Published Thursday, January 30, 2003
Dems disapprove
Herald Staff Writer
After listening to President George W. Bush deliver his second State of the Union address Tuesday, local officials from both sides had much to say.
The Rev. Don Wilson, chairman of the Mercer County Republican Party, and Robert F. Lark, chairman of the Mercer County Democratic Party clashed on most issues.
Speaking before Congress and a televised audience, the first half of Bush's address focused on domestic policy, with his $674 billion plan to revive the economy and a $400 billion, 10-year plan to overhaul Medicare at the heart of his domestic agenda. He also discussed medical liability, the environment, energy policy and efforts to help religious groups offer federally funded community services.
The last part of Bush's address focused on a "world of chaos and constant alarm," particularly with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the capture of many key al-Qaida commanders.
Wilson said he felt Bush's address was on target. The telling moment of the address was when Bush affirmed America's leadership and his determination to defend the United States from all enemies both foreign and domestic, Rev. Wilson said.
"I appreciate that he alluded to the fact that we probably had more close calls than any of us realize in terms of homeland security," Rev. Wilson said.
And though Rev. Wilson felt President Bush's speech addressed pressing issues facing the nation, Lark did not.
Lark said Bush's speech did not properly address such issues as unemployment and the rising costs of prescription drugs and medical care for seniors. Lark was also bothered by Bush's follow-up from last year's address in which he called Iraq, Iran and North Korea the "axis of evil."
"They (Iran and North Korea) fell by the wayside. Now it's just Iraq. If they were the axis of evil a year ago and now the focus is only on Iraq, you would conclude that Iran and North Korea are no longer a threat. What happened there? Based on what we've been told about what has been doing in the last three months, North Korea is a greater threat. They could certainly wreak havoc on the United States."
Lark said Bush also said several times that Iraq was a threat to the United States but didn't give any proof. During the Cuban missile crisis in President John F. Kennedy's administration, the government had actual photos, which cast no doubt in the minds of the American people, Lark said.
"Why didn't he reveal specific evidence last night to Congress and the American people? If there is such evidence, last night was the time to do that."
Bush said proof of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction will be presented to the U.N. Security Council next week by Secretary of State Colin Powell.
"I can understand the air of secrecy because it's extremely sensitive information," Rev. Wilson said. "I don't think he can lay all of our security issues out for the public to see. You don't want to endanger any of our military personnel and other personnel that we are serving."
Lark said he had also hoped to hear word from Bush concerning Osama bin Laden. "What happened to Osama bin Laden? A year ago Bush said he wanted Osama bin Laden dead or alive. That's the people who attacked us. Iraq didn't attack us. I think we should focus on that before we start another war."
Rev. Wilson said there wasn't enough time for specifics on every single issue, given the limited time Bush had to address the nation.
"In a speech such as that, he only has so little time. He had to cover so many bases, and still I thought it was a lengthy address."
Bush addressed terrorists overall, which includes bin Laden as well as al-Qaida. "I think the implication was there," Rev. Wilson said. "Enough attention was given to (Hussein) and Bush made mention of the struggle still going on within Afghanistan with al-Qaida and other terrorist groups."
Overall, Rev. Wilson said he thought the address was good.
"I thought it was a good speech in terms of presenting ideas," he said. "I think anybody with any sense at all knows the economy isn't going to change much until Iraq is settled."
Lark felt the address could have been better.
"At the end of the day, it's the action that counts, not the rhetoric. Anybody could make a good speech or have a good speech writer. I think you can talk so long about these things before people see through it and say 'Where's the action?' " Lark said.