Bush Outlines 'Compassion' Agenda in State of Union Address

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Bush Outlines 'Compassion' Agenda in State of Union Address

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

US President George W. Bush on Tuesday night outlined a "compassion" agenda in his State of the Union address, proposing to increase millions of US dollars in federal spending to help American people who are in problems.

"Our fourth goal is to apply the compassion of America to the deepest problems of America," he said. "For so many in our country-- the homeless, the fatherless, the addicted -- the need is great."

Bush proposed an increase of 600 million dollars in federal spending over the next three years to help an additional 300,000 Americans with drug addition.

He also called for 450 million dollars over three years to connect mentors with 1 million children of prisoners and disadvantaged adolescents.

Bush urged Congress to pass both his faith-based initiative andthe Citizen Service Act "to encourage acts of compassion that can transform America."

"As a government, we are fighting illegal drugs by cutting offsupplies, and reducing demand through anti-drug education programs," he said. "Yet for those already addicted, the fight against drugs is a fight for their own lives."

"One mentor, one person, can change a life forever -- and I urge you to be that one person," he said.

Bush also urged Congress to pass a law against all human cloning, saying "no human life should be started or ended as the object of an experiment."

Opponents, fearing government will pay for programs that replace professional counselors with prayer and Bible study, sharply criticized Bush's three-year, 600 million dollars drug treatment program, which would welcome the participation of religious groups.

"The president wants to fund untested, unproven programs that seek to pray away addiction," said Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. "People with addiction problems need medical help, not Sunday school."

The drug treatment proposal is the latest round in a two-year battle over the role of religion in delivering social services.

Bush, after failing in pushing through legislation opening existing programs to churches, synagogues and other "faith-based organizations," is proposing a 200 million drug treatment program each year specifically designed so that religious programs can qualify.

The new program would give people vouchers to seek drug treatment at the center of their choice, including religious programs.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Bush Says US Economy Recovering, but not Fast Enough

Bush Vows to Fight International Terrorism

Bush Vows to Disarm Iraq by Force if Necessary

Beijing to Cancel 'Hotels for Hosting Foreign Visitors' ( 11 Messages)

Crazy Pursuit for Graduate Education, an Ailing Personnel System ( 2 Messages)

Chinese Experts Demand Return of Cultural Relics ( 30 Messages)

Chinese Bid Farewell to Outworn Doctrine of Egalitarianism ( 22 Messages)

Full Text of UN Security Council Resolution 1441 on Iraq ( 3 Messages)