As a new Congress gathers, all of us in the elected branches of government share a great privilege: We've been placed in office by the votes of the people we serve. And tonight that is a privilege we share with newly-elected leaders of Afghanistan, the Palestinian Territories, Ukraine, and a free and sovereign Iraq. (Applause.)MATT: This was a STRONG opening statement. I was drawn in to the kind of speech this was going to be right from the beginning.
MARK: The President is commenting on progress and reminding those opposed to democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan that it should be shared by more people, not just Americans.
Two weeks ago, I stood on the steps of this Capitol and renewed the commitment of our nation to the guiding ideal of liberty for all. This evening I will set forth policies to advance that ideal at home and around the world.MATT: If you thought the second inaugural was lacking in details, you get them in this speech...
Tonight, with a healthy, growing economy, with more Americans going back to work, with our nation an active force for good in the world -- the state of our union is confident and strong. (Applause.)
"Confident and strong"...good adjectives that accurately describe the state of the Union. Positive, yet room for growth...
MARK: The Inaugural was all about setting the general tone. This one brings it into sharp focus.
Our generation has been blessed -- by the expansion of opportunity, by advances in medicine, by the security purchased by our parents' sacrifice. Now, as we see a little gray in the mirror -- or a lot of gray -- (laughter) -- and we watch our children moving into adulthood, we ask the question: What will be the state of their union? Members of Congress, the choices we make together will answer that question. Over the next several months, on issue after issue, let us do what Americans have always done, and build a better world for our children and our grandchildren. (Applause.)MATT:Ahh...we're going to be talking about Social Security...a bit over the top, crisis mode rhetoric in this graph, but workable.
MARK: I think it was an excellent opening. The President waxed eloquent for a brief moment with talking about children and grandchildren. Here Bush lays down the gauntlet on domestic reforms.
First, we must be good stewards of this economy, and renew the great institutions on which millions of our fellow citizens rely. America's economy is the fastest growing of any major industrialized nation. In the past four years, we provided tax relief to every person who pays income taxes, overcome a recession, opened up new markets abroad, prosecuted corporate criminals, raised homeownership to its highest level in history, and in the last year alone, the United States has added 2.3 million new jobs. (Applause.) When action was needed, the Congress delivered -- and the nation is grateful.MATT: Okay...how do we do that?
Now we must add to these achievements. By making our economy more flexible, more innovative, and more competitive, we will keep America the economic leader of the world. (Applause.)
MARK: I believe he is going to tell us following..Of course, not raising taxes or having an internet tax would be a BIG help.
America's prosperity requires restraining the spending appetite of the federal government. I welcome the bipartisan enthusiasm for spending discipline. I will send you a budget that holds the growth of discretionary spending below inflation, makes tax relief permanent, and stays on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. (Applause.) My budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 government programs that are not getting results, or duplicate current efforts, or do not fulfill essential priorities. The principle here is clear: Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely, or not at all. (Applause.)MATT: Allow me to translate: "This budget will never get passed by Congress."
MARK: While his ideas sound Reaganesque, as Reagan tried to do the same thing with his budgets, I will not doubt this President. When he says he is going to do something, it gets done. However, this is a bold statement. And I think if Bush submits these budgets, historians will record that Congress was at fault, not the President. Reagan's history is being corrected by historians who see that now, so too might Bush's.
To make our economy stronger and more dynamic, we must prepare a rising generation to fill the jobs of the 21st century. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, standards are higher, test scores are on the rise, and we're closing the achievement gap for minority students. Now we must demand better results from our high schools, so every high school diploma is a ticket to success. We will help an additional 200,000 workers to get training for a better career, by reforming our job training system and strengthening America's community colleges. And we'll make it easier for Americans to afford a college education, by increasing the size of Pell Grants. (Applause.)MATT: That last bit is what his dad should have done when he promised to be the "education President." Yeah, I'm still bitter about that...I voted for Clinton because of that. D@%^ it!
MARK: A wee bit angry about being duped, eh? Unlike the Dims, this President has stopped talking and come up with a plan. And, it will begin showing results, if executed properly.
To make our economy stronger and more competitive, America must reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs. Small business is the path of advancement, especially for women and minorities, so we must free small businesses from needless regulation and protect honest job-creators from junk lawsuits. (Applause.) Justice is distorted, and our economy is held back by irresponsible class-actions and frivolous asbestos claims -- and I urge Congress to pass legal reforms this year. (Applause.)MATT: "frivolous asbestos claims" - Whisky Tango Foxtrot? I don't get that bit...he was doing good until that...what's that all about?
MARK: Matt, this references some of the HUGE lawsuits in industry, the asbestos claims. Commercials on cable are full of ambulance chasers making claims about asbestos. I believe he was citing a symptom of the larger disease of frivolous lawsuits. The message here to Congress is: make the tax cuts permanent, don't restrain small businesses.
To make our economy stronger and more productive, we must make health care more affordable, and give families greater access to good coverage -- (applause) -- and more control over their health decisions. (Applause.) I ask Congress to move forward on a comprehensive health care agenda with tax credits to help low-income workers buy insurance, a community health center in every poor country, improved information technology to prevent medical error and needless costs, association health plans for small businesses and their employees -- (applause) -- expanded health savings accounts -- (applause) -- and medical liability reform that will reduce health care costs and make sure patients have the doctors and care they need. (Applause.)MATT:A little something for everybody on healthcare...how much of it we'll actually see.....MARK: CYNIC!!! As I said, who knows, this President has gotten a lot done no one thought he could get done.
To keep our economy growing, we also need reliable supplies of affordable, environmentally responsible energy. (Applause.) Nearly four years ago, I submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation, alternative sources, a modernized electricity grid, and more production here at home -- including safe, clean nuclear energy. (Applause.) My Clear Skies legislation will cut power plant pollution and improve the health of our citizens. (Applause.) And my budget provides strong funding for leading-edge technology -- from hydrogen-fueled cars, to clean coal, to renewable sources such as ethanol. (Applause.) Four years of debate is enough: I urge Congress to pass legislation that makes America more secure and less dependent on foreign energy. (Applause.)MATT:Still no mention of ANWR... I like the vision on alternative energy with the exception of ethanol...MARK: Social Security will be enough of a slap. One punch to the dims at a time...And ethanol is big with farmers.
All these proposals are essential to expand this economy and add new jobs -- but they are just the beginning of our duty. To build the prosperity of future generations, we must update institutions that were created to meet the needs of an earlier time. Year after year, Americans are burdened by an archaic, incoherent federal tax code. I've appointed a bipartisan panel to examine the tax code from top to bottom. And when their recommendations are delivered, you and I will work together to give this nation a tax code that is pro-growth, easy to understand, and fair to all. (Applause.)MATT: Yes, please eliminate the IRS. Faster, please...
MARK: Dream on, Matt. We will see reform, but we will not eliminate the tax man/person. And, you can feel the momentum building for Social Security discussion. Wait for it..wait for it...
America's immigration system is also outdated -- unsuited to the needs of our economy and to the values of our country. We should not be content with laws that punish hardworking people who want only to provide for their families, and deny businesses willing workers, and invite chaos at our border. It is time for an immigration policy that permits temporary guest workers to fill jobs Americans will not take, that rejects amnesty, that tells us who is entering and leaving our country, and that closes the border to drug dealers and terrorists. (Applause.)MATT:Our immigration system is fine...if we'd actually, you know, ENFORCE IT, Mr. President. Mr. President, BUILD THAT WALL!
MARK: I gotta go with Matt on this one: BUILD THAT WALL!
One of America's most important institutions -- a symbol of the trust between generations -- is also in need of wise and effective reform. Social Security was a great moral success of the 20th century, and we must honor its great purposes in this new century. (Applause.) The system, however, on its current path, is headed toward bankruptcy. And so we must join together to strengthen and save Social Security. (Applause.)MATT: AARP, you are misleading Americans. Democrats, you are also misleading Americans. I would say that you are LYING to Americans, but that would just be petty of me...
Today, more than 45 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, and millions more are nearing retirement -- and for them the system is sound and fiscally strong. I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you; for you, the Social Security system will not change in any way. (Applause.) For younger workers, the Social Security system has serious problems that will grow worse with time. Social Security was created decades ago, for a very different era. In those days, people did not live as long. Benefits were much lower than they are today. And a half-century ago, about sixteen workers paid into the system for each person drawing benefits.
MARK: Matt, ever the diplomat. Let me say it. Democrats, you are LYING to Americans! Your own President said it during the 1990s many times that Social Security was in crisis, Al Gore said it during the 2000 campaign...Do you mean to tell me that the gods of Domestic policy got it all wrong? I don't think so...More flipflopping and backtracking from the Party of NO.
Our society has changed in ways the founders of Social Security could not have foreseen. In today's world, people are living longer and, therefore, drawing benefits longer. And those benefits are scheduled to rise dramatically over the next few decades. And instead of sixteen workers paying in for every beneficiary, right now it's only about three workers. And over the next few decades that number will fall to just two workers per beneficiary. With each passing year, fewer workers are paying ever-higher benefits to an ever-larger number of retirees.MATT:We can debate these numbers and dates all we like, but the reality is that the system IS broken and we need to do something about it sooner rather than later.
So here is the result: Thirteen years from now, in 2018, Social Security will be paying out more than it takes in. And every year afterward will bring a new shortfall, bigger than the year before. For example, in the year 2027, the government will somehow have to come up with an extra $200 billion to keep the system afloat -- and by 2033, the annual shortfall would be more than $300 billion. By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt. If steps are not taken to avert that outcome, the only solutions would be dramatically higher taxes, massive new borrowing, or sudden and severe cuts in Social Security benefits or other government programs.
I recognize that 2018 and 2042 may seem a long way off. But those dates are not so distant, as any parent will tell you. If you have a five-year-old, you're already concerned about how you'll pay for college tuition 13 years down the road. If you've got children in their 20s, as some of us do, the idea of Social Security collapsing before they retire does not seem like a small matter. And it should not be a small matter to the United States Congress. (Applause.) You and I share a responsibility. We must pass reforms that solve the financial problems of Social Security once and for all.
MARK: No, Matt, we must do it the Dim way, leave it for future generations and plunder the well for ourselves(in this case, the current dims). Democrats like Clinton and Republicans like Kemp have said it for decades, the system is broken, getting worse, and needs to be addressed.
Fixing Social Security permanently will require an open, candid review of the options. Some have suggested limiting benefits for wealthy retirees. Former Congressman Tim Penny has raised the possibility of indexing benefits to prices rather than wages. During the 1990s, my predecessor, President Clinton, spoke of increasing the retirement age. Former Senator John Breaux suggested discouraging early collection of Social Security benefits. The late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan recommended changing the way benefits are calculated. All these ideas are on the table.MATT: I like this: the President outlines a number of prominent Democrats who realized there was a problem and presented their ideas to be put on the table.
MARK: I love the fact he brings up Moynihan, whose seat HillRod now occupies. Moynihan advocated savings accounts, why can't other dims?
I know that none of these reforms would be easy. But we have to move ahead with courage and honesty, because our children's retirement security is more important than partisan politics. (Applause.) I will work with members of Congress to find the most effective combination of reforms. I will listen to anyone who has a good idea to offer. (Applause.) We must, however, be guided by some basic principles. We must make Social Security permanently sound, not leave that task for another day. We must not jeopardize our economic strength by increasing payroll taxes. We must ensure that lower-income Americans get the help they need to have dignity and peace of mind in their retirement. We must guarantee there is no change for those now retired or nearing retirement. And we must take care that any changes in the system are gradual, so younger workers have years to prepare and plan for their future.MATT: Laying out the boundaries of reform here...this is good: it tells Congress what the problem is and what he is willing to sign off...
MARK: Yes, he is saying increased taxes bad! I like that. He talks about working with members of Congress, but will they work with him?
As we fix Social Security, we also have the responsibility to make the system a better deal for younger workers. And the best way to reach that goal is through voluntary personal retirement accounts. (Applause.) Here is how the idea works. Right now, a set portion of the money you earn is taken out of your paycheck to pay for the Social Security benefits of today's retirees. If you're a younger worker, I believe you should be able to set aside part of that money in your own retirement account, so you can build a nest egg for your own future.MATT: The plan for personal accounts...finally, we get the details of what the President wants for this idea...can Congress get it done? Harry Reid, the new Tom Daschle of the Senate, thinks he's got 45 votes against it. I don't think he does.MARK: I don't know Matt. There are enough cowardly politicians on both sides of the aisle who fear the grey revolt of older voters. I hope Reid is wrong, but I just don't know.
Here's why the personal accounts are a better deal. Your money will grow, over time, at a greater rate than anything the current system can deliver -- and your account will provide money for retirement over and above the check you will receive from Social Security. In addition, you'll be able to pass along the money that accumulates in your personal account, if you wish, to your children and -- or grandchildren. And best of all, the money in the account is yours, and the government can never take it away. (Applause.)
The goal here is greater security in retirement, so we will set careful guidelines for personal accounts. We'll make sure the money can only go into a conservative mix of bonds and stock funds. We'll make sure that your earnings are not eaten up by hidden Wall Street fees. We'll make sure there are good options to protect your investments from sudden market swings on the eve of your retirement. We'll make sure a personal account cannot be emptied out all at once, but rather paid out over time, as an addition to traditional Social Security benefits. And we'll make sure this plan is fiscally responsible, by starting personal retirement accounts gradually, and raising the yearly limits on contributions over time, eventually permitting all workers to set aside four percentage points of their payroll taxes in their accounts.
Personal retirement accounts should be familiar to federal employees, because you already have something similar, called the Thrift Savings Plan, which lets workers deposit a portion of their paychecks into any of five different broadly-based investment funds. It's time to extend the same security, and choice, and ownership to young Americans. (Applause.)MATT: This reminds of John Kerry's zinger about healthcare...you know the one...all Americans should have the same access to healthcare that Senators do. I think the same thing should apply to Social Security, but your mileage may vary.
MARK: YAHTZEE!!! Take that, elitist Congress types! You see, they talk a good game about being for equity and equal access, but the Dims don't want WE THE PEOPLE to have the same options as they do for retirement, the same options the AARP uses for its retirement, the same way most Teacher retirement plans are done. Elitist, isn't it?
Our second great responsibility to our children and grandchildren is to honor and to pass along the values that sustain a free society. So many of my generation, after a long journey, have come home to family and faith, and are determined to bring up responsible, moral children. Government is not the source of these values, but government should never undermine them.MATT: This will never happen. I don't know why he even brought it up...
Because marriage is a sacred institution and the foundation of society, it should not be re-defined by activist judges. For the good of families, children, and society, I support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage. (Applause.)
MARK: I sense some political bargaining. Perhaps Bush is saying if Congress won't appoint his judges, he will have no choice but to support his initiative.
Because a society is measured by how it treats the weak and vulnerable, we must strive to build a culture of life. Medical research can help us reach that goal, by developing treatments and cures that save lives and help people overcome disabilities -- and I thank the Congress for doubling the funding of the National Institutes of Health. (Applause.) To build a culture of life, we must also ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity, not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others. We should all be able to agree -- (applause) -- we should all be able to agree on some clear standards. I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts, and that human life is never bought and sold as a commodity. (Applause.) America will continue to lead the world in medical research that is ambitious, aggressive, and always ethical.MATT: Okay...this isn't really my thing...
MARK: This is for all the people who are embryonic stem cell crazy. We are not going to sacrifice babies for research. We are not going to grow people just to carve them up. It is laying out the acceptable parameters of genetic research and medical research.
Because courts must always deliver impartial justice, judges have a duty to faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from the bench. (Applause.) As President, I have a constitutional responsibility to nominate men and women who understand the role of courts in our democracy, and are well-qualified to serve on the bench -- and I have done so. (Applause.) The Constitution also gives the Senate a responsibility: Every judicial nominee deserves an up or down vote. (Applause.)MATT: ARLEN SPECTER, THIS MESSAGE WAS FOR YOU.
MARK: Dims, this message was also for you! Get R Done, or there will be heck to pay!
Because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion, we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America. Our government will continue to support faith-based and community groups that bring hope to harsh places. Now we need to focus on giving young people, especially young men in our cities, better options than apathy, or gangs, or jail. Tonight I propose a three-year initiative to help organizations keep young people out of gangs, and show young men an ideal of manhood that respects women and rejects violence. (Applause.) Taking on gang life will be one part of a broader outreach to at-risk youth, which involves parents and pastors, coaches and community leaders, in programs ranging from literacy to sports. And I am proud that the leader of this nationwide effort will be our First Lady, Laura Bush. (Applause.)MATT: Well, it beats putting the First Lady in charge of, say...healthcare...MARK: There Matt goes again, stealing my best material...this is also a message to the masoginistic and masochist rap culture--shape up or face resistance.
Because HIV/AIDS brings suffering and fear into so many lives, I ask you to reauthorize the Ryan White Act to encourage prevention, and provide care and treatment to the victims of that disease. (Applause.) And as we update this important law, we must focus our efforts on fellow citizens with the highest rates of new cases, African American men and women. (Applause.)MATT: AIDS is a priority for this President...he's done a lot for this cause.
MARK: unlike tubby Moore characterizations, this President cares. He is very compassionate toward suffering. He has done important work, and is continuing to help those who need it. He believes while government should be very limited, it can be used to help people, not to get them addicted to the government dole (see Dims plan for community lobotomy).
Because one of the main sources of our national unity is our belief in equal justice, we need to make sure Americans of all races and backgrounds have confidence in the system that provides justice. In America we must make doubly sure no person is held to account for a crime he or she did not commit -- so we are dramatically expanding the use of DNA evidence to prevent wrongful conviction. (Applause.) Soon I will send to Congress a proposal to fund special training for defense counsel in capital cases, because people on trial for their lives must have competent lawyers by their side. (Applause.)MATT: This should have followed the judicial nominations bit for flow... The ideas here are right on target.
MARK: I don't now about the whole increased reliance on DNA. Sounds interesting. As for the defense counsel, this goes back to his days of wrangling with the death penalty in Texas. Check out "A Charge to Keep" for more on his death penalty issues.
Our third responsibility to future generations is to leave them an America that is safe from danger, and protected by peace. We will pass along to our children all the freedoms we enjoy -- and chief among them is freedom from fear.MATT: Thus endeth the domestic agenda...let's talk foreign affairs and homeland security:
In the three and a half years since September the 11th, 2001, we have taken unprecedented actions to protect Americans. We've created a new department of government to defend our homeland, focused the FBI on preventing terrorism, begun to reform our intelligence agencies, broken up terror cells across the country, expanded research on defenses against biological and chemical attack, improved border security, and trained more than a half-million first responders. Police and firefighters, air marshals, researchers, and so many others are working every day to make our homeland safer, and we thank them all. (Applause.)MATT: Two things to note here: no mention of OBL directly, which I think is a mistake. And two, you can't vote for it before you vote against it when it comes to supporting our troops in a time of war.
Our nation, working with allies and friends, has also confronted the enemy abroad, with measures that are determined, successful, and continuing. The al Qaeda terror network that attacked our country still has leaders -- but many of its top commanders have been removed. There are still governments that sponsor and harbor terrorists -- but their number has declined. There are still regimes seeking weapons of mass destruction -- but no longer without attention and without consequence. Our country is still the target of terrorists who want to kill many, and intimidate us all -- and we will stay on the offensive against them, until the fight is won. (Applause.)
Pursuing our enemies is a vital commitment of the war on terror -- and I thank the Congress for providing our servicemen and women with the resources they have needed. During this time of war, we must continue to support our military and give them the tools for victory. (Applause.)
MARK: More from the darned if he does, darned if he doesn't file. If he mentions OBL, then the cry is: yeah, where is he? If he doesn't, then it is, SEE, he has forgotten about OBL. He can't win. And, again, Matt steals my best material. Mr. Kerry, see, you can't be for and against it at the same time. And, Ms. Pelosi, you must actually respect them and not give them lip service while calling our liberating forces occupiers. And Mr. Kennedy, well, you are too drunk and ignorant to understand...
Other nations around the globe have stood with us. In Afghanistan, an international force is helping provide security. In Iraq, 28 countries have troops on the ground, the United Nations and the European Union provided technical assistance for the elections, and NATO is leading a mission to help train Iraqi officers. We're cooperating with 60 governments in the Proliferation Security Initiative, to detect and stop the transit of dangerous materials. We're working closely with the governments in Asia to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and nine other countries have captured or detained al Qaeda terrorists. In the next four years, my administration will continue to build the coalitions that will defeat the dangers of our time. (Applause.)MATT:This sounds to me as if the President wants to focus more on diplomatic solutions than military solutions while not taking any options off the table. Smart.
MARK: Yes, sounds like Reagan's ideas of dealing with the Soviets. Like Reagan, I am sure it will be misconstrued as seeking war and warmongering. Oh, and Dennis Kucinich, who said there were no international folks helping with elections, TAKE THAT!!! There were technical advisors helping with the elections. Sit on your tin hat and rotate, space boy. Sorry, I just am so ashamed he represents my state, even if it is a worthless area of it. Whoops, was that out loud?
In the long-term, the peace we seek will only be achieved by eliminating the conditions that feed radicalism and ideologies of murder. If whole regions of the world remain in despair and grow in hatred, they will be the recruiting grounds for terror, and that terror will stalk America and other free nations for decades. The only force powerful enough to stop the rise of tyranny and terror, and replace hatred with hope, is the force of human freedom. (Applause.) Our enemies know this, and that is why the terrorist Zarqawi recently declared war on what he called the "evil principle" of democracy. And we've declared our own intention: America will stand with the allies of freedom to support democratic movements in the Middle East and beyond, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. (Applause.)MATT: Second inaugural recap... What is really interesting here is that it sounds as if the President would have the United States support an uprising in, say, Iran...interesting.
MARK: Very interesting. Sounds a lot like Kennedy's inaugural which you discussed, Matt.
The United States has no right, no desire, and no intention to impose our form of government on anyone else. That is one of the main differences between us and our enemies. They seek to impose and expand an empire of oppression, in which a tiny group of brutal, self-appointed rulers control every aspect of every life. Our aim is to build and preserve a community of free and independent nations, with governments that answer to their citizens, and reflect their own cultures. And because democracies respect their own people and their neighbors, the advance of freedom will lead to peace. (Applause.)MATT: These two paragraphs are important to take together because the outline the thinking behind the strategy. This isn't imperialism we're engaged in...we aren't setting up puppet governments or adding stars to the flag.
That advance has great momentum in our time -- shown by women voting in Afghanistan, and Palestinians choosing a new direction, and the people of Ukraine asserting their democratic rights and electing a president. We are witnessing landmark events in the history of liberty. And in the coming years, we will add to that story. (Applause.)
MARK: That's right, uberlibs, we are not imperialists, we are expanding freedom, as this shared belief being spread is the most logical way of getting peace.
The beginnings of reform and democracy in the Palestinian territories are now showing the power of freedom to break old patterns of violence and failure. Tomorrow morning, Secretary of State Rice departs on a trip that will take her to Israel and the West Bank for meetings with Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas. She will discuss with them how we and our friends can help the Palestinian people end terror and build the institutions of a peaceful, independent, democratic state. To promote this democracy, I will ask Congress for $350 million to support Palestinian political, economic, and security reforms. The goal of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace, is within reach -- and America will help them achieve that goal. (Applause.)MATT: Most Middle East experts would tell you that the Palestinian situation is the key... I'm willing to take a wait and see, but these guys aren't really all that interested in living side by side with Israel...they want Israel driven in to the sea. Is peace possible? I dunno...should be interesting to see how it plays out.
MARK: The Palestinian situation is important, but there are other keys to the MidEast as well....Good luck, Condi.
To promote peace and stability in the broader Middle East, the United States will work with our friends in the region to fight the common threat of terror, while we encourage a higher standard of freedom. Hopeful reform is already taking hold in an arc from Morocco to Jordan to Bahrain. The government of Saudi Arabia can demonstrate its leadership in the region by expanding the role of its people in determining their future. And the great and proud nation of Egypt, which showed the way toward peace in the Middle East, can now show the way toward democracy in the Middle East. (Applause.)MATT: Did you hear that liberals? He laid a smackdown on Egypt and Saudi arabia. Michael Moore, call your office...
MARK: Also, note what he does. He doesn't say we are going to give you 24 hours and then blow you up. He says we are going to encourage, even while still having relations, to get you to expand freedom. Does that sound like forced imperialism or ideas of global domination? I think it is just caring about people in oppressed and maligned lands. Of course, the Left will say "pax americana! Global domination!" blah blah blah. Would someone buy these shmucks a clue? Please?
To promote peace in the broader Middle East, we must confront regimes that continue to harbor terrorists and pursue weapons of mass murder. Syria still allows its territory, and parts of Lebanon, to be used by terrorists who seek to destroy every chance of peace in the region. You have passed, and we are applying, the Syrian Accountability Act -- and we expect the Syrian government to end all support for terror and open the door to freedom. (Applause.) Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror -- pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve. We are working with European allies to make clear to the Iranian regime that it must give up its uranium enrichment program and any plutonium reprocessing, and end its support for terror. And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you. (Applause.)MATT: Again, singling out Iran as a place where America would support change. Syria is another domino on the table here to keep an eye on as well...
MARK: Dims loved this kind of talk from Kennedy. Why not from Bush? Oh yeah, he is a Republican...I forgot, party politics above all....silly me. Bush is trying to get these nations to turn to freedom WITHOUT US interventions directly. He is trying to get citizens in those nations to call for change. In other words, he is trying to work non-militarily.
Our generational commitment to the advance of freedom, especially in the Middle East, is now being tested and honored in Iraq. That country is a vital front in the war on terror, which is why the terrorists have chosen to make a stand there. Our men and women in uniform are fighting terrorists in Iraq, so we do not have to face them here at home. (Applause.) And the victory of freedom in Iraq will strengthen a new ally in the war on terror, inspire democratic reformers from Damascus to Tehran, bring more hope and progress to a troubled region, and thereby lift a terrible threat from the lives of our children and grandchildren.MATT: Tying Iraq to the Middle East peace process is an important concept. It is good to see the President draw this out again. Democrats need to hear this over and over again.
MARK: I think I saw them sticking fingers in ears, so it will undoubtedly have to be repeated to these spoiled children.
We will succeed because the Iraqi people value their own liberty -- as they showed the world last Sunday. (Applause.) Across Iraq, often at great risk, millions of citizens went to the polls and elected 275 men and women to represent them in a new Transitional National Assembly. A young woman in Baghdad told of waking to the sound of mortar fire on election day, and wondering if it might be too dangerous to vote. She said, "Hearing those explosions, it occurred to me -- the insurgents are weak, they are afraid of democracy, they are losing. So I got my husband, and I got my parents, and we all came out and voted together."MATT: The Iraqi elections were a major victory for the Middle East and America. We are going to hear the President's exit strategy, so Democrats, pay attention.
Americans recognize that spirit of liberty, because we share it. In any nation, casting your vote is an act of civic responsibility; for millions of Iraqis, it was also an act of personal courage, and they have earned the respect of us all. (Applause.)
One of Iraq's leading democracy and human rights advocates is Safia Taleb al-Suhail. She says of her country, "We were occupied for 35 years by Saddam Hussein. That was the real occupation. Thank you to the American people who paid the cost, but most of all, to the soldiers." Eleven years ago, Safia's father was assassinated by Saddam's intelligence service. Three days ago in Baghdad, Safia was finally able to vote for the leaders of her country -- and we are honored that she is with us tonight. (Applause.)
The terrorists and insurgents are violently opposed to democracy, and will continue to attack it. Yet, the terrorists' most powerful myth is being destroyed. The whole world is seeing that the car bombers and assassins are not only fighting coalition forces, they are trying to destroy the hopes of Iraqis, expressed in free elections. And the whole world now knows that a small group of extremists will not overturn the will of the Iraqi people. (Applause.)
We will succeed in Iraq because Iraqis are determined to fight for their own freedom, and to write their own history. As Prime Minister Allawi said in his speech to Congress last September, "Ordinary Iraqis are anxious to shoulder all the security burdens of our country as quickly as possible." That is the natural desire of an independent nation, and it is also the stated mission of our coalition in Iraq. The new political situation in Iraq opens a new phase of our work in that country.
MARK: He's been saying the following for months. I think the fingers are back in the ears, so he will have to keep it up. The Iraqi elections showed the bravery of these people, especially since that ink will be on their fingers for weeks, id-ing them as voters. And, I think the elections proved that the terrorists are not as strong as we thought, that Iraqis are up to the struggle. It will not be a cakewalk, but they are dedicated to trying.
At the recommendation of our commanders on the ground, and in consultation with the Iraqi government, we will increasingly focus our efforts on helping prepare more capable Iraqi security forces -- forces with skilled officers and an effective command structure. As those forces become more self-reliant and take on greater security responsibilities, America and its coalition partners will increasingly be in a supporting role. In the end, Iraqis must be able to defend their own country -- and we will help that proud, new nation secure its liberty.MATT: Let me give that to you again in bold: We will not set an artificial timetable for leaving Iraq, because that would embolden the terrorists and make them believe they can wait us out. We are in Iraq to achieve a result: A country that is democratic, representative of all its people, at peace with its neighbors, and able to defend itself. And when that result is achieved, our men and women serving in Iraq will return home with the honor they have earned. THAT is an exit strategy worthy of our military.
Recently an Iraqi interpreter said to a reporter, "Tell America not to abandon us." He and all Iraqis can be certain: While our military strategy is adapting to circumstances, our commitment remains firm and unchanging. We are standing for the freedom of our Iraqi friends, and freedom in Iraq will make America safer for generations to come. (Applause.) We will not set an artificial timetable for leaving Iraq, because that would embolden the terrorists and make them believe they can wait us out. We are in Iraq to achieve a result: A country that is democratic, representative of all its people, at peace with its neighbors, and able to defend itself. And when that result is achieved, our men and women serving in Iraq will return home with the honor they have earned. (Applause.)
MARK: Amen, Matt. Did you hear that Pelosi, or is the Botox still in your ears? Hey JohnnyCambodia, how bout you, or do you still think you are President? Teddy? Teddy? Oh, crap, he is passed out in a pool of Jack Daniels and vomit under his desk.
Right now, Americans in uniform are serving at posts across the world, often taking great risks on my orders. We have given them training and equipment; and they have given us an example of idealism and character that makes every American proud. (Applause.) The volunteers of our military are unrelenting in battle, unwavering in loyalty, unmatched in honor and decency, and every day they're making our nation more secure. Some of our servicemen and women have survived terrible injuries, and this grateful country will do everything we can to help them recover. (Applause.) And we have said farewell to some very good men and women, who died for our freedom, and whose memory this nation will honor forever.MATT: This was quite the moving moment. Very emotional.
One name we honor is Marine Corps Sergeant Byron Norwood of Pflugerville, Texas, who was killed during the assault on Fallujah. His mom, Janet, sent me a letter and told me how much Byron loved being a Marine, and how proud he was to be on the front line against terror. She wrote, "When Byron was home the last time, I said that I wanted to protect him like I had since he was born. He just hugged me and said, 'You've done your job, Mom. Now it is my turn to protect you.'" Ladies and gentlemen, with grateful hearts, we honor freedom's defenders, and our military families, represented here this evening by Sergeant Norwood's mom and dad, Janet and Bill Norwood. (Applause.)
MARK: Let me spell it out. The mother of Sgt. Norwood reached down and embraced the Iraqi female voter, and according to some reports, gave the Iraqi woman her son's dogtags. These people get it. It is about freedom. And the Norwoods realize their son is not dying in vain. It is a shame Teddyboy was still passed out and didn't see this. Of course, I am sure Pelosi and Kerry were blinded by Botox, and Michael Moore will probably say it was cut and pasted (he would know all about that). It was a beautiful, poignant, and telling moment.
In these four years, Americans have seen the unfolding of large events. We have known times of sorrow, and hours of uncertainty, and days of victory. In all this history, even when we have disagreed, we have seen threads of purpose that unite us. The attack on freedom in our world has reaffirmed our confidence in freedom's power to change the world. We are all part of a great venture: To extend the promise of freedom in our country, to renew the values that sustain our liberty, and to spread the peace that freedom brings.The speech ran a little long, but I was actually surprised by the abrupt ending.
As Franklin Roosevelt once reminded Americans, "Each age is a dream that is dying, or one that is coming to birth." And we live in the country where the biggest dreams are born. The abolition of slavery was only a dream -- until it was fulfilled. The liberation of Europe from fascism was only a dream -- until it was achieved. The fall of imperial communism was only a dream -- until, one day, it was accomplished. Our generation has dreams of its own, and we also go forward with confidence. The road of Providence is uneven and unpredictable -- yet we know where it leads: It leads to freedom.
Thank you, and may God bless America. (Applause.)
Overall impression: it was a pretty good speech. If the inaugural was a home run, but not a grand slam; this address was a double with runners in scoring position. He hit all the relevent points with sufficient detail and seemed rather comfortable with the delivery. The Social Security section was the best delivery I've seen from the President on that material. And clearly the Middle East situation is something the President has a clear vision.
MARK'S OVERALL IMPRESSION: Like Matt, I was impressed with the President's delivery. I think it may have been a triple. The President had to begin the dialogue of education and discussion of Social Security. He did that well. And for those who don't think the man has a vision for the world, they are dead wrong. You see, you cannot run a war on by this date we will do this: that is what the Dims did in Vietnam--and we saw what happened there. You must have objectives, but you must be willing to do the extra time to make sure the goals are accomplished. This President articulated that and made clear that our troops will come home when the job is done. An outstanding SotU speech.
