Podcast Transcript

01 February 2006
Transcript of Ambassador Tuttle discusses President Bush's State of the Union Address

Ambassador Tuttle on President Bush's State of the Union Address

This Is Ambassador Robert Tuttle From London

In the President's State of the Union address, you heard two clear messages: American security and the security of the world depends on the expansion of freedom and democracy, and a cornerstone of that expansion is economic progress. It was a speech with emphasis on issues outside the boundaries of the United States, but as he explained, the choices we make in this coming year will determine both the 'future and the character' of our country.

President Bush expressed his resolve to end tyranny and expand democracy. He declared isolationism as a 'tempting' path, but one which only leads to danger and decline. He said he would reinforce the role of the united states. As a global economic leader and advocate of freedom, as well as a compassionate and ready partner to other countries less fortunate than us. The President expressed his support for our soldiers and all those serving in Iraq, as well as his support for all those countries beginning to develop their democracies. He talked about the strength of the U.S. economy, not only for our own citizens, but as an engine of the global economy as well. In that regard, we have reason to be pleased. The U.S. economy has added nearly 4.5 million new jobs in the last two-and-a-half years. In spite of hurricanes and high gas prices, the economy still managed to grow by 4.3 percent in the third quarter of last year, and unemployment is at 5 percent.

To ensure that growth continues, he pointed to the importance of education and a skilled creative workforce, the need to reduce america's reliance on oil and a need to make health care more affordable, accessible and portable. He called on the nation to improve our ability to compete in the world.

He linked these issues because the president understands that in this globalised world, what we have called 'foreign policy' in the past is no longer what we do 'over there,' nor is domestic policy something that affects only those at home. That is a reality that we hope every country in the world will come to understand to help us continue to make peaceful progress and ensure prosperity for future generations.

As the President said, "to overcome the dangers in our world we must also take the offensive by encouraging economic progress, fighting disease and spreading hope in hopeless lands. We will lead freedom's advance. We will compete and excel in the global economy. We will renew the defining moral commitments of this land."

(pause)

Thank you for joining me.

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