miracle of Christmas, the gift of light and hope that has lasted for nearly 2,000 years. I'd like to talk about how we can share that gift by shining the light of literacy on millions of precious children and families. Literacy is about reading, but it's about much more, too. It's about opportunity, giving people the tools to make the most of their God-given potential. It's about preparing people for the 21st century, when a fully literate work force will be crucial to our strength as a nation. Without literacy, the history books and job manuals are closed, the Internet is turned off, and the promise of America is much harder to reach. To achieve our full potential as a nation, we must make sure everyone can read, adults as well as children. I'm proud that we're increasing the assistance we give to States for adult education and literacy by more than 50 percent, the largest increase in more than 30 years. This will help hundreds of thousands of adults to rise to the obligations of family and community and to make the most of their own lives. When it comes to children, the first teachers must always be their parents. Hillary and I still talk about the books we read to Chelsea when we were so tired we could hardly stay awake. I urge all of America's parents, make sure there are books beneath your Christmas tree. Share the joy of reading as a family. Of course, parents can't do it alone.…”