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Bush defends Iraq invasion, tax cuts

Nation asked to stand ground on terrorism

By Geronimo Rodriguez
Senior Staff Writer

Despite its success in the War on Terror, the United States must continue to combat terrorism and remain a pivotal player in establishing peace throughout the world, President Bush said in his State of the Union address Tuesday.

"We have not come all this way, through tragedy and trial and war, only to falter and leave our work unfinished," Bush said during the nearly hour-long speech. "Americans are rising to the tasks of history, and they expect the same of us. In their efforts, their enterprise and their character, the American people are showing that the state of our union is confident and strong."

Bush added that the Patriot Act, which has been criticized since its inception in October 2001, must be renewed before it expires in October 2005.

"Inside the United States, where the war began, we must continue to give homeland security and law enforcement personnel every tool they need to defend us," Bush said. "Key provisions of the Patriot Act are set to expire next year. The terrorist threat will not expire on that schedule."

Bush also addressed nations critical of his administrationis actions, threading his speech with the idea that U.S. forces will continue to be steadfast in fighting terrorism, "(refusing) to live in the shadow of this ultimate danger.

"There is a difference ... between leading a coalition of many nations and submitting to the objections of a few. America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our people," he said.

As far as the status of a postwar Iraq, Bush said, "today our coalition is working with the Iraqi Governing Council to draft a basic law with a bill of rights. We are working with Iraqis and the United Nations to prepare for a transition to full Iraqi sovereignty by the end of June."

However, he warned, the transition will not come without resistance.

"As democracy takes hold in Iraq, the enemies of freedom will do all in their power to spread violence and fear," Bush said.

Aside from his aggressive stand on tying up the waris loose ends, Bush aimed to set standards with regard to the strong economy, tax cuts, health care benefits and gay marriage.

Although he condemned same-sex marriages, Bush tiptoed around calling for legislation to ban them. "We should respect individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization," he said, referring to the Defense of Marriage Act signed in 1996 by President Clinton.

"On an issue of such great consequence, the peopleis voice must be heard," Bush said. "If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process.

"Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage," he said.

Although he highlighted what he called a strong and growing economy, Bush said Americans will need to respond to coming changes in the nationis economic affairs. Specifically, he called on Americans to keep tax cuts passed during his administration.

"Congress has some unfinished business on the issue of taxes. The tax reductions you passed are set to expire," Bush said. "Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase. What the Congress has given, the Congress should not take away: For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts you passed should be permanent."
 

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