State of our Union

By: Daren Copely
College Press Staff Writer

    As President George W. Bush’s final State of The Union address to the nation, Bush hoped to shed light on the importance of economics more than his common script of terror on the horizon. In times where prices for everyday necessities continue to rise, Bush took this time to speak more about the issues affecting the wallets of the American working person.

    “Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas,” said Bush.

    Bush also touched on the fact that wasteful spending will be ending in Washington. With steady rises in national taxes, Bush addressed this issue with a proposal to Congress to make the tax cuts, which are set to expire, permanent.

    “People think they are already taxed enough,” said Bush. “People don’t want the government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks.

    “American families have to balance their budgets, so should their government.”

    The importance of energy conservation and expulsion of harmful pollutants topped the President’s list of upcoming proposals sent to Congress for approval. Bush stressed the importance of physical science research in order to help the country use energy cleaner and better while reversing growth of greenhouse gases.

    “We need to ensure the United States remains the most dynamic nation on earth.”

    A common question of upcoming troop withdrawals was addressed tonight in the President’s speech. Bush spoke of the troops set to come home and units scheduled to stand down in the next few months.

    “More than 20,000 of our troops are coming home.”    
    Following the announcement of troop withdrawals, the President reiterated that further troop drawback will be contingent upon order by General Petraeus and his feelings about safety in those regions as America begins leaving.

    In regards to international peace, Bush highlighted his recent trip overseas, and the progress the United States is making in peace negotiations, with his plan to unite the violent and war torn areas of Israel and Palestine. He said that peace in those regions is a necessity for the future of the two regions.

    “The time has come for a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine to live side by side in peace.”

    On the home front, Bush outlined plans for $300 in education funding for school vouchers. He said, “By helping liberate poor children trapped in failing schools.” Much of the money  Bush plans to use will come from that he calls “bloated,” which he plans to cut from the packages submitted by Congress.

    On the conclusion of his speech, how do non-Bush supporting viewers feel on this national address? Did Bush make any headway for those who have opposed him?
    On the issue of troop withdrawal, viewer and life long Democrat Justin Hartzman said, “This may be one of the smartest things Bush has said! It is time that American boys get to be boys again in a time when war is unwarranted and unfounded.”

    Kimberly Windsor, a registered Democrat, thought, “Bush is making the right steps to create a safer and cleaner and less expensive world.”

    Bush finished his final State of The Union in 53 minutes breaking 70 times for audience applause. The speech was followed by a short rebuttal from Democrat Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas.