State of the Union Address 2008

State of the Union Analysis while watching

Quick fact: applause count (I am off by a few I'm sure) 67.

He stated that there was debate back and forth between both sides.

He touched on the economy i.e. it wasn't doing well therefore then put together the stimulus package.

President Bush stated that the legislators should not add to it plus pass it ASAP.

Stated we should make the tax relief permanent. Doesn't that sound like the Republican candidates?

If any bill that raises taxes hits his desk=veto it.

Sending budget to Congress that will cut a lot of unneeded programs.

Will send back appropriations bill if it doesn't cut the earmarks in half.

Executive order to ignore earmarks if not voted on by Congress; the various government agencies.

President Bush basically stated to let the people make the best decisions rather than the government get involved.

How? "Expand consumer choice, not government control."

Touched on education, health care, and the housing market.

President Bush stated that the No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan achievement; he listed various facts ranging from that scores were higher or getting there.

Brought up the new plan/idea of Pell Grants for Kids; that is interesting I must admit.

Work on focusing on those items made in the USA.

I'm seeing a theme of trusting in the people rather than the government getting in the way. A theme that makes sense.

Focus on coal power while capturing the bad emissions.

President Bush brought up an international agreement to reduce green house gasses.

He mentioned the stem cell issue specifically taking some from an adult and making it act like it was embryonic stem cells.

Treat life with dignity i.e. buy, sell, patent, or clone human life.

Pass the judicial nominees and stop holding them back from being appointed.

Asked Congress to permanently extend Charitable Choice.

Asked Congress to come up with bipartisan solutions to fix Social Security, Medicare etc.

Immigration

Secure the borders; need to create a lawful way to have immigrants come and support our economy.

Illegal immigration must be fixed using "our laws and upholding our highest ideals."

Liberty will be opposed by terrorists and extremists; "...We will deliver justice to our enemies."

Freedom is being spread.

Focused on Iraq; President Bush thanked and stated "they have the gratitude of our whole nation." I wish this was true; some don't give them their gratitude i.e. the Democrats.

Stated the surges (both American and Iraqi) are working. I must admit, I still find it funny the people don't think they are/deny it. Just because you can't see it in the numbers go down, does NOT mean they are not working. Not everything is immediate people....Shesh...

President Bush stated that from the terrorists point of view, the surge is working.

Holy Crap! He just made a pledge that those serving will have "all that you need" to fight the war on terrorism.

Laid out the challenge to Congress "Fully fund our troops."

"Reconciliation is taking place, and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future."

"We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated."

President Bush mentioned that Israel and democratic Palestine live "side by side."

I must admit that is a very bold statement.

He also fired some shots at Iran. Go figure that they are trying to deny freedom and the movement of progress i.e. freedom. Duh!

Nice that he mentioned those keeping us safe and that we owe them our thanks.

President Bush "the time to act is now!" He stated this regarding the bill which allows us to monitor communications of terrorists and whatnot. That expires on February 1.

"America opposes genocide in Sudan."

Asked Congress to approve an additional 30 billion dollars to help fight the aids epidemic over in Africa.

Strength of our nation lies in our people, not in the government. Major ditto! :)