A Brief Summary of the President's State of the Union Address 2006

President George Bush, the United States of America's 43rd president, gave the annual State of the Union Address on January 31st, 2006. In his speech, he talked about the end to tyranny, terrorist threats, his hope for Iraq, the sacrifice of a Marine, the spread of democracy, his compassion for the curing of AIDS, dangers of terrorism in the United States, choosing to lead the world in the downfall of evil and diseases, economic opportunities in the United States, using tax dollars wisely, keeping America competitive with other countries, America's "addiction" to energy, a boost in education, the hopefulness of America, justice and ethics, recovery after disasters, and moving forward with America. The first main issue the President addressed in his State of Union Address was his attempts to ending tyranny in our world. The President said that not only was this a good idea, but that this was needed for the future of America. He basically said that he wanted to end all dictatorships, as they typically shelter terrorists. The next issue which the President discussed was the threat of terrorism in our own country. The President began by stating that we must take terrorists' threats seriously. The President said that since the terrorists do not possess the necessary military strength to take over the world, they must resort to the weapon of fear such as murdering children at a school in Beslan, blowing up subway riders in London, or beheading a prisoner. But, as the President said, "We love our freedom, and we will fight to keep it." The next topic which the President covered in his State of the Union Address was his hope for Iraq. The President claimed that the country had "a clear plan for victory" in Iraq, and that they were helping the Iraqi citizens to building an inclusive government, to that insurgents are almost entirely eliminated. He also told the American people that the country was continuing reconstruction efforts in Iraq, and that the country's work in Iraq was certainly difficult, but only because our enemy is strong. But, the President assured Americans that we can, and will, win the war in Iraq. Next, the President told Americans of Marine Staff Sergeant Dan Clay's death in Falluja in December of 2005, and he told us that Mr. Clay left behind a letter to his family which, as the President put it, "could just as well be addressed to every American." Mr. Clay's letter, which read "I know what honor is. It has been an honor to protect and serve all of you. I face death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to … Never falter! Don't hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting," was read by the President as part of his State of Union Address. Next, the President shared with the American people his compassion for fighting against malignant diseases in the world, such as malaria and AIDS. He also urged the members of Congress to take any means necessary to protect Americans from such diseases. The President also told us that America must remain constantly vigilant against terrorism; he also stated that America is in a long war against a determined enemy, and that it is a war that must be fought by everyone, democrat or republican, black or white, and Muslim or Christian. The next topic on the President's agenda was that America must choose to lead this war against terrorism, along with our allies in order for the war to be a victory, but he assured us that it could be done. Next, the President talked about how we must strengthen our economic leadership in the world. He said that our economy is easily one of the best in the world, but he basically says that this is not good enough because countries such as India and China are catching up with us, and this creates uncertainty, which is not good. Next on the President's agenda was his news that the country's new budget would cut funding for over 140 programs that were performing poorly, and by passing the bills required to do this, the President would cut the average American's taxpayer another fourteen billion dollars next year. Next, President Bush declared the, in order to keep America competitive, the country must open more markets for what Americans make and grow. Currently, one out of five factory jobs in America are related to global trade, but the President said that he wanted everyone everywhere to buy American made products. The next topic the President discussed with the nation was America's "addiction" with energy. The President claimed that scientists were going to make some "incredible" advances in developing alternative fuel sources. He said that he would invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants, solar and wind technologies, and clean and safe nuclear energy. Next, the President talked about America's boost in education. First, the President told that he planned to double the federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs which would support America's creative minds as they explore the promising areas of technology such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources, as outlined above. Secondly, the President planned to make permanent the research and development tax credit, to encourage more investments in technology. Thirdly, the President said that the country needed to encourage children to take more math and science courses to make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other nations. He also said that the No Child Left Behind Act was successfully raising standards and lifting test scores nation-wide. Next the President told the nation that in order to be successful, America's citizens most strive to be a compassionate, decent, and hopeful group of people. In fact, in recent years, America has dropped its violent crime rates to their lowest levels since the 1970s, welfare cases have dropped by over fifty percent, harmful drug use is down nineteen percent since 2001, there have been fewer abortions in America than at any point in the past thirty years, and the number of children born to teenage mothers has been falling for twelve year in a row. Another topic discussed by the president was that a hopeful society, such as that of America, depends on courts that deliver equal justice under law. He also told of the Supreme Court's tow new members, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justice Sam Alito. The president also thanked the Senate for confirming both of them. He also recognized that the day of State of the Union Address of 2006 marked the retirement of "a very special American." After twenty-four years of faithful service to our Nation, it was recognized the Justice Sandra Day O'Connor resigned as one of the nine justices of the United States Supreme Court. Yet another topic which was discussed by President Bush was his plans for recovery after disasters. He stated that eighty-five billion dollars was committed by the federal government to help victims of hurricane to rebuild their lives. In conclusion, the President addressed that the American people must move on with their lives and try to make America a better place.

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