State of the Union Address LIVE THREAD 9:01pm EST.

White House .gov ^

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

President Bush will deliver the annual State of the Union this evening at 9:01pm (Eastern Time). The speech will be webcast live on the White House web site. The President will discuss the extraordinary challenges our country has faced and the historic achievements we have made. Yet he will also stress that there.s much more for our country to do: "America this evening is a Nation called to great responsibilities. And we are rising to meet them…" "We have not come all this way – through tragedy, and trial, and war – only to falter and leave our work unfinished. Americans are rising to the tasks of history, and they expect the same of us." He will also remind the American people that we are a Nation still at war, and our government is meeting its responsibility to protect the American people: "Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. Twenty-eight months have passed since September 11, 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." "...America is on the offensive against the terrorists..." "As part of the offensive against terror, we are also confronting the regimes that harbor and support terrorists, and could supply them with nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons…" "...Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better…" He will discuss the progress we’re making in Afghanistan and Iraq, and renew our commitment to ensuring those countries are free and peaceful: "The men and women of Afghanistan are building a nation that is free, and proud, and fighting terror…" "The work of building a new Iraq is hard, and it is right. And America has always been willing to do what it takes for what is right." On priorities here at home, the President will discuss why he’s optimistic about our growing economy, and call on Congress to take action that will help turn our economic recovery into a lasting recovery. He will call on them to help train Americans for the jobs of the 21st Century: "America’s growing economy is also a changing economy. As technology transforms the way almost every job is done, America becomes more productive, and workers need new skills… We must respond by helping more Americans gain the skills to find good jobs in our new economy." President Bush will also discuss the importance of health care and the major cause for why Americans lack health insurance: the rising costs of health care. "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. To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs." Finally, the President will argue that in a time of great change in our country and world, the things that make our country strong should never change: "We are living in a time of great change… Yet some things endure – courage and compassion, reverence and integrity, respect for differences of faith and race. The values we try to live by never change. And they are instilled in us by fundamental institutions, such as families, and schools, and religious congregations. These institutions – the unseen pillars of civilization – must remain strong in America…" "All of us – parents, schools, government – must work together to counter the negative influence of the culture, and to send the right messages to our children."

"The President shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." Article II, Sec. 3, U.S. Constitution • History • State of the Union History Quiz • State of the Union - 2003 • State of the Union - 2002 Q1. What President delivered the first State of the Union Address?  George Washington  John Adams  Thomas Jefferson  James Madison  Franco Harris

January 20, 2004
Communications Director Dan Bartlett discussed this year's State of the Union.

January 19, 2004
Author/Historian Richard Norton Smith discussed the history of the State of the Union address.

[Joe Hadenuf]

I can understand his frustration in many ways. There is a small, but very vocal, minority on FR who have hated Bush since their preference for candidate didn't get the nomination last time around.

Correction, there is a growing number of American's that disagree with the President and his policies. Some of us don't worship politicians as if they are celebrities. Get over it.

[BigSkyFreeper]

I watched My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance the other night just to prove to myself that this place isn't as insane as it seems. LOL

[CWOJackson]

They are the losers in life and politics. Those who pinned their hopes on candidates such as pat buchanan and remained loyal to him even while he was courting Marxists and Al Sharpton for votes.

These are the malcontents who have elected to remove themselves from the political spectrum through their pursuit by supporting third party candidates who reflect their own political belief...in not having any say in the process.

They are angry because we do not accept their mantra and their candidates, so they strive hard to be the spoilers...the perpetually petulant.

[Fledermaus]

(I watched My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance the other night just to prove to myself that this place isn't as insane as it seems. LOL)

That'll surely do it!

[nutmeg]

Thanks for that info about the TV card! I'll look into it soon.

[endthematrix]

"The steroid thing was definitely pointless crap, but overall, there was less pointless crap this year than in previous years."

Remember, this is a culture war too. What you might think is outta right field is actually a dialog deeper issues. He's getting out of the N. Korean debate and hit it at home. What are KIDS WATCHING? CRAP! He should have said stop watching the VIEW, but hey, stereos are just as bad! When did Clinton say ANYTHING on family values?

[A Citizen Reporter]

"I believe that either party would rise to the challenge of national defense, frankly. I think it is hyperbole to claim that a Dem in the WH would result in us losing the WoT. The Dems did satisfactorily during WWII, and I believe WWI as well.""

I'm really sorry to see you say that Laz. Because the dems have proven that they do not and will not "rise to the challenge of national defense". In fact, they mostly fight openly against it. but it's sure been a fun ride for you, hasn't it been?

[rdb3]

How do so few produce such a stench that it burns my nostrils through the LCD screen??

Because that's their reason for existing. They are unhappy, therefore, you must be unhappy or else.

Ignore them. Hard to argue with someone who won't argue back, right?

If it is honest debate, that's one thing. But pulling your chain is quite another.

[tpaine]

I believe that either party would rise to the challenge of national defense, frankly. I think it is hyperbole to claim that a Dem in the WH would result in us losing the WoT. The Dems did satisfactorily during WWII, and I believe WWI as well.
3,253 -laz-

___________________________

--- Apostasy! Begone you devil!

[CWOJackson]

Not at all Joe. There are people who disagree with some of the policies and positions that the President takes.

Then there are people like you and you are far fewer in numbers then you wish to admit.

[Sabertooth]

...mealy mouthed bastard...

Torie's a gentleman, as lawyers go. You're out of line.

[Porterville]

I would say they are pissed. What do you think?

Oh, like Dean!!! I get it they are mad like Dean!!! EAHEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.... who that is pretty nutz, you think they are also from Vermont???

[Lazamataz]

Given the track record over the last 35 years, especially during the Clinton years as we were attacked repeatedly, I do not believe that.

All democrats are not Clinton. I have a different belief than you about this topic. I'm going to vote my conscience, which is to vote for neither candidate.

However, not voting at all is irresponsible, so if I have to submit an entirely blank ballot, I will.

No one can make me vote for a liberal.

[BigSkyFreeper]

How about that other Democrat war, the Vietnam war?

[cibco]

"I believe that either party would rise to the challenge of national defense, frankly. I think it is hyperbole to claim that a Dem in the WH would result in us losing the WoT. The Dems did satisfactorily during WWII, and I believe WWI as well."

The Dem party now is no where close to what it was then. They only care about power now...

[Lazamataz]

Apostasy! Begone you devil!

LOL! I know I am a flame-target for daring to deviate from the party line, but -- like you -- I am a conservative first and a Republican last.

PS: I love your tagline. It's true as true gets.

[ArneFufkin]

Nice sentiments, but those that run and hide do so on their own. This is cyberspace and bullies are toothless.

Get your head out of your ass. Any woman who dares to come into a political thread ends up being swarmed, and usually villified over at Todd's Sanitarium.

This is becoming a forum of 58-65 year old gracelessly aging men with sticks up their asses.

I've been around here long enough to remember when women like LadyX, MamaBear, Alamo Girl and Billie were part of the community. They wouldn't dare leave their sanctuaries these days. Where's Katie? Where's Deb? Where's Jean? Where's Maggie? Where's Billie? Where's Justshe? On any political thread?

It really hit me last Friday. Women were coming on board to celeberate CONSERVATIVE WINS ... yeah ... CONSERVATIVE WINS ... and they were all sheepish "I haven't felt comfortable around here lately."

Whatever. I'd like a real life crack at some of these bullies around here. Messing with women I've come to like and admire and look forward to seeing their "take" on things.

And I know for a fact ... they're the Freepers who make up the 1000 who pay the freight here each and every quarter. People who support George Bush support other things in their lives they value, including FR. The antis support NOTHING!

End of rant. Except the jerkoffs ruined the State of The Union Speech thread tonight with their anti Mexican poison. Eff them all.

They're just looking to destroy anything in sight going into November. I don't understand that mindset in any way. We're at war, we have a fantastic leader, we have the best conservative political positioning I can ever recall in my lifetime ... and we have old men and dismal operatives here trying to blow it up. Makes me really agitated.

[Joe Hadenuf]

There are people who disagree with some of the policies and positions that the President takes.

Yes Jackson, this seems to be the current trend.

Are they hateful? No. Are they spies? No. They are concerned American's, many of whom are not afraid to say what's on their minds. If that bothers you, too bad.

[Kryptonite]

It was, finally, a positive untainted thread. Something to celebrate. As a community. Ah, but don't you know, sooner or later one of these immigration cockroaches show up and start poisoning the well. What else is new?

Great, longtime Freepers afraid to come here because the anti Bush monkeys have been bullying everybody left and right. With Mexican scare.

If that's the forum the owners of FR want ... that's what they have. A small number of malcontents gargling liver bile and spitting it all over their living room. To no political purpose of objective. Just to spit bile. Day after day. After day. Anti-Bush bile.

It didn't take long for those jerks to take over the Pickering thread and drive those folks back into hiding.

I want to know that these negative bullies are paying the same amount I KNOW that the other long time Freepers have paid year after year to support this place. It's only fair. That's the concept behind the cover charge. If the usual suspects are going to be working their usual dismal agendas, I want to make sure they're paid in full.

It won't happen, don't worry. 30% of the good folk will continue to finance this place so that 70% of the assholes can run roughshod over them.

You're a good man (but stay away from the lap dancers). So is GWB. And as I told JimRob in one of my earliest visits, he is too. That, more than anything else makes me anxious to cast my ballot for GWB again this fall. The three of you try your darndest to do what is right. But the sincerity in your words regarding FReeper immigration makes you understand the sincerity in the keyboards of those who have concerns over illegal immigration, no?

This whole exercise leaves me wondering how JimRob can reconcile opposition to amnesty with opposition to your suggestion, but I'm glad he's given me the opportunity to discuss it, and I thank you for raising the cover charge idea.

[Porterville]

Wow!!! Hillary is wearing a very beautiful yellow rose to match here perfect yellow teeth.