WORLDPEACE RESPONSE TO BUSH STATE OF UNION ADDRESS

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. 

> Yet there are few if any Americans deployed to work on the root causes of terror such as the inhuman conditions that exists in the Palestinian camps.  There is no effort to take the millions of dollars we are spending daily on a military solution to create jobs within these Muslin populations in the Middle East.  We have refused to challenge the oppression that exists within Saudi Arabia that has produced Osama bin Laden.  We have made no effort to investigate the corruption of the Palestinian leadership and its taking of money belonging to the people and hording it bank accounts all over the world.  We have that ability.  Yet, I George Bush, believe in cowboy politics.  Military might is the preferred solution to terrorism.  And I say this even though our troops are still dying in Iraq with no end in sight.  The truth is that we need Iraq and Afghanistan to keep our military sharp. We need live war games where people really get killed. Real war games is a great side benefit of imperialism.

By bringing hope to the oppressed,

> No hope has been brought to the Palestinians who are the focus of constant abuse by the Israelis.

 and delivering justice to the violent,

> We started the war.  We are the violent ones.  We are the ones who come in war, not peace.  We have already killed many times the number of Americans lost in 911.

 they are making America more secure. (Applause.)

> No.  We are making Americans more hated around the world.  America does not come in peace but with the big stick of military might.  We know the real solutions to peace is real justice and economic growth.  We have the knowledge and power to lead the United Nations to a more peaceful world through more peaceful means.  But to do so would require a even hand to be applied all around the world and our purchasing of men of power who deny basic human rights to their people cannot stand up to the light of truth.  Therefore, we use our military to kill and instill fear and under the guise of peace and we use these little wars to stimulate the United States economy and line the pockets of the executives who run the giant American corporations (particularly those in the military industrial complex).  

> We have forgotten about constitutional rights in the name of security.  This is the first step in all dictatorial regimes.  In the name of security, you no longer enjoy privacy.  As the Palestinians have shown the Israelis, you cannot stop suicide bombers.   You cannot stop a determined terrorist.  Osama bin Laden is still at large.  It would not surprise me if he would pull off another 911 event before the elections in November.  It would not surprise me for there to be an assassination attempt against George Bush.  The reality is that with enough terrorists, the President of the United States can be targeted as Ariel Sharon has targeted the leader of Hamas for assassination.  

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.)

> Yes, with the aid of war and our acts of destroying countries and then making a profit on rebuilding them, the US economy has been stimulated.  It is so simple.  Our corporations make money building bombs and bullets and tanks and helicopters and then they make more money rebuilding the infrastructure that those bombs have destroyed.  It is a perfect plan right up to the part where the country you destroy must have natural resources to pay for all of this.  In Iraq, there is oil.  In Palestine, there is sand.  It will not work in Palestine.

Tonight, members of Congress can take pride in the great works of compassion and reform that skeptics had thought impossible.

> Compassion for countries who have natural resources that America needs to stimulate its economy and grow our corporate control of the world.  Show some compassion in Palestine and then we will all be impressed.  Carve out a country for the Kurds from Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey, then we will be impressed.

You're raising the standards for our public schools,

> Bushit. The American educational system is a disaster. Lies were told by Bush about the Texas educational system and Ron Paige who cooked the education books in Houston, Texas is now at the top of the federal educational pyramid as a detriment to the entire educational system in America.  But this is business as usual.  The citizens are easier to control and manipulate if they do not know how to think.  Thinking people are not influenced by slick commercials and presidents landing on the decks of aircraft carriers like little caesers.

 and you are giving our senior citizens prescription drug coverage under Medicare. (Applause.)

> How ridiculous.  The American health care system is in shambles.  An incredible number of Americans have no health insurance.  Yes, the seniors appreciate the drug coverage but the reality is that most still cannot afford the drugs they need.  But that is not a problem that bothers George. These people are unproductive and a drain on the economy of America.  The economy is better off without them. Right George?

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.

>  There was an over reaction to 911.  We killed way more civilians than terrorist in our revenge.  And we have not put one red cent into stopping terrorism at its roots; the economic depression and lack of hope that exists in the places like the Palestinian refugee camps.  And George, please tell us why bin Laden is from Saudi Arabia?  What is going on in Saudi Arabia George?  

 We can press on with economic growth, and reforms in education and Medicare, or we can turn back to old policies and old divisions.

>  Economic growth stopped when Bill Clinton left office.  Education is run by a lying manipulator of drop out numbers and Medicare is just a little better than no health care at all.

We've not come all this way -- through tragedy, and trial and war -- only to falter and leave our work unfinished. 

> What work is that George?  Is that the work of increasing the financial statements of our largest corporations as we rape and pillage the natural resources of the world and pollute the environment? And create more terrorist around the world with our imperialistic ways.  The giant corporations pay money for the slick political ads you run to influence the ignorant you have created with your hollow educational program.

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.)

> Yes, we are confident in our military and arrogant in our strength.  Yet peace is still illusive.  The core problem in the Arab world is the Palestinian problem.  And the solution is the reigning in of Israel.  Israel is the real threat to WorldPeace.  Terrorism begins with controlling the Zionist in Israel and their supporters around the world.

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. 

> George. George. George.  The reality is that 911 was an isolated incident that should have found closure in Afghanistan.  Even though bin Laden is a product of Saudi Arabia and not Afghanistan.  War is a great distraction for domestic problems in America.  A distraction from the lack of jobs, the lack of education and the lack of health care.  I fear another attack is coming.  I fear that because America learned nothing from 911 in that no focus has been placed on the roots of terrorism.  Killing terrorist does not get at what produced those terrorists.

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.

>  Thank you George for the admission that your war on terrorism has seemed to increase the incidents of terrorism in the world.  Yes, by focusing on America, the terrorists of the world are increasing not decreasing.  You have stirred up an ant bed of terrorists George because imperialism is terroristic.  The terrorists know that you invaded Iraq on a pretense of weapons of mass destruction, an Osama/Saddam link and the promise that the war would be paid for with Iraqi oil.  All lies George.  Now terrorist are able to say that you can never tell when America is going to attack.  The only safe place against the American military is in Palestine.  But then there is Sharon the fascist and Hitler's progeny to contend with.

 And by our will and courage, this danger will be defeated. (Applause.)

> Not by the military.  Not by violence.  Violence fosters violence.  The danger will be defeated with justice and nothing more.  

Inside the United States, where the war began, 

> No George. The war did not begin in America.  It began in Saudi Arabia.  That is where bin Laden is from. It began with the creation of Israel and the displacement of Palestinians from their land in 1948.  That is where the war began fifty five years ago.  Actually, it began before that when Zionist terrorist created chaos in Israel and the British carved up the Middle East in such a way that real peace is going to be hard to come by.  But hey, the Jews did not return to Europe.  Hitler tapped into a hatred of the Jews that was already there.  He did not create that hatred.  He just manipulated it.  And even now, Europeans per a recent poll, say that Israel is the greatest threat to WorldPeace.  But the Jews are too big a constituency for you to speak the truth, right George.

we must continue to give our homeland security and law enforcement personnel every tool they need to defend us.

>  Even if that means planting a computer chip in the wrist or forehead of every American who can then be tracked by satellites anywhere in the world.  Oh yes, we have the technology.  The question is how to get those little chips into the human body.  Consider what would happen if everyone had a chip and then the computers could sound an alarm when two designated terrorist had a meeting.  There is the ultimate security.  A manifestation of 1984.  But again, we have not educated our children and so most people have never read 1984 and they are therefore ignorant that the biggest threat to democracy and freedom is George Bush and John Ashcroft who in the name of security put an end to privacy and eventually democracy.  Was that the New World Order that Daddy George used to talk about?

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.

> Yes but who is designating the terrorists?  Who controls who gets followed and tracked and scanned?

 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.)

>  Now this is interesting.  Terrorists are criminals and when we have a functional world court, then we will be able to deal with criminals world wide.  We can then punish those who commit acts of terrorism and not kill a hundred thousand innocent civilians to avenge 3,000 innocent Americans.  

Key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year. (Applause.)

> Let freedom ring.  Praise God.

 The terrorist threat will not expire on that schedule. (Applause.) 

> No, they will not.  They will expire when the poverty is removed and hope is restored to the ignorant in the world. 

Our law enforcement needs this vital legislation to protect our citizens. You need to renew the Patriot Act. (Applause.)

> The Patriot Act, in the name of security, is eroding democracy and a violation of the United States Constitution.

America is on the offensive against the terrorists who started this war.

> Really.  Saddam did not start the war in Iraq.  You did George.  It was bin Laden who started the war of 911.  So where is bin Laden, George?

 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.)

> Now this is really interesting.  According to you, we are rounding up all these terrorists with a world wide police hunt.  So why are we in Iraq?  There was no Osama/Saddam connection.  Why are we in Iraq?  And why did we have to destroy Afghanistan and why are the poppies growing in Afghanistan again.  Is it because it is the only way they can live since we did not give them the funds needed to rebuild their economy.  Would you not say that we killed a few terrorist and increased the world opium problem?  We used Osama as an excuse to destroy Afghanistan and non existent weapons of mass destruction to invade Iraq.  And now we are trying to get out of Iraq before the elections and leave that country on the verge of civil war between the Kurds and the Shiites and Sunnis.

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.

> That would be Saudi Arabia, right?  George, are you still selling that weapons of mass destruction nonsense?  Are there people who still buy that?  Is that what your pollsters say?

 The United States and our allies are determined: We refuse to live in the shadow of this ultimate danger. (Applause.)

> Hey George, we are the baddest people in the world.  Who can stand up to our military?  Who can stand up against our technology?  Who can stand up against our imperialistic arrogance?  Who is it that we are afraid of?  Are we about to start killing rock throwing terrorists like the Israeli army does to Palestinian boys?  Are we afraid of rock throwing children?  

The first to see our determination were the Taliban, who made Afghanistan the primary training base of al Qaeda killers.

> Hey we were glad to see those sociopaths go. But could we really justify destroying that country?  No. Like I said, the opium growers thank you George.  You put a lot of drug dealers back in business.  We destroyed the Talaban with the ripple effect of increasing the drug problem worldwide.  Nice trade off, Dubya.

 As of this month, that country has a new constitution, guaranteeing free elections and full participation by women.

> Well in theory anyway.  

 Businesses are opening, 

> Especially opium related businesses.

health care centers are being established,

> And that would be a life time supply of bandaids and aspirins.

 and the boys and girls of Afghanistan are back in school.

>  Yes and what are they being taught?  That all they need is a third grade education.  Are they taught that Americans are the greatest?

 With the help from the new Afghan army, our coalition is leading aggressive raids against the surviving members of the Taliban and al Qaeda.

> But no bin Laden.

 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.)

> As long as they do what they are told.  America is certainly the friend of the opium dealers.

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.)

> Actually it was just the US and Britain that invaded Iraq.  The rest only sent token forces after being paid off by the US to join the war.  Hey, we would have done better just hiring an army of mercenaries.  It would have been cheaper.

Having broken the Baathist regime, we face a remnant of violent Saddam supporters.

>  Is the Shiite majority in Iraq the remnant you are referring to George?

 Men who ran away from our troops in battle are now dispersed and attack from the shadows.

> Yes they do.  Along with their friends from the rest of the Muslim world who want to kill Americans.

 These killers, joined by foreign terrorists, are a serious, continuing danger.

> Yes they are.  And they are killing and maiming our soldiers.   What is the current number of dead, 500.  And that would make the cripples about five to ten thousand.  Has anyone done a count of the American arms and legs buried in Iraq.  We do not know how many Iraqi civilians have died since the end of the war because a decision was made to quit counting. Right George?

 Yet we're making progress against them.

> Actually from the outside it looks like our soldiers are dying at the continued rate of about three every two days.  

 The once all-powerful ruler of Iraq was found in a hole, and now sits in a prison cell. (Applause.)

> Yes, and the word is that the Kurds put him there and then called the Americans.  Did Karl Rove write that script?

 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.)

> Well, like I said, the rate of deaths of American soldiers seems to be the same since the end of the war.

The work of building a new Iraq is hard, and it is right.

> Yes, but you want out before the November elections don't you George?

 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.

> Not exactly.  There was a lot of law and order that is not there now.

 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.

> Actually, you are working hard to get out before the elections.  A civil war is brewing and if you do not get us out soon, there is going to be some serious killing going on.  You destabilized Iraq just like Afghanistan but there are a lot more people in Iraq and a much more complicated political situation. I think that time will show that it was the American invasion of Iraq that started the Third World War.

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.)

> Well getting out of Iraq before November sounds like they have intimidated America.

 The killers will fail, and the Iraqi people will live in freedom. (Applause.)

>  And when will this happen?  After the coming civil war?

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.

> America's straw man.

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

> Free maybe.  Peaceful, not yet.

Because of American leadership and resolve, the world is changing for the better.

> How is that.  Terrorism is on the rise.  Maybe we are doing something wrong.

 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.)

>Actually it was an economic decision. He realized that he had to let go of his nuclear program to draw in foreign investment.  It was not a hard decision.  His people are no more equipped to fight America the Iraqis.

Nine months of intense negotiations involving the United States and Great Britain succeeded with Libya, while 12 years of diplomacy with Iraq did not. 

> Oh well, that was your Daddy's fault.  He did a half job.  Now you are preparing to leave with half of the other half done.  In the end, civil war is on the horizon.  And it will probably not stay confined to Iraq.

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.)

> What word is that?  That if you have natural resources and a rogue leader we will step in.  The only thing credible about Dubya is that he believes that might makes right and invasion solves all problems.

Different threats require different strategies. Along with nations in the region, we're insisting that North Korea eliminate its nuclear program.

> Not much progress there.  Are we going to invade North Korea?  No. They do not have anything we want.

 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.)

> Well Israel has nuclear weapons and according to the Europeans who expelled the Jews in the last war, sold off their assets and refused to let them return, Israel is the biggest threat to WorldPeace.

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.

> Yes you are a Coca Cola warrior George.  You are the king of the cowboys.  Opium grows in Afghanistan and civil war is coming to Iraq.  

You in the Congress have provided the resources for our defense, 

> Actually in Iraq it was about offense.

and cast the difficult votes of war and peace. 

> What peace vote was there?  I guess I missed that.

Our closest allies have been unwavering.

> Actually that is ally and Britain is our closest ally because they were our only real ally in the invasion of Iraq.

 America's intelligence personnel and diplomats have been skilled and tireless. 

> What a joke.  These are the people who said there were weapons of mass destruction and a Saddam/Osama link and that we could get our expenses out of the Iraqi oil fields.

And the men and women of the American military -- they have taken the hardest duty. 

> Yes, they have been the sacrificial lambs.

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.

> Actually there have been 500 deaths and up to ten thousand who gave body parts.

 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.

> Yes, you are the man Dubya.

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.)

> Yes but those of you who are wounded and crippled, do not expect too much out of the Veterans Administration.

I know that some people question if America is really in a war at all.

> Like your daughters.  They probably don't know there is a war in Iraq, right George?

 They view terrorism more as a crime, a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments.

> Exactly.  And earlier you said were were tracking down the perpetrators of that crime.

 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.

> No, because America did not change the way it dealt with the world.  America did not try to solve the root problems of terrorism.  And guess what, the same is true now.  We have killed some terrorist but we have not addressed the causes of terrorism.  I have not seen one single report about the causes of terrorism.

 The terrorists were still training and plotting in other nations, and drawing up more ambitious plans.

> And why is that George?  Tell us why.

 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.)

> Actually, you destroyed Afghanistan to kill Osama and his gang.  But tell me again what Iraq had to do with 911 and terrorism.

Some in this chamber, and in our country, did not support the liberation of Iraq. 

> They did not support an unprovoked invasion based on lies.  

Objections to war often come from principled motives.

> Actually it came from smelling the lies that you told about weapons of mass destruction George.

 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. 

> Bushit.

Had we failed to act, the dictatator's weapons of mass destruction programs would continue to this day.

> More Bushit.

 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.

> Nothing weakened the UN more that the United States and Britain acting unilaterally in Iraq and snubbing the UN.

 Iraq's torture chambers would still be filled with victims, terrified and innocent.

> Sort of like the American base in Guantanamo, Cuba.

 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.)

> That is true. It is good that Saddam is gone.  But we have yet to see what will replace him.  And if there is a civil war and the Kurds in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria unite for independence, it may seem that Saddam was the better choice.  This is the option Daddy George took.

Some critics have said our duties in Iraq must be internationalized.

> Yes.

 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.)

> Paid to come along by the USA.  

 As we debate at home, we must never ignore the vital contributions of our international partners, or dismiss their sacrifices.

> We don't.  We just want to know what they were paid to come along.  And where is Russia, China, France and Germany on that list.

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. 

> And that few would be the Russians, Chinese, French and Germans.  Three of whom are on the permanent security council of the UN.  In a democracy, the majority rules.  Russia, China and France verses the US and Britain is a three to two against vote.  There will be no WorldPeace without world law.  There will be no WorldPeace without democracy in the UN.

America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country. (Applause.)

>  There was no security issue regarding Iraq.  There were no weapons of mass destruction and there was no Saddam/Osama link.  This is just a continuation of the lie that Bush used to invade Iraq.

We also hear doubts that democracy is a realistic goal for the greater Middle East, where freedom is rare.

> I have not heard this.

 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.

> Too bad he did not plant a respect for other people and their natural resources as well as the environment in the heart of George Bush.  

 And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again. (Applause.)

> Unless you live in Palestine, where George believes in the subjugation of the people by his surrogate Ariel Sharon.

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.

> Really.  So we invade nations and enforce democracy on them; as long as they have the natural resources that Americans want.  The price of democracy and freedom is high and without money, the United States will not get involved.  This is America.  Money talks.

 We will challenge the enemies of reform, confront the allies of terror, and expect a higher standard from our friend.

> Really. So when are we going into Korea where they really have weapons of mass destruction and the people are starving and enslaved?  Tell me when, George.

 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.

> Really.  Reliable news.  We don't even have that in America.

 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. 

> What is that budget right now.  How does it stack up against the Peace Corp budget and how do they each stack up against the cost of the invasion of Iraq.

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.)

>  Does that mean that George is going to reform the world from Afghanistan to Iraq.  In Afghanistan the economy is based on opium.  Will they be growing poppies in Iraq now?

America is a nation with a mission, and that mission comes from our most basic beliefs.

> Not exactly. Our basic belief is about freedom and justice and democracy.  But it only applies inside America.  Non Americans with natural resources do have have freedom from fear of invasion, or freedom of religion if they are Muslim, and justice comes from guns and democracy in other countries as it was in Iraq twenty years ago was based on the politics of Saddam who we supported and armed and funded.  There is no democracy in Saudi Arabia.  What about Saudi Arabia where Osama was born?

 We have no desire to dominate, no ambitions of empire.

> Only an economic empire which George does not consider an empire.  

 Our aim is a democratic peace -- a peace founded upon the dignity and rights of every man and woman.

> But we are opposing immediate free elections in Iraq because we want our straw men to run the government for a while longer; at least until all the contracts are signed.

 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.)

> Well I hope that does not include any more unprovoked invasions of Muslim nations.

In the last three years, adversity has also revealed the fundamental strengths of the American economy. We have come through recession, 

> Not yet

and terrorist attack, 

> Terrorism is on the rise in the world and there is still the Department of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act.  We have not come through it yet.

and corporate scandals,

> No end to those.  Enron was one of the biggest Bush supporters.  As long as corporate America has George bought and paid for, the scandals will continue.

 and the uncertainties of war.

> Since Iran and North Korea are the other two axis of evil, then it seems to be certain that if George is reelected there will be a certainty of more war.

 And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong, and growing stronger. (Applause.)

> Actually most of the small business owners that I deal with each day are hurting.  And we are spending way more than we are generating.  George has taken a balanced budget and mortgaged our children's future with his tax cuts and his wars.  But the average American, due to a general lack of education above an eighth grade mentality has no understanding of economics and cannot understand the long term effects of deficit spending.

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.

> Yes but they have not been lowered proportionately.  The poor got chump change.  The rich got some healthy relief all for the purpose of continuing to widen the gap between rich and poor and to further consolidate wealth among the few.  But again the average American has no concept of what I am talking about.

Americans took those dollars and put them to work, driving this economy forward.

> No they don't. They look to buying a CD with the chump change if they are poor. 

 The pace of economic growth in the third quarter of 2003 was the fastest in nearly 20 years;

> I don't think so.  But you are the same guy who said that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction.

 new home construction, the highest in almost 20 years;

> I don't think so.

 home ownership rates, the highest ever.

> Not due to your three years of making war in the Middle East.

 Manufacturing activity is increasing. 

> Slowly.  But a lot of the manufacturing continues to be moved overseas where labor is cheap.

Inflation is low. Interest rates are low.

> Yes, because the economy is not  growing.

Exports are growing.

> The export of war.

 Productivity is high, and jobs are on the rise. (Applause.)

> Really.  Where are those numbers?  Sounds like fuzzy numbers to me.  Sounds like fuzzy Dubya logic to me.

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.)

> Well then George why don't you just end all taxes.  Did you tell the people which government services were reduced due to the reduction in taxes. Oh, that is right. You believe in deficit spending.  You gave the people their tax cut but did not cut government spending.  You see  how ignorant the people are.  They don't understand your lies.  Because they do not understand economics.  Because they do not have the education.  See how it all works.  Stupid is as stupid does.

America's growing economy is also a changing economy.

> Yes there is an acceleration of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.  How many senior citizens have to chose between life saving medicine and heat in their homes and groceries on the table?

 As technology transforms the way almost every job is done, America becomes more productive, and workers need new skills. 

> Yes because the manufacturing jobs are going overseas and the ones that remain in America go to the soon to be legal illegal aliens who will work for less than union wages.  By the way, how are you going to work that out, George.  Oh, that is right.  You do not solicit union votes.  You are a corporate guy..

Much of our job growth will be found in high-skilled fields like health care and biotechnology.

> But those benefits of health care technology will not be available to the average American who has no health insurance.

 So we must respond by helping more Americans gain the skills to find good jobs in our new economy.

> Are you talking about education?  But not real education.  You are talking about vocational education.

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.

> Because you have no emphasis on education.  You just encourage lies from Educational czars like Ron Paige who by manipulating the data zeroed out the dropout rate in Houston.

 By passing the No Child Left Behind Act, you have made the expectation of literacy the law of our country.

> Yes, but it is not working.

 We're providing more funding for our schools -- a 36-percent increase since 2001.

> And the drop rate has not changed.

 We're requiring higher standards.

> And teaching less.

 We are regularly testing every child on the fundamentals.

> And manipulating the results.

 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.)

> Not really.  Where is the fuzzy logic math, George?

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. 

> Yes, a third grade education is good.  But what about a twelfth grade education?  Why are you talking about third graders?

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.

> No.  We will increase the drop out rate.  We teach the tests and if they cannot pass the tests they drop out.

 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.)

> Tell me which children are you specifically talking about other than your daughters.

At the same time, we must ensure that older students and adults can gain the skills they need to find work now.

>Again vocational education.  Not college educations for a more democratic society.

 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,

> which means there is no help now.

 expand advanced placement programs in low-income schools,

> The problem is in all schools.

 invite math and science professionals from the private sector to teach part-time in our high schools. 

> Yes but who is going to pay the bill?  You cut taxes remember.  You are already spending more than is coming in on your war.  So where is the money coming from?

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.)

> Where is the money coming from?

 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.

> So where is the money coming from?

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.

> There does need to be some equalization here.

 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. 

> There does need to be more tax credit for child care.

Unless you act, the death tax will eventually come back to life. 

> There needs to be estate taxes.  They only effect the wealthy, not the well off.

Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase.

> Well then quit making war George and we will not have a spending deficit.

 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.)

> Nonsense.  When the president and congress spend, then the citizens have to pay.  Reduce the spending and you reduce the need for taxes.  This is hard for George to understand.  He reduces taxes and increases spending and lets the next President deal with it. There needs to be a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

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.)

> Without the prospect of lawsuits the immorality of the majority of large corporations will further prey upon the citizens.  Lawsuits are a check against corporate abuse.

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.)

> Fine.  We need to put more money into solar and wind energy; not nuclear energy.  But we do not need to destroy all out National Forrest with drilling rigs and loggers.

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.

> Not.  Then we are right back where we were before Social Security where people had nothing at all at retirement.

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.)

>  You act as a good steward when you do not spend more than you tax and if you do, then you need to be honest with the public and increase taxes to cover the spending.

In two weeks, I will send you a budget that funds the war, 

> I am not for funding war.  I am for funding defense.  Sounds like George is planning another war.  Maybe Iran.  Maybe Syria.

protects the homeland,

> Where is the money coming from with reduced taxes.

 and meets important domestic needs, 

> And what needs are those?  I did not hear anything about health care.

while limiting the growth in discretionary spending to less than 4 percent. (Applause.)

> No.  You can spend what you want as long as you can sell the citizens on the increase in taxes to pay for it.

 This will require that Congress focus on priorities, cut wasteful spending, 

> Nothing was more wasteful than the war in Iraq.

and be wise with the people's money. 

> Advice that you should take George.

By doing so, we can cut the deficit in half over the next five years. (Applause.)

> Bushit.  You have done nothing in the last three years except increase spending and cut taxes.  Who are you kidding?

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. 

>  All that is going on here is to bring more illegals into the US.  How stupid.  What George is really saying is lets let in all the Mexicans to do the jobs that Americans refuse to do.  And by the way keep union wages down and corporate profits up.

This reform will be good for our economy because employers will find needed workers in an honest and orderly system.

> Yes and the money paid to these workers will go back to Mexico.

 A temporary worker program will help protect our homeland, allowing Border Patrol and law enforcement to focus on true threats to our national security.

> Explain that to me.  Are all the legal workers going to have a tattoo or be required to wear a red hat.

I oppose amnesty, because it would encourage further illegal immigration,

> No more than the illegal worker program.

and unfairly reward those who break our laws.

> And George is not increasing the immigration budget but he is increasing the number of Mexicans in the US that must be watched.  More money, more money, more money.

 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.)

> Bushit.  We are not all stupid George.  Your program will open the flood gates to Mexico but the short term will bring the Hispanic votes you will get in November.

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. 

> You ought to know George, you are protecting the health care corporations.

Members of Congress, we must work together to help control those costs and extend the benefits of modern medicine throughout our country. (Applause.)

> Just words George, just words.  In three years, you have done nothing along these lines.

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.)

> No.  Only bare minimums have been given to the seniors. Just enough to get their votes this November.  The truth is that they are just a small minority of Americans who are deprived of health care and medicine.  Who knows what the answer is?  But I know that the corporations that support George Bush are the corporations who deny AIDS, Malaria and TB medicines to the rest of the world because they cannot pay for them.  While millions suffer, the American people through the protection of their drug companies slowly kill people all over the world and increase the spread of AIDS.  So the policy of no emphasis on medical care at home is just an extension of the same mindset abroad.

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.

> Six hundred dollars is just a drop in the bucket.  The cost of medicine is outrageous.  But the trick is to allow the drug companies enough profits to continue to develop new drugs while at the same time not denying those life saving drugs to Americans based on their lack of income.  This is the real problem.  And this is the problem that George Bush has no solution for.  This is a problem that George Bush has no desire to even begin a discussion of.  So thanks for the chump change, George.

 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.

> But who will pay for the medicines that are needed to help the problems found by these free screenings?  So what is the plan?  Tell seniors the good news of diagnosis and the bad news that the cannot have the medicines they need to solve the problems the screenings find?

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.

> Hey George, there are a lot of seniors who cannot afford even thirty five dollars.  I know that comes as a surprise to you but that is the reality of it.

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.)

> You have to have money to save money.  You have to have money to buy health insurance whose premiums are outrageous. But hey George, keep those campaign funds coming from those drug companies.  Hey George continue to stonewall any efforts for an open discussion of solving the problem of health care for all Americans and relief for the vast numbers of poor and miserable of the world community.

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.)

> Hooray for you George.  But what are you really saying?  Are you saying that you will not retreat from the pittance of relief that you have signed into law?  What we want to hear is that you are as determined to solve the health care problems for Amerians as you are determined to kill Muslims for their oil.

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.

> Yes.  And the key word is afford.

 To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs. 

> Congress does not act without the direction of the president.  Major change in the health care system must come from the president.  And we all know that you are too busy finding terrorist under every bush.  Hey George, do you know what a world wide health initiative would do for the third world?  Do you understand how many young adults will not become terrorists when they see the United States providing medicines for their family members who have AIDS, TB and malaria.  Hey George we are Americans and we can solve the health care problem.  But we need a president who is practical as well as compassionate.   We need a president with vision not a cowboy who in the name of terrorism wants to make the world safe for imperialism.

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.)

> Great.  But that is just the tip of the iceberg and a token effort to solve the health care problem.

 I ask you to give lower-income Americans a refundable tax credit that would allow millions to buy their own basic health insurance. (Applause.)

> Well hey George are you talking about $12,000 per year for the average American family.  Because that is what the health insurance industry is presently charging individuals.  And if you give that large a tax cut, what other government services are going to be cut/ Or is your plan to saddle several future generations with the burden of deficits that you are creating.

By computerizing health records, we can avoid dangerous medical mistakes, reduce costs, and improve care.

> And further erode the privacy of individual Americans.

 To protect the doctor-patient relationship, and keep good doctors doing good work, we must eliminate wasteful and frivolous medical lawsuits. (Applause.)

> Bushit. The lawsuits save lives.  The lawsuits stop the apathetic and careless doctors from practicing medicine.  The lawyers are not the problem.  The health care system is the problem.  When you give doctors and hospitals and health insurance companies immunity from lawsuits, you have sociopathetic employees of those companies making life and death decisions with immunity from being sued for withholding critical treatments and medicines for those whose lives could be extended and whose pain could be relieved.  As messed up as the legal system is in American, cutting back medical malpractice suits is not good for the American public.  It is again the ignorance of the Americans that you have fostered with your educational program that allows you to gain votes by bashing the legal system and lawyers.  Sure there are a lot of crooked lawyers but more than a few of your corporate friends have been indicted for criminal acts in their positions as corporate executives.  Ken Lay and Enron for instance.

 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.)

> Now that is something.  But again, what other governmental services are going to be cut?  You see George, it is real simple.  If you cut taxes, you have to cut services.  

A government-run health care system is the wrong prescription. (Applause.)

> Probably.  But a government corporate run health care system may be just the solution.

 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.)

> Well its takes jobs and income to buy insurance.  And there needs to be determinations as to what are legitimate costs.  There needs to be an ongoing major study and experimentations to solve this problem.  But again that is beyond you ability to envision.  All you are doing is throwing out crumbs that will not begin to solve the problem all for the sole purpose of getting reelected.

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.

> No. But we do not apply these values outside the borders of the United States.  

 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.

> And at the same time we must continue to change them for the better to make sure that these bureaucracies are more concerned with their missions than to simply preserve their bureaucracies. The biggest problem with organized religion is that the primary objective is to preserve the bureaucracy first and to spread peace and WorldPeace second.  This is why religious bureaucracies are responsible for so many wars world wide.  This is why there is a Christian Muslim war going on right now. A war that you promote by hunting terrorist who happen to be Muslims.

 We must stand with our families to help them raise healthy, responsible children. 

> Well then you need to take a hard look at health care and an even harder look at the grossly deficient educational system that you presently promote.

When it comes to helping children make right choices, there is work for all of us to do.

> Yes.  And you are teaching American children that invading countries for their oil is acceptable.  You are teaching children that it is OK to lie about things like weapons of mass destruction and Saddam/Osama links.

One of the worst decisions our children can make is to gamble their lives and futures on drugs.

> And here you are George the man who is the primary cause of making poppies from which opium is made the main cash crop in Afghanistan.  Quit talking out both sides of your mouth George.

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. 

> This is more of your fuzzy math that has nothing to back it up.  It is more of your lies like the weapons of mass destruction.  You see George when you are caught in a lie, people have to consider that everything out of your mouth is a lie.

Four hundred thousand fewer young people are using illegal drugs than in the year 2001. (Applause.)

> Bushit.  Fuzzy math. Fuzzy math.

 In my budget, I proposed new funding to continue our aggressive, community-based strategy to reduce demand for illegal drugs.

> Like the ones that are now coming in from Afghanistan.

 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.

> So here we go again.  Identify the problem but then refuse to allocate the money for the solution.  Just like in health care.  Identify the problem and deny the solution.

 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.)

> Many many more children suffer and die from lack of health care than do from drugs.  That is the reality. That is the truth without the fuzzy logic.

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.)

> Hey George.  You are the president.  Just initiate some legislative directives.  But oh I forgot, those companies that make the steroids help fill your campaign chests.  The problem is not the coaches who encourage the use of drugs.  It is the companies who make them who are the source of the problem.

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.

> Yes and the Catholic Church condemns the use of condoms.  What about a  free condom program George?  Do you think you can walk a line between not promoting sexual promiscuity and reducing sexually transmitted diseases?  No.  You do not have the brain pan to even understand the problem.

 In my budget, I propose a grassroots campaign to help inform families about these medical risks. We will double federal funding for abstinence programs,

> Millions of years of human evolution did not breed in abstinence as a viable alternative to the survival of human beings on the planet.  You cannot control human sexual drives.

so schools can teach this fact of life: Abstinence for young people is the only certain way to avoid sexually-transmitted diseases. (Applause.)

> Well some of the spread of AIDS can be slowed by providing AIDS drugs and condoms to the rest of the world George.  Abstinence is not a solution.  Look at your old alcoholics self and tell us about abstinence.  Obviously you were not able to teach that to your daughters.  So how are you going to teach it to others.

Decisions children now make can affect their health and character for the rest of their lives.

> Yes and children never have the perspective or experience of adults do they?  I would rather allow a little sexual promiscuity than to teach them that lying is OK.

 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.

> And we need to be led by a president who does not promote lying about things like weapons of mass destruction and Saddam/Osama links.

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.

> And here you go placating the Christian right.  Secular marriage is nothing more than a contract between two people.  And it does not matter which two adults and the sex of each.  The churches have their own definition of marriage and their own rituals and ceremonies.  A society that acknowledges God but which recognizes that religion is not God but a bureaucracy that claims to operate in the name of God (but does not because if that were true, you would not see so many tele-evangelist making billions talking about a man who had nothing and the Catholic Church allowing rampant sexual abuse of children by its priests.  But here again, the primary objective is to preserve the religious bureaucracy and secondarily to spread the message of Jesus.).  And with this knowledge and understanding that marriage is a legal contract when issued by the government and a sacred vow when blessed by a religion.  And our constitution rejects an integration of church into state affairs.  But here again, the ignorance of the citizens allows you to use fuzzy logic and promote Christian values for the purpose of getting votes this November.

Activist judges, however, have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected representatives.

> Those activist judges elected you president of the United States.

 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,

> Are you saying that all judges are corrupt?

 the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage. (Applause.)

> Well why don't you write up that Amendment and see if you can get it passed.  More Bushit.  This is a secular society that believes in God but who at the same time is wary of religion which is more warring than peaceful.

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.)

> Unless they are Muslims and live in the Middle East on the top of oil reserves.

It's also important to strengthen our communities by unleashing the compassion of America's religious institutions. 

> Hey George, if you have not noticed, it is religious wars between Jews, and Christians and Muslims world wide that are creating untold misery.  Religion is not compassionate.  Religion is divisive, exclusionary and very dangerous.  Again religious bureaucracies are made by men, not God.

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.)

> Well nice words but where is the plan George? Where is the framework for the congress to work from.  There is none is there George because to actually put your fuzzy logic on paper and show true equality among religions would lose you a lot of Christian fundamentalists votes wouldn't it?

In the past, we've worked together to bring mentors to children of prisoners,

> Now George you allowed more people to be executed in Texas than any other governor and made Texas the capital punishment capital of the world.  And we are now hearing you talk about prisoner's rights?

 and provide treatment for the addicted, and help for the homeless.

> Why don't you give a 100% tax cut to the homeless.  Oh, this is more fuzzy logic.  The homeless have no jobs because the president doesn't understand that it is the economy stupid.

 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.

> Hey George, what about those law abiding citizens who have no jobs.

 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.)

> Yes and where is this money going to come from George?  What other governmental services are you going to cut to pay for this?

 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.)

> Boy this really makes me feel good.  But I am sure this is the last we will hear of it.

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.

> Yes. Imperialist capitalist whose president tells lies in order to justify an unjust invasion of another country.  You should have told people you were going into Iraq on a humanitarian mission.  But hey, you could not have sold that could you?  You had to scare everyone with your lies.

 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.

> Yes. You are the first president to invade a country based on lies from your mouth and without provocation.

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.

> Yes you are moving us back into an imperialistic politic.

 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.)

> And if you do not believe it, look at what I have done in Iraq.  They are about to erupt into civil war.

My fellow citizens, we now move forward, with confidence and faith. Our nation is strong and steadfast. The cause we serve is right,

> Not in Iraq it isn't.

 because it is the cause of all mankind.

> Imperialism is not the cause of mankind.  Denying AIDS, Malaria and TB medicines to the world is not the cause of mankind.  Corporate pollution of the environment is not the cause of mankind.  George your fuzzy head is not working properly.

 The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable -- and it is not carried forward by our power alone.

> It is not carried forward by military power.  It is carried forward by truth, which you do not understand, and justice, which you do not promote.

 We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. 

> Yes we can. But it is the power of God and not the power of religion.

And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true.

> Amen.

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

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