State of the Union

"...you did not vote for failure[!]"
President George W. Bush in his State of the Union speech tonight, referring to the war in Iraq.

"Our country is pursuing a new strategy in Iraq, and I ask you to give it a chance to work. And I ask you to support our troops in the field, and those on their way." (Applause.)

The President nicely laid out the reasons why we must not fail in Iraq -- because of the dire consequences to the middle east as a region and to the national security of the United States. Additionally, he stated how that to abandon the people of Iraq is not American:

"This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we're in. Every one of us wishes this war were over and won. Yet it would not be like us to leave our promises unkept, our friends abandoned, and our own security at risk." (Applause.) "Ladies and gentlemen: On this day, at this hour, it is still within our power to shape the outcome of this battle. Let us find our resolve, and turn events toward victory." (Applause.)

I thought that this was one of the President's best speeches in recent years. He was confident and gracious, yet he did not fumble his words as he has in many speeches and he did not come off defensive as he has often appeared. His demeanor seemed humble and genuine...trustworthy. The way the President graciously congratulated Nancy Pelosi, the new madam speaker was appropriately statesmanlike.

This speech was very optimistic. He introduced and commended several American heroes including Wesley Autrey of Harlem, NYC who selflessly jumped onto the subway tracks to help save a man who had fallen in front of an oncoming train. The way Mr. Autrey humbly accepted the accolades was touching...including his pointing to the President and mouthed something to the effect of, "You're the man!" Additionally, the Commander in Chief introduced one of the First Lady's guests, Sergeant Tommy Rieman of Independence, Kentucky. Sergeant Rieman was injured when he used his body as a shield to protect his gunner from an enemy attack when on patrol in Iraq. These examples of the American spirit were a great way to remind all of us that we must remain optimistic in our outlook and our hope for victory in Iraq and in our future as a nation. American optimism and selfless heroism are vital components of our national fabric that have made us such a great and blessed nation.

May God Bless America, indeed!

Download the President's Policy Initiatives for 2007 here.