The State of the Union

Photo by Mike's America

The annual State of the Union Address is to those who follow politics what the Superbowl is to those who love football. Except, in this game, it actually matters who wins. And if your guy is giving the speech, this is a big night.

There's a sense of anticipation in the air around the Capitol. As a resident near the Capitol I used to wander down just to soak in the atmosphere. The Capitol is always brightly lit, but on this night as special bank of lights bathes the dome in greater volumes of brilliant white light. The streets surronding the building are closed and occasionally a motorcade of various dignitaries will whiz by. If you're lucky you might be walking along the route that the President's motorcade takes, and that is always a marvel to behold.

It's reported that one of the guests in the gallery tonight will be professional America hater Cindy Sheehan. Fresh from hugging up to Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez, she'll no doubt lend a circus-like air to an otherwise serious occasion. UPDATE: Sheewitch is reported to have been arrested for attempting to hang a protest banner from her seat. More Later.

Highlights from the Speech:

White House released excerpts as prepared for delivery

America is always at its best when we are shaping events, instead of being shaped by events. Tonight, the President will chart a clear path forward for our Nation:

"In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country. We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom – or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life. We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy – or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting – yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people … the only way to secure the peace … the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership – so the United States of America will continue to lead."

The President will talk about America’s leadership role in the world, and the importance of working together to better protect our country, support our troops, and advance freedom:

"Abroad, our Nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal – we seek the end of tyranny in our world… the future security of America depends on it."

"In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders. If we were to leave these vicious attackers alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores."

"…Ultimately, the only way to defeat the terrorists is to defeat their dark vision of hatred and fear by offering the hopeful alternative of political freedom and peaceful change."
"To overcome dangers in our world, we must also take the offensive by encouraging economic progress, fighting disease, and spreading hope in hopeless lands."

To keep America competitive in a dynamic economy, the President will set out an agenda focused on the priorities that families are most concerned about. He will talk about the importance of having an educated, skilled workforce, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and making health care more affordable, accessible, and portable:

"Here at home, America also has a great opportunity: We will build the prosperity of our country by strengthening our economic leadership in the world."
On Competitiveness:

"The American economy is pre-eminent – but we cannot afford to be complacent. In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors like China and India."

"We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hard-working, ambitious people – and we are going to keep that edge."

On Energy:

"America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world… The best way to break this addiction is through technology."

On Health Care:

"Our government has a responsibility to help provide health care for the poor and the elderly, and we are meeting that responsibility. For all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care … strengthen the doctor-patient relationship … and help people afford the insurance coverage they need."

Finally, the President will speak to the character and compassion of America:
"…our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society."