The financial crisis should not become an excuse to raise taxes, which would only undermine the economic growth required to regain our strength.

The statement frames a major financial downturn as a moment when governments may be tempted to increase taxation to cover deficits or fund emergency measures. Bush argues that doing so would be counterproductive: higher taxes, in this view, dampen private investment, consumer spending, and business expansion—precisely the forces he believes are needed for recovery. The quote reflects a supply-side, growth-first policy stance that prioritizes maintaining (or lowering) tax burdens during recessions to encourage economic activity. It also implicitly contrasts two recovery strategies: fiscal consolidation via revenue increases versus stimulus and growth policies aimed at restoring “strength” through expansion.