COLUMN: The State of the Union Address Was Full of Contradictions
Monday evening, Congress and the nation had the chance to hear the president deliver his last State of the Union Address. During his speech, the president addressed some of his accomplishments during his term of service, as well as his vision for what he would like to see happen during the short time remaining to him in the White House.
Throughout his speech, President Bush evoked the ideals of liberty, individual responsibility and limited government. However, he also advocated many polices that clearly were contrary to these essential principles.
The president also mentioned the value he placed on his oath of office, which he interpreted as giving him the mandate to, “carry out the people’s business.” However, the oath the president took before beginning his service as president is worded quite differently. The Constitution declares, “Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, (the President) shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:- ‘I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.'” Throughout his presidency, Mr. Bush has frequently violated this oath.
To his credit, Bush did address the need for judges to strictly follow the Constitution. The president said, “On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our Founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. I have submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel.” Unfortunately, the president and his administration have not held themselves to the same standard.
The president did give sound advice on the need for the government to operate within a balanced budget. Unfortunately, the president and his administration have consistently failed to do so, helping to greatly enlarge our national deficit.
Although promising to cut wasteful government agencies, the president seemed all too willing to propose new ways to expand the federal government and create new programs. He spoke of the need for more funding for research in several areas, including energy, physical sciences and medicine. He also proposed more federal funding for education, as well as the need to continue the flawed “No Child Left Behind” policy. Also on his list was more government intervention in the current housing crisis, for which the federal government and the Federal Reserve share much of the blame. These policies will only serve to enlarge the government, which contradicts Bush’s professed commitment to a limited government.
Bush recognized the existence of problems with our current entitlement programs, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. However, he merely expressed the desire to reform these unconstitutional programs and ensure that they continue to exist for future generations. This is also contrary to the principles of limited government Bush expressed his commitment to.
The president also urged Congress to authorize more “free trade agreements.” He held up the recently passed agreement with Peru as an example to follow, explaining that such agreements would provide access to new markets and “support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say ‘Made in the USA.'” However, Peruvian President Alan Garcia demonstrated the true result of these “free trade agreements” when he invited the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to “come and open your factories in my country so we can sell your products back to the U.S.” This confession came just before Garcia signed the “free trade agreement” mentioned by the president. If this is to be the result of this and further “free trade agreements,” such policies clearly will not help the American worker.
Also on the list of promises was the oft-repeated vow to secure our borders. This is a promise the president has made repeatedly but has never fulfilled.
Bush also took the opportunity to request that Congress continue to provide him with the tools he feels he needs to fight terrorism. He called on Congress to renew legislation granting the executive branch the authority to monitor any communication between American citizens and individuals believed to be outside the U.S. The president warned Congress, “If you do not act … our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened, and our citizens will be in great danger.” Bush’s dedication to spying on Americans would suggest that perhaps Bush is not as committed to trusting the American people and preserving our freedom as he wants us to believe.
At the close of his address, the president made a very profound statement. He stated, “The secret of our strength, the miracle of America, is that our greatness lies not in our government, but in the spirit and determination of our people.” He then spoke of the need to have “confidence in freedom’s power, and trust in the people.” Unfortunately, the actions of Bush and his administration have shown that they operate under a very different set of beliefs.
Colby Lyons is a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies. Comments can be sent to him at c.lyons@aggiemail.usu.edu