"We must be shapers of events, not observers." With that challenge and a "call to action," President Bill Clinton presented his vision for America's future in his State of the Union address last Tuesday. Point by point, Clinton outlined his plans for the next four years. He tackled several important issues: a balanced budget, welfare reform, health care. But his Number 1 priority, he said, is education.
An audience of Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet members, Senators, Representatives and diplomats greeted the President enthusiastically as he strolled into the chamber of the House of Representatives. As Clinton spoke, many of his remarks were met with loud cheers. A few groans were heard from his critics, but most of the time, the audience was with the President. Clinton was interrupted by applause 70 times during his speech.
The President devoted much of the address to issues facing America's kids. He spoke of protecting kids by banning cigarette advertising and declaring war on crime and drugs. He spent 15 minutes talking about education, including a detailed 10-point plan.
Two eighth-graders listened to the President from ringside seats. Clinton singled them out for special praise. Kristin Tanner and Chris Getsla excelled in an international math and science test. "They prove," said Clinton, "that when we aim high and challenge our students, they will be the best in the world." Tanner and Getsla received a standing ovation.
Millions of Americans watched the speech on TV. Brett Adams, age 9, of Mercer Island, Washington, tuned in with his family and was impressed: "He is really concerned about kids!"
Waiting For Deeds
The President stressed the need for Republicans and Democrats to work together. Republicans have the majority of seats in both the Senate and the House. They often disagree with Clinton, who is a Democrat.
Following the President's speech, the opposing political party always has a chance to respond. This year Congressman J.C. Watts of Oklahoma spoke for his party. Watts is the only Republican member of Congress who is African American. He spoke forcefully about his own experiences growing up in Oklahoma and emphasized the Republican themes of family values and lightening the tax burden on Americans. "We all pay too much in taxes," he said.
A Presidential Tradition
The U.S. Constitution requires the President to report regularly to Congress on the "State of the Union." George Washington got the job done in six minutes. But over the decades, the speech has become a major event. Presidents see the address as a chance to state their goals and to persuade and inspire the nation. For Clinton, that took 60 minutes.
The President often rewrites the words prepared by his speechwriters. Many observers believe that Clinton is most forceful when he departs from the written text. Last week the President looked directly at the TV camera and said, "Let me say something that's not in my script tonight." Suddenly, everyone was paying closer attention as the President vowed to tackle the tough job of balancing the budget without cutting popular programs.
Now The Budget Battle
The day after the President told the nation a balanced-budget amendment was "unnecessary and unwise," Republicans in the Senate scheduled a debate on that very topic. They believe the government will not balance the budget unless it is forced to do so by a constitutional
amendment.
Clinton presented his budget for the coming year last Thursday. He sent Congress a $1.69 trillion plan that cuts taxes for middle-income families and provides billions for education. His plan to improve education would boost government spending on education 13%. Clinton says his long-term plan will balance the budget by 2002, two years after he will have left office. But many Republicans say the plan just doesn't add up.
"It's the President's budget, not just the State of the Union speech, that will tell us how he intends to reach his goals," said Republican Representative John Boehner of Ohio. "Let's not lose sight of the tough work ahead."
Problems And Plans: An Agenda For Clinton's Second Term
EDUCATION The President said his "No. 1 priority for the next four years is to ensure that Americans have the best education in the world."
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM Clinton wants Congress to pass a bill that will control the way money for political campaigns is raised and spent. He set
a July 4 deadline.
BUDGET Although he wants to balance the budget, the President is against a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
HEALTH CARE The President wants all families to be able to afford good health care. "No child should be without a doctor because a parent is without a job," he said.
WELFARE Last year the President signed a law that changed the way the government helps the poor. Now Clinton wants businesses to create more jobs so that "welfare checks can be turned into paychecks."
RACE RELATIONS Clinton urged Americans to fight bigotry.
FOREIGN POLICY The President called for America to be "an unrelenting force for peace" throughout the world.
CLINTON'S EDUCATION PLAN