George Bush - State of the Union (1991) Speech

[DustMolecule]

Just finished a s-l-o-w careful read of George H. W. Bush's State of the Union Address (given January 29, 1991 before the United States Congress). The speech that envisioned "One Thousand Points of Light" while at the same time, the events of Gulf War I and Operation Desert Storm were unfolding.

I found it fascinating to read - now 14 years later - to look at where we were, what GHWB said he wanted then, and what we actually GOT (after 8 years of Bill Clinton and 4 l-o-n-g years of GHWB's son, GWB).

I feel quite :crazy: after reading this. What do you all think?

<snip>
For two centuries we've done the hard work of freedom. And tonight we lead the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity.

What is at stake is more than one small country, it is a big idea—a new world order, where diverse nations are drawn together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of mankind: peace and security, freedom, and the rule of law. Such is a world worthy of our struggle, and worthy of our children's future.

The community of nations has resolutely gathered to condemn and repel lawless aggression. Saddam Hussein's unprovoked invasion—his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor—violated everything the community of nations holds dear. The world has said this aggression would not stand, and it will not stand.

Together, we have resisted the trap of appeasement, cynicism and isolation that gives temptation to tyrants. The world has answered Saddam's invasion with 12 United Nations resolutions, starting with a demand for Iraq's immediate and unconditional withdrawal, and backed up by forces from 28 countries of six continents. With few exceptions, the world now stands as one.
<snip>

Entire Speech: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0900156.html

[Dangerman]

1. Bush Sr.'s double standard

"Saddam Hussein's unprovoked invasion—his ruthless, systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor—violated everything the community of nations holds dear. The world has said this aggression would not stand, and it will not stand."

A peacefule neighbor? More like a corrupted monarcy.

"The world has said this aggression would not stand, and it will not stand."

Yeah, that's why blown away Iraq's cilivian water treatment plants on puprose, slamming the country with brutal sanctions killing thousands of innocent children, and then your son aggressively invaded a defensless Iraq 12 years later. Talk about double standards.

[elehhhhna]

2. Well, he wrote part of it himself (surprisingly!) That's how

"For two centuries we've done the hard work of freedom" got in there.

Cringe twitch cringe.

[DustMolecule]

3. He also said these things in his speech....

<snip>
But just as our efforts will bring economic growth now and in the future, they must also be matched by long-term investments for the next American century.

That requires a forward-looking plan of action, and that's exactly what we will be sending to the Congress. We have prepared a detailed series of proposals, that include:

A budget that promotes investment in America's future—in children, education, infrastructure, space and high technology.

Legislation to achieve excellence in education, building on the partnership forged with the 50 governors at the education summit, enabling parents to choose their children's schools and helping to make America No. 1 in math and science.

A blueprint for a new national highway system, a critical investment in our transportation infrastructure.

A research and development agenda that includes record levels of federal investment and a permanent tax credit to strengthen private R and D and create jobs.

A comprehensive national energy strategy that calls for energy conservation and efficiency, increased development and greater use of alternative fuels.

A banking reform plan to bring America's financial system into the 21st century, so that our banks remain safe and secure and can continue to make job-creating loans for our factories, businesses, and homebuyers. I do think there has been too much pessimism. Sound banks should be making more sound loans, now. And interest rates should be lower, now.
<snip>

He also talks about health care being 'every American's right', but doesn't offer any, except the idea of prevention:

<snip>
Good health care is every American's right and every American's responsibility. So we are proposing an aggression program of new prevention initiatives—for infants, for children, for adults, and for the elderly—to promote a healthier America and to help keep costs from spiraling.
<snip>

Towards the end of the speech he talks about the American presence in Iraq. Knowing what you know now, you can 'see what he meant', be able to read through the lines, etc., etc.

[ramapo]

4. Old State of Unions are fascinating

I printed and read them all going back to Eisenhower. The speeches are 90%+ BS. Empty words. More often than not the policies of the president run counter to the grand themes of the SOU.

Reagan and the Bushes are the worst.

[Deja Q]

5. 'freedom' and 'the rule of law' in the same sentence?! What a two-faced

fascist PIG.