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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: tubavil
3 out of that list are complete fabrications. Keep it honest.
1,481 posted on 01/22/2004 6:52:17 PM PST by Texasforever
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To: Bikers4Bush; Zipporah; Mo1; Wolfstar
I finally was able to reach someone I know at my senator's office.. he told me that BUSH INTENDS TO PUT THE IMMIGRATION FIASCO THROUGH AS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER!!!

Zipporah, I'll take your word that the aid said this, but I'm skeptical that he or she knew what they were talking about. I'll believe it when I see it.

However, if the President actually did EO an Amnesty, the resultant firestorm would be impossible to calculate. I think it would exceed Clinton's "gays in the military" blunder, costing a couple of million votes in November, and possibly the election.

I would be stunned to see him take that gamble.


1,482 posted on 01/22/2004 6:53:22 PM PST by Sabertooth (Pakistani Illegal Aliens Deport Themselves - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1058591/posts)
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To: Sabertooth
I would be stunned to see him take that gamble.

Don't be .. because he can't do it

And he wouldn't do it even if he could

1,483 posted on 01/22/2004 6:57:25 PM PST by Mo1 (Join the dollar a day crowd now!)
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To: honeygrl
Well, if you've done it and your parents have done it then you obviously know that Americans WILL do it.(unless you are an illegal yourself)

Yeah right, I'm an illegal??? Actually my father picked cotton during the Depression and I picked beans/strawberries,etc when I was a kid. Now the farmers cannot hire kids due to child labor laws and the expense of buses etc. Again, they have to turn to Mexicans.

As for them taking better jobs in factories, unfortunately that is what happens in capitalism. I believe it is courageous of GW to open this discussion so we can eventually get control of the borders. This is not as easy a problem as many of the "Conservatives" like to believe.

Pray For W and Our Troops

1,484 posted on 01/22/2004 6:57:29 PM PST by bray (The Wicked Witch of NY and Her (9-5) Flying Monkeys are In Flames!)
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To: Texasforever
Nope - in fact, I'm married to one who was a lawful U.S. citizen long before we met - and I speak the language.

Without regard for race, creed, color, religion, national origin or sexual orientation I DO RESENT anyone who comes here unlawfully, abuses our social services and picks taxpayers pockets.

Because of my insight, I see firsthand how many mohaditos (not all of course) connive to beat the system and cheat at every opportunity.

My wife, who has been there, done that, feels more strongly about it than I do - sort of a Latina version of Michelle Malkin.

Unlike 100 year ago, very few "immigrants" come here these days with a vision to become lifelong American citizens - instead they come here for one reason, to exploit our economy and send the money home. They pursue citizenship because it is profitable and serves as a short-term means to further that purpose.

1,485 posted on 01/22/2004 7:00:02 PM PST by skip2myloo
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To: Mo1
he can't do it

Well, he couldn't implement the whole plan. Congress has authority over immigration and naturalization.

Hypothetically, however, he could issue a mass pardon to Illegals. Maybe some other things. He might be able to use some sort of national security power; "We need to get them all registered," etc.

Like I said, though, I'd be stunned to see him try anything like that.


1,486 posted on 01/22/2004 7:02:42 PM PST by Sabertooth (Pakistani Illegal Aliens Deport Themselves - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1058591/posts)
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To: Sabertooth
He might .. He might .. He Might
1,487 posted on 01/22/2004 7:09:07 PM PST by Mo1 (Join the dollar a day crowd now!)
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To: gatorbait; Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Vote Democrat directly instead of some third party time waster.Your irrational act would be the same and a bit more honest.

Actually, that's incorrect electoral mathematics.

A switch from GOP to a third party is a one vote swing.

A switch from GOP to Dem is a two vote swing.

Consider this example:

A small town has 22 voters (any number will do). There are 11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, and 1 Independent voting for Mayor, along party lines.

If one GOP vote switches to Independent, the tally is 10 R, 10 D, and 2 I. That's a one vote swing, leaving the Pubbie and the Dem in a tie.

If a GOP vote switches to Dem, the tally is 10 R, 11 D, and 1 I. That's a two vote swing, and the Dem wins.


1,488 posted on 01/22/2004 7:10:27 PM PST by Sabertooth (Pakistani Illegal Aliens Deport Themselves - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1058591/posts)
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To: Wolfstar
bump
1,489 posted on 01/22/2004 7:11:41 PM PST by foreverfree
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To: Mo1



He might .. He might .. He Might

Sheesh, read what I wrote. It was a hypothetical about what was possible through EO, not a prediction that I thought he would do it.


1,490 posted on 01/22/2004 7:12:14 PM PST by Sabertooth (Pakistani Illegal Aliens Deport Themselves - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1058591/posts)
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To: LandofLincoln
I don't recall your being in charge of setting the parameters for anything at all, but I will continue to note your attempt at steering the discussion away from the facts.

Fact: GWB's spending is more in line with "conservative" ideals, than Reagan's and Bush I's.

Fact: According to the latest round of "anyone but Bush" posts around here, the prefered RECENT candidate of "true conservatives" would be William Jefferson Clinton.
1,491 posted on 01/22/2004 7:14:45 PM PST by Luis Gonzalez (The Gift Is To See The Trout.)
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To: Sabertooth
It was a hypothetical

I understand .. but others will pick it up and run with it and then before you know it .. there is a whole new flame war of attacks going on things that aren't accurate and factual

Do you understand my point??

1,492 posted on 01/22/2004 7:16:09 PM PST by Mo1 (Join the dollar a day crowd now!)
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To: Luis Gonzalez
The United States has "unsigned' the 1998 Rome Treaty that would put America under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court treaty that Bill Clinton signed on Dec. 31, 2000.

The Bush administration took the unprecedented step of "unsigning" an international treaty because, well, simply put, it doesn't trust the international community. Dubbed the "Rome Treaty," it puts signatory nations under the jurisdiction of the International Court at the Hague, grants ICC prosecutors extraordinary powers and grants ICC officials lifetime immunity.


1,493 posted on 01/22/2004 7:16:16 PM PST by deport ( Owen, Kuhl, Brown, Pickering, Pryor, Allen.. [Estrada, they won])
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To: George W. Bush
You got plenty of rights. But if you're working against Bush's reelection you're helping sell the country down the river.

I'll go further. Anyone, left or right, who is bashing and trashing our president right now, during time of war, is giving aid and comfort to our enemies. We used to have a saying around here about loose lips sinking ships. The phrase refers to much more than simply leaking secrets.
1,494 posted on 01/22/2004 7:16:27 PM PST by zook
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To: tubavil
"Outspent Klinton and every other president for the last 40 years."

Wrong.

1,495 posted on 01/22/2004 7:17:10 PM PST by Luis Gonzalez (The Gift Is To See The Trout.)
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To: skip2myloo; Spiff; keri; international american; Kay Soze; jpsb; Capitalist Eric; hershey; ...
"The politicians have failed, nay REFUSED, to enforce our immigration laws, and now they want to legitimize their unlawful acts."

In other words AMNESTY for VOTES.

Bush admits: "I was wrong about amnesty." (humor)

Bush’s Proposal Amounts To Amnesty For Millions of Illegal Immigrants

Bush: Let Illegals Work in U.S. (But that is not enough say illegals.)

Mark Steyn: llIegals the political 'untouchables'

Congresss ALREADY APPROVED AMNESTY – it didn’t work then, why will it now?

Stop Amnesty For Illegals

Real Message of The Bush Amnesty

Congresss ALREADY APPROVED AMNESTY – it didn’t work then, why will it now?

Tancredo Blasts Immigration Plan

The Republicans Proposing Immigration Reform (Amnesty)

Amnesty By Another Name is Still Amnesty: Bush Compounds an Immigration Disaster

Amnesty and Culture

THE BIGGEST VICTIMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT AMNESTY: THE BUSINESS LEADERS WHO SUPPORT IT

Statement from the American Federation of Government Employees on the Bush Immigration Amnesty

Rep. Kolbe (RINO-AZ) Sierra Vista Town Hall Met With Protests Against Amnesty (FReeper Organized)

Candidates on the Issues: Immigration

The false dilemma behind the Bush Amnesty

NoAmnesty.Com

1,496 posted on 01/22/2004 7:17:13 PM PST by Happy2BMe (U.S. borders - Controlled by CORRUPT Politicians and Slave-Labor Employers)
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To: skip2myloo
very few "immigrants" come here these days with a vision to become lifelong American citizens

Don't get Tex started. As far as he is concerned, the only true US citizens were conceived and born in Texas.

1,497 posted on 01/22/2004 7:17:33 PM PST by Nanodik (Libertarian, Ex-Canadian)
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To: Texasforever
Great post. These phony conservatives won't admit that by the standards they're applying to Bush, they'd have had to have voted against Reagan.
1,498 posted on 01/22/2004 7:18:15 PM PST by zook
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To: Texasforever
Bush has actually signed anti-abortion measures, Reagan never did.

That one's not quite true, as Reagan did sign several anti-abortion EOs.

Bush has stood up to the UN Reagan never did.

Reagan stood up to the UN plenty, not only on abortion, but also on funding, and Israel. Reagan also withdrew from UNESCO. That's off the top of my head.


1,499 posted on 01/22/2004 7:19:49 PM PST by Sabertooth (Pakistani Illegal Aliens Deport Themselves - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1058591/posts)
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To: Luis Gonzalez
Wrong.

Now there is a retort. Do they hand you Bushbots audio tapes to reinforce the indoctrination you got down at RP headquarters?

1,500 posted on 01/22/2004 7:20:30 PM PST by Nanodik (Libertarian, Ex-Canadian)
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