THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: America this evening is a nation called to great responsibilities. And we are rising to meet them.

As we gather tonight, hundreds of thousands of American servicemen and women are deployed across the world in the war on terror. By bringing hope to the oppressed, and delivering justice to the violent, they are making America more secure. (Applause.)

___false__

America and the world is less secure according to many studies and reports. It is true that the oppressed people of Iraq are better off, but “America” is better off?

1. Army War College's Strategic Studies Institute called the Iraq war "a strategic error of the first order" and "a detour" from defeating the main threat to America's security: al-Qaeda terrorists.

The Bush administration "may have set the United States on a path of open-ended and unnecessary conflict with states and nonstate entities that pose no direct threat to the United States," according to Jeffrey Record, author of the analysis.

2. Another study published two weeks ago by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace concluded that although Iraq's weapons program had posed a long-term regional and global security threat, it had not posed an immediate threat to the United States. In addition, the 61-page study found no conclusive evidence to support the White House claim that former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had links to al-Qaeda.

3. http://www.weforum.org/securitysurvey

Each day, law enforcement personnel and intelligence officers are tracking terrorist threats; analysts are examining airline passenger lists; the men and women of our new Homeland Security Department are patrolling our coasts and borders. And their vigilance is protecting America. (Applause.)

Americans are proving once again to be the hardest working people in the world. The American economy is growing stronger. The tax relief you passed is working. (Applause.)

__ true with caveats__

The Economy went up 8.2% in last quarter of last year, but still has not gained all the ground that it had lost since Bush took office. Did not note job losses, currently more than 2 million.

___

Tonight, members of Congress can take pride in the great works of compassion and reform that skeptics had thought impossible. You're raising the standards for our public schools, and you are giving our senior citizens prescription drug coverage under Medicare. (Applause.)

__ true with caveats__

True educational spending is up, however, by most accounts still underfunded. Spending has increased under Bush but guidelines and requirements were also enacted that make eduction more expensive and full amount authorized under “no child left behind” has NOT been provided.

We have faced serious challenges together, and now we face a choice: We can go forward with confidence and resolve, or we can turn back to the dangerous illusion that terrorists are not plotting and outlaw regimes are no threat to us. We can press on with economic growth, and reforms in education and Medicare, or we can turn back to old policies and old divisions.

__ false__

Complete fabrication to imply that ANYONE is under the “illusion” that terrorists are NOT plotting to attack us. Nowhere has any democrat or other said they DON’T believe a terrorist threat exists.

We've not come all this way -- through tragedy, and trial and war -- only to falter and leave our work unfinished. Americans are rising to the tasks of history, and they expect the same from us. In their efforts, their enterprise, and their character, the American people are showing that the state of our union is confident and strong. (Applause.)

__ editorial__

While it cannot be proven that the country is more or less divided it sure “feels” very divided. Both “sides” of current debates would likely agree that they very much disagree and there is a great deal of dissonance. Even this speech is very partisan and defensive, rather than any attempt to generate “union”. The “state” of the “union” is less than confident and strong.

Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. Twenty-eight months have passed since September 11th, 2001 -- over two years without an attack on American soil. And it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting -- and false. The killing has continued in Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Riyadh, Mombasa, Jerusalem, Istanbul, and Baghdad. The terrorists continue to plot against America and the civilized world. And by our will and courage, this danger will be defeated. (Applause.)

__ true and false__

Yes we have not had any attacks on American soil. Yes attacks are still occurring around the world and this will continue to happen. False that this danger can ever be “defeated”. Efforts to understand the reasons BEHIND the hatred and attacks and address those reasons might actually make things more secure. Whereas dropping bombs may not address all the issues and may anger more people than are killed outright? True it might stop some immediate threat and kill some bad guys, but what about the generations of people NOT killed and left behind? The point is that bombs don’t even start to address the ROOT causes.

Inside the United States, where the war began, we must continue to give our homeland security and law enforcement personnel every tool they need to defend us. And one of those essential tools is the Patriot Act, which allows federal law enforcement to better share information, to track terrorists, to disrupt their cells, and to seize their assets. For years, we have used similar provisions to catch embezzlers and drug traffickers. If these methods are good for hunting criminals, they are even more important for hunting terrorists. (Applause.)

__ false__

The patriot act has eroded civil liberties immensely. It violates amendments 4,5,6 of the constitution to name a few. And law enforcement officials do not “need” it to do their jobs. If you suspect a bad guy, see a judge and get a warrant, easy. This does NOT mean don’t go after the bad guy, it simply means do it within the framework of legitimate justice. Also if you have a bad guy and want to keep him in jail, charge him with a crime and tell him what the charges are. All of this CAN BE and WAS done BEFORE the patriot act. And the “for years . . . similar” part *may* be OUTRIGHT false? (I thought previous to the Patriot Act courts had to be involved to get wiretaps and subpoena records and such? Need to research this claim.). With “national security letters” and the patriot act the court may be totally bypassed.

The patriot act is a horrible law that has given the government powers such as spying on and detainment of citizens without the involvement of the courts. This is unconstitutional AND WRONG regardless of the constitution because it is unjust. This is no different than the way many so called “terrorist” nations treat their citizens.

Key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year. (Applause.) The terrorist threat will not expire on that schedule. (Applause.) Our law enforcement needs this vital legislation to protect our citizens. You need to renew the Patriot Act. (Applause.)

America is on the offensive against the terrorists who started this war. Last March, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, a mastermind of September the 11th, awoke to find himself in the custody of U.S. and Pakistani authorities. Last August the 11th brought the capture of the terrorist Hambali, who was a key player in the attack in Indonesia that killed over 200 people. We're tracking al Qaeda around the world, and nearly two-thirds of their known leaders have now been captured or killed. Thousands of very skilled and determined military personnel are on the manhunt, going after the remaining killers who hide in cities and caves, and one by one, we will bring these terrorists to justice. (Applause.)

As part of the offensive against terror, we are also confronting the regimes that harbor and support terrorists, and could supply them with nuclear, chemical or biological weapons. The United States and our allies are determined: We refuse to live in the shadow of this ultimate danger. (Applause.)

__ false__

The US is “determined” to go after nations that supply other nations with these weapons? Will the United States go after the United States? The US has supplied many nations with weapons as the president mentions. These nations include IRAQ, which we supplied Anthrax and Bubonic plague to. It is false to imply that weapons of this nature are the reasons for “confronting the regimes” that the US does not like because of the leadership of those nations.

http://hnn.us/articles/1283.html

The first to see our determination were the Taliban, who made Afghanistan the primary training base of al Qaeda killers. As of this month, that country has a new constitution, guaranteeing free elections and full participation by women. Businesses are opening, health care centers are being established, and the boys and girls of Afghanistan are back in school. With the help from the new Afghan army, our coalition is leading aggressive raids against the surviving members of the Taliban and al Qaeda. The men and women of Afghanistan are building a nation that is free and proud and fighting terror -- and America is honored to be their friend. (Applause.)

__ true with caveats__

It is true and very impressive that Afghanistan is more free than ever before. For this the US efforts deserve credit. However, even though it is rarely questioned the decision to use force in Afghanistan should have been more multilateral and justified publicly. Many allegations that the Taliban trained Al Qaeda have been put forth without much evidence. In addition Al Qaeda is generally blamed for the terrorist attacks in the United States without much evidence. This is not at all to say that these allegations are not true and just, it is simply to say that evidence should be important in any decision to use force and that evidence has been withheld for the most part from the public due to “national security” concerns.

Since we last met in this chamber, combat forces of the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Poland and other countries enforced the demands of the United Nations, ended the rule of Saddam Hussein, and the people of Iraq are free. (Applause.)

__ false__

These countries did not “enforce the demands of the United Nations”. Rather they enforced the demands of the United States and George Bush. The United Nations OPPOSED the use of force in Iraq by the United States at the time that Iraq was invaded. While it is true that Iraq was in violation of many UN resolutions, that is also true of many other nations such as Israel and it is misleading to use those resolutions as a justification for force when force was clearly NOT CONDONED OR SANCTIONED by the United Nations

Having broken the Baathist regime, we face a remnant of violent Saddam supporters. Men who ran away from our troops in battle are now dispersed and attack from the shadows. These killers, joined by foreign terrorists, are a serious, continuing danger. Yet we're making progress against them. The once all-powerful ruler of Iraq was found in a hole, and now sits in a prison cell. (Applause.) Of the top 55 officials of the former regime, we have captured or killed 45. Our forces are on the offensive, leading over 1,600 patrols a day and conducting an average of 180 raids a week. We are dealing with these thugs in Iraq, just as surely as we dealt with Saddam Hussein's evil regime. (Applause.)

The work of building a new Iraq is hard, and it is right. And America has always been willing to do what it takes for what is right. Last January, Iraq's only law was the whim of one brutal man. Today our coalition is working with the Iraqi Governing Council to draft a basic law, with a bill of rights. We're working with Iraqis and the United Nations to prepare for a transition to full Iraqi sovereignty by the end of June.

As democracy takes hold in Iraq, the enemies of freedom will do all in their power to spread violence and fear. They are trying to shake the will of our country and our friends, but the United States of America will never be intimidated by thugs and assassins. (Applause.) The killers will fail, and the Iraqi people will live in freedom. (Applause.)

Month by month, Iraqis are assuming more responsibility for their own security and their own future. And tonight we are honored to welcome one of Iraq's most respected leaders: the current President of the Iraqi Governing Council, Adnan Pachachi.

Sir, America stands with you and the Iraqi people as you build a free and peaceful nation. (Applause.)

__ true__

While the motives and justification for the use of force in Iraq are still *very* questionable (at best) the current work of the US authorities and forces in Iraq is impressive. Building a nation in Iraq is an admirable goal and sovereignty with any type of democracy in the region will be an incredible achievement.

Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better. Last month, the leader of Libya voluntarily pledged to disclose and dismantle all of his regime's weapons of mass destruction programs, including a uranium enrichment project for nuclear weapons. Colonel Qadhafi correctly judged that his country would be better off and far more secure without weapons of mass murder. (Applause.)

__ false__

It is again very positive and impressive that Qadhafi has agreed to dismantle weapons and join the nuclear non proliferation agreement. Credit goes to the Bush administration for this development. It is however untrue that he did so “voluntarily”. He did so with promised of economic help and inclusion. (He did so after nine months of “intense negotiations” as pointed out by the President in the next paragraph.)

Nine months of intense negotiations involving the United States and Great Britain succeeded with Libya, while 12 years of diplomacy with Iraq did not. And one reason is clear: For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible, and no one can now doubt the word of America. (Applause.)

__ false__

Unbelievable. The President said “For diplomacy to be effective, words must be credible, and no one can now doubt the word of America”. In fact most nations currently DO doubt the word of America and nowhere is this evidenced more by the recent uproar of construction contracts in Iraq and previous to that the United Nations Security Council. Foreign relations are more strained at this point in history than any time in recent memory and one of the LARGEST and MOST IMPORTANT casualties of the way the current administration approached the use of force in Iraq was the “word of America”. The “word of America” is damaged because of credibility and motive issues and it is specious to state otherwise.

Different threats require different strategies. Along with nations in the region, we're insisting that North Korea eliminate its nuclear program. America and the international community are demanding that Iran meet its commitments and not develop nuclear weapons. America is committed to keeping the world's most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous regimes. (Applause.)

When I came to this rostrum on September the 20th, 2001, I brought the police shield of a fallen officer, my reminder of lives that ended, and a task that does not end. I gave to you and to all Americans my complete commitment to securing our country and defeating our enemies. And this pledge, given by one, has been kept by many.

You in the Congress have provided the resources for our defense, and cast the difficult votes of war and peace. Our closest allies have been unwavering. America's intelligence personnel and diplomats have been skilled and tireless. And the men and women of the American military -- they have taken the hardest duty. We've seen their skill and their courage in armored charges and midnight raids, and lonely hours on faithful watch. We have seen the joy when they return, and felt the sorrow when one is lost. I've had the honor of meeting our servicemen and women at many posts, from the deck of a carrier in the Pacific to a mess hall in Baghdad.

Many of our troops are listening tonight. And I want you and your families to know: America is proud of you. And my administration, and this Congress, will give you the resources you need to fight and win the war on terror. (Applause.)

__ true__

The US military has done a great job in handling its duties and many Americans are very proud of their service.

I know that some people question if America is really in a war at all. They view terrorism more as a crime, a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments. After the World Trade Center was first attacked in 1993, some of the guilty were indicted and tried and convicted, and sent to prison. But the matter was not settled. The terrorists were still training and plotting in other nations, and drawing up more ambitious plans. After the chaos and carnage of September the 11th, it is not enough to serve our enemies with legal papers. The terrorists and their supporters declared war on the United States, and war is what they got. (Applause.)

__ true__

America is NOT in a war. Not legally. A war requires congress to declare one, this did NOT happen with Iraq. Congress issued a letter/resolution that said that they would not interfere and they supported the President. The President then used his powers to enter the United States into its current military conflicts.

http://www.totsp.com/main.php?storyid=3554

Also true that after the first bombing the matter was not settled. This is why Sandy Berger, the Clinton defense secretary, held a meeting with incoming secretary Condoleeza Rice (whom has denied the meeting?) and explained the Al Quaeda threat. Berger stated:

"...we used that time very efficiently to convey to my successor the most important information-what was going on and what situations they faced.

Number one among those was terrorism and Al Qaida. And I told that to my successor. She has acknowledged that publicly, so I'm not violating any private conversation. We briefed them fully on what we were doing-on what else was under consideration and what the threat was. I personally attended part of that briefing to emphasize how important that was." http://www.dailyhowler.com/dh092302.shtml

The person that attended the rest of the briefing and outlined further information and plans was Richard Clarke. Clarke was involved with the Clinton team and is now the head of counterterrorism for Bush. Clarke was adamantly pushing his anti terrorism “plan” in the months PRECEEDING September in 2001.

Chronological events before September relating to plans to stop terrorism taken from Al Franken book “Lies”.

On April 30, 2001, [Richard] Clarke presented a new version of the plan to Cheney's chief of staff, the States Department's Richard Armitage; DOD's Paul Wolfowitz; and the CIA's John McLaughlin. They were so impressed they decided to have three more meetings... scheduling these meetings would take months, and would delay the possibility of actually acting on the plan and eliminating al Qaeda, but, according to a senior White House official, the deputies wanted to review the issues "holistically," which as far as I can tell means "slowly"

On July 10, 2001, Phoenix FBI agent Kenneth Williams sent a memo to headquarters regarding concerns over some Middle Eastern students at an Arizona flight school. Al Qaeda operatives, Williams suggested, might be trying to infiltrate the U.S. civil aviation system.

Through June and July, according to one source quoted in the Washington Post, [George] Tenet worked himself "nearly frantic" with concern. In mid-July, "George briefed Condi that there was going to be a major attack," an official told Time.

On July 16, the deputies finally held their long-overdue holistic integration meeting and approved Clarke's plan. Next it would move to the Principals Committee, composed of Cheney, Rice, Tenet, Powell, and Rumsfeld - the last hurdle before the plan could reach the President. August was a time to recharge the batteries, to take a well-deserved break from the pressures of protecting America. The meeting would have to wait until September 4.

Bush spent 42 percent of his first seven months in office either at Camp David, at the Bush compound in Kennebunkport, or at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

...on August 3, after signing off on a plan to cut funding for programs guarding the unsecured or "loose" nukes in the former Soviet Union, [Bush] bade farewell to Washington grind and headed to Crawford for the longest presidential vacation in thirty-two years.

August 6, CIA Director Tenet delivered a report to President Bush entitled, "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S." The report warned that al Qaeda might be planning to hijack airplanes. [Bush] did nothing to follow up on that memo.

August 16, the INS arrested Zacharias Moussaoui, a flight school student who seemed to have little interest in learning to take off or land a plane. The arresting agent wrote that Moussaoui seemed like "the type of person who could fly something into the World Trade Center." Trying to pique the interests of FBI Headquarters in Washington, a Minneapolis FBI agent wrote that a 747 loaded with fuel could be used as a weapon.

On August 25, still on the ranch, Bush discussed with reporters the difference between his two dogs. "Spot's a good runner. You know, Barney - terriers are bred to go into holes and pull out varmint. And Spotty chases birds. Spotty's a great water dog. I'll go fly fishing this afternoon on my lake." And you know something? He did just that.

On September 9, Congress proposed a boost of $600 million for antiterror programs. The money was to come from Rumsfeld's beloved missile defense program, the eventual price tag of which was estimated by the Congressional Budget Office at between $158 billion and $238 billion. Congress's proposal to shift $0.6 billion over to counter terror programs incurred Rummy's ire, and he threatened a presidential veto.

[The next day] Ashcroft sent his Justice Department budget request to Bush. It included spending increases in sixty-eight different programs. Out of these sixty-eight programs, less than half dealt with terrorism. Way less than half. In fact, none of them dealt with terrorism.

The day after the next day, the world shook.

Some in this chamber, and in our country, did not support the liberation of Iraq. Objections to war often come from principled motives. But let us be candid about the consequences of leaving Saddam Hussein in power. We're seeking all the facts. Already, the Kay Report identified dozens of weapons of mass destruction-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the United Nations. Had we failed to act, the dictatator's weapons of mass destruction programs would continue to this day. Had we failed to act, Security Council resolutions on Iraq would have been revealed as empty threats, weakening the United Nations and encouraging defiance by dictators around the world. Iraq's torture chambers would still be filled with victims, terrified and innocent. The killing fields of Iraq -- where hundreds of thousands of men and women and children vanished into the sands -- would still be known only to the killers. For all who love freedom and peace, the world without Saddam Hussein's regime is a better and safer place. (Applause.)

__misleading__

There is no evidence of weapons of mass destruction. It is misleading to say that programs for such would have continued when no such evidence has been found. The “evidence” for “weapons of mass destruction-related program activities” is present in the Kay report but it is mostly about “possible” uses of biological and chemical agents and documents and related programs. There is no direct evidence of active programs and no direct evidence of actual weapons.

Secondly it is disingenuous to talk about weakening the UN when the United States acted against the direction of the UN. It was the United States that weakened the United Nations. It is true that the UN should do more to act upon its resolutions but it is misleading to mention this and NOT mention the fact that outright defiance of the UN by the United States also weakens the organization.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/public_affairs/speeches/2003/david_kay_10022003.html

Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized. This particular criticism is hard to explain to our partners in Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands -- (applause) -- Norway, El Salvador, and the 17 other countries that have committed troops to Iraq. (Applause.) As we debate at home, we must never ignore the vital contributions of our international partners, or dismiss their sacrifices.

__ misleading__

While there are around 27 countries with troops in Iraq the numbers of troops are miniscule (most have less than 1000 troops while the United States has over 100,000 troops). This statement also ignores the opposition of HUNDREDS of other nations that opposed the original BILATERAL action. It is misleading to use the small nations whose support was garnered AFTER the war began by offering influence and or direct financial support as “partners” who are “sacrificing” . This “support” very much resembles bribery when financial promises are made to gain the “support”.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3267451.stm

From the beginning, America has sought international support for our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have gained much support. There is a difference, however, between leading a coalition of many nations, and submitting to the objections of a few. America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country. (Applause.)

__ false__

The “objections of a few” is a lie. A lie implies knowledge that the statement is false before it is made, this is a lie. The “few” included most of the citizens of every nation on Earth (even among those nations “supporting” the war most have a populous that is more than 50% opposed to the war), most of the nations on Earth themselves (of which many spoke out against the war at the United Nations, the United Nations (and the words are again “United” and “Nations”), political groups, citizens groups, religious groups and on and on.

We also hear doubts that democracy is a realistic goal for the greater Middle East, where freedom is rare. Yet it is mistaken, and condescending, to assume that whole cultures and great religions are incompatible with liberty and self-government. I believe that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again. (Applause.)

As long as the Middle East remains a place of tyranny and despair and anger, it will continue to produce men and movements that threaten the safety of America and our friends. So America is pursuing a forward strategy of freedom in the greater Middle East. We will challenge the enemies of reform, confront the allies of terror, and expect a higher standard from our friend. To cut through the barriers of hateful propaganda, the Voice of America and other broadcast services are expanding their programming in Arabic and Persian -- and soon, a new television service will begin providing reliable news and information across the region. I will send you a proposal to double the budget of the National Endowment for Democracy, and to focus its new work on the development of free elections, and free markets, free press, and free labor unions in the Middle East. And above all, we will finish the historic work of democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq, so those nations can light the way for others, and help transform a troubled part of the world. (Applause.)

America is a nation with a mission, and that mission comes from our most basic beliefs. We have no desire to dominate, no ambitions of empire. Our aim is a democratic peace -- a peace founded upon the dignity and rights of every man and woman. America acts in this cause with friends and allies at our side, yet we understand our special calling: This great republic will lead the cause of freedom. (Applause.)

In the last three years, adversity has also revealed the fundamental strengths of the American economy. We have come through recession, and terrorist attack, and corporate scandals, and the uncertainties of war. And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger. (Applause.)

You have doubled the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000, reduced the marriage penalty, begun to phase out the death tax, reduced taxes on capital gains and stock dividends, cut taxes on small businesses, and you have lowered taxes for every American who pays income taxes.

__ true__

All tax statements are true. More of the tax cuts as a percentage go to those who are in higher tax brackets, but all who pay taxes did get tax cuts. Tax cuts are great, especially when services are also not affected. Especially when governmental spending has INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. The only problem with this “win win” approach is the deficit.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-01-05-bush-spending_x.htm

Americans took those dollars and put them to work, driving this economy forward. The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years; new home construction, the highest in almost 20 years; home ownership rates, the highest ever. Manufacturing activity is increasing. Inflation is low. Interest rates are low. Exports are growing. Productivity is high, and jobs are on the rise. (Applause.)

These numbers confirm that the American people are using their money far better than government would have -- and you were right to return it. (Applause.)

America's growing economy is also a changing economy. As technology transforms the way almost every job is done, America becomes more productive, and workers need new skills. Much of our job growth will be found in high-skilled fields like health care and biotechnology. So we must respond by helping more Americans gain the skills to find good jobs in our new economy.

__ true__

True and insightful. Credit to President Bush for recognizing and stating that workers in the current economy need to adapt.

All skills begin with the basics of reading and math, which are supposed to be learned in the early grades of our schools. Yet for too long, for too many children, those skills were never mastered. By passing the No Child Left Behind Act, you have made the expectation of literacy the law of our country. We're providing more funding for our schools -- a 36-percent increase since 2001. We're requiring higher standards. We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals. We are reporting results to parents, and making sure they have better options when schools are not performing. We are making progress toward excellence for every child in America. (Applause.)

__ repeat of earlier misleading statement__

True more spending on education. True that “ no child left behind” was passed. However, again, no child left behind has not be adequately funded.

But the status quo always has defenders. Some want to undermine the No Child Left Behind Act by weakening standards and accountability. Yet the results we require are really a matter of common sense: We expect third graders to read and do math at the third grade level -- and that's not asking too much. Testing is the only way to identify and help students who are falling behind. This nation will not go back to the days of simply shuffling children along from grade to grade without them learning the basics. I refuse to give up on any child -- and the No Child Left Behind Act is opening the door of opportunity to all of America's children. (Applause.)

At the same time, we must ensure that older students and adults can gain the skills they need to find work now. Many of the fastest growing occupations require strong math and science preparation, and training beyond the high school level. So tonight, I propose a series of measures called Jobs for the 21st Century. This program will provide extra help to middle and high school students who fall behind in reading and math, expand advanced placement programs in low-income schools, invite math and science professionals from the private sector to teach part-time in our high schools. I propose larger Pell grants for students who prepare for college with demanding courses in high school. (Applause.) I propose increasing our support for America's fine community colleges, so they can -- (applause.) I do so, so they can train workers for industries that are creating the most new jobs. By all these actions, we'll help more and more Americans to join in the growing prosperity of our country. Job training is important, and so is job creation.

We must continue to pursue an aggressive, pro-growth economic agenda. (Applause.) Congress has some unfinished business on the issue of taxes. The tax reductions you passed are set to expire. Unless you act -- (applause) -- unless you act -- unless you act, the unfair tax on marriage will go back up. Unless you act, millions of families will be charged $300 more in federal taxes for every child. Unless you act, small businesses will pay higher taxes. Unless you act, the death tax will eventually come back to life. Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase. What Congress has given, the Congress should not take away. For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent. (Applause.)

__ true with caveats__

Taxes should be cut and the cuts that were passed should be permanent. It is debatable that tax cuts create jobs but it is not debatable that American citizens pay far too much in taxes. As a percentage of income when federal, state, local, sales, property and such are all added together taxes can be upwards of 50-60% of income. The government should reduce the tax burden AND BALANCE THE BUDGET. Lowering taxes and SPENDING MORE is easy. The government needs to lower taxes and become more efficient and or cut programs in order to balance the budget.

Our agenda for jobs and growth must help small business owners and employees with relief from needless federal regulation, and protect them from junk and frivolous lawsuits. (Applause.)

Consumers and businesses need reliable supplies of energy to make our economy run -- so I urge you to pass legislation to modernize our electricity system, promote conservation, and make America less dependent on foreign sources of energy. (Applause.)

My administration is promoting free and fair trade to open up new markets for America's entrepreneurs and manufacturers and farmers -- to create jobs for American workers. Younger workers should have the opportunity to build a nest egg by saving part of their Social Security taxes in a personal retirement account. (Applause.) We should make the Social Security system a source of ownership for the American people. (Applause.) And we should limit the burden of government on this economy by acting as good stewards of taxpayers' dollars. (Applause.)

__ false__

“Free and fair trade” is false. The United States has been reprimanded by the WTO steel tariffs and the issue has been delayed and delayed rather than dealt with. There are many examples where the United States purports “free trade” but does not exactly play fair. There is nothing inherently wrong with protecting your own interests in these matters, but it is wrong to do so and then proclaim to be “fair”.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3059699.stm

In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, protects the homeland, and meets important domestic needs, while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. (Applause.) This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending, and be wise with the people's money. By doing so, we can cut the deficit in half over the next five years. (Applause.)

__ hallelujah__

Lets hope this one is true, it would be welcome and refreshing for a Republican administration to actually cut spending. Also the deficit is a huge issue that should be dealt with as soon as possible. The deficit basically wipes out any benefit of a tax cut in the long term.

http://www.fff.org/comment/com0311e.asp

Tonight, I also ask you to reform our immigration laws so they reflect our values and benefit our economy. I propose a new temporary worker program to match willing foreign workers with willing employers when no Americans can be found to fill the job. This reform will be good for our economy because employers will find needed workers in an honest and orderly system. A temporary worker program will help protect our homeland, allowing Border Patrol and law enforcement to focus on true threats to our national security.

I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration, and unfairly reward those who break our laws. My temporary worker program will preserve the citizenship path for those who respect the law, while bringing millions of hardworking men and women out from the shadows of American life. (Applause.)

__ true with caveats__

It is good that the President is addressing the issues of immigration and his proposed program has great merit. However without some path to amnesty many illegal immigrants may not opt to utilize the program. This is a very complicated issue but it is good to see a start.

Our nation's health care system, like our economy, is also in a time of change. Amazing medical technologies are improving and saving lives. This dramatic progress has brought its own challenge, in the rising costs of medical care and health insurance. Members of Congress, we must work together to help control those costs and extend the benefits of modern medicine throughout our country. (Applause.)

Meeting these goals requires bipartisan effort, and two months ago, you showed the way. By strengthening Medicare and adding a prescription drug benefit, you kept a basic commitment to our seniors: You are giving them the modern medicine they deserve. (Applause.)

Starting this year, under the law you passed, seniors can choose to receive a drug discount card, saving them 10 to 25 percent off the retail price of most prescription drugs -- and millions of low-income seniors can get an additional $600 to buy medicine. Beginning next year, seniors will have new coverage for preventive screenings against diabetes and heart disease, and seniors just entering Medicare can receive wellness exams.

In January of 2006, seniors can get prescription drug coverage under Medicare. For a monthly premium of about $35, most seniors who do not have that coverage today can expect to see their drug bills cut roughly in half. Under this reform, senior citizens will be able to keep their Medicare just as it is, or they can choose a Medicare plan that fits them best -- just as you, as members of Congress, can choose an insurance plan that meets your needs. And starting this year, millions of Americans will be able to save money tax-free for their medical expenses in a health savings account. (Applause.)

I signed this measure proudly, and any attempt to limit the choices of our seniors, or to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare, will meet my veto. (Applause.)

On the critical issue of health care, our goal is to ensure that Americans can choose and afford private health care coverage that best fits their individual needs. To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs. Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates, so they can cover more workers with health insurance. I urge you to pass association health plans. (Applause.) I ask you to give lower-income Americans a refundable tax credit that would allow millions to buy their own basic health insurance. (Applause.)

By computerizing health records, we can avoid dangerous medical mistakes, reduce costs, and improve care. To protect the doctor-patient relationship, and keep good doctors doing good work, we must eliminate wasteful and frivolous medical lawsuits. (Applause.) And tonight I propose that individuals who buy catastrophic health care coverage, as part of our new health savings accounts, be allowed to deduct 100 percent of the premiums from their taxes. (Applause.)

A government-run health care system is the wrong prescription. (Applause.) By keeping costs under control, expanding access, and helping more Americans afford coverage, we will preserve the system of private medicine that makes America's health care the best in the world. (Applause.)

__ true with caveats__

The new medicare laws are making more coverage available to more citizens. Yet with specific provisions PROHIBITING the government from negotiating prices between pharmaceutical companies and the “private entities” that will provide the prescription drug benefits the law is crippling. The law will not allow the government to make the same supply and demand large group deals that private health plans can make. Why would the government embark on one of the largest expenditures in the history of the nation and cripple its own ability to control costs?

Even the AARP which endorsed the current plan is now backtracking and requesting that the law be amended to include provisions that allow price negotiations. The President is stating flatly that he will veto any change?

We are living in a time of great change -- in our world, in our economy, in science and medicine. Yet some things endure -- courage and compassion, reverence and integrity, respect for differences of faith and race. The values we try to live by never change. And they are instilled in us by fundamental institutions, such as families and schools and religious congregations. These institutions, these unseen pillars of civilization, must remain strong in America, and we will defend them. We must stand with our families to help them raise healthy, responsible children. When it comes to helping children make right choices, there is work for all of us to do.

__ false__

“Families and schools and religious congregations“ are not the “pillars” of civilization. These are important entities in individual lives but the are not what makes civilization possible. In the case of “religious congregations” they also have nothing to do with government and vice versa according to the constitution. The constitution guarantees separation of church and state for very valid reasons such as prevention of discrimination. The Bush administration has a deplorable record of forcing religion within government

One of the worst decisions our children can make is to gamble their lives and futures on drugs. Our government is helping parents confront this problem with aggressive education, treatment, and law enforcement. Drug use in high school has declined by 11 percent over the last two years. Four hundred thousand fewer young people are using illegal drugs than in the year 2001. (Applause.) In my budget, I proposed new funding to continue our aggressive, community-based strategy to reduce demand for illegal drugs. Drug testing in our schools has proven to be an effective part of this effort. So tonight I proposed an additional $23 million for schools that want to use drug testing as a tool to save children's lives. The aim here is not to punish children, but to send them this message: We love you, and we don't want to lose you. (Applause.)

To help children make right choices, they need good examples. Athletics play such an important role in our society, but, unfortunately, some in professional sports are not setting much of an example. The use of performance-enhancing drugs like steroids in baseball, football, and other sports is dangerous, and it sends the wrong message -- that there are shortcuts to accomplishment, and that performance is more important than character. So tonight I call on team owners, union representatives, coaches, and players to take the lead, to send the right signal, to get tough, and to get rid of steroids now. (Applause.)

__ false__

The “war on drugs” is not working, will not work and cannot work. (Basically all wars upon nouns are questionable, “drugs”, “terror”, “poverty”, can you really win these?) The statistics that fewer young people are using drugs are very questionable but welcome news if they are accurate. However the goal and implication that “testing” and more money into discovery and punitive programs will help the problem is wrong. Treatment programs, dealing with issues that lead to addiction and drug abuse, those types of involvement might benefit from more funding. More random testing and the results of such testing such as suspension from school and or criminal charges are not a solution. (The President states that this effort is not to punish kids, but the result of such testing is often just that.)

To encourage right choices, we must be willing to confront the dangers young people face -- even when they're difficult to talk about. Each year, about 3 million teenagers contract sexually-transmitted diseases that can harm them, or kill them, or prevent them from ever becoming parents. In my budget, I propose a grassroots campaign to help inform families about these medical risks. We will double federal funding for abstinence programs, so schools can teach this fact of life: Abstinence for young people is the only certain way to avoid sexually-transmitted diseases. (Applause.)

__ false__

False and specious. There are many ways to deal with the problems of STDs within the scope of reality, total abstinence for young people is not one of them. Yes abstinence “guarantees” avoidance of STDs but statistics and human nature clearly show that people, even young people (teenagers) do have sex. To ignore this face is to abstain from dealing with reality. To ignore other forms of birth control, specifically condoms, is completely irresponsible of the President.

Decisions children now make can affect their health and character for the rest of their lives. All of us -- parents and schools and government -- must work together to counter the negative influence of the culture, and to send the right messages to our children.

A strong America must also value the institution of marriage. I believe we should respect individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization. Congress has already taken a stand on this issue by passing the Defense of Marriage Act, signed in 1996 by President Clinton. That statute protects marriage under federal law as a union of a man and a woman, and declares that one state may not redefine marriage for other states.

Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected representatives. On an issue of such great consequence, the people's voice must be heard. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage. (Applause.)

The outcome of this debate is important -- and so is the way we conduct it. The same moral tradition that defines marriage also teaches that each individual has dignity and value in God's sight. (Applause.)

It's also important to strengthen our communities by unleashing the compassion of America's religious institutions. Religious charities of every creed are doing some of the most vital work in our country -- mentoring children, feeding the hungry, taking the hand of the lonely. Yet government has often denied social service grants and contracts to these groups, just because they have a cross or a Star of David or a crescent on the wall. By executive order, I have opened billions of dollars in grant money to competition that includes faith-based charities. Tonight I ask you to codify this into law, so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again. (Applause.)

__ incredible load of horseshit (that means false)__

Again, the constitution guarantees separation of church and state for very valid reasons such as prevention of discrimination.

This includes the unconstitutional “faith based initiatives” that the President has championed (which are nothing more than a license to discriminate, before these initiatives ANY organization, religious or not, could receive governmental funding, the only difference is that they were previously not allowed to discriminate in hiring practices based on religion, now they are).

This also includes the Presidents admonishment of judges for ruling on laws that involve religion that he apparently does not agree with (and the President apparently does not understand the role of a “judge”, the judges rule on law, they do not “arbitrarily” make things up, if different rulings are desired then laws should be changed).

This also includes the Presidents “defense of marriage” which is not the business of the state on many levels. People of any sexual orientation should be afforded the SAME rights as other people of another orientation, not MORE rights, not DIFFERENT rights, the SAME rights (rights such as legal matters in the event of incapacitation, and so on).

It is simply not the states place to even get involved with religion. The state should have NO OPINION positive or negative about religious matters.

These statements in a state of the Union are a completely egregious offense to the very important separation of church and state and demonstrate the abject ignorance of the entire Bush administration.

(And note, this says NOTHING good or bad about religion, again, its just not the states business.)

Myriad issues are present on this front: http://www.au.org/

In the past, we've worked together to bring mentors to children of prisoners, and provide treatment for the addicted, and help for the homeless. Tonight I ask you to consider another group of Americans in need of help. This year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society. We know from long experience that if they can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit crime and return to prison. So tonight, I propose a four-year, $300 million prisoner re-entry initiative to expand job training and placement services, to provide transitional housing, and to help newly released prisoners get mentoring, including from faith-based groups. (Applause.) America is the land of second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life. (Applause.)

__ good idea but we cant afford it right now__

This is a great idea. However its curious that in the face of tax cuts and a growing deficit that the President has promised to reduce by half in 5 years (earlier in this very speech) that the President would be championing more spending on NEW programs.

For all Americans, the last three years have brought tests we did not ask for, and achievements shared by all. By our actions, we have shown what kind of nation we are. In grief, we have found the grace to go on. In challenge, we rediscovered the courage and daring of a free people. In victory, we have shown the noble aims and good heart of America. And having come this far, we sense that we live in a time set apart.

I've been witness to the character of the people of America, who have shown calm in times of danger, compassion for one another, and toughness for the long haul. All of us have been partners in a great enterprise. And even some of the youngest understand that we are living in historic times. Last month a girl in Lincoln, Rhode Island, sent me a letter. It began, "Dear George W. Bush. If there's anything you know, I, Ashley Pearson, age 10, can do to help anyone, please send me a letter and tell me what I can do to save our country." She added this P.S.: "If you can send a letter to the troops, please put, 'Ashley Pearson believes in you.'" (Applause.)

Tonight, Ashley, your message to our troops has just been conveyed. And, yes, you have some duties yourself. Study hard in school, listen to your mom or dad, help someone in need, and when you and your friends see a man or woman in uniform, say, "thank you." (Applause.) And, Ashley, while you do your part, all of us here in this great chamber will do our best to keep you and the rest of America safe and free. (Applause.)

My fellow citizens, we now move forward, with confidence and faith. Our nation is strong and steadfast. The cause we serve is right, because it is the cause of all mankind. The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable -- and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true.

May God continue to bless America. (Applause.) END 10:05 P.M. EST