National News

Bush emphasizes strong economy, safe nation in State of Union address

WASHINGTON (AP) - President George W. Bush, wrapping up the themes of his re-election campaign in his State of the Union address, asserted Jan. 20 that America is strengthening its economy and successfully combating terrorism.

"We have come through recession and terrorist attack and corporate scandals and the uncertainties of war," the president said. "And because you acted to stimulate our economy with tax relief, this economy is strong and growing stronger."

Democrats were quick to take issue, noting that 2.3 million jobs have been lost under Bush, that deficits are soaring and casualties are climbing in Iraq, reaching 500 as of Jan. 18.

Bush was combative at times, challenging opponents of the Iraq war, particularly those who complained he lacked international backing.

"America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our people," he said.

With a $500 billion (¥53.5 trillion) budget deficit limiting his options, Bush offered a handful of modest initiatives: a $23 million (¥2.5 billion) pilot plan to encourage student drug testing in public schools and a $300 million (¥32 billion) training and placement program to help newly released prisoners find jobs.

He urged major-league sports leagues and athletes to end the use of performance-enhancing drugs. He also proposed doubling federal spending on programs to promote sexual abstinence among teenagers.

Touching on a politically sensitive issue, he said he would support a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages if the courts struck down a law saying marriage should be between a man and woman.

The speech fell one day after Sens. John Kerry and John Edwards came first and second respectively in the Iowa caucuses, which threw the Democrats into a wide-open contest going into the New Hampshire primary.

Shukan ST: Jan. 30, 2004

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