February 3, 2008

State Of The Union Speech Iffy

President George W. Bush delivered his fourth -- and final -- State Of The Union Address last week to a joint session of Congress deeply divided over the War Against Terrorism and the state of our economy.

The war goes on amidst signs of great improvement in Iraq -- but increased tensions in Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

About the Middle East conflicts, the President declared:

“While the enemy is still dangerous -- and more work remains -- the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago.

“Some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt,” Bush said. “Al Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated!”

An al-Qaeda Leader Slain

Two days after President Bush’s State Of The Union address, Pakistan authorities announced that a top leader of al-Qaeda – Abu Laith al-Libi -- has been killed there.

Al-Libi is said to be a key link between the Taliban and al-Qaeda -- and was one of the Americans’ 12-most wanted men, with a bounty of $200,000 on his head.

Tough Fighting

While noting successes in the war against Terrorism, the President acknowledged there is ‘tough fighting” still ahead:

“Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase in our strategy.

“American troops are shifting from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and eventually, to a protective over-watch mission.”

Warnings

Bush warned the leaders of Iran that they must suspend nuclear enrichment and “come clean” on its announced goal to produce nukes.

“Above all, know this,” he declared. “America will confront those who threaten our troops, we will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf.”

Read that: oil.

Domestic Issues

The President devoted most of his time defending the U.S. economy:

“At kitchen tables across our country, there is concern about our economic future.”

He averred that making his tax cuts permanent would eliminate uncertainty -- and spare Americans from large tax increases when his temporary cuts expire.

“Some in Washington argue that letting tax-relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American tax payers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800.”

Even the dour Democrats present laughed when the President quipped:

“Others said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm, and I am pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.”

Earmarks

Bush pledged that his administration – in its last year – would try to eliminate, or reduce, 151 programs and there by save $18 billion.

Also, he would “do his part” to reduce congressional earmarks that “undermine the people’s trust in government.”

The President challenged Congress to fix the entitlement programs “that are growing faster than we can afford.”

Earmarks are special projects in individual states having nothing to do with the nation as a whole. They are usually tacked onto appropriation bills by “gentlemen’s agreement.” That is, without committee approval or a floor vote.

The illegal practice garners votes back home for individual politicians but contribute nothing to national responsibilities.

Thus, museums for such things as “rap music” – and “bridges to no where” -- are sneaked into reality.

Shame!

Echoes Of Bush 2002

It is interesting to compare Bush’s “lame duck” State of The Union address to that of his 2002 speech.

There were gasps then when the President declared:

“North Korea, Iran and Iraq – with their terrorist allies – constitute an Axis of Evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world.”

(Editorial note: Those of us who lived through World War II remember the “evil axis” of Germany, Italy and Japan.)

Bush said:

“The price of indifference to this threat would be catastrophic. All nations should know that America will do what is necessary to ensure our nation’s security. I will not wait on events while dangers gather!

“This campaign may not be finished on our watch, yet it must be, and will be, waged on our watch.”

Most Important Words

President W. Bush concluded his 2002 address with words dubbing him then as saying what he means, and meaning what he says.

As appropriate today as then:

“America will lead by defending liberty and justice -- because they are right and true and unchanging for all people everywhere.

“We have no intention of imposing our culture. However, America will always stand firm for human dignity, rule of law, and limits on the power of the state, respect for women, private property, free speech, equal justice and religious tolerance.”

Flash Back

As the hero of the 9 /11/01 hijacking said --as terrorists piloted the airliner toward the Capitol – “Let’s roll!” He and other passengers rushed the cockpit to crash the plane onto vacant land.

That was as inspiring, and heroic as Nathan Hale’s: “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” -- as he was about to be hanged by the British on September 22, 1776.

Congress’ Reaction

It was amusing last week to watch Congress perform its usual Kabuki dance in reacting to President Bush’s speech.

Republicans right of the center aisle, Democrats to the left, the Supreme Court Justices impassively up front and center.

Doughty solons gave standing ovations to Bush statements they liked. Democrats were well rested. Republicans tested their leg muscles.

Bloggers who revel in nits, say Bush received 21 standing ovations – exactly half that of his 2007 address. Sic transit gloria.

PARTING SHOTS

Sen. Edward Kennedy has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democrat presidential race nominee. With friends like that, who needs enemies?

Detroit’s “Hip Hop” mayor Kame Kilpatrick is in trouble for “texting” naughty messages on city-owned pagers to his lady chief of staff.

She resigned.

He is touring churches seeking redemption – and sleeping on the couch at home.

It is always better to tell the truth – unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar.

By Lindsey Wilger Williams, retired newspaper publisher and syndicated columnist