【大紀元1月30日訊】(美國參考)布什總統於2003年1月28日晚在美國國會兩院聯席會議發表國情咨文。以下是國情咨文全文的譯文，由美國國務院國際信息局(IIP)翻譯。
美國國會 2003年1月28日 美國東部標準時間晚間9時01分
總統：議長先生、切尼副總統、各位國會議員、貴賓們、同胞們：
每年，遵照法律和傳統，我們在這裡相聚，審視國情。今年，我們在這個會議廳聚會時深知，將有一些重大的抉擇擺在我們的前頭。
你們和我是在一個舉足輕重的時刻肩負為國服務的使命。在這一屆國會，我們有責任對一些與國家極其攸關的項目計劃實施改革……並有機會在海外將數百萬人從一種可怕的疾病中解救出來。我們要努力普及繁榮……並對一切威脅美國人民的危險和敵人做出回應。(掌聲)
在希望和鬥爭中，我們有信心。在風雲變幻和期望與風險的旋渦中，我們的信念是牢固的，我們的決心是堅定的，我們的聯邦是堅固的。(掌聲)
這個國家面臨著很多挑戰。對此我們不會否認，我們不會置之不理，我們不會把問題留給今後的國會、今後的總統和子孫後代。(掌聲)我們將目標集中地、立場鮮明地、勇敢地迎接這些挑戰。
在過去兩年裡，我們看到了協同努力所能產生的結果。為提高公立學校的水準，我們實行了歷史性的教育改革 ── 如今，每一所學校、每一個班級都必須予以貫徹，從而可以讓美國的每一個孩子都能閱讀、會學習、在生活中取得成功。(掌聲)為保護我們的國家，我們對政府機構做出調整，成立了國土安全部 ── 它正在為抵禦新時代的威脅而行動起來。為扭轉我們的經濟衰退，我們實現了在一代人的時間裡最大的減稅計劃。(掌聲)為維持美國工商業的廉正，我們通過了嚴格的改革措施，並且正在把商業犯罪者繩之以法。(掌聲)
有些人可能將這些稱之為良好的成績。我稱其為良好的開端。今天晚上，我要求眾議院和參議院同我一道，採取下一步的果敢步驟，為我們的同胞服務。
我們的第一個目標清晰明確：我們必須讓經濟迅速增長，使每一位求職男女得以就業。 (掌聲) 在出現經濟衰退、恐怖主義分子襲擊、工商界醜聞以及股票市場下跌之後，今天，我們的經濟正在恢復 ── 但是增長速度仍不夠快，或者說不夠強勁。面對失業率上升，我們國家需要有更多的小企業開張，更多的公司投資和發展，更多的雇主張貼”招工”告示。(掌聲)
經濟發展帶來就業機會；美國人有更多的現金去消費和投資則帶來經濟發展；而保證美國人有那些現金的最佳、最公平的途徑，就是首先不要從中抽稅。(掌聲)
我現在提出，把針對2004年和2006年的全部所得稅減稅計劃永久化並在今年生效。(掌聲)按照我的計劃，一旦我簽署了法案，人們立即就會開始在工資單上看到更多的收入。相對於那種逐步改變不利於結婚人的稅收法的做法，我們應該現在就行動起來。與其將養育子女的納稅優惠慢慢地提高到1000美元，我們應該現在就把優惠支票寄到美國家庭手中。(掌聲)
這項減稅計劃針對的是繳納所得稅的每一個人 ── 它將立即給我們的經濟帶來好處。9200萬美國人將能在今年，把自己的收入所得多留下平均將近1000美元。一個年收入為4萬美元的四口之家將會看到，他們的聯邦稅額從一年1178美元減少到45美元。(掌聲) 我們的計劃還將提高2300多萬個小型企業的贏利額。
你們，也就是國會，已經通過了所有這些減稅措施，並且保證在今後一些年中實施。如果這項減稅計劃在3年、5年、7年以後對美國人有益，那麼它在今天對美國就更有益。(掌聲)
我們加強經濟的另一個途徑是，用稅收法平等對待投資者。對公司盈利所得徵稅是公平的，但不公平的是，就同一筆盈利再度向股份所有人徵稅。(掌聲)為增強投資人的信心，為幫助有股利收入的將近1000萬老年人，我提請你們結束對股利的不公平的雙重徵稅。(掌聲)
降低稅收和擴大投資將有助於擴大我們的經濟。更多就業機會意味著有更多的納稅人和更多的政府歲入。解決赤字和走向預算平衡的最好途徑，是鼓勵經濟增長和華盛頓在消費上做出某些節制。(掌聲)
我們必須共同努力，只為最重要的項目提供資金。我將向你們提交一份把明年的自由支出預算增長幅度定為4%的預算方案 ── 大約相當於平均家庭收入的預計增長幅度。這是我們的一個良好尺度。聯邦消費不應該超過美國家庭收入的增長速度。(掌聲)
經濟發展和重點集中也對社會福利保險的未來至關重要。我們在繼續共同努力維護社會福利保險體制的穩固可靠的同時，必須讓較年輕的雇員有機會向由他們控制和歸他們所有的退休計劃投資。(掌聲)
我們的第二個目標是，讓所有的美國人享有高質量、支付得起的醫療保健服務。(掌聲)美國的醫療體制是技術和創新的楷模，新發現的迅速湧現，正在給我們的生命增添更多的幸福歲月。然而，對很多人來說，醫療保健費用太高 ── 很多人根本沒有醫療保險。這些問題不會通過一個硬性規定保險範圍和實行醫療服務配給的國家化的醫療保健制度得到解決 (掌聲)
相反，我們必須努力朝著這樣一個體制努力，即讓所有美國人得到良好的保險，自行選擇醫生，並且讓老年人和低收入的美國人得到他們所需要的幫助。(掌聲)我們不能要行政官僚、訴訟律師和醫療管理機構而必須要醫生、護士和患者重新主導美國的醫療。(掌聲)
醫療保健改革必須始於老年保健醫療制度；老年保健醫療制度是一個有關懷之心的社會必須遵守的承諾。(掌聲)我們必須重申這一承諾，方式是，讓老年人享受到預防性醫療保健以及正在使美國醫療保健不斷改觀的新醫藥。
凡是對現行老年保健醫療感到滿意的老年人應該被允許保持他們現有的保險。 (掌聲)就像你們 ── 國會議員和你們的工作人員以及其他聯邦雇員一樣，所有老年人應該能夠選擇包含處方藥費用的醫療保險計劃。(掌聲)
我的預算方案將在下一個十年內增加4000億美元，用於改革和加強老年保健醫療制度。兩黨領袖談論加強老年保健醫療已有多年。我敦促這一屆新國會的議員們在今年行動起來。(掌聲)
要改進我們的醫療保健體制，我們必須解決造成費用高昂的主要原因之一，即醫生和醫院總是受到不應有的訴訟的威脅。 (掌聲)法律訴訟泛濫造成所有人的醫療費用高漲，美國有許多地方正在失去優秀的醫生。無謂的訴訟從沒有治愈任何人。我敦促國會通過醫療責任改革法案。(掌聲)
我們的第三個目標是，提倡我國的能源獨立，同時使環境得到大幅度改善。(掌聲)我已經向你們提交了一份全面的能源計劃，旨在提高能源效率和能源保護，發展更清潔的技術，在國內生產更多能源。(掌聲)我向你們提交了”明淨天空”議案，要求在未來15年內將發電廠的空氣污染減少70%。(掌聲)我向你們提交了一項”健康森林倡議”，幫助防止災難性大火毀滅社區、毀滅野生動物、毀滅數百萬英畝的寶貴森林。(掌聲)
為了使我們的環境和我們的經濟受益，我敦促你們通過這些提案。(掌聲)另外，我請你們採取重要行動，以我們之前的幾代人所無法想像的辦法保護我們的環境。
在本世紀，要在環境問題上取得最重大的進步，靠的不是沒完沒了的法律訴訟或指揮控制式的規章，而是要靠技術與革新。今晚，我提議撥出12億美元的研究資金，使美國能夠領導世界研製出潔淨的氫動力汽車。(掌聲)
氫氧之間的單一一次化學反應就能產生能量，這種能量可用於驅動汽車 ─ 它產生的只是水而不是廢氣。隨著國家做出這一新的承諾，我們的科學家和工程師將會克服障礙，將這些汽車從實驗室帶入展示廳，這樣，今天出世的孩子所開的第一輛汽車，可能就是用氫作動力的、沒有污染的汽車。(掌聲)
請同我一道加入這一重要革新，使我們的空氣大大清潔，使我們的國家大大減少對外國能源的依賴。(掌聲)
我們的第四個目標是，用美國人的關愛之情來解決美國最根深蒂固的問題。對我國很多人來說 ── 無家可歸的人、沒有父親的孩子、吸毒者 ── 這種需要是巨大的。但在美國人民的善良、理想主義和信仰中蘊藏著力量，創造奇蹟的力量。
美國人每天都有關愛之舉 ── 看望囚犯，為受虐待的婦女提供避難所，陪伴孤獨的老人。這些善舉值得稱讚，應當得到我們個人親自的支持，在適當的情形下，還應當得到聯邦政府的幫助。(掌聲)
我敦促你們批准我提出的針對信仰組織的計劃和公民服務法案，以鼓勵能使美國改變面貌的關愛行動，逐一逐次地感化一個又一個心靈。(掌聲)
去年，我呼籲美國同胞加入正在美國各地招收成千上萬名新志願人員的”美國自由團”。今晚，我請求國會和美國人民把奉獻精神和政府資源集中用於滿足一部份處境最困難的人民的需求 ── 在沒有人監護，沒有人關心的環境下艱難成長的男女兒童，和那些必須走進監獄的大門才能同爸爸或媽媽擁抱的孩子們。
我提議撥款4.5億美元，為100多萬名處境困難的初中學生和囚犯子女安排輔導員。政府將為培訓和招聘輔導員提供支持，但滿足這一需求要靠美國的男女志士。一位輔導員，一個人能夠改變一個人生。我懇請你們成為這樣的一個人。(掌聲)
導致無望的另一原因是吸毒。毒癮讓人喪失友誼、志向和道德信念，將豐富的生命縮小為一種單一的毀滅性的慾望。作為政府，我們正在通過切斷毒品來源和通過反毒品教育的計劃減少對毒品的需求來打擊非法毒品。然而，對於那些吸毒已經成癮的人，同吸毒作鬥爭就是拯救他們自己的生命。有太多的美國人尋求治療而不得。因此， 今晚，我提議一項新的6億美元計劃，在今後三年中再幫助30萬美國人獲得治療。(掌聲)
我們的國家擁有能產生奇效的康復計劃。其中一個計劃是在路易斯安那州巴吞魯日市的 “康復之地教會”。參與該計劃的一位男士說：”上帝在人們的生活中創造奇蹟，而你從未想到會在你身上出現。” 今晚，讓我們向所有那些努力戒毒的美國人發出這一希望的信息：康復的奇蹟是可能的，奇蹟可能就是你。 (掌聲)
通過關愛那些需要人輔導的兒童和需要治療的吸毒男女，我們在建立一個更接納的社會 ── 一種珍惜每一個生命的文化。在這期間，我們決不能忽視我們當中最柔弱者。我請你們自嬰兒出生之際就愛護他們，停止實行晚期人工流產。 (掌聲)而且，鑑於任何人的生命都不應該作為實驗的對象而開始或終結，我請你們為人性定出高標準，通過立法，制止一切人類克隆行為。(掌聲)
我們在美國大力推崇的大無畏氣概與關愛之情還決定了我們的海外行動。美國國旗所代表的不僅是我們的實力和我們的利益。我們的開國元勛們要求這個國家獻身於維護人類尊嚴的事業 ── 即每一個人的權利和每一個生命的希冀。為了幫助受苦受難的人們，為了捍衛和平，為了挫敗邪惡之徒的陰謀，這一信念引導我們走向世界。
在阿富汗，我們幫助受壓迫的人民求得解放。我們將繼續幫助他們確保他們國家的安全，重建他們的社會，並讓他們所有的子女 ── 不管是男孩還是女孩，都受到教育。(掌聲)在中東，我們將繼續尋求在一個安全的以色列和民主的巴勒斯坦之間實現和平。(掌聲)在全球各地，美國正在賑濟飢民；60%以上的國際食品援助來自美國人民的捐贈。在我們的國家為了使我們的世界更為安全而部署軍隊、建立聯盟的同時，我們也必須銘記我們作為一個神聖國家的使命：使這個世界變得更美好。
今天，在非洲大陸，近3000萬人攜帶艾滋病病毒，其中包括300萬15歲以下的兒童。在非洲某些國家，全國三分之一以上的成年人口受到感染。有400多萬人需要即刻得到藥物治療。然而，在整個非洲，僅5萬艾滋病患者 ── 僅僅5萬人 ── 正得到他們所需的藥物。
由於對艾滋病的診斷被認為是死刑判決，許多人不去尋求治療。那些試圖尋求治療的人幾乎都黯然而歸。南非農村的一名醫生講述了他失望的心情。他說：”我們沒有藥。許多醫院對[人們]說，’你得了艾滋病。我們幫不了你。回家等待死亡吧'”。 在醫藥發揮神奇功效的時代，沒有人應該聽到這樣的話。(掌聲)
艾滋病可以預防。抗逆轉錄病毒藥物能夠使生命延長多年。這些藥物的代價已經從每年1.2萬美元下降到每年300美元，這便使我們掌握了巨大的可能性。女士們，先生們，歷史從未象現在這樣可提供如此眾多的機會，能為如此眾多的人做如此多的事。
在我們國內，我們已經並將繼續抗擊艾滋病病毒/艾滋病。為了應對國外嚴重緊迫的危機，我今晚提出”艾滋病救援緊急計劃(“Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief)，這是超越目前國際社會幫助非洲人民所做的一切努力的慈善之舉。這一綜合性計劃將防止700萬新的艾滋病感染病例發生，用延長生命的藥物對至少200萬人進行治療，並為患有艾滋病的數百萬人和因艾滋病淪為孤兒的兒童提供人道照顧。(掌聲)
我請國會在未來5年撥款150億美元，包括近100億美元的新撥款，在艾滋病肆虐最猖狂的非洲和加勒比海國家抗擊艾滋病，使形勢得到扭轉。(掌聲)
美國能夠在世界上發揮主導作用，使無辜的人民免受這一自然災禍的蹂躪。美國正在領導世界打擊並戰勝國際恐怖主義這一人為的罪孽。(掌聲)
美國人民並非每天都聽到有關反恐怖主義戰爭的消息。但我卻天天了解到新的威脅，得到有關正在展開的行動的報告，並為這場打擊分散在各地的兇手網絡的全球性戰爭下達命令，沒有一天不是如此。這場戰爭正在繼續，我們正在贏得勝利。(掌聲)
迄今為止，我們逮捕或以其他方式懲治了很多”基地”組織的重要頭目。其中包括為9.11攻擊事件做安排並籌集經費的人員；”基地”組織海灣地區的行動負責人，此人曾謀劃在我國駐東非地區使館和美國軍艦”科爾”號上製造爆炸事件；”基地”組織在東南亞的一個行動負責人；一個曾負責”基地”組織在阿富汗的訓練營地的頭目；”基地”組織在歐洲的一個骨幹活動分子；”基地”組織在也門的一個主要頭目。總計有3000多名恐怖主義嫌疑犯在很多國家被捕。其他很多人也各自得到應有的下場。對美國以及美國的友邦和盟國而言，他們已不再成為問題。(掌聲)
我們正在同其他國家密切合作，防止受到進一步的攻擊。美國和聯盟成員國已經發現並制止了幾起恐怖主義陰謀，其攻擊目標是美國駐也門使館、美國駐新加坡使館、在沙特阿拉伯的一個軍事基地，以及在霍爾木茲海峽和直布羅陀海峽的船只。我們還搗毀了”基地”組織在漢堡、米蘭、馬德裡、倫敦、巴黎和紐約布法羅的團伙。
我們把恐怖分子打得抱頭鼠竄；我們正在乘勝追剿他們。一個接著一個，恐怖分子正逐漸明白美國的正義所包含的意義。(掌聲)
在我們開展這場戰爭的同時，我們不會忘記這場戰爭最初在哪裡爆發 ── 在這裡爆發，在我們的國家。本屆政府正採取前所未有的舉措，以保護我們的人民、捍衛我們的國土。我們加強了邊界和入境點的安全，已在機場部署5萬多名新培訓的聯邦檢查人員，開始給軍隊和急救人員注射天花疫苗，並正在部署美國第一批監測生物武器襲擊的早期預警感應器系統。今年，我們第一次開始部署美國預防彈道導彈襲擊的防禦系統。(掌聲)
我要感謝國會支持這些舉措。為了加強我們未來的安全，我今晚謹請你們支持一個重要的研究與生產計劃，即生物盾牌計劃(Project Bioshield)，以保護我們的人民預防生物恐怖主義的襲擊。在向你們遞交的預算中，我提議撥款近60億美元，迅速提供有效的疫苗和療法，以抗擊炭疽、肉毒桿菌毒素(botulinum toxin)、艾博拉病(Ebola)及鼠疫等毒劑。我們必須認識到，我們的敵人會以這些病毒為武器，我們必須在危險到來之前採取行動。(掌聲)
自9月11日以來，我們的情報和執法機構比過去更加緊密地合作，以追蹤和瓦解恐怖主義分子。聯邦調查局正在改進其分析情報的能力並進行改造以應對新的威脅。今晚，我指示聯邦調查局、中央情報局、國土安全部和國防部負責人建立”抗擊恐怖主義威脅協調中心”(Terrorist Threat Integration Center)，以便集中力量，統籌分析一切有關威脅的情報。我們的政府必須盡可能掌握最可靠的信息，我們將以此確保有關人員處於應有的位置，以保護我們的人民。(掌聲)
我們的反恐怖戰爭是意志的較量。在這場戰爭中，不屈不撓的毅力就是力量。在雙塔的廢墟中，在五角大樓的西牆邊，在賓夕法尼亞的田野上，我國曾做出保證，我們今晚再次保證：無論這場鬥爭持續多久，無論困難有多大，我們絕不允許暴力在人類事務中得逞 ── 自由的人民將決定歷史的進程。(掌聲)
今天，反恐怖主義戰爭最嚴重的危險，美國和全世界面臨的最嚴重的危險，來自謀求獲得和擁有核武器、化學武器和生物武器的歹徒政權。這些政權可能利用這類武器進行訛詐、製造恐怖和進行大規模謀殺活動。這些政權還可能向它們的恐怖主義同夥提供或出售這些武器，而後者則將肆無忌憚地使用這些武器。
這一威脅是新產生的；美國的職責一如既往。在整個20世紀，一小撮人控制了一些重要國家，窮兵黷武企圖弱肉強食、恐嚇世界。每一次，他們殘忍和屠殺的慾望都貪得無厭。每一次，希特勒式的野心、軍國主義和共產主義的圖謀，均被自由人民的意志所擊敗，被偉大的聯盟力量所擊敗，被美利堅合眾國的恢弘之力所擊敗。(掌聲)
如今，在這個世紀，強行征服的意識再度出現並試圖謀取終極的恐怖武器。美國及我們的朋友再次處於十字路口，一邊是和平的世界，另一邊是充滿混沌和驚恐萬狀的世界。我們再次響應召喚，捍衛我們人民的安全，捍衛全人類的希望。我們接受了這一重任。(掌聲)
美國正在為抗擊這些威脅而進行廣泛、堅定的努力。我們已敦促聯合國履行憲章義務，堅持要求伊拉克解除武裝。我們大力支持國際原子能機構在全世界追查並管制核材料的使命。我們正在同其他各國政府合作，保證前蘇聯的核材料的安全，並加強禁止生產和轉移導彈技術及大規模毀滅性武器的國際條約。
不過，在進行所有這些努力時，美國的目的不僅在於執行程序，還在於實現一個結果：即消除對文明世界的可怕威脅。防範災難性的突發攻擊事件，與所有自由的國度休戚相關。我們要求他們加入我們的行列，很多國家也都這樣做了。但這個國家的方略不依靠其他人的決定。(掌聲)無論必須採取什麼行動，在必須採取行動時，我將捍衛美國人民的自由和安全。(掌聲)
對付不同的威脅需要不同的策略。在伊朗，我們看到的仍是一個壓迫人民，謀求大規模毀滅性武器並支持恐怖主義的政府。我們還看到伊朗人民不畏恫嚇，冒著生命危險為自由、人權和民主大聲疾呼。伊朗人民同世界各國人民一樣，有權利選擇自己的政府並決定自己的命運 ── 美國支持他們實現自由生活的渴望。 (掌聲)
在朝鮮半島，受一個壓制性政權統治的人民生活在恐懼和飢餓之中。在整個20世紀90年代，美國通過談判達成的框架協議防止北韓獲得核武器。我們現在知道，北韓政權在欺騙全世界，一直在發展那些武器。今天，北韓政權利用它的核項目製造恐怖並以此相要挾。美國和全世界絕不接受訛詐。(掌聲)
美國正在與這個地區的國家 ── 韓國、日本、中國和俄羅斯 ── 共同努力，以找到和平解決的途徑，並向北韓政府表明，核武器只會帶來孤立、經濟停滯和困境的持續。(掌聲)北韓政權只有拋棄其發展核武器的野心，才能贏得全世界的尊重，才能使人民得到休養生息。(掌聲)
我國和全世界必須從朝鮮半島問題中吸取教訓，不能讓甚至更大的危險在伊拉克滋長。面對這樣一個殘忍、歷來存有瘋狂野心，與恐怖主義有聯繫，擁有巨大潛在財富的獨裁者，絕不能允許他統治一個至為重要的地區並對美國構成威脅。
十二年前，薩達姆﹒侯賽因在他發動並被擊敗的戰爭面前，面臨著最後毀滅的下場。為了保全自己，他同意解除全部大規模毀滅性武器。在後來的12年內，他蓄意違反這一協議。甚至在武器核查人員就在伊拉克的時候，他仍在謀求發展化學武器、生物武器和核武器。直到今天，無論是經濟制裁，還是受到文明世界的孤立，甚至是用巡航導彈對他的軍事設施進行打擊，沒有任何手段能夠阻止他企圖獲得這些武器。
近三個月前，聯合國安理會給薩達姆﹒侯賽因最後一次機會解除武裝。他卻公然蔑視聯合國，公然蔑視世界輿論。108位聯合國武器核查人員前往執行的任務並不是在一個面積同加利福尼亞州相當的國家到處搜尋被藏匿的物品。這些核查人員的任務是核實伊拉克政權解除武裝的情況。伊拉克必須指明隱藏違禁武器的確切地點，把這些武器公諸於世並按要求銷毀之。但這些事都沒有做到。
聯合國在1999年斷定，薩達姆﹒侯賽因掌握的化學武器材料足以用來製造超過2.5萬升的炭疽病菌，劑量大到能殺死數百萬人。他既沒有交代有關這些材料的情況，也絲毫沒有提供已銷毀這些材料的證據。
聯合國斷定，薩達姆﹒侯賽因掌握著能製造超過3.8萬升肉毒毒素的物質 ── 足以使數百萬人因呼吸系統衰竭而死亡。他既沒有交代有關這些物質的情況，也絲毫沒有提供已銷毀這些物質的證據。
我們的情報人員估計，薩達姆﹒侯賽因所掌握的材料能製造多達500噸沙林毒氣、芥子氣和維埃克斯(VX)毒氣。數量如此之大的化學毒氣能把成千上萬人置於死地。他既沒有交代有關這些材料的情況，也絲毫沒有提供已銷毀這些材料的證據。
美國獲得的情報顯示，薩達姆﹒侯賽因擁有3萬多枚能運載化學制劑的彈頭。核查人員最近發現了其中的16枚，盡管伊拉克不久前提交的申報報告還否認了它們的存在。薩達姆 ﹒侯賽因既沒有交代有關其他29984枚違禁彈頭的情況，也絲毫沒有提供已銷毀這些彈頭的證據。
從三名伊拉克投誠者那裡，我們得知在20世紀90年代後期，伊拉克擁有幾個移動式生物武器試驗室。這些試驗室用於生產細菌武器制劑，並可四處搬遷以躲避核查人員。薩達姆﹒侯賽因既沒有交代這些設施，也絲毫沒有提供已銷毀這些設施的證據。
國際原子能機構在20世紀90年代證實，薩達姆﹒侯賽因擁有一個高級核武器發展項目，擁有一種核武器的設計，並正在開發用於原子彈的濃縮鈾的五種不同方法。英國政府已獲知，薩達姆﹒侯賽因最近從非洲謀取了大量的鈾。我們的情報來源告訴我們，薩達姆已企圖購置適用於核武器生產的高強力鋁管。薩達姆﹒侯賽因並沒有對這些活動做出可信的解釋。他顯然隱瞞了許多事實。
伊拉克的獨裁者並沒有在解除武裝。相反，他在說謊。例如，有情報來源告訴我們，數以千計的伊拉克保安人員正忙於藏匿文件和材料，不讓聯合國核查人員發現。他們還在清理核查場所，甚至對核查人員進行監視。伊拉克官員陪同核查人員，企圖對證人進行恐嚇。
伊拉克正在阻撓U-2飛機進行聯合國要求的偵察飛行。伊拉克情報官員正冒充原來應該接受核查人員面談的科學家，同時真正的科學家已經伊拉克官員授意統一了說詞。有情報來源顯示，薩達姆 ﹒侯賽因已下令：科學家如與聯合國核查人員在解除伊拉克武裝方面提供合作，將與他們的家人一起被殺。
年復一年，薩達姆﹒侯賽因處心積慮，消耗大量的錢財，冒天下之大不韙，建造和保留大規模毀滅性武器 ── 然而這究竟是為了什麼？唯一可能的解釋，他使用這些武器唯一可能的目的，就是征服、恐嚇或進攻。
有了核武器或完整的化學和生物武器庫，薩達姆﹒侯賽因可重溫舊夢，滿足他征服中東的野心，在該地區造成毀滅性的浩劫。美國國會和美國人民必須認識到另一個威脅。從情報來源、秘密通訊聯繫和目前在押人員的陳述那裡得到的證據顯示，薩達姆﹒侯賽因為恐怖主義分子提供援助和保護，其中也包括”基地”組織成員。他可以秘密地、不留痕跡地向恐怖主義分子提供他隱藏的某種武器，或者幫助他們發展武器。
2001年9月11日以前，世界上很多人認為薩達姆﹒侯賽因能夠被制服。但是化學制劑和致命病毒以及隱蔽的恐怖主義網不是那麼容易就能被控制的。試想那19名劫機分子如攜帶其他武器，採取其他陰謀手段 ── 這一次是薩達姆﹒侯賽因提供的武器裝備。只要一個小瓶、一個罐子、一個箱子被偷偷帶進美國，就可讓我們經歷從未有過的可怖的一天。我們將竭盡全力絕不讓這樣的情況出現。(掌聲)
有人說，我們應該在危險迫近之時再採取行動。試問恐怖主義分子和暴君從何時起宣布過他們的圖謀，在動手之前彬彬有禮地向我們發出通知？如果等到危險羽翼豐滿，突然降臨，那麼所有的行動、所有的言辭、所有的指責就為時晚矣。寄希望於薩達姆﹒侯賽因的理智和節制絕不是辦法，絕不可加以考慮。(掌聲)
這個獨裁者積聚了全世界最危險的武器，已經對一個個村莊使用這些武器，造成他本國數以千計的人民喪生、失明或致殘。伊拉克難民向我們講述了如何受到刑訊逼供 ── 對兒童使用酷刑，他們的父母被迫在一旁觀看。國際人權組織記錄了伊拉克的行刑室所使用的其他手段：電擊、烙燙、潑酸、電鑽截肢、割舌以及強姦等。如果這還不算邪惡的話，那世間就無邪惡可言。(掌聲)
今晚，我想對勇敢的、受壓迫的伊拉克人民說：在你們國家周圍的人不是你們的敵人，統治你們國家的人才是你們的敵人。(掌聲)他和他的政權被趕下台的那一天，將是你們獲得解放的日子。(掌聲)
全世界等待伊拉克解除武裝已有12年之久。美國絕不容忍這個不斷增長的嚴重事態威脅我國以及我國的友邦和盟國。美國將請求聯合國安理會於2月5日開會討論伊拉克不斷違抗國際社會的事實。鮑威爾國務卿將公布有關的信息和情報，說明伊拉克擁有違禁武器項目、隱藏武器不讓核查人員發現的行為以及它同恐怖主義組織的聯繫。(掌聲)
我們將進行磋商，但勿庸置疑的是：如果薩達姆﹒侯賽因不全面解除武裝，我們將為了我國人民的安全，為了世界和平，領導一個聯盟解除他的武裝。(掌聲)
今晚，我還想對維護和平的美國武裝力量的男女成員說：你們中的很多人正在中東及其周邊地區集結，關鍵時刻可能即將來臨。在這種關鍵時刻，我們事業的成功將取決於你們。你們訓練有素。你們的榮譽感將指導你們的行動。你們信任美國，美國也信任你們。(掌聲)
派遣美國人上戰場對一位總統而言是一個最艱難的決定。作戰技術雖然已發生變化，但戰爭帶來的危險和痛苦卻沒有變。對於那些不畏艱險的勇敢的美國人來說，沒有任何一次勝利不是以痛苦為代價的。這個國家是不得已而戰，因為我們知道戰爭的代價，我們不願看到經常伴隨而來的舉哀之日。
我們尋求和平。我們為和平而奮鬥。 和平必須時常得到捍衛。如果未來的生活聽任可怕的威脅擺布，就根本無和平可言。如果我們不得不戰，我們將為正義的事業而戰，通過正義的手段而戰 ── 盡我們的一切努力不傷及無辜。如果我們不得不戰，我們將全力以赴，充份發揮美國軍隊的威力 ── 我們將戰無不勝。(掌聲)
正像我們和我們的聯盟夥伴在阿富汗所做的那樣，我們將給伊拉克人民送去食品，藥物和物資 ── 以及自由。(掌聲)
國內和國外的眾多挑戰出現在同一個時刻。在兩年的時間內，美國改變了自以為不會遭到攻擊的觀念，意識到危險的存在；從為小事紛爭不已，到為了一個偉大的事業鎮定自若，團結一致。我們滿懷信心向前進，因為這一歷史的使命落在能擔當此任的國家肩上 。
美國人民具有堅強的信念，曾奮起迎接我們時代的每一次考驗。在逆境中，我國向全世界，向我們自己展現我們國家的品格。美國是一個強大的國家，在使用我們的力量時光明磊落。我們使用武力不是為了征服，我們為了素不相識的人們的自由勇於做出犧牲。
美國人民是自由的人民，深知自由是每個人的權利，是每個國家的未來。我們所珍視的自由不是美國給予全世界的禮物，而是上帝施與全人類的恩惠。(掌聲)
我們美國人民相信我們自己 ── 但不只是相信我們自己。我們並不了解 ── 我們並不自以為了解所有的天道，然而我們對其篤信不移，讓我們對慈愛的主的信任貫穿全部生命，貫穿整個歷史。
願上帝指引我們，願上帝繼續保佑美利堅合眾國。
謝謝大家。
(美國東部標準時間晚間10時08分結束)
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English Version
Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, fellow citizens: Every year, by law and by custom, we meet here to consider the state of the union. This year, we gather in this chamber deeply aware of decisive days that lie ahead.
You and I serve our country in a time of great consequence. During this session of Congress, we have the duty to reform domestic programs vital to our country, and we have the opportunity to save millions of lives abroad from a terrible disease. We will work for a prosperity that is broadly shared and we will answer every danger and every enemy that threatens the American people.
In all these days of promise and days of reckoning, we can be confident. In a whirlwind of change, and hope, and peril, our faith is sure, our resolve is firm, and our union is strong.
This country has many challenges. We will not deny, we will not ignore, we will not pass along our problems to other Congresses, other presidents, and other generations. We will confront them with focus, and clarity, and courage.
During the last two years, we have seen what can be accomplished when we work together. To lift the standards of our public schools, we achieved historic education reform which must now be carried out in every school, and every classroom, so that every child in America can read, and learn, and succeed in life. To protect our country, we reorganized our government and created the Department of Homeland Security which is mobilizing against the threats of a new era. To bring our economy out of recession, we delivered the largest tax relief in a generation. To insist on integrity in American business, we passed tough reforms, and we are holding corporate criminals to account.
Some might call this a good record. I call it a good start. Tonight I ask the House and Senate to join me in the next bold steps to serve our fellow citizens.
Our first goal is clear: We must have an economy that grows fast enough to employ every man and woman who seeks a job.
After recession, terrorist attacks, corporate scandals, and stock market declines, our economy is recovering yet it is not growing fast enough, or strongly enough. With unemployment rising, our Nation needs more small businesses to open, more companies to invest and expand, more employers to put up the sign that says, Help Wanted.
Jobs are created when the economy grows; the economy grows when Americans have more money to spend and invest; and the best, fairest way to make sure Americans have that money is not to tax it away in the first place.
I am proposing that all the income tax reductions set for 2004 and 2006 be made permanent and effective this year. And under my plan, as soon as I have signed the bill, this extra money will start showing up in workers paychecks. Instead of gradually reducing the marriage penalty, we should do it now. Instead of slowly raising the child credit to $1,000, we should send the checks to American families now.
This tax relief is for everyone who pays income taxes, and it will help our economy immediately. Ninety-two million Americans will keep this year an average of almost $1,100 more of their own money. A family of four with an income of $40,000 would see their federal income taxes fall from $1,178 to $45 per year. And our plan will improve the bottom line for more than 23 million small businesses.
You, the Congress, have already passed all these reductions, and promised them for future years. If this tax relief is good for Americans three, or five, or seven years from now, it is even better for Americans today.
We also strengthen the economy by treating investors equally in our tax laws. It is fair to tax a company’s profits. It is not fair to again tax the shareholder on the same profits. To boost investor confidence, and to help the nearly 10 million seniors who receive dividend income, I ask you to end the unfair double taxation of dividends.
Lower taxes and greater investment will help this economy expand. More jobs mean more taxpayers and higher revenues to our government. The best way to address the deficit and move toward a balanced budget is to encourage economic growth and to show some spending discipline in Washington, D.C. We must work together to fund only our most important priorities. I will send you a budget that increases discretionary spending by four percent next year about as much as the average familys income is expected to grow. And that is a good benchmark for us: Federal spending should not rise any faster than the paychecks of American families.
A growing economy, and a focus on essential priorities, will also be crucial to the future of Social Security. As we continue to work together to keep Social Security sound and reliable, we must offer younger workers a chance to invest in retirement accounts that they will control and they will own.
Our second goal is high quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
The American system of medicine is a model of skill and innovation with a pace of discovery that is adding good years to our lives. Yet for many people, medical care costs too much and many have no coverage at all. These problems will not be solved with a nationalized health care system that dictates coverage and rations care. Instead, we must work toward a system in which all Americans have a good insurance policy … choose their own doctors … and seniors and low-income Americans receive the help they need. Instead of bureaucrats, and trial lawyers, and HMOs, we must put doctors, and nurses, and patients back in charge of American medicine.
Health care reform must begin with Medicare, because Medicare is the binding commitment of a caring society. We must renew that commitment by giving seniors access to the preventive medicine and new drugs that are transforming health care in America.
Seniors happy with the current Medicare system should be able to keep their coverage just the way it is. And just like you, the members of Congress, members of your staffs, and other federal employees, all seniors should have the choice of a health care plan that provides prescription drugs. My budget will commit an additional $400 billion over the next decade to reform and strengthen Medicare. Leaders of both political parties have talked for years about strengthening Medicare I urge the members of this new Congress to act this year.
To improve our health care system, we must address one of the prime causes of higher costs the constant threat that physicians and hospitals will be unfairly sued. Because of excessive litigation, everybody pays more for health care and many parts of America are losing fine doctors. No one has ever been healed by a frivolous lawsuit, and I urge the Congress to pass medical liability reform.
Our third goal is to promote energy independence for our country, while dramatically improving the environment.
I have sent you a comprehensive energy plan to promote energy efficiency and conservation, to develop cleaner technology, and to produce more energy at home. I have sent you Clear Skies legislation that mandates a 70 percent cut in air pollution from power plants over the next 15 years. I have sent you a Healthy Forests Initiative, to help prevent the catastrophic fires that devastate communities, kill wildlife, and burn away millions of acres of treasured forest.
I urge you to pass these measures, for the good of both our environment and our economy. Even more, I ask you to take a crucial step, and protect our environment in ways that generations before us could not have imagined. In this century, the greatest environmental progress will come about, not through endless lawsuits or command and control regulations, but through technology and innovation. Tonight I am proposing $1.2 billion in research funding so that America can lead the world in developing clean, hydrogen-powered automobiles.
A simple chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen generates energy, which can be used to power a car producing only water, not exhaust fumes. With a new national commitment, our scientists and engineers will overcome obstacles to taking these cars from laboratory to showroom so that the first car driven by a child born today could be powered by hydrogen, and pollution-free. Join me in this important innovation to make our air significantly cleaner, and our country much less dependent on foreign sources of energy.
Our fourth goal is to apply the compassion of America to the deepest problems of America. For so many in our country the homeless, the fatherless, the addicted the need is great. Yet there is power wonder-working power in the goodness, and idealism, and faith of the American people.
Americans are doing the work of compassion every day, visiting prisoners, providing shelter to battered women, bringing companionship to lonely seniors. These good works deserve our praise … they deserve our personal support … and, when appropriate, they deserve the assistance of our government. I urge you to pass both my faith-based initiative and the Citizen Service Act to encourage acts of compassion that can transform America, one heart and one soul at a time.
Last year, I called on my fellow citizens to participate in USA Freedom Corps, which is enlisting tens of thousands of new volunteers across America. Tonight I ask Congress and the American people to focus the spirit of service and the resources of government on the needs of some of our most vulnerable citizens boys and girls trying to grow up without guidance and attention … and children who have to go through a prison gate to be hugged by their mom or dad. I propose a 450 million dollar initiative to bring mentors to more than a million disadvantaged junior high students and children of prisoners. Government will support the training and recruiting of mentors, yet it is the men and women of America who will fill the need. One mentor, one person, can change a life forever and I urge you to be that one person.
Another cause of hopelessness is addiction to drugs. Addiction crowds out friendship, ambition, moral conviction, and reduces all the richness of life to a single destructive desire. As a government, we are fighting illegal drugs by cutting off supplies, and reducing demand through anti-drug education programs. Yet for those already addicted, the fight against drugs is a fight for their own lives.
Too many Americans in search of treatment cannot get it. So tonight I propose a new 600 million dollar program to help an additional 300,000 Americans receive treatment over the next three years.
Our Nation is blessed with recovery programs that do amazing work. One of them is found at the Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A man in the program said, God does miracles in peoples lives, and you never think it could be you. Tonight, let us bring to all Americans who struggle with drug addiction this message of hope: The miracle of recovery is possible, and it could be you.
By caring for children who need mentors, and for addicted men and women who need treatment, we are building a more welcoming society a culture that values every life. And in this work we must not overlook the weakest among us. I ask you to protect infants at the very hour of birth, and end the practice of partial-birth abortion. And because no human life should be started or ended as the object of an experiment, I ask you to set a high standard for humanity and pass a law against all human cloning.
The qualities of courage and compassion that we strive for in America also determine our conduct abroad. The American flag stands for more than our power and our interests. Our Founders dedicated this country to the cause of human dignity the rights of every person and the possibilities of every life. This conviction leads us into the world to help the afflicted, and defend the peace, and confound the designs of evil men. In Afghanistan, we helped to liberate an oppressed people … and we will continue helping them secure their country, rebuild their society, and educate all their children boys and girls. In the Middle East, we will continue to seek peace between a secure Israel and a democratic Palestine. Across the earth, America is feeding the hungry; more than 60 percent of international food aid comes as a gift from the people of the United States.
As our Nation moves troops and builds alliances to make our world safer, we must also remember our calling, as a blessed country, to make this world better. Today, on the continent of Africa, nearly 30 million people have the AIDS virus including three million children under the age of 15. There are whole countries in Africa where more than one-third of the adult population carries the infection. More than four million require immediate drug treatment. Yet across that continent, only 50,000 AIDS victims, only 50,000, are receiving the medicine they need.
Because the AIDS diagnosis is considered a death sentence, many do not seek treatment. Almost all who do are turned away. A doctor in rural South Africa describes his frustration. He says, We have no medicines … many hospitals tell [people], You’ve got AIDS. We can’t help you. Go home and die.
In an age of miraculous medicines, no person should have to hear those words. AIDS can be prevented. Anti-retroviral drugs can extend life for many years. And the cost of those drugs has dropped from 12,000 dollars a year to under 300 dollars a year which places a tremendous possibility within our grasp.
Ladies and gentlemen, seldom has history offered a greater opportunity to do so much for so many. We have confronted, and will continue to confront, HIV/AIDS in our own country. And to meet a severe and urgent crisis abroad, tonight I propose the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief a work of mercy beyond all current international efforts to help the people of Africa. This comprehensive plan will prevent seven million new AIDS infections … treat at least two million people with life-extending drugs … and provide humane care for millions of people suffering from AIDS, and for children orphaned by AIDS. I ask the Congress to commit 15 billion dollars over the next five years, including nearly ten billion dollars in new money, to turn the tide against AIDS in the most afflicted nations of Africa and the Caribbean.
This Nation can lead the world in sparing innocent people from a plague of nature. And this Nation is leading the world in confronting and defeating the man-made evil of international terrorism.
There are days when the American people do not hear news about the war on terror. There is never a day when I do not learn of another threat, or receive reports of operations in progress, or give an order in this global war against a scattered network of killers. The war goes on, and we are winning.
To date we have arrested, or otherwise dealt with, many key commanders of al-Qaida. They include a man who directed logistics and funding for the September 11th attacks … the chief of al-Qaida operations in the Persian Gulf who planned the bombings of our embassies in East Africa and the USS Cole … an al-Qaida operations chief from Southeast Asia … a former director of al-Qaidas training camps in Afghanistan … a key al-Qaida operative in Europe … and a major al-Qaida leader in Yemen. All told, more than 3,000 suspected terrorists have been arrested in many countries. And many others have met a different fate. They are no longer a problem for the United States and our friends and allies.
We are working closely with other nations to prevent further attacks. America and coalition countries have uncovered and stopped terrorist conspiracies targeting the American embassy in Yemen … the American embassy in Singapore … a Saudi military base … and ships in the straits of Hormuz, and the straits of Gibraltar. We have broken al-Qaida cells in Hamburg, and Milan, and Madrid, and London, and Paris as well as Buffalo, New York.
We have the terrorists on the run, and we are keeping them on the run. One by one, the terrorists are learning the meaning of American justice.
As we fight this war, we will remember where it began here, in our own country. This government is taking unprecedented measures to protect our people and defend our homeland. We have intensified security at the borders and ports of entry … posted more than 50,000 newly trained federal screeners in airports … begun inoculating troops and first responders against smallpox … and are deploying the Nations first early warning network of sensors to detect biological attack. And this year, for the first time, we are beginning to field a defense to protect this Nation against ballistic missiles.
I thank the Congress for supporting these measures. I ask you tonight to add to our future security with a major research and production effort to guard our people against bio-terrorism, called Project Bioshield. The budget I send you will propose almost six billion dollars to quickly make available effective vaccines and treatments against agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin, Ebola, and plague. We must assume that our enemies would use these diseases as weapons, and we must act before the dangers are upon us.
Since September 11th, our intelligence and law enforcement agencies have worked more closely than ever to track and disrupt the terrorists. The FBI is improving its ability to analyze intelligence, and transforming itself to meet new threats. And tonight, I am instructing the leaders of the FBI, Central Intelligence, Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense to develop a Terrorist Threat Integration Center, to merge and analyze all threat information in a single location. Our government must have the very best information possible, and we will use it to make sure the right people are in the right places to protect our citizens.
Our war against terror is a contest of will, in which perseverance is power. In the ruins of two towers, at the western wall of the Pentagon, on a field in Pennsylvania, this Nation made a pledge, and we renew that pledge tonight: Whatever the duration of this struggle, and whatever the difficulties, we will not permit the triumph of violence in the affairs of men free people will set the course of history.
Today, the gravest danger in the war on terror … the gravest danger facing America and the world … is outlaw regimes that seek and possess nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. These regimes could use such weapons for blackmail, terror, and mass murder. They could also give or sell those weapons to their terrorist allies, who would use them without the least hesitation.
This threat is new; Americas duty is familiar. Throughout the 20th century, small groups of men seized control of great nations … built armies and arsenals … and set out to dominate the weak and intimidate the world. In each case, their ambitions of cruelty and murder had no limit. In each case, the ambitions of Hitlerism, militarism, and communism were defeated by the will of free peoples, by the strength of great alliances, and by the might of the United States of America. Now, in this century, the ideology of power and domination has appeared again, and seeks to gain the ultimate weapons of terror. Once again, this Nation and our friends are all that stand between a world at peace, and a world of chaos and constant alarm. Once again, we are called to defend the safety of our people, and the hopes of all mankind. And we accept this responsibility.
America is making a broad and determined effort to confront these dangers. We have called on the United Nations to fulfill its charter, and stand by its demand that Iraq disarm. We are strongly supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency in its mission to track and control nuclear materials around the world. We are working with other governments to secure nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union, and to strengthen global treaties banning the production and shipment of missile technologies and weapons of mass destruction.
In all of these efforts, however, Americas purpose is more than to follow a process it is to achieve a result: the end of terrible threats to the civilized world. All free nations have a stake in preventing sudden and catastrophic attack. We are asking them to join us, and many are doing so. Yet the course of this Nation does not depend on the decisions of others. Whatever action is required, whenever action is necessary, I will defend the freedom and security of the American people.
Different threats require different strategies. In Iran, we continue to see a government that represses its people, pursues weapons of mass destruction, and supports terror. We also see Iranian citizens risking intimidation and death as they speak out for liberty, human rights, and democracy. Iranians, like all people, have a right to choose their own government, and determine their own destiny and the United States supports their aspirations to live in freedom.
On the Korean peninsula, an oppressive regime rules a people living in fear and starvation. Throughout the 1990s, the United States relied on a negotiated framework to keep North Korea from gaining nuclear weapons. We now know that the regime was deceiving the world, and developing those weapons all along. And today the North Korean regime is using its nuclear program to incite fear and seek concessions. America and the world will not be blackmailed. America is working with the countries of the region South Korea, Japan, China, and Russia to find a peaceful solution, and to show the North Korean government that nuclear weapons will bring only isolation, economic stagnation, and continued hardship. The North Korean regime will find respect in the world, and revival for its people, only when it turns away from its nuclear ambitions.
Our Nation and the world must learn the lessons of the Korean peninsula, and not allow an even greater threat to rise up in Iraq. A brutal dictator, with a history of reckless aggression … with ties to terrorism … with great potential wealth … will not be permitted to dominate a vital region and threaten the United States.
Twelve years ago, Saddam Hussein faced the prospect of being the last casualty in a war he had started and lost. To spare himself, he agreed to disarm of all weapons of mass destruction. For the next 12 years, he systematically violated that agreement. He pursued chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons even while inspectors were in his country. Nothing to date has restrained him from his pursuit of these weapons not economic sanctions, not isolation from the civilized world, not even cruise missile strikes on his military facilities. Almost three months ago, the United Nations Security Council gave Saddam Hussein his final chance to disarm. He has shown instead his utter contempt for the United Nations, and for the opinion of the world.
The 108 UN weapons inspectors were not sent to conduct a scavenger hunt for hidden materials across a country the size of California. The job of the inspectors is to verify that Iraqs regime is disarming. It is up to Iraq to show exactly where it is hiding its banned weapons … lay those weapons out for the world to see … and destroy them as directed. Nothing like this has happened.
The United Nations concluded in 1999 that Saddam Hussein had biological weapons materials sufficient to produce over 25,000 liters of anthrax enough doses to kill several million people. He has not accounted for that material. He has given no evidence that he has destroyed it.
The United Nations concluded that Saddam Hussein had materials sufficient to produce more than 38,000 liters of botulinum toxin enough to subject millions of people to death by respiratory failure. He has not accounted for that material. He has given no evidence that he has destroyed it.
Our intelligence officials estimate that Saddam Hussein had the materials to produce as much as 500 tons of sarin, mustard, and VX nerve agent. In such quantities, these chemical agents also could kill untold thousands. He has not accounted for these materials. He has given no evidence that he has destroyed them.
U.S. intelligence indicates that Saddam Hussein had upwards of 30,000 munitions capable of delivering chemical agents. Inspectors recently turned up 16 of them, despite Iraqs recent declaration denying their existence. Saddam Hussein hasnot accounted for the remaining 29,984 of these prohibited munitions. He has given no evidence that he has destroyed them.
From three Iraqi defectors we know that Iraq, in the late 1990s, had several mobile biological weapons labs. These are designed to produce germ warfare agents, and can be moved from place to place to evade inspectors. Saddam Hussein has not disclosed these facilities. He has given no evidence that he has destroyed them.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed in the 1990s that Saddam Hussein had an advanced nuclear weapons development program, had a design for a nuclear weapon, and was working on five different methods of enriching uranium for a bomb. The British government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa. Our intelligence sources tell us that he has attempted to purchase high strength aluminum tubes suitable for nuclear weapons production. Saddam Hussein has not credibly explained these activities. He clearly has much to hide.
The dictator of Iraq is not disarming. To the contrary, he is deceiving. From intelligence sources, we know, for instance, that thousands of Iraqi security personnel are at work hiding documents and materials from the UN inspectors sanitizing inspection sites, and monitoring the inspectors themselves. Iraqi officials accompany the inspectors in order to intimidate witnesses. Iraq is blocking U-2 surveillance flights requested by the United Nations. Iraqi intelligence officers are posing as the scientists inspectors are supposed to interview. Real scientists have been coached by Iraqi officials on what to say. And intelligence sources indicate that Saddam Hussein has ordered that scientists who cooperate with UN inspectors in disarming Iraq will be killed, along with their families.
Year after year, Saddam Hussein has gone to elaborate lengths, spent enormous sums, taken great risks, to build and keep weapons of mass destruction but why? The only possible explanation, the only possible use he could have for those weapons, is to dominate, intimidate, or attack. With nuclear arms or a full arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, Saddam Hussein could resume his ambitions of conquest in the Middle East, and create deadly havoc in the region. And this Congress and the American people must recognize another threat. Evidence from intelligence sources, secret communications, and statements by people now in custody, reveal that Saddam Hussein aids and protects terrorists, including members of al-Qaida. Secretly, and without fingerprints, he could provide one of his hidden weapons to terrorists, or help them develop their own.
Before September 11, 2001, many in the world believed that Saddam Hussein could be contained. But chemical agents and lethal viruses and shadowy terrorist networks are not easily contained. Imagine those 19 hijackers with other weapons, and other plans this time armed by Saddam Hussein. It would take just one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into this country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known. We will do everything in our power to make sure that day never comes.
Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent. Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike? If this threat is permitted to fully and suddenly emerge, all actions, all words, and all recriminations would come too late. Trusting in the sanity and restraint of Saddam Hussein is not a strategy, and it is not an option.
This dictator, who is assembling the worlds most dangerous weapons, has already used them on whole villages leaving thousands of his own citizens dead, blind, or disfigured. Iraqi refugees tell us how forced confessions are obtained by torturing children while their parents are made to watch. International human rights groups have catalogued other methods used in the torture chambers of Iraq: electric shock, burning with hot irons, dripping acid on the skin, mutilation with electric drills, cutting out tongues, and rape.
If this is not evil, then evil has no meaning. And tonight I have a message for the brave and oppressed people of Iraq: Your enemy is not surrounding your country your enemy is ruling your country. And the day he and his regime are removed from power will be the day of your liberation.
The world has waited 12 years for Iraq to disarm. America will not accept a serious and mounting threat to our country, our friends, and our allies. The United States will ask the UN Security Council to convene on February 5th to consider the facts of Iraqs ongoing defiance of the world. Secretary of State Powell will present information and intelligence about Iraqs illegal weapons programs; its attempts to hide those weapons from inspectors; and its links to terrorist groups. We will consult, but let there be no misunderstanding: If Saddam Hussein does not fully disarm, for the safety of our people, and for the peace of the world, we will lead a coalition to disarm him.
Tonight I also have a message for the men and women who will keep the peace, members of the American Armed Forces: Many of you are assembling in and near the Middle East, and some crucial hours may lie ahead. In those hours, the success of our cause will depend on you. Your training has prepared you. Your honor will guide you. You believe in America, and America believes in you.
Sending Americans into battle is the most profound decision a president can make. The technologies of war have changed. The risks and suffering of war have not. For the brave Americans who bear the risk, no victory is free from sorrow. This Nation fights reluctantly, because we know the cost, and we dread the days of mourning that always come.
We seek peace. We strive for peace. And sometimes peace must be defended. A future lived at the mercy of terrible threats is no peace at all. If war is forced upon us, we will fight in a just cause and by just means sparing, in every way we can, the innocent. And if war is forced upon us, we will fight with the full force and might of the United States military and we will prevail. And as we and our coalition partners are doing in Afghanistan, we will bring to the Iraqi people food, and medicines, and supplies … and freedom.
Many challenges, abroad and at home, have arrived in a single season. In two years, America has gone from a sense of invulnerability to an awareness of peril … from bitter division in small matters to calm unity in great causes. And we go forward with confidence, because this call of history has come to the right country.
Americans are a resolute people, who have risen to every test of our time. Adversity has revealed the character of our country, to the world, and to ourselves.
America is a strong nation, honorable in the use of our strength. We exercise power without conquest, and sacrifice for the liberty’s of strangers.
Americans are a free people, who know their freedom is the right of every person, and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world. It is God’s gift to humanity.
We Americans have faith in ourselves, but not in ourselves alone. We do not claim to know all the ways of Providence, yet we can trust in them, placing our confidence in the loving God behind all of life, and all of history.
May He guide us now, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
Thank you. (http://www.dajiyuan.com)
