A focus on security, finding new solutions

Excerpts from President Bush's State of the Union speech last night:

Abroad, our nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal -- we seek the end of tyranny in our world. Some dismiss that goal as misguided idealism. In reality, the future security of America depends on it. On September 11th, 2001, we found that problems originating in a failed and oppressive state 7,000 miles away could bring murder and destruction to our country.

In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting -- yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people . . . the only way to secure the peace . . . the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership -- so the United States of America will continue to lead.

In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders. If we were to leave these vicious attackers alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores. . . . America rejects the false comfort of isolationism. We are the nation that saved liberty in Europe, and liberated death camps, and helped raise up democracies, and faced down an evil empire.

Far from being a hopeless dream, the advance of freedom is the great story of our time. In 1945, there were about two dozen lonely democracies on Earth. Today, there are 122. And we are writing a new chapter in the story of self-government -- with women lining up to vote in Afghanistan . . . and millions of Iraqis marking their liberty with purple ink . . .

It is said that prior to the attacks of September 11th, our government failed to connect the dots of the conspiracy. We now know that two of the hijackers in the United States placed telephone calls to Al Qaeda operatives overseas. But we did not know about their plans until it was too late. So to prevent another attack -- based on authority given to me by the Constitution and by statute -- I have authorized a terrorist surveillance program to aggressively pursue the international communications of suspected Al Qaeda operatives and affiliates to and from America.

We must also confront the larger challenge of mandatory spending, or entitlements. This year, the first of about 78 million Baby Boomers turn 60. . . . By 2030, spending for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid alone will be almost 60 percent of the entire federal budget. . . . So tonight, I ask you to join me in creating a commission to examine the full impact of Baby Boom retirements on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Our nation needs orderly and secure borders. . . . And we must have a rational, humane guest worker program that rejects amnesty . . . allows temporary jobs for people who seek them legally . . . and reduces smuggling and crime at the border.

Keeping America competitive requires affordable healthcare. . . . For all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care. . . . We will strengthen Health Savings Accounts -- by making sure individuals and small business employees can buy insurance with the same advantages that people working for big businesses now get.

Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. Here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world.

The best way to break this addiction is through technology. . . . So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22 percent increase in clean-energy research at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas.

To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants; revolutionary solar and wind technologies; and clean, safe nuclear energy. . . .

And to keep America competitive, one commitment is necessary above all: We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. . . . 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.