The Palestinian people have voted in elections. And now the leaders of Hamas must recognize Israel, disarm, reject terrorism, and work for lasting peace. (Applause.)
"..Or we'll bom the shit out of them." Well, America is boss, even though Palestine, like any other country, should have the right to defend herself YOU have to get rid of your arms.
Hm, so, Iran isn't allowed to have nukes, neither is Iraq and now the new ruling party of Palestine isn't allowed to be armed. You think maybe the Bush administration has something against Muslims?
Nooooo!
Saudi Arabia has taken the first steps of reform -- now it can offer its people a better future by pressing forward with those efforts.
Have they banned public beheadings in the street yet? Disbanded the religion police? Let women drive cars or even go out by themselves? No?
Well, progress takes time.
Democracies in the Middle East will not look like our own,
"They'll be browner and sound funny."
because they will reflect the traditions of their own citizens. Yet liberty is the future of every nation in the Middle East, because liberty is the right and hope of all humanity. (Applause.)
"HURRAY FOR LIBERTY! (Sad that after all these years humanity has been around we still have to cheer for liberty.)"
The same is true of Iran, a nation now held hostage by a small clerical elite that is isolating and repressing its people.
Wait--this is Iran we're talking about, right? Because it sounds awfully familiar to a country a bit closer to home (try America).
The regime in that country sponsors terrorists in the Palestinian territories and in Lebanon -- and that must come to an end. (Applause.)
Why is it that everything that Bush says that is so logical, so axiomatic still gets applause?
"The sky is blue and should stay that way!"
(Applause.)
The Iranian government is defying the world with its nuclear ambitions, and the nations of the world must not permit the Iranian regime to gain nuclear weapons. (Applause.)
"HURRAY FOR NO NUKES IN THE MIDDLE EAST! (Wait, doesn't Israel have nukes?)"
America will continue to rally the world to confront these threats.
Uh, when's it going to start doing that?
Tonight, let me speak directly to the citizens of Iran: America respects you, and we respect your country. We respect your right to choose your own future and win your own freedom. And our nation hopes one day to be the closest of friends with a free and democratic Iran. (Applause.)
"...but if you cut off our oil, so help me, we'll bomb you into oblivion!"
To overcome dangers in our world, we must also take the offensive by encouraging economic progress, and fighting disease, and spreading hope in hopeless lands.
Is that what you call what the US is doing in Iraq?
Isolationism would not only tie our hands in fighting enemies,
By "enemies" he means "boogie man" again. This is America folks, a couple of losers terrorists with bombs aren't going to get rid of us.
it would keep us from helping our friends in desperate need. We show compassion abroad because Americans believe in the God-given dignity and worth of a villager with HIV/AIDS, or an infant with malaria, or a refugee fleeing genocide, or a young girl sold into slavery.
"...or a Iraqi we tortured--I mean..."
We also show compassion abroad because regions overwhelmed by poverty, corruption, and despair are sources of terrorism, and organized crime, and human trafficking, and the drug trade.
"I define compassion as the bombing of your infrastructure to bits. Don't worry, we'll pay Haliburton to rebuild it for ya!"
In recent years, you and I have taken unprecedented action to fight AIDS and malaria, expand the education of girls, and reward developing nations that are moving forward with economic and political reform.
Are you still talking to the people of Iran??
For people everywhere, the United States is a partner for a better life.
Unless you're a victim of US [http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?050214fa_fact6|extraordinary rendition].
Short-changing these efforts would increase the suffering and chaos of our world, undercut our long-term security, and dull the conscience of our country.
Uh, I think you've already dulled it, Bush. I mean, no one's really calling you on the whole "we don't torture, but really we do" thing. Hell, even having the debate on whether torture is good or bad makes no moral sense. We don't torture, period. Is life so precious that we do barbaric things to protect it? If so, why do we go to war?
I urge members of Congress to serve the interests of America by showing the compassion of America.
I think they and you already have, Bush, and let's just say the world is not impressed (even though world leaders may say they are to your face).
Our country must also remain on the offensive against terrorism here at home.
"Y'see, America is weak--one lucky bomber in a pizzaria in the Big Apple and WHAMMO! There goes America! Right down the crapper!"
The enemy has not lost the desire or capability to attack us.
Gee, I wonder why that is! (Although I'm pretty sure acting on our foreign policy has something to do with it!)
Fortunately, this nation has superb professionals in law enforcement, intelligence, the military, and homeland security.
Hey, they only let 911 happen and in the meantime have slowly been taking away our rights--hell, moments before this speech even began Cindy Sheehan was arrested for wearing a protest-T-shirt into the Capital Building's gallery. Yes, she was "un-arrested" and apologized to, but she should not have been arrested in the first place. She hadn't disrupted anyone or anything, but I suppose we couldn't just wait for her to start yelling during Bush's speech--hell, we pre-emptively attacked Iraq before they lifted a finger against us, bet pre-emptively strike Cindy Sheehan, too.
These men and women are dedicating their lives, protecting us all, and they deserve our support and our thanks. (Applause.)
What if I don't want it? What if I think that there is no legitimate enemy? That Al Qeada is just a harmless myth at this point? Can we opt out of losing our rights in exchange for risking it with the terrorists?
They also deserve the same tools they already use to fight drug trafficking and organized crime -- so I ask you to reauthorize the Patriot Act. (Applause.)
WHAT? So, drug enforcement agents can arrest a person on suspicion of being a drug dealer, hold him indefinitely without charges and then take away their American citizenship and eject them from the country without so much as an explanation?
I'm sorry, I don't do drugs, can I opt out of this protection scheme, too, please?
It is said that prior to the attacks of September the 11th, our government failed to connect the dots of the conspiracy.
Well, that and, you failed to scramble fighters to intercept four passenger aircraft that should have been blown out of the sky before they could be used to kill anyone on the ground. At least, that's according to FAA regulations.
We now know that two of the hijackers in the United States placed telephone calls to al Qaeda operatives overseas.
Ah, yes! Because making phone calls is illegal! Having conversations with criminals is as good as being a criminal. Yippeee! Spotting thoughtcrimes is fun!!
But we did not know about their plans until it was too late.
That still doesn't answer why you didn't minimize the damage by shooting down the aircraft before they crashed.
So to prevent another attack รข€“- based on authority given to me by the Constitution and by statute --
Where and where? Seriously, if the Bush Administration can show me where it says "we can wiretap without a warrant" I'll be statisfied--but I don't think they have this kind of precise wording anywhere.
I have authorized a terrorist surveillance program to aggressively pursue the international communications of suspected al Qaeda operatives and affiliates to and from America.
And just like smart bombs in Iraq, innocent civilians never get targetted by this program? I doubt it.
Previous Presidents have used the same constitutional authority I have, and federal courts have approved the use of that authority.
But federal courts haven't approved your wiretapping in this case. You can't say "well, they approved of wiretapping for Clinton, so I can do it here."
You need to get permission yourself, you stupid child!
Appropriate members of Congress have been kept informed.
That's funny because I seem to recall Arlin Specter on ABC's This Week say something about how he hadn't been given all the information Bush said he had been given.
The terrorist surveillance program has helped prevent terrorist attacks.
You know how easy it is for you to just say that and just be lying?
In fact, you've gotten so many things wrong since the year 2000, how are we ever supposed to trust your word again?
DUDE, you've gotten EVERYTHING WRONG.
It remains essential to the security of America. If there are people inside our country who are talking with al Qaeda, we want to know about it, because we will not sit back and wait to be hit again. (Applause.)
"Rights be damned!"
Seriously--it's not illegal to talk to criminals. There is no law on the books that can stop me from having a long conversation on my cell phone with Osama bin Laden if I wanted to have one. If there is, please show it to me so I can learn about my government abridging my freedom of speech.
In all these areas -- from the disruption of terror networks, to victory in Iraq, to the spread of freedom and hope in troubled regions -- we need the support of our friends and allies.
Why?
Just once, I'd like to know why we have to "help" them.
To draw that support, we must always be clear in our principles and willing to act.
"...before we are even threatened. If someone's looking at us funny, we've got to ATTACK!"
The only alternative to American leadership is a dramatically more dangerous and anxious world.
Uhhh, some might say that American leadership brings a dramatically more dangerous and anxious world. :)
Besides that, what right do you have to judge the rest of the world inferior to the US? Why should America lead anyone when there is so much wrong within our own borders?
Poverty, hunger, homelessness, joblessness, corruption, a failing healthcare system, failing educational system--I could go on. If memory serves, the federal government spends $26 billion a year on education--the Iraq war alone has cost us more than $200 billion.
I'd say anyone with a brain would just have to look at those numbers and know that things are all wrong--the thing is that we're all so stupid thanks to a tiny federal education budget.
Yet we also choose to lead because it is a privilege to serve the values that gave us birth.
I think it was God who "said" "go forth and procreate" no the Founding Fathers who said "go forth and spread democracy."
American leaders -- from Roosevelt to Truman to Kennedy to Reagan -- rejected isolation and retreat, because they knew that America is always more secure when freedom is on the march.
Roosevelt probably knew Pearl Harbor was going to happen and let it, sacrificing all of those men just as aan excuse to get America into WWII.
Truman dropped the first atom bombs on Japan despite the fact that they were going to lose anyway. (Sorry folks older than me--that myth you've been tought is all wrong. Check out the documentary The Fog of War and watch Robert MacNamara explain how we had already kicked Japans ass before we dropped the bombs.
Kennedy was the guy who got us into Vietnam, nearly got us killed during the Cuba Missile Crisis and totally screwed up with the Bay of Pigs (hey, I heard your dad was involved with that last part--any truth to that?).
Reagan? Reagan was an idiot and a sucker who believed the lies that those around him told him. He was oblivious as your father and his lackies sold arms to Iran and funnelled cash to the Contras to help them overthrow their government.
Still want to cite those guys as great presidents?
Our own generation is in a long war against a determined enemy -- a war that will be fought by Presidents of both parties, who will need steady bipartisan support from the Congress. And tonight I ask for yours. Together, let us protect our country, support the men and women who defend us, and lead this world toward freedom. (Applause.)
Isn't that convenient? You've said that TWAT (The War Against Terror) will last indefinitely. Which means we have to keep money flowing to defense contractors (your buddies). If anyone criticizes you about this, you just say "hey, better support the troops!" as if speaking out against war is the same as telling USGIs that they suck.
It is not.
I support the troops--that's why I only want them to fight just wars--not wars that exist to support the military-industrial complex.
Here at home, America also has a great opportunity: We will build the prosperity of our country by strengthening our economic leadership in the world.
How is that going to happen? US corporations will propser around the world, but that's because they'll be outsourcing labor to cheaper countries and blowing off American workers. What will American workers do then? Work at Walmart.
Our economy is healthy and vigorous, and growing faster than other major industrialized nations. In the last two-and-a-half years, America has created 4.6 million new jobs -- more than Japan and the European Union combined. (Applause.)
Uh... that's not anywhere near as impressive as it sounds when you consider things like how high the deficit is and how much even higher the National Debt is.
Even in the face of higher energy prices and natural disasters, the American people have turned in an economic performance that is the envy of the world.
Wow, that's a load of crap--why are gas, food and even movie tickets so damn expensive? Why is it that almost every time I call a support line I get a person with a foreign accent? Why is it that almost all of the clothes I wear were made by Asian sweatshop workers?
If our economy was really doing well, most of those things I just mentioned would not be the case.
The American economy is preeminent, but we cannot afford to be complacent.
"Preeminent"?? I just looked that up at webster.com and it says "preeminent" is: "to be outstanding, to stand out -- having paramount rank, dignity, or importance."
Some of that I can see, but I was in Scotland last August and saw first hand that their economy is much better than ours. Hell, a bus driver makes roughly the equivalent to $70,000 a year over there.
In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors, like China and India, and this creates uncertainty, which makes it easier to feed people's fears.
"...I like feeding people's fears! Heh-heh-heh!"
So we're seeing some old temptations return. Protectionists want to escape competition, pretending that we can keep our high standard of living while walling off our economy.
"Nope! It's the poorhouse for us! Start packing!"
There you have it folks! Bush has admitted it! America's "high" standard of living is going to drop. While he suggests that our SoL will drop because we wall off our economy, it's going to drop no matter what thanks to inflation and outsourcing.
Others say that the government needs to take a larger role in directing the economy, centralizing more power in Washington and increasing taxes.
Um, who the hell is saying that? You're kidding, right? Government is already taking a huge role in all of that. Increasing taxes for most of us (the poor and shrinking middle-class) while cutting breaks for big business.
We hear claims that immigrants are somehow bad for the economy --
No, just the pigs wages we pay them.
even though this economy could not function without them. (Applause.)
That's true--America has always needed their cheap labor. Before the Mexicans, it was the Chinese railroad workers. Before them, it was the Irish and before them, it was the slaves.
God forbid American corporations should pay anyone what they are worth.
All these are forms of economic retreat, and they lead in the same direction -- toward a stagnant and second-rate economy.
We just love it when you blow smoke up our asses.
I just told you, that's what we've got. I was in Scotland and they get paid more than twice as much there and their cost of living is not twice as high as ours is.
Tonight I will set out a better path: an agenda for a nation that competes with confidence; an agenda that will raise standards of living and generate new jobs.
There's more doublespeak!! Paying Mexicans pigs wages is going to allow the US to raise standards of living? I can't imagine how that is possible.
Americans should not fear our economic future, because we intend to shape it.
"We" as in the USG? So, it's not "others" who want a bigger government to exercise more control over the US economy, it's you.
Keeping America competitive begins with keeping our economy growing. And our economy grows when Americans have more of their own money to spend, save, and invest.
No, keeping America competitive begins with selling something no one else has or selling things others have at a cheaper price. How is America competitive when citizens spend a lot? Sure, most of our spending supports American corporations, but if we're talking about keeping America competitive, don't we mean "against other countries"? We need them to want what we've got.
Sometimes I wonder if even your speech writers know what they're talking about.
In the last five years, the tax relief you passed has left $880 billion in the hands of American workers, investors, small businesses, and families -- and they have used it to help produce more than four years of uninterrupted economic growth. (Applause.)
Uhhhh... you want to tell how us much "economic growth"? You want to tell us which small businesses and families? last time I checked, I actually spent more on my taxes in 2005 than I have in any other previous year. I'm technically a small business.
Yet the tax relief is set to expire in the next few years. If we do nothing, American families will face a massive tax increase they do not expect and will not welcome.
Since when do you care what we will welcome, you freakin' hypocrit!
Because America needs more than a temporary expansion, we need more than temporary tax relief. I urge the Congress to act responsibly, and make the tax cuts permanent. (Applause.)
Let me guess: these tax cuts will mostly benefit the wealthy?
Keeping America competitive requires us to be good stewards of tax dollars.
!!!
Is that why we're waging TWO wars against countries that did nothing to threaten us?
We're $400 billion in the hole for these two debacles which have yet to provide us with an end to TWAT or Osama. In fact, they seem to have only riled the terrorists up more and you, yourself, earlier in this speech, commented that they now want to use Iraq as a staging ground for further actions against America--well, how did Iraq end up a perfect place for that to happen?
Every year of my presidency, we've reduced the growth of non-security discretionary spending, and last year you passed bills that cut this spending.
"Non-security discretionary spending" means "impulse-spending not having to do with fighting terror abroad or providing security at home." In other words, we spent less on things like education, housing, healthcare (and more on war).
This year my budget will cut it again, and reduce or eliminate more than 140 programs that are performing poorly or not fulfilling essential priorities.
"Essential" meaning "required for the war against terror."
By passing these reforms, we will save the American taxpayer another $14 billion next year, and stay on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. (Applause.)
Will you even be in office by 2009?
You BETTER not be in office by 2009!!
I am pleased that members of Congress are working on earmark reform, because the federal budget has too many special interest projects. (Applause.)
"Ted Stevens, I'm looking at you!"
And we can tackle this problem together, if you pass the line-item veto. (Applause.)
Bush uses the word "veto"??? I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
We must also confront the larger challenge of mandatory spending, or entitlements. This year, the first of about 78 million baby boomers turn 60, including two of my Dad's favorite people -- me and President Clinton. (Laughter.)
HAHAHAHAHA
/stilted laughter
This milestone is more than a personal crisis -- (laughter) -- it is a national challenge. The retirement of the baby boom generation will put unprecedented strains on the federal government.
HAHAHAHAHAHA---oh...
By 2030, spending for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid alone will be almost 60 percent of the entire federal budget. And that will present future Congresses with impossible choices -- staggering tax increases, immense deficits, or deep cuts in every category of spending.
Congresseseses? ;)
Well, we'll just see about that. If we can conjur $400 billion for a couple of wars, maybe we can cut back on the warring and take care of our own citizens.
Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security -- (applause)
"YEAH! THAT'S RIGHT, WE DIDN'T! SUCK ON IT!"
-- yet the rising cost of entitlements is a problem that is not going away. (Applause.)
"YAAAY, PROBLEMS THAT DON'T GO AWAY!"
And every year we fail to act, the situation gets worse.
I'm sorry, I was thinking about you breaking all those laws--what were you saying about a situation getting worse?
So tonight, I ask you to join me in creating a commission to examine the full impact of baby boom retirements on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Wow--so, he was againt the 911 Commission, against an investigation into what went wrong with the WMD, but now he wants a Baby Boomer Commission?
This commission should include members of Congress of both parties, and offer bipartisan solutions. We need to put aside partisan politics and work together and get this problem solved. (Applause.)
Here's a solution:
Stop waging war, spend the money instead on healthcare for baby boomers.
Keeping America competitive requires us to open more markets for all that Americans make and grow. One out of every five factory jobs in America is related to global trade, and we want people everywhere to buy American.
"One out of every five factory jobs in America is related to global trade"? So, that means one factory job in America is related to global trade.
With open markets and a level playing field, no one can out-produce or out-compete the American worker. (Applause.)
Unless he doesn't feel he's getting paid enough to give a shit, which is certainly true for most of the jobs I've had. :)
I think an even playing field is great so long as everyone gets to have the American standard of living (which is higher than most).
Keeping America competitive requires an immigration system that upholds our laws, reflects our values, and serves the interests of our economy. Our nation needs orderly and secure borders. (Applause.) To meet this goal, we must have stronger immigration enforcement and border protection. (Applause.) And we must have a rational, humane guest worker program that rejects amnesty, allows temporary jobs for people who seek them legally, and reduces smuggling and crime at the border. (Applause.)
A guest worker program, but not amnesty. Legal temp jobs to reduce smuggling.
>_< Mexicans come to the US to live in the US permanently. I know this because I live in LA and I've seen plenty of Mexicans who live here permanently. Yes, they send money back to Mexico, but they want stable jobs just like we do. They don't want a temporary job. If that's all they can get through legal channels, your program just might increase smuggling instead of decreasing it.
Not that I'm complaining, but where the hell's the bit where you tell us how addicted to oil we all are?? I read about it before the speech now I'm wondering where the hell it is. I'm almost three-quarters through this damn thing and no mention of oil hardly at all!
***Sorry about the following formatting problem--WordPress is being a little bitch and literally won't let me fix it. Look at the source if you don't believe me. In fact, please do that in case I'm just missing something. Thanks!***
Keeping America competitive requires affordable health care. (Applause.) Our government has a responsibility to provide health care for the poor and the elderly, and we are meeting that responsibility. (Applause.)
You are... I mean, you are?For all Americans -- for all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and help people afford the insurance coverage they need. (Applause.)
So... you're going to force health care companies to charge less????? :D :D :DWe will make wider use of electronic records and other health information technology, to help control costs and reduce dangerous medical errors.
Whaaaaa????
Big Brother=lower costs??We will strengthen health savings accounts -- making sure individuals and small business employees can buy insurance with the same advantages that people working for big businesses now get. (Applause.)
"Health saings accounts"??? What the hell are those? More private accounts like the Social Security alternative you suggested?We will do more to make this coverage portable, so workers can switch jobs without having to worry about losing their health insurance. (Applause.) And because lawsuits are driving many good doctors out of practice -- leaving women in nearly 1,500 American counties without a single OB/GYN -- I ask the Congress to pass medical liability reform this year. (Applause.)
I think that is such a bad idea. Not ALL malpractice lawsuits are frivolous. Some are completely justified and legislating against the bad ones will just make it harder for the good ones to happen, and that's bad.
I say we eat the bad so we can protect the individual's right to sue of a doctor screws up.
Besides, isn't really the sky-high insurance rates that force doctors out of business in the first place? In fact, if malpractice insurance rates were lower, the cost of health care, in general, would go down, wouldn't it?
That seems like it would solve a lot of people's problems--except the insurance companies' problems that is. It would force them to stop being so greedy.Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy.
WHOA! We're all over the map!
I think I got whiplash from that topic change!And here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world.
DING-DING-DING-DING!!
WE HAVE OIL, REPEAT: WE HAVE OIL!
Well, talk of oil, anyway. So, we're addicted and it comes from unstable parts of the world. Hey, Bush--why don't you talk about how something like 60% of our economy is tied up in oil? Tell us about how nearly the entire planet has to buy American petro-dollars before thy can buy oil from OPEC. Tell them how every time oil is sold on planet Earth, our economy benefits because it is done in American money.
This is why nothing Bush ever says regarding alternative energy will ever come to anything. Our economy would die without oil money on planet Earth.The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources -- and we are on the threshold of incredible advances.
Yeah, what ever happened to that hydrogen car plan you had back in 2003?So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research -- at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy. (Applause.)
"YAAAAY FOR SHIT WE'LL NEVER SEE FOR REAL!"We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars, and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen.
What, no reference to the hydrogen car program you initiated back in 2003?We'll also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn, but from wood chips and stalks, or switch grass. Our goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within six years. (Applause.)
So, you're pushing the non-hydrogen stuff? WTH?Breakthroughs on this and other new technologies will help us reach another great goal: to replace more than 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle East by 2025. (Applause.)
Well, if the peak oil folks are right there won't be much oil left by 2025--at least none that most of us can afford.By applying the talent and technology of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy, and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past. (Applause.)
He is TOTALLY talking out of his ass here. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petro-dollars|American Petro-dollars] say that we'll never lose our petroleum-based economy.And to keep America competitive, one commitment is necessary above all: We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity.
Oh, dude--you're kidding me. We're so behind on both of those. Outsourcing has allowed money to go into training and exploiting talent and creativity in other countries.
Ooops!Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hardworking, ambitious people -- and we're going to keep that edge.
Educated? The fact that you keep getting "elected" suggests our educational system needs work. Hey, didn't you guys just cut federal education spending?Tonight I announce an American Competitiveness Initiative, to encourage innovation throughout our economy, and to give our nation's children a firm grounding in math and science. (Applause.)
More smoke getting blown up our asses. Bush is in power because most of America sits on their asses and are too stupid to realize that Bush has broken several laws. Hell, most people don't even know that to get impeached you don't even have to break the law.
I'm sure we'll never see any movement in your plan, Bush.First, I propose to double the federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years. This funding will support the work of America's most creative minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources.
"...Yeah, nanotechnology, like that iPod Nano the kids are watching their little videos on these days!"
Yeah, just like the $1.2 billion you sunk into hydrogen powered cars.Second, I propose to make permanent the research and development tax credit -- (applause) -- to encourage bolder private-sector initiatives in technology.
"Because there just aren't enough gadgets in the world today! Heh-heh-heh!"With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve our quality of life -- and ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come. (Applause.)
That makes no sense. More gadgets will equate to better quality of life? Are these gadgets going to be free?
Sure, I can watch my favorite TV shows on my iPod now, but that iPod was freakin' expensive! I had to work a buttload of extra shifts to save up for it. So, really, while my quality of life is better now, it actually went down for a bit just so I could afford to get it.
So, I fail to see how more innovation will help us have better lives without said innovation being cheap.Third, we need to encourage children to take more math and science, and to make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other nations. We've made a good start in the early grades with the No Child Left Behind Act,
You mean the "No Child Left Behind Act" that you shot [http://thepete.com/bush-43-admin-lies-breaks-fed-law-again/|illegal, covert propaganda] advertising?which is raising standards and lifting test scores across our country.
Oh is it? Care to provide some statistics?Tonight I propose to train 70,000 high school teachers to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science, bring 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms, and give early help to students who struggle with math, so they have a better chance at good, high-wage jobs.
Propose away, Bush! But will you actually follow up on this? Or will this be another hydrogen powered car?If we ensure that America's children succeed in life, they will ensure that America succeeds in the world. (Applause.)
Well, really all you care about is the US Government succeeding in the world. The rest of us are just future-cannon-fodder.Preparing our nation to compete in the world is a goal that all of us can share. I urge you to support the American Competitiveness Initiative, and together we will show the world what the American people can achieve.
Yes, because without your new initiative there is absolutely no way we could show the world what the American people can achieve. Your way and no other, as usual, Bush.America is a great force for freedom and prosperity.
Um, sure, in that every country we touch turns to shit. It all depends on how you define "prosperity," right?Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another.
I don't know man, I like my iPod a LOT and you've been torturing people, so I think someone's not on the right page of the script...So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.
We do... I mean, we do?In recent years, America has become a more hopeful nation. Violent crime rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1970s.
It's because we're too busy being scared of phantom terrorists to steal.Welfare cases have dropped by more than half over the past decade.
Isn't that because people's benefits have run out?
I know that so often the media reports unemployment rates have dropped--but the numbers they quote come from how many people claim unemployment benefits--those run out after a while, so counting them as an accurate measure of how many people are out of work is a mistake. Is this happening with welfare, too?Drug use among youth is down 19 percent since 2001.
That's because life is a trip without drugs :) OK, I shouldn't kid about this--it's obviously good news. I'll give you that.There are fewer abortions in America than at any point in the last three decades, and the number of children born to teenage mothers has been falling for a dozen years in a row. (Applause.)
I'm guessing the lower number of abortions could be because of it being harder to get an abortion thanks to draconian federal ands tate laws. Since the trend of teenage mothers giving birth going down seems to have started long before you came to power, I don't think you should be taking credit for it--but that's just me.These gains are evidence of a quiet transformation -- a revolution of conscience, in which a rising generation is finding that a life of personal responsibility is a life of fulfillment.
Too bad we can't get you to take personal responsibility for fucking up Iraq and blowing a shitload fo taxpayer dollars in the process.Government has played a role. Wise policies, such as welfare reform and drug education and support for abstinence and adoption have made a difference in the character of our country.
Yeah, just keep telling yourself that.And everyone here tonight, Democrat and Republican, has a right to be proud of this record. (Applause.)
What if it's total bullshit, though?Yet many Americans, especially parents, still have deep concerns about the direction of our culture, and the health of our most basic institutions.
Considering all the things you've gotten wrong, I hardly think you should expect any American citizen to be concern-free regarding the US government.They're concerned about unethical conduct by public officials,
Like YOU!and discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage.
Or courts who decide who should occupy the White House. Man, I hated that!!They worry about children in our society who need direction and love, and about fellow citizens still displaced by natural disaster, and about suffering caused by treatable diseases.
Too bad the USG spends so much money on war and so little on health care and making sure FEMA has a clue :)As we look at these challenges, we must never give in to the belief that America is in decline, or that our culture is doomed to unravel.
Yeah, it isn't happening, it only thinks it's happening.The American people know better than that. We have proven the pessimists wrong before -- and we will do it again. (Applause.)
If you're calling me people like me pessimists, then you haven't proven us wrong at all. In fact, you've proven us all correct with every dumb-ass step you've taken.A hopeful society depends on courts that deliver equal justice under the law. The Supreme Court now has two superb new members -- new members on its bench: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sam Alito. (Applause.)
yeah, so when you decide not to step down in 2008, they'll back you up and say it's your constitutional right to stay in office during a time of unending war.I thank the Senate for confirming both of them. I will continue to nominate men and women who understand that judges must be servants of the law, and not legislate from the bench. (Applause.)
Yeeeeah, sure. Don't mention that if the Democrats actually had any power they'd have voted both your boys down.Today marks the official retirement of a very special American. For 24 years of faithful service to our nation, the United States is grateful to Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. (Applause.)
And the crowd goes wild....yaaaaaay.A hopeful society has institutions of science and medicine that do not cut ethical corners, and that recognize the matchless value of every life.
We have the military and politicians who will cut ethical corners and fail to recognize the matchless value of every life.Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to prohibit the most egregious abuses of medical research: human cloning in all its forms, creating or implanting embryos for experiments, creating human-animal hybrids, and buying, selling, or patenting human embryos. Human life is a gift from our Creator -- and that gift should never be discarded, devalued or put up for sale. (Applause.)
"Besides, we're going to need all the embryos we can get to grow into soldiers so we can send 'em to Iraq and any other countries we invade! Only then can they die!"A hopeful society expects elected officials to uphold the public trust. (Applause.)
"I haven't done that much lately, or ever...heh-heh-heh!"Honorable people in both parties are working on reforms to strengthen the ethical standards of Washington -- I support your efforts.
Uh, Mr. B, what would you know about "honor"?Each of us has made a pledge to be worthy of public responsibility -- and that is a pledge we must never forget, never dismiss, and never betray. (Applause.)
"Unless you're me--I don't need to explain myself to anyone! That's why they call meKing, I mean, president."As we renew the promise of our institutions, let us also show the character of America in our compassion and care for one another.
Yes! Why don't we?
Of course, that means you'll have to stop wiretapping us and torturing people and arresting people without charges and imprisoning them indefinitely.
You can do that, can't ya?A hopeful society gives special attention to children who lack direction and love. Through the Helping America's Youth Initiative, we are encouraging caring adults to get involved in the life of a child -- and this good work is being led by our First Lady, Laura Bush. (Applause.)
That automaton? I'm just sure this initiative has a Jesus slant to it that he's not talking about here.This year we will add resources to encourage young people to stay in school, so more of America's youth can raise their sights and achieve their dreams.
That's nice, um, you want to talk about the real problems we're facing? Kids dropping out of school is a tiny part of the problem--what good is it for them to stay in school if the school system sucks big monkey-member?
Monkey-member=primate-penisA hopeful society comes to the aid of fellow citizens in times of suffering and emergency --
"Which is why we blew off all those Katrina victims."and stays at it until they're back on their feet.
"...and continue to do so."So far the federal government has committed $85 billion to the people of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans.
Don't you mean you've committed $85 billion to the businesses of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans? I've read that developers are getting it real easy in moving into that area to develop areas on the cheap.We're removing debris and repairing highways and rebuilding stronger levees.
"Which is something we should have done before Katrina struck, but what the hell? Nobody expected a strom like that to hit the area!"
(Except a stack of scientists.)We're providing business loans and housing assistance. Yet as we meet these immediate needs, we must also address deeper challenges that existed before the storm arrived.
"Me."In New Orleans and in other places, many of our fellow citizens have felt excluded from the promise of our country. The answer is not only temporary relief, but schools that teach every child, and job skills that bring upward mobility, and more opportunities to own a home and start a business. As we recover from a disaster, let us also work for the day when all Americans are protected by justice, equal in hope, and rich in opportunity. (Applause.)
Wow--how totatlly fucked is it that we can't guarantee this already?
Shouldn't he be ashamed to admit that this is something we're STILL aspiring to?A hopeful society acts boldly to fight diseases like HIV/AIDS, which can be prevented, and treated, and defeated.
"So, that's why we're not doing it!"More than a million Americans live with HIV, and half of all AIDS cases occur among African Americans. I ask Congress to reform and reauthorize the Ryan White Act, and provide new funding to states, so we end the waiting lists for AIDS medicines in America. (Applause.)
The Ryan White Act to help blacks fight AIDS? OK, if you say so! ;)
Just more of that black and white thinking, again, Bush! OK, I'm just kidding. This sounds like a good idea to me, which is why I'm pretty sure you won't actually do it.We will also lead a nationwide effort, working closely with African American churches and faith-based groups, to deliver rapid HIV tests to millions, end the stigma of AIDS, and come closer to the day when there are no new infections in America. (Applause.)
Oh, like they're not going to applaud that?
Why not propmise a trip to Mars? (Say, what happened to that plan, anyway?) How about a cure for sadness? How about free money for everyone?
Promise away, Bush!Fellow citizens, we've been called to leadership in a period of consequence.
What?We've entered a great ideological conflict we did nothing to invite.
HA! You wish!
What an incredibly shortsighted thing to say!
"AMERICA IS PERFECT AND WITHOUT FLAW AND ALL WHO WHO CRITICIZE US ARE SIMPLY WRONG AND EVIL AND AGAINST US!"We see great changes in science and commerce that will influence all our lives. Sometimes it can seem that history is turning in a wide arc, toward an unknown shore. Yet the destination of history is determined by human action, and every great movement of history comes to a point of choosing.
Uh, that's deep, George, but what's yer point? Let me guess:
"Look, it's not my fault if where we're going sucks--the Senate and House never voted to impeach me, so they're as much to blame as m--I mean--they're to blame, not me!"Lincoln could have accepted peace at the cost of disunity and continued slavery.
That's true, but believe it or not, Lincoln actually went against the Founding Father's wishes by not letting the South secede. In the Declaration of Independence it actually says we should rise up and rebel against our government should it abuse it's power over the citizenry. The South was just doing what they believed to be right. Sure, slavery was wrong, but a war was not neccesary to prove that, just an economic boycott of all things produced with slavery. Sounds simple, but it worked in the UK--companies would advertise that their sugar was made without slave labor.Martin Luther King could have stopped at Birmingham or at Selma, and achieved only half a victory over segregation.
Why would he have done that?The United States could have accepted the permanent division of Europe, and been complicit in the oppression of others.
No, seriously--why would MLK have settled for halfway?
Oh and why would the US not want to go into Europe to fight the Nazis since LOADS of money would be made for a huge stack of American companies? Hey--in the end we let the Russians divide up Germany.Today, having come far in our own historical journey, we must decide: Will we turn back, or finish well?
Something tells me that like Vietnam, Iraq won't "finish well."Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage.
HAHAHAHAHA!
Isn't that cute! He's trying to be inspirational!
Sorry, Bush--you have to stop torturing people before you can legally consider trying to inspire people. It's in the Constitution--no really--look it up!
(Watch him go and look it up!)Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we will finish well. We will lead freedom's advance.
You were wrong about:
Stopping 911
Vanquihsing the Taliban
Iraqi WMD
Catching Osama
I could list more things you've gotten wrong, but those are the big things. Tell me, George, why should we trust these hopeful promises you are making to us today?We will compete and excel in the global economy. We will renew the defining moral commitments of this land.
See? More pormises you won't keep, George.
Get real, guy--you've been amoral since you moved into the White House.And so we move forward -- optimistic about our country, faithful to its cause, and confident of the victories to come.
Yeah, victories including your successful impeachment and removal from office--both are perfectly in line with our country's best interests and faith to her cause.May God bless America. (Applause.)
Again, like they're not going to clap God blessing America??
END 10:03 P.M. EST
So, there you have it. Man, I was expecpecting much more talk of oil. Instead, we got all that BS doublespeak. It's amazing how accurate Orwell was.
Oh well...
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