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So you think George W. Bush is not a conservative?
SOTU transcript ^ | 1/22/04

Posted on 01/22/2004 7:07:09 AM PST by Wolfstar

ED. NOTE: On Tuesday evening, January 20, 2004, the President of the United States gave one of the most conservative State of the Union addresses in at least a generation. For a SOTU speech, it had a remarkably short spending wish list. Instead, it had passages such as those excerpted below — none of which would have been spoken by a Democrat or liberal (i.e., Leftist), or even a "RINO." Check it out:

[BEGIN EXCERPTS: Bold/underscore emphasis by Wolfstar]

Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. Twenty-eight months have passed since September 11th, 2001 — over two years without an attack on American soil. And it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting — and false.

[SNIP]

The once all-powerful ruler of Iraq was found in a hole, and now sits in a prison cell. Of the top 55 officials of the former regime, we have captured or killed 45. Our forces are on the offensive, leading over 1,600 patrols a day and conducting an average of 180 raids a week. We are dealing with these thugs in Iraq, just as surely as we dealt with Saddam Hussein's evil regime.

Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better. Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction programs, including a uranium enrichment project for nuclear weapons.

[SNIP]

Nine months of intense negotiations involving the United States and Great Britain succeeded with Libya, while 12 years of diplomacy with Iraq did not. And one reason is clear: For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible, and no one can now doubt the word of America.

Many of our troops are listening tonight. And I want you and your families to know: America is proud of you. And my administration, and this Congress, will give you the resources you need to fight and win the war on terror.

I know that some people question if America is really in a war at all. They view terrorism more as a crime, a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments. After the World Trade Center was first attacked in 1993, some of the guilty were indicted and tried and convicted, and sent to prison. But the matter was not settled. The terrorists were still training and plotting in other nations, and drawing up more ambitious plans. After the chaos and carnage of September the 11th, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers. The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States, and war is what they got.

[SNIP]

Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized. This particular criticism is hard to explain to our partners in Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands — (applause) — Norway, El Salvador, and the 17 other countries that have committed troops to Iraq. As we debate at home, we must never ignore the vital contributions of our international partners, or dismiss their sacrifices.

From the beginning, America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have gained much support. There is a difference, however, between leading a coalition of many nations, and submitting to the objections of a few. America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country.

We also hear doubts that democracy is a realistic goal for the greater Middle East, where freedom is rare. Yet it is mistaken, and condescending, to assume that whole cultures and great religions are incompatible with liberty and self-government. I believe that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again.

[SNIP]

In the last three years, adversity has also revealed the fundamental strengths of the American economy. We have come through recession, and terrorist attack, and corporate scandals, and the uncertainties of war. And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger.

You have doubled the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reduced the marriage penalty, begun to phase out the death tax, reduced taxes on capital gains and stock dividends, cut taxes on small businesses, and you have lowered taxes for every American who pays income taxes.

Americans took those dollars and put them to work, driving this economy forward. The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years; new home construction, the highest in almost 20 years; home ownership rates, the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing. Inflation is low. Interest rates are low. Exports are growing. Productivity is high, and jobs are on the rise.

These numbers confirm that the American people are using their money far better than government would have — and you were right to return it.

[SNIP]

We're requiring higher standards [in schools]. We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals. We are reporting results to parents, and making sure they have better options when schools are not performing.

[SNIP]

We must continue to pursue an aggressive, pro-growth economic agenda. Congress has some unfinished business on the issue of taxes. The tax reductions you passed are set to expire. Unless you act — (applause) — unless you act — unless you act, the unfair tax on marriage will go back up. Unless you act, millions of families will be charged $300 more in federal taxes for every child. Unless you act, small businesses will pay higher taxes. Unless you act, the death tax will eventually come back to life. Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase. What Congress has given, the Congress should not take away. For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent.

Our agenda for jobs and growth must help small business owners and employees with relief from needless federal regulation, and protect them from junk and frivolous lawsuits.

Consumers and businesses need reliable supplies of energy to make our economy run — so I urge you to pass legislation to modernize our electricity system, promote conservation, and make America less dependent on foreign sources of energy.

My administration is promoting free and fair trade to open up new markets for America's entrepreneurs and manufacturers and farmers — to create jobs for American workers. Younger workers should have the opportunity to build a nest egg by saving part of their Social Security taxes in a personal retirement account. We should make the Social Security system a source of ownership for the American people.

[SNIP]

In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland, and meets important domestic needs, while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending, and be wise with the people's money. By doing so, we can cut the deficit in half over the next five years.

Tonight, I also ask you to reform our immigration laws so they reflect our values and benefit our economy.

[SNIP]

I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration, and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life.

[ED. NOTE: The precedent for guest worker programs goes back at least to the Eisenhower administration.]

[SNIP]

In January of 2006, seniors can get prescription drug coverage under Medicare. For a monthly premium of about $35, most seniors who do not have that coverage today can expect to see their drug bills cut roughly in half. Under this reform, senior citizens will be able to keep their Medicare just as it is, or they can choose a Medicare plan that fits them best — just as you, as members of Congress, can choose an insurance plan that meets your needs. And starting this year, millions of Americans will be able to save money tax-free for their medical expenses in a health savings account.

[SNIP]

On the critical issue of health care, our goal is to ensure that Americans can choose and afford private health care coverage that best fits their individual needs.

[SNIP]

Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates, so they can cover more workers with health insurance. I urge you to pass association health plans. I ask you to give lower-income Americans a refundable tax credit that would allow millions to buy their own basic health insurance.

[SNIP]

To protect the doctor-patient relationship, and keep good doctors doing good work, we must eliminate wasteful and frivolous medical lawsuits. And tonight I propose that individuals who buy catastrophic health care coverage, as part of our new health savings accounts, be allowed to deduct 100 percent of the premiums from their taxes.

A government-run health care system is the wrong prescription. By keeping costs under control, expanding access, and helping more Americans afford coverage, we will preserve the system of private medicine that makes America's health care the best in the world.

[SNIP]

One of the worst decisions our children can make is to gamble their lives and futures on drugs. Our government is helping parents confront this problem with aggressive education, treatment, and law enforcement. Drug use in high school has declined by 11 percent over the last two years. Four hundred thousand fewer young people are using illegal drugs than in the year 2001.

[SNIP]

A strong America must also value the institution of marriage. I believe we should respect individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization. Congress has already taken a stand on this issue by passing the Defense of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Clinton. That statute protects marriage under federal law as a union of a man and a woman, and declares that one state may not redefine marriage for other states.

Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected representatives. On an issue of such great consequence, the people's voice must be heard. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage.

[SNIP]

It's also important to strengthen our communities by unleashing the compassion of America's religious institutions. Religious charities of every creed are doing some of the most vital work in our country — mentoring children, feeding the hungry, taking the hand of the lonely. Yet government has often denied social service grants and contracts to these groups, just because they have a cross or a Star of David or a crescent on the wall. By executive order, I have opened billions of dollars in grant money to competition that includes faith-based charities. Tonight I ask you to codify this into law, so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again.

[SNIP]

The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable — and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true.

[END EXCERPTS]


TOPICS: Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: bush; bushamnesty; sotu
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To: exmarine
I have voted R since I was 18 in 1972. But I am rapidly getting PO'D. 8 billion to the Kennedy NEA?? SCOTUS??
Amnesty....a willing worker for a willing employer?? I can't believe this....Rod Serling...are you still out there??
1,221 posted on 01/22/2004 2:06:57 PM PST by international american (support our troops...........................revoke Hillary's visa!!)
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To: Protagoras
Of course I made that post, in response to another.

Then you ARE dishonest!

If you didn't read all of the posts, you can't testify to context.

I have read every post on this thread.

So rave on if you wish, this is boring. Why you took up this nonsense is anyone's guess, it has nothing to do with the thread. It's just a continuation of a flame war by Howlin, who doesn't like to be asked to back up inane statements designed to worship her idol and mislead others.

I was defending Howlin's numbers which you stated were a fairy tale. YOU are the one doing the misleading...I just caught you in your SECOND lie.

Ta ta, I'm gone for the day. Have fun with whatever your agenda is.

Typical disruptor...run when you get caught in a lie, it certainly reveals YOUR agenda. Say hi to the folks at DU for us, but please tell them their lying trolls are no match for Freepers, we do our homework.

1,222 posted on 01/22/2004 2:07:22 PM PST by ravingnutter
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To: Howlin; Bikers4Bush
Howlin, I know that you aren't so dishonest as to call Bush4Bikers a liar because of a statement made by a different person that he or she just quoted. If the statement is not true, it is Zapporah you should rant at over it, not Bikers4Bush.

You seem to be getting a little over emotional. You are piling on someone who hasn't done anything wrong. (unless disagreeing with you is considered "wrong" now.) He or she gave you the source of the info. If you have a problem with it, freepmail Zapporah (or however their name is spelled) and ask the person to their face.

Killing the messenger doesn't accomplish anything.
1,223 posted on 01/22/2004 2:10:09 PM PST by honeygrl (If you think the Constitution Party is such a joke, then why do you seem so afraid of it?)
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To: Wolfstar; Mo1; PhiKapMom
Thank you for alerting me to this thread!


1,224 posted on 01/22/2004 2:12:19 PM PST by JulieRNR21 (One good term deserves another! Take W-04....Across America!)
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To: exmarine
What would it take to make you understand I trust him to love America enough to make decisions that are right.I am not a true conservative by your measure.I don't look to what was best in foreign affairs to the 18th century.

I know we are not going to get rid of welfare,though reform was finally enacted after the black family had been destroyed..I know medicare needs reform,social security needs reform(third rail problems just as immigration is.)

I don't like all things but I think he'd have to renounce his Christianity or develop a debilitating disease that affected his mind for me to not vote for him.
1,225 posted on 01/22/2004 2:12:42 PM PST by MEG33
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To: honeygrl
That's a great idea. If illegal aliens have to register, then the businesses have to pay them minimum wage... then there is no incentive to hire anyone but legal AMERICANS. See how it works??
1,226 posted on 01/22/2004 2:14:03 PM PST by Porterville (Traitors against God, country, family, and benefactors lament their sins in the deepest part of hell)
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To: Howlin
Oh Goodie! Another Bush Bashing Thread!
1,227 posted on 01/22/2004 2:14:09 PM PST by Brad’s Gramma (I'm a Bush/JimBot and Proud of It!)
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To: international american
I have voted R since I was 18 in 1972. But I am rapidly getting PO'D. 8 billion to the Kennedy NEA?? SCOTUS?? Amnesty....a willing worker for a willing employer?? I can't believe this....Rod Serling...are you still out there??

(twilight zone music here - hear it in your head?) We are close in age. My first vote cast was for Ronald Reagan (too young and stupid to vote prior to 1980). What about $18 billion for condoms in Africa, $1.5 billion to teach people how to stay married. It's the idea that the goverment is your God - the govt. will solve all of your problems for you.

Our founders warned that survival of our country depended upon morality and virtue (ever hear that word anymore?). AS the nation becomes increasinly immoral and licentious (true freedom is freedom to do good, not hedonistic license), more laws must be passed to control the chaotic situation. As more laws are passed to control the people, there is a corresponding decrease in true freedom and increase in central power. People will ALWAYS choose tyranny over chaos. Have you noticed how people have put the war on terror ABOVE all other issues in the coming election? They think the government can protect them. They are sadly mistaken. Only God can protect them.

1,228 posted on 01/22/2004 2:14:29 PM PST by exmarine ( sic semper tyrannis)
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To: honeygrl
You can think whatever you want, but the fact remains that he is quoting someone as the source of an out and out lie and he is insisting it's fact.

And we tried to tell him that, but he still keeps repeating it over and over. Now he has completely mischaracterized an EO that Bush issued just to try to bolster his dubious claims.

For your informaton, Bush cannot implement this immigraton plan by EO; He can make some small changes in executive branch policy with EO’s, but wholesale changes like what he is talking about will require legislation.

To have a poster on FR -- where we value truth and facts -- continue to post that drivel when it flies in the face of the truth and KNOWN FACTS is worse than being on DU.

Killing the messenger isn't always wrong -- especially when they are spreading disinformation.

You can keep your personal remarks to yourself.
1,229 posted on 01/22/2004 2:14:47 PM PST by Howlin
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To: My2Cents
LOL...Kirk lived by three rules:

HHmmmm...but was he conservative enough?

1,230 posted on 01/22/2004 2:15:38 PM PST by Ophiucus
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To: Porterville
If illegal aliens have to register, then the businesses have to pay them minimum wage... then there is no incentive to hire anyone but legal AMERICANS. See how it works??

Come here and let me staple a gold star on your forehead!

You got it!

1,231 posted on 01/22/2004 2:16:01 PM PST by Howlin
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To: Bikers4Bush
But...but...

His spending, his rolling back the size of the Federal government, his legislation aimed at controlling immigration!

How can you NOT support Bill Clinton?

Or could it be that integrity and honor actually matter?
1,232 posted on 01/22/2004 2:16:17 PM PST by Luis Gonzalez (The Gift Is To See The Trout.)
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To: My2Cents
Wait until I go nuclear.

Oh - I can't wait to see...

1,233 posted on 01/22/2004 2:16:26 PM PST by Ophiucus
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To: Wolfstar
Ahhh, excuse me, hello..tap..tap..hello out there? I thought Bush supporters urged us to "watch what he does, not what he says". Haven't ya been watchin?
1,234 posted on 01/22/2004 2:16:26 PM PST by MissAmericanPie
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To: Happy2BMe; gubamyster; Pro-Bush; FairOpinion; FITZ; moehoward; Nea Wood; Joe Hadenuf; sangoo; ...
Thats all it was, a snippet:

I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration, and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life

"This plan is not amnesty," the president said of his plan to match workers with jobs. "I oppose amnesty because it encourages violation of our laws."-President Bush 1/12/04

2000
"I oppose amnesty, placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship. Granting amnesty encourages violation of our laws and perpetuates illegal immigration." -President George W. Bush

1999
In his book , GWB wrote, "the most compassionate way to deal with illegals is to stop them at the border."

1,235 posted on 01/22/2004 2:16:26 PM PST by JustPiper (Register Republican BUT Write-In Tancredo for March !!!!)
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To: MEG33
I respect your decision to vote for Mr. Bush and your motives - I just disagree with your rationale for doing so.
1,236 posted on 01/22/2004 2:16:42 PM PST by exmarine ( sic semper tyrannis)
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To: kevao
However, if limited government and secure borders have finally become "fringe," then this country is screwed already -- regardless of who wins in November.

Limited government certainly isn't centrist anymore, not in the sense that we mean the phrase. I don't believe secure borders are a centrist demand, either, not when you get down to the nuts and bolts. You can poll folks all you want and they'll say they support secure borders... just have one 60 Minutes episode show a self-sufficient family of four that has been here for 6 or 7 years and is now being deported, complete with crying children. I believe most Americans would support their staying here and being given documentation.

So yes, some solid conservative values are closer to the fringe than the center and if we want to change the nature of the two parties, we have to move the center toward our desired direction. It is how the liberals have been doing it for decades, obviously with great success.

1,237 posted on 01/22/2004 2:17:16 PM PST by Tamzee (W '04..... America may not survive a Democrat at this point in our history....)
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To: ravingnutter
If so, YOU are being dishonest.

Yep.

1,238 posted on 01/22/2004 2:18:25 PM PST by Ophiucus
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To: Bikers4Bush
What was it that Bush did that "lost him" your vote exactly?
1,239 posted on 01/22/2004 2:18:56 PM PST by Luis Gonzalez (The Gift Is To See The Trout.)
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To: ravingnutter; All
Calling people liars or racists is highly unproductive.
90% of the people posting here are decent people, who also have a brain. There are a lot of us who are displeased with a number of things Bush has done. I don't know how many people have said, "so whaddya want? a Dem in the White House??
No we do not, we are at war, but that does not mean we are not entitled tou our opinion. I am furious at Bush for a number of reasons. I cannot figure out how he thinks or why, and this is not conducive to Republican loyalty. His advisors are crap, and they think we are all dutiful slaves to the party. Regardless of how I vote, or abstain from voting, this is a damn shame!!
1,240 posted on 01/22/2004 2:19:52 PM PST by international american (support our troops...........................revoke Hillary's visa!!)
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