By Christine Patterson
President Bush urged Congress to pass his proposed legislation for over $6 hundred billion in tax cuts, as well as unify and strengthen their resolve concerning the situation in Iraq, in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, Jan. 28.
Some local leaders and residents say the speech was well-prepared and it aptly addressed recent criticism about the Bush administration.
“He made it clear tonight that our resolve is strong, even though Germany and others have been saying that it is not,” Rep. Chris Cannon said.
Some democrats argue the slumping economy has weakened our nation and that Bush”s tax cuts are a gift to the rich.
Eliminating dividend taxes is one of the cuts receiving criticism.
However, Bush argued it would help the economy by stimulating the stock market and creating cash flow for small businesses.
“Lower taxes and greater investment will help this economy expand,” Bush said. “More jobs mean more taxpayers and higher revenues to our government.”
Bush stated his determination to go to war, if necessary, in spite of foreign and domestic concern over a lack of support from the United Nations and U.S. citizens.
“The course of this nation does not depend on the decisions of others,” Bush said. “Whatever action is necessary, I will defend the freedom and security of the American people.”
Some Utah residents expressed an increase sense of security after hearing the President”s remarks that America is a strong nation, honorable in the use of its strength.
“The liberty we prize is not America”s gift to the world, but God”s gift to humanity,” Bush said.
Bush advocated quick and decisive action against Iraq, but stated that the citizens of Iraq would not bear the brunt of the violence.
“Your enemy is not surrounding your country,” Bush said to the people of Iraq. “Your enemy is ruling your country.”
Student responses were mostly favorable.
“It was very comforting,” said Nia Ugapo, a freshman from Banning, Calif., majoring in Nursing. “We have a good, humble leader. As a citizen I”m willing to do my best, as long as my leaders follow through.”
Bush spoke about topics that appeal to many Utahns including children”s issues and legislation to ban human cloning.
“I was glad to see how forthright he was about things concerning our country,” said Dominique Persichini, an Orem resident. “I was particularly glad he spoke out about ending partial birth abortions.”
Bush outlined four domestic goals in his speech; strengthening the economy by creating jobs, improving health care through prescription drugs for seniors, protecting the environment while fostering energy independence, and “applying the compassion of America to its deepest problems.
The full text and video of President Bush”s speech and the democratic response can be found at newsnet.byu.edu.
