State of the Union: 1998 and 2010

"For 209 years, it has been the president's duty to report to you on the state of the union. Because of the hard work and high purpose of the American people. . . we have more than fourteen million new jobs, the lowest unemployment in 24 years, the lowest core inflation in 30 years, incomes are rising, . . . crime has dropped for a record five years in a row, and the welfare rolls are at their lowest in 27 years. Our leadership in the world is unrivaled. Ladies and gentlemen, the state of our union is strong.For three decades, six presidents have come before you to warn of the damage deficits pose to our nation. Tonight, I come before you to announce that the federal deficit, once so incomprehensibly large that it has eleven zeros, will be simply zero. "

These were Democratic President Bill Clinton's words in 1998. Now, after 8 years of disastrous Republican policies under George W. Bush, our current president has inherited an enormous deficit, an illegal war, an economic crisis, and an epidemic of cynicism, distrust, and despair. As President Obama seeks to move America forward again, Republican extremists are trying to undermine him.

Let's stop this Republican war against the American people, encourage our elected officials to get back to the work of representing us, and give Barack Obama--and America--a chance to create a better future.