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President Bush's State of the Union Message (1/29/02)
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An Online NewsHour Special Report:
2002 State of the Union

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Thoughts on the State of the Union

By Jessica, 16, Sterling Hights, Michigan

With the State of the Union address being a public occasion for every president, I personally think President George W. Bush represented America in a positive way. The majority of the speech talked about our pre-occupation in the war against terrorism.

A tremendous influence on his speech tonight was a speech President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave in 1942, only one month after Pearl Harbor. Just like Roosevelt did, Bush told Americans where we are going to go with our current situations.

I believe Bush when he says our country is in the strongest state. Our hearts may be soft and weak at times, but we, as Americans have stood up and fought for what is wrong.

We are now in the process of "rebuilding our country." We will not succumb to their cowardly attacks, but only become even greater. Those involved will not escape the justice of this nation.

We have made it clear that no one can mess with the U.S. of A. As Bush said, "These enemies consider the whole world a battlefield, and we must pursue them wherever they are."

As Americans, and citizens of the world, it is our responsibility to fight freedom's fight. Our country is based on that concept. Freedom is essential into become an effective country and a successful part of society.

We must know that we "can overcome evil with greater good." In tragedy and troubled times, we must always remember "God is near." We will, in fact, see our country's victory for freedom.

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NewsHour Extra's coverage of the war against terrorism:
Life After 9.11