In case you missed it, the following is my attempted transcription of President Bush’s State of the Union Address. For any portions of the speech that I might have missed while daydreaming or shutting off the television, here is a more “official” transcript care of CNN.com.
Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap… clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap. “Members of Congress, I have the high privilage and the distinct honor of presenting to you the President of the United States.” Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap… clap clap clap clap. “Seven years have passed… We’ve faced a lot… Gas prices have gone up…blah blah… American families have to balance their budget. So should the government.” Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap… “We must confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits… etc. etc.” Clap clap clap [went in my room]
I did not do a very good job with that and I apologize. Honestly, I would rather read a transcript myself rather than sit through all the clapping. I’ll save that read-through for tomorrow… or for never. Let me make this up to you with a profound statement:
Our country faces challenging times. Throughout this important election year, as we listen to presidential debates and challenge the political beliefs of our friends and relatives, let us remember how lucky we are to live in a country where debate holds meaning. If America did not have the inherent free will of a democratic nation, debate over what is right and what is wrong would be irrelevant. We represent the varying beliefs of a nation that respects our varying beliefs. For this reason, and despite our grievances, we should be forever proud to be Americans.
clap clap clap clap clap
I really am proud to be an American. And although many seem to agree that major changes are needed, the people of America are blessed to have the ability to make change when it’s called for.
“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… By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on earth and a beacon of hope for millions. And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure and the state of our union will remain strong.” – George W. Bush’s speech writers
