State of the Union 2006

The State of the Union is Strong?

"We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy -- or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting -- yet it ends in danger and decline. "

For anyone with an ounce of gray matter, this is not so "complex and challenging". Setting up a level playing field so that we can maintain the American way of life and our high standard of living is NOT isolationism! An American worker, who realistically needs to make a bare minimum of $10-12/hr. just to pay their rent, cannot compete with someone overseas who is willing to do the job for PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR!!!!! Free trade with countries that have a much lower standard of living than in the US needs to end now. The middle class is suffering because of bad calls like this,  and we're getting fairly sick of it as evidenced by executive poll numbers, as well as those of the GOP in Congress.

"... we need to encourage children to take more math and science, and to make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other nations. We've made a good start in the early grades with the No Child Left Behind Act, which is raising standards and lifting test scores across our country. Tonight I propose to train 70,000 high school teachers to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science, bring 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms, and give early help to students who struggle with math, so they have a better chance at good, high-wage jobs. If we ensure that America's children succeed in life, they will ensure that America succeeds in the world."

No Child Left Behind wouldn't be such a bad program if they'd only put our money where their mouths are. They love to talk the talk, but when it comes time to pay the bill, they're nowhere to be found. That's why multiple states are suing the federal government to get out of the program, and also why we're ranked 18th in the industrialized world in education. It's a sad state to be in as the most powerful country in the world. It's a far higher priority, evidently, to fund the building of bridges to nowhere.

"Keeping America competitive begins with keeping our economy growing. And our economy grows when Americans have more of their own money to spend, save, and invest. In the last five years, the tax relief you passed has left $880 billion in the hands of American workers, investors, small businesses, and families -- and they have used it to help produce more than four years of uninterrupted economic growth. (Applause.) Yet the tax relief is set to expire in the next few years. If we do nothing, American families will face a massive tax increase they do not expect and will not welcome."

Let's sacrifice now so our children don't have to...  ok? Is this that difficult a concept to understand? If we don't pay down our debt soon, or at least get started on it, our children are going to live in a world where the US dollar is worth almost nothing, and the interest on our debt exceeds our federal budget. Scary thought, isn't it? We've danced and now it's time to pay the piper. Will we pay, or will we pass the bill off on our kids?

Full Text of the State of the Union Address