SHANNON KELLY
Perspectives Editor
President Bush began his State of the Union address by commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, Coretta Scott King, who died Tuesday. This statement was not political. It was simply human compassion. After hearing his words, there was no room for a single partisanship thought but only for respect from everyone who heard the president express his genuine sympathy.
This moment of remembrance set the tone for a speech that continuously urged bipartisan unity and strength. It disregarded the fiercely split party lines that have intensely plagued our country in the wake of events such as Alito’s confirmation and the continuing war on terror.
“In a system of two parties, two chambers and two elected branches, there will always be differences and debate. But even tough debates can be conducted in a civil tone, and our differences cannot be allowed to harden into anger.”
Before addressing specific issues, President Bush confronted the vitality of a respectful and productive Congress as the base of our government.
This idea is not limited to means of productive government and should transpire to all American citizens. There will always be difference and debate among all people, but like the President said in his speech, once disagreement hardens into anger, people become unproductive.
There were obvious points in the speech that lead one to think on a partisan level, but Bush did a commendable job of relaying important issues on a more ideological level by linking all of his points to securing America’s freedom and advancing economic prosperity.
Those ideals can be appreciated by Democrats and Republicans because regardless of party affiliation, they are all Americans, united in the most free and powerful nation in the world.
It is praiseworthy that instead of worrying about the latest approval rates or judgments, the president concentrates on his leadership role and is steadfast in his convictions. He won’t budge on his foreign policy because it is his duty to hold fast to what he, as commander in chief, knows is best. Like he said, “those decisions will be made by our military commanders, not by politicians”
Politicians from both sides, however, could and should make a joint effort to improve issues that are in their hands. Bush addressed these most prevalent matters in his speech. He repeatedly used the precursor; “keeping America competitive” before addressing each domestic goal: open markets, orderly and secure boarders, affordable healthcare, more efficient and cleaner energy sources, and education improvements.
Those national concerns barely scratch the service of everything Bush covered and anyone who didn’t watch the State of the Union should read a transcript of the speech.
While it’s easy to be persuaded by other people’s opinions on the State of the Union, and the topics addressed, the most important thing is having personal beliefs on today’s prevalent American issues, instead of relying on another person’s suggestions.
After watching Bush, I believe in and respect his resolve for protecting Americans against freedom-hating terrorists and for having a set of values that he stands by, regardless of criticism. He represents strong leadership and shows that he will not give in to doubters by telling Congress “there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success, and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure. Hindsight alone is not wisdom, and second-guessing is not a strategy.”
Being American means criticizing and questioning our government, and thank God we have the liberty in which to do so. At the same time, however, we must take time to acknowledge the means by which we are secured this treasured and valuable freedom.
02-02-2006