KRTCampus.comSeas of Congressional pundits, some of who had camped out since 5:30 p.m., gave way as the President walked swiftly and confidently towards his podium, parting the masses as he strode. Four minutes after his arrival was announced – and after seemingly endless handshakes and hugs gone past – President Bush set to the business at hand.
Bush stated early on that he would be addressing the AIDS crisis in Africa, the fledgling economy and the situation in Iraq.
“After recession, terrorist attacks, corporate scandals, and stock market declines, our economy is recovering – yet it is not growing fast enough, or strongly enough,” Bush said.
When Bush once again presented his tax relief package, Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi seemed to chuckle at the figures Bush presented. The Democrats have their own tax relief and budget plans they hope to push later this session.
For college students watching, Bush made mention of wanting to let younger “workers” invest in their retirement accounts. The plan would let young people “control what they own.”
Bush also criticized what he referred to as, “excessive litigation” and “frivolous lawsuits” that are chocking the American system of medicine. Bush received a standing ovation for his plans to “bring affordable health care for all Americans.”
During the one-hour long address, Bush spoke of the need to promote the environment and become independent of the energy America depends on. Bush stopped short of addressing oil concerns in the Middle East, but said that Americans must become “less dependent of foreign energies.”
“The first car driven by a child born today could be powered by hydrogen, and pollution-free,” Bush said.
Bush also asked his peers to “end the practice of partial-birth abortion.” He also spoke out against human cloning, saying, “I ask you to set a high standard for humanity and pass a law against all human cloning.”
On the topic of AIDS in Africa, Bush spent much time talking about humane efforts on the continent to curtail the spread of the disease.
“This nation is leading the world in confronting international terrorism,” Bush said. He went on to say that over 3,000 terrorists (many with links to al-Qaeda) were arrested and dealt with. Bush said that the terrorists are on the run, and that the U.S. is keeping them on the run.
Bush also reassured a worried nation that the War on Terror continues, as every day he receives potential threats against the U.S. Bush said that “we’re winning” the war. In a scene that seemed to be more out of a John Wayne movie than a State of the Union address, Bush said of the terrorists, “Many others have met a different fate. Put it to you this way, they are no longer a problem for the United States and our friends and allies.”
Bush acknowledged the reluctance of other nations to join the coalition, saying, “We are asking them to join us, and many are doing so. Yet the course of this nation does not depend on the decisions of others.” Bush received a standing ovation for his comments.
Then, with a look in his eyes that can only be described as pure fire and ambition, Bush seemed to reaffirm his stance as Commander in Chief, saying, “I will defend the freedom and security of the American people.”
Bush went on to address the threat of North Korea and their weapon’s programs. “North Korea needs to turn away from its nuclear ambitions,” Bush said. On Saddam Hussein, Bush said he violated a Gulf War agreement with his weapons plans. Bush also said that Hussein has shown, “Utter contempt for the United Nations and the opinion of the world.”
Bush also tried to paint a picture of the Sept. 11 hijackers using chemical or biological weapons to attack the U.S. “The world has waited 12 years for Iraq to disarm,” Bush said. “America will not accept a serious and mounting threat to our country, our friends, and our allies.”
Finally, Bush confidently stated that, “We will prevail,” and that, “trusting Saddam Hussein is not an option.”
According to Dr. Jolyon Girard, history professor, America is involved in a waiting game with Iraq. Girard feels that there will not be a “smoking gun” that will be discovered in Iraq. Rather, the U.N. should ask where the weapons were “disposed” of.
Girard said, “I don’t believe that you should put a young person’s life in harm’s way unless you can define the clear and present threat to the U.S.” Girard said there is a clear threat and danger, but not necessarily a present threat.
Many students are concerned about the possibility of the draft being reinstated, however Girard said that it should not happen, “unless there’s a massive catastrophe or assault.”
As for the impending war in the Middle East, Girard seems to think that the U.S. is trying to drive a wedge into Iran, surrounding it by pro-American governments.
Girard is able to keep a sense of humor throughout what can no doubt become trying times. On France’s reluctance to join the U.S. coalition, Girard said, “How could any country that loves Jerry Lewis not like the U.S.?”
When pressed for a prediction on the current situation, Girard said that Saddam Hussein is a bigger threat than Osama bin Laden. Girard does not think that the U.S. will attack Iraq unilaterally, or without the support of their allies.
However, Girard is quick to point out that predicting the future can be difficult, after all, “I picked the Eagles to win the Super Bowl.”
