Bush Hammers Faith Plan

President Bush launched his crusade to foster community spirit and family values Wednesday, urging Americans to “help a neighbor in need.”

For his troubles, the president ended up with a bloodied finger.

Accompanied by First Lady Laura Bush, the president set an example by spending an hour helping to build a Habitat for Humanity house in a dilapidated neighborhood near downtown Waco, the nearest city to the Bush ranch, about 25 miles away.

The president’s left index finger was smashed when it was caught between floorboards, causing blood to drip onto the floor and on his jeans, according to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez, who was with Bush.

“I spilled some blood for volunteerism,” the jovial president told reporters. “It doesn’t hurt.”

Habitat for Humanity’s home-building in low-income neighborhoods was popularized years ago by former President Carter. For Bush, his work for the charitable group offered a chance to call attention to an initiative the White House intends to focus on later this year.

Under the plan, known as “Communities of Character,” Bush will periodically offer ideas to promote greater civic involvement and creative ways to tackle social problems.

Bush also held an impromptu news conference Wednesday, defending anew his prolonged absence this month from the White House and scorning workaholic Washington as not representative of “the real world.”

In discussing his monthlong “working vacation,” Bush and his aides have been emphasizing the former. For instance, when asked what else he had planned for the day, the president disclosed that Karen Hughes, his counselor and longtime confidant, would be joining him at the ranch.

“We’ll be working on a few things that matter . . . . I’m working on some initiatives. You’ll see,” he said.

Bush added that he and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld also are “working on some projects [and] there will be some announcements.”

Responding to another question, Bush said “it’s a possibility” that he will disclose within about 10 days his long-awaited decision on federal funding for stem cell research.

“I’ve got a lot of national security concerns that we’re working on,” the president added, citing Iraq and Macedonia.

“Macedonia--very worrisome right now. . . . We’re urging all the parties to get back to the table and renounce the violence.”

Earlier, about 100 local and state dignitaries and Habitat volunteers heard Bush make another sales pitch for his faith-based initiative to channel more federal funds to religious organizations for the social and welfare services they provide.

“There’s great debate in Washington about the process, the legalities of the initiative,” he said. “What my administration talks about is the results of the initiative. If a faith-based program helps a family find a home, then we ought to welcome it and nourish it.”

Bush also revealed anew his competitive streak--and his pride in his ability to read people.

While recognizing a host of Texas officials, including Gov. Rick Perry and several members of the state Supreme Court, Bush paused when he came to state Sen. David Sibley, who had bested Bush on the golf course Wednesday.

“You’re supposed to play ‘president wins,’ ” Bush said.

As the general laughter dissipated, Bush playfully wagged a finger at Sibley and added: “I guess you know me too well . . . . I know you better now.”