State of the Union Address by President George W. Bush [Transcript]

The White House ^ | 28 January 2003 | President George W. Bush

[billbears]

I ask the Congress to commit $15 billion over the next five years, including nearly $10 billion in new money, to turn the tide against AIDS in the most afflicted nations of Africa and the Caribbean.

And the United Nations was established for what cause again? Not that I support them in many causes at all, but good grief some of those countries have to have money!! While it is a worthwhile cause, and a good one, to help others, the national government does not have the constitutional power nor is its role to use our money in such a way

I propose a $450-million initiative to bring mentors to more than a million disadvantaged junior high students and children of prisoners. Government will support the training and recruiting of mentors; yet it is the men and women of America who will fill the need. One mentor, one person can change a life forever. And I urge you to be that one person

And the 450 million is to go to what? To teach people to do what they should be doing all along? Helping others?

Another cause of hopelessness is addiction to drugs. Addiction crowds out friendship, ambition, moral conviction, and reduces all the richness of life to a single destructive desire. As a government, we are fighting illegal drugs by cutting off supplies and reducing demand through anti-drug education programs. Yet for those already addicted, the fight against drugs is a fight for their own lives. Too many Americans in search of treatment cannot get it. So tonight I propose a new $600-million program to help an additional 300,000 Americans receive treatment over the next three years

Ah, the wonderful world of the federal war on drugs continues. Again, not a power under the Constitution. I do not believe in legalizing drugs however it is the responsibility of the states to police their streets and arrest lawbreakers

In this century, the greatest environmental progress will come about not through endless lawsuits or command-and-control regulations, but through technology and innovation. Tonight I'm proposing $1.2 billion in research funding so that America can lead the world in developing clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles

Thanks but no thanks George. I like my gas guzzler and I don't want to give up performance for a bunch of greenies. There's plenty of petroleum in Alaska. Go get it.

Look, while I have questions about the war on Iraq, in principle I do support this war and pray for President Bush, even with the misgivings that it may lead to some issues in a generation or so with the Russians and Chinese. But in principle, for getting rid of Hussein I fully support the Armed Forces of these United States. However, what happened to cutting back the national government's footprint on the citizens of the respective states? And with an additional 17 billion and counting exactly how big is this tax cut going to be?

The Empire marches on, flame away

[PhiKapMom]

I loved that quote -- first thought when I heard it was terrorists blown to itty bitty pieces in Afghanistan -- not even sure they could tell the exact count which works for me!

[deport]

You stood tall tonight.... thanks

[JulieRNR21]

It's my favorite from the Campaign 2000.....I've got it on my profile page.....I love the way the light shines on his face and the large W in the background!

[A Citizen Reporter]

Aw look, another sitcom character, and another one whose glass is half full. Why does this not surprise me.....snort!

[graycamel]

Hi. I watched part of Bush's speech! Finally Bush did what I've been hoping he'd do to convince us we should go to war against Iraq: He reminded us of the horrible torture used by the SoDamn Insane regime by describing it in detail. It is a touchy subject because it upsets people, though.... On another point, he says he wants to clean up the environment and have hydrogen cars produced. What's he thinking?? This will send Cheney and his oil buddies to the poor house? (the last comment was meant to be sarcastic.)

[deport]

Sorta like the statement used in some defenses..... Well, he needed killing.

[PhiKapMom]

Would guess some of the Iraq was put in at the last minute to keep any leaks from happening because it seemed to catch almost everyone off guard -- especially the press who said there would nothing new on Iraq! Gotta love it!

[dixie sass]

When it comes to the financial portion of any speech by a politician, I take it with a large box of salt! I always believe that when they say they are going to "give" us back something, they mean the exact opposite - big time!

Last year it was supposed to be bigger COLA's. The only people that got big COLA's were the Senators and Representatives. They received something like four percent COLA, while the rest of us received one to one and a half percent.

Makes me angry, mad, feisty-have my claws out-mad!!!!

[Luis Gonzalez]

I'm not one to ever hide my feelings I guess.

[PhiKapMom]

Almost surprised he didn't use that Texas phrase!

[cubreporter]

I agree and I shouted my support when he called for an end to Partial Birth Abortion. I said he didn't care about being reelected or being PC. He stood for the unborn and I was so proud and happy. There is a REAL man who stands by his convictions popular or not. God bless George W. Bush. He is truly the man of the people.

[Mulder]

He made no good points.

You mean you don't think stealing spending $15 billion dollars to give to bankers and dictators under the guise of "fighting AIDS" is a good thing?

You're so selfish for thinking so.

I'm just glad we have a President who cares about third world savages. He cares so much, he probably donated the proceeds of his sale from the Texas Rangers to them.

How dare you question the wisdon or compassion of our Supreme Leader?

;-)

[rwfromkansas]

Amen.

[TLBSHOW]

Thank you for the ping!

[PhiKapMom]

Good points! I like the sarcasm on Cheney and the oil!

[cubreporter]

I asked the same question. Was Tkennedy asleep? Also his son was sitting beside him for awhile then it looked like his seat was empty.

[Mulder]

And with an additional 17 billion and counting exactly how big is this tax cut going to be?

Not very big. The tax cut will result in even more Americans being taken off the rolls and will do little to grow the economy.

Then those Americans can team up with the hordes of illiterate immigrants coming across our borders to vote higher taxes for the working minority.

[MattAMiller]

If this is not evil, then evil has no meaning.

This is the line that will be sticking with me. Having painted a picture of evil he took the twits who think that snarking about cowboys with a black and white vision of the world makes you sophisticated and shoved their faces right in it.

[PhiKapMom]

Thank you for bringing your sarcastic comments to this thread. Am sure other Freepers appreciate seeing that you, Fred, and some others cannot keep from posting negative against President Bush every chance you get -- must make you all feel so important!

You all remind me of the RATs sitting on their hands and nothing is ever any good by your standards.