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Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Excerpts with note: President Obama State of the Union Address January 20, 2015

[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA: Technical notes:
#1. The United States has not "halted the progress of its[Iran's] nuclear
program" . Iran has been working feverishly to develop and install more
efficient and productive centrifuges to slash the time it takes to make
bombs on nuclear. This while Iran's program to develop, build and deploy
systems to deliver nuclear warheads to literally any point on the planet
have continued at a breakneck speed. Activity it can openly boast about
since there are absolutely NO RESTRICTIONS on this activity.
#2. There are no "new sanctions passed by this Congress" to impose against
Iran now. They are sanctions if the talks fail.
#3. Does Mr. Obama actually "speak out against the deplorable anti-Semitism
"? When was the last time he said a WORD about the daily anti-Semitic
propaganda published and broadcast on OFFICIAL PA ORGANS??]
=================

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release January 20, 2015
Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address January 20, 2015
U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C.
9:10 P.M. EST
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/01/20/remarks-president-state-union-address-january-20-2015

THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my
fellow Americans:
...

Will we approach the world fearful and reactive, dragged into costly
conflicts that strain our military and set back our standing? Or will we
lead wisely, using all elements of our power to defeat new threats and
protect our planet?
...
Of course, if there’s one thing this new century has taught us, it’s that we
cannot separate our work here at home from challenges beyond our shores.

My first duty as Commander-in-Chief is to defend the United States of
America. In doing so, the question is not whether America leads in the
world, but how. When we make rash decisions, reacting to the headlines
instead of using our heads; when the first response to a challenge is to
send in our military -- then we risk getting drawn into unnecessary
conflicts, and neglect the broader strategy we need for a safer, more
prosperous world. That’s what our enemies want us to do.

I believe in a smarter kind of American leadership. We lead best when we
combine military power with strong diplomacy; when we leverage our power
with coalition building; when we don’t let our fears blind us to the
opportunities that this new century presents. That’s exactly what we’re
doing right now. And around the globe, it is making a difference.

First, we stand united with people around the world who have been targeted
by terrorists -- from a school in Pakistan to the streets of Paris.
(Applause.) We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their
networks, and we reserve the right to act unilaterally, as we have done
relentlessly since I took office to take out terrorists who pose a direct
threat to us and our allies. (Applause.)

At the same time, we’ve learned some costly lessons over the last 13 years.
Instead of Americans patrolling the valleys of Afghanistan, we’ve trained
their security forces, who have now taken the lead, and we’ve honored our
troops’ sacrifice by supporting that country’s first democratic transition.
Instead of sending large ground forces overseas, we’re partnering with
nations from South Asia to North Africa to deny safe haven to terrorists who
threaten America.

In Iraq and Syria, American leadership -- including our military power -- is
stopping ISIL’s advance. Instead of getting dragged into another ground war
in the Middle East, we are leading a broad coalition, including Arab
nations, to degrade and ultimately destroy this terrorist group.
(Applause.) We’re also supporting a moderate opposition in Syria that can
help us in this effort, and assisting people everywhere who stand up to the
bankrupt ideology of violent extremism.

Now, this effort will take time. It will require focus. But we will
succeed. And tonight, I call on this Congress to show the world that we are
united in this mission by passing a resolution to authorize the use of force
against ISIL. We need that authority. (Applause.)

...Our diplomacy is at work with respect to Iran, where, for the first time
in a decade, we’ve halted the progress of its nuclear program and reduced
its stockpile of nuclear material. Between now and this spring, we have a
chance to negotiate a comprehensive agreement that prevents a nuclear-armed
Iran, secures America and our allies -- including Israel, while avoiding yet
another Middle East conflict. There are no guarantees that negotiations
will succeed, and I keep all options on the table to prevent a nuclear Iran.

But new sanctions passed by this Congress, at this moment in time, will all
but guarantee that diplomacy fails -- alienating America from its allies;
making it harder to maintain sanctions; and ensuring that Iran starts up its
nuclear program again. It doesn’t make sense. And that's why I will veto
any new sanctions bill that threatens to undo this progress. (Applause.)
The American people expect us only to go to war as a last resort, and I
intend to stay true to that wisdom.

...As Americans, we respect human dignity, even when we’re threatened, which
is why I have prohibited torture, and worked to make sure our use of new
technology like drones is properly constrained. (Applause.) It’s why we
speak out against the deplorable anti-Semitism that has resurfaced in
certain parts of the world. (Applause.) It’s why we continue to reject
offensive stereotypes of Muslims, the vast majority of whom share our
commitment to peace. That’s why we defend free speech, and advocate for
political prisoners, and condemn the persecution of women, or religious
minorities, or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. We do
these things not only because they are the right thing to do, but because
ultimately they will make us safer. (Applause.)

...Looking to the future instead of the past. Making sure we match our
power with diplomacy, and use force wisely. Building coalitions to meet new
challenges and opportunities. Leading -- always -- with the example of our
values. That’s what makes us exceptional. That’s what keeps us strong.
That’s why we have to keep striving to hold ourselves to the highest of
standards -- our own.

... Fifteen years into this new century, we have picked ourselves up,
dusted ourselves off, and begun again the work of remaking America. We have
laid a new foundation. A brighter future is ours to write. Let’s begin
this new chapter together -- and let’s start the work right now.
(Applause.)

Thank you. God bless you. God bless this country we love. Thank you.
(Applause.)

END
10:11 P.M. EST
________________________________________
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