Annotated State of the Union Speech - James Fallows - Politics - The Atlantic

Obama's hand - editing a draft.
Don't they know how to find the double-space key at the White House?

James Fallows is an excellent experienced analyst of Presidential rhetoric.  He was a speech-writer for Jimmy Carter, a much less satisfying job than writing for Barack Obama who actually closely edits his own speeches even when he doesn't write the draft himself. DON'T read the excerpt below.  Click on the link.  You will find that when you put the cursor over an underlined phrase Fallows' comments pop up. - GWC

Annotated State of the Union Speech - James Fallows - Politics - The Atlantic:

Remarks of President Barack Obama—As Prepared for Delivery

State of the Union Address

"An America Built to Last"

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Washington, DC

As Prepared for Delivery -

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq. Together, we offered a final, proud salute ^[1]to the colors under which more than a million of our fellow citizens fought—and several thousand gave their lives.

We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes ^[2]has made the United States safer and more respected around the world^[3]. For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden^[4] is not a threat to this country^[5]. Most of al Qaeda's top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban's momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.

These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness, and teamwork of America's Armed Forces.^[6] At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They're not consumed with personal ambition^[7]. They don't obsess over their differences.^[8] They focus on the mission at hand. They work together^[9].

Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed their example^[10]. Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we're in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren't so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last,^[11]where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.

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U.S. will not defend DOMA

President Obama took Attorney General Eric Holder's advice today, announcing that the United States will no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act.  The act's key provision discriminates against lawfully married same-sex couples.  The decision is a notable departure for the President who has always asserted that in his view marriage is between "one man and one woman".  A few weeks back he noted that he was reconsidering his long-held position.  Today the Department of Justice declared that DOMA cannot withstand strict scrutiny - the legal standard by which racial classifications are measured.


The measure was declared unconstitutional last summer by District Judge Joseph Tauro who ruled in a case brought by Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.  Massachusetts was the first state to recognize same-sex marriage.

Attorney General Holder's full letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner is HERE.  Holder informs the Congress that the executive will not defend the statute.