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tv   1980 State of the Union Address  CSPAN  February 4, 2024 8:52am-9:30am EST

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loeb, which you could google and a fame diagnostic will offer his services for free to the defense team. now the aclu, who is running the defense didn't want darrow because they knew darrow was going to go after. they want this to be a first amendment case, a free speech case, but scopes says, i want darrow, and now you've got the nation's famous defense attorney and this three time candidate for president, william bryan, squaring off in dayton and trial, which they thought was going to be big, will be bigger than they could ever imagine, both at the moment and in its historical legacy. and we will pick up that story on thursday.
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members will be. just about the front. mr. doorkeeper. mr. speaker, the president. the united states, the state.
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members of the congress. i. the high privilege and the distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the united states.
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mr. mr.. members of the 96th congress, fellow citizens citizens. this last few months has not been an easy time for. any of us, as we meet tonight it, has never been more clear that the state our union depends on the of the world. and tonight, as throughout our generation freedom and peace in the world depend on the state
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of, our union, the 1980s have been born into a more so strife and change. this is a time challenge to our interest and our values and it's time to test our wisdom and our skills. at this time in iran. 50 americans are still held captive innocent victims of terrorism and anarchy anarchy. also, at this moment, massive soviet troops are attempting to subjugate the fiercely independent and deeply religious people of afghanistan. these acts one off international terrorism and one off military aggression, present serious challenge to the united states of america and indeed to all the nations of the world together,
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we will meet these threats to peace. i'm determined that the united states will remain the strongest of all nations. but our power will never be used to initiate a threat to the security any nation or to the rights of any human being. we seek to be and to remain secure. a nation at peace in a stable world, but to be secure, we face the world as it is. three basic developments have to shape our challenges. the steady growth and increased projection of soviet power beyond its own borders. the overwhelming dependance of the western democracies on so all supplies from the middle east and the press, social and religious and, economic and political change and many
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nations of the developing world exemplified by the revolution in iran. each of these factors is important in its own right. each interact with the others. all must be faced together squarely and courageously. we will face these challenges and we will meet them with the best that is in us. and we will not fail. in response to the abhorrent act in iran, our nation has never been and unified greatly in peacetime. our position is.
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the united states will not yield to blackmail. we continue pursue these specific goals. first to protect the present and long range interest of the united states. second, let to the lives of the american hostages to secure as quickly as possible their safe release, if possible, avoid bloodshed which might further endanger the lives our fellow citizens to enlist the help of other nations. in condemning this act of violence, which is shocking and violates the moral and the legal standard of a civilized world. and also to and to persuade
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iranian leaders that the real danger to their nation lies in the north, in the soviet union, and from the soviet troops now in afghanistan and at the unwarranted iranian quarrel with the united states hampers their response to this fall. greater danger to them if the american hostages are also their price will be paid. we will never rest until every one of the american hostages are released. but now we face a broader and
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more fundamental challenge in this region. because of the recent military action of the soviet union. now, as during the last three and a half decades, the relationship between country, the united of america and the soviet union is the most critical factor in determining whether the world will live at peace or be engulfed in global conflict. since end of the second world war, america has led other in meeting the challenge of mounting soviet power. this has not been a simple or static between. there has been cooperation there has been competition and at times there has been confrontation in 1940s, we took the lead in creating the atlantic alliance in response to
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the soviet union's suppression and then consolidation of its east european empire and resulting threat of the warsaw pact to western europe. in the 1950s. we helped to contain further soviet challenges in korea and in the middle east, and we reformed to assure the continuation of our containment in the 1960s. we the soviet challenges in berlin and we faced the cuban crisis and we sought to engage the soviet union in the important task of moving beyond the cold war and away from confrontation. and in the 1970s, three american presidents negotiated with the soviet leaders in attempts to halt the growth the nuclear arms race. we sought to establish rules of
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behavior that would reduce the risks of conflict. and we searched for areas cooperation that could make our relations reciprocal and productive, not only for the sake of our two nations, but for the security, peace of the entire world in. all these actions we have. two commitments to be ready, meet any challenge by soviet military power and to develop ways to resolve disputes and to keep the peace preventing nuclear war is the foremost responsibility of the two superpowers. that's why we've negotiated the strategic arms limitation talks. treaties, sought one and sought to a special league. now, in a time of great tension, observing the mutual imposed by the terms of these will be in
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the best interest both countries and will help to preserve world peace. our concert to consult very closely the congress on this matter. as we strive to control nuclear weapons. that effort to control nuclear weapons will not be abandoned. we as superpowers also have the responsibility, exercise, restraint in the use of our great military force, the integrity and the independence of weaker nations must not be threatened. they must know that in our presence they are secure. but now the soviet union taken a radical and aggressive new step. it's using its great military
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power against a relatively defenseless nation. the implications of the soviet invasion of afghanistan could pose the most serious threat the peace since the second world war. the vast majority of nations earth have condemned this latest soviet attempt to extend its colonial domination of others and have the immediate withdrawal of soviet troops. the muslim world is especially unjustified outraged by this aggression against an islamic people. no action, a world power has ever been so quickly and so overwhelming they condemned, but verbal condemnation is not enough. the soviet union pay a concrete price for their aggression.
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while this invasion continues. we and the other nations, the world cannot conduct business as usual with the soviet union. that's why the united states has imposed stiff economic penalties on the soviet union. i will not issue any permits for. soviet ships to fish in the canal in, the coastal waters of the united states. i've cut soviet access to high technology equipment and to agricultural products. i've limited other commerce with the soviet union, and i've asked our allies and friends to join with us in restraining their own trade with the soviet and not to replace our own but embargoed items. and i have notified the olympic committee that we're soviet invading forces in afghanistan.
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neither the american people. i will support sending an olympic team to moscow. the soviet union is going have to answer some basic questions. will it help promote a more stable and, unnatural environment in which its own legitimate, peaceful can be pursued? or will it continue to expand its military power far beyond its genuine security needs and use that power for colonial
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conquest? the soviet union must realize that its decision use military force in afghanistan will be costly to political and economic relationship. it values. the region which is now threatened by soviet troops in afghanistan and is of great strategic importance. it contains more than two thirds of the world's export of all oil. the soviet effort to dominate afghanistan has brought soviet military forces to within 300 miles of the indian ocean and close to the straits of hormuz, a waterway through most of the world's oil must flow. the soviet union is now to consolidate a strategic position. therefore, that poses a grave threat to the free movement of
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middle east oil. this situation, demands careful thought study nerves and resolute action not only for this, but for many years to come. it demands collective efforts to meet this new threat security in the persian gulf and in southwest asia. it demands a participation of. all those who rely on oil from the middle and who are concerned with global peace and stability, and it demands consultation and close cooperation with countries in the area which might be threatened. meeting this challenge will take national world diplomatic and political wisdom. economic sacrifice and of course, military capability. we must call on the best that is in us to preserve the security of this crucial region.
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let our position be absolutely clear an attempt by any outside force to gain control of the persian gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interest the united states of america. and such assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force. during the past three years, you have drawn with me to improve our own security the prospects for peace, not only in the vital all area of the persian gulf region, but around the world. we've increased annually our
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real commitment for defense and we will sustain this. effort throughout the five year defense program. it's imperative that congress approve the strong defense. for 1981, encompassing a 5% real growth in authorizations without any reduction. we are improving improving. we're also improving capability to deploy u.s. military forces rapidly to distant areas. we've helped to strengthen naito and our other alliances. and recently we and other nato members have decided to develop and to deploy modernized intermediate range nuclear forces to meet an unwarranted and increased threat from the nuclear weapons of the soviet union. we are working with our allies to prevent conflict in the middle. the peace treaty between egypt
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israel is a notable achievement, represents a strategic asset for america and, which also enhances prospects for regional and world peace. we now engaged in further to provide autonomy for the people of the west bank and gaza to resolve the issue in all its aspects and to preserve the peace and security of israel. let no one doubt our commitment to the security. israel, in a few days, we will observe an historic event when israel makes another major withdrawal the sinai and when ambassador will be exchanged between israel and egypt. we have also expanded our own sphere of friendship our deep
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commitment to human rights and are meeting human needs. has our relationship with much of the third world. our decision to normalize relations with the people's republic of will help to preserve peace and stability in asia and in the us and in the western pacific. we then create and strengthened our naval presence, the indian ocean. and we will making arrangements for key naval and air facilities to be used. our forces in the region of africa and the persian. we've reconfirmed our 1959 agreement to help pakistan preserve its independence and its integrity. the united states will take action consistent with our own laws to assist pakistan and resisting any outside aggression. and i'm asking the congress specifically to reaffirm this agreement. i'm also working, along with the
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leaders of other nations to provide additional military and economic aid for pakistan. that request will come you in just a few days, in the weeks ahead, we will further strengthen political and, military ties with other nations in the region. we believe that there are no irreconcilable differences between us and any islamic nation. we respect the faith of islam and. we are ready to cooperate with all countries. finally, we are prepared to work with other countries in the region to share a cooperative security framework that respects differing values and political beliefs yet which enhances the security and prosperity of all. all these efforts combined emphasize our dedication to defend and preserve the vital interest of the region and of the nation, which we represent
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and those of our allies in europe and the pacific, and also in the parts of the world which have such strategic importance to us, stretching especially to the middle east and southwest asia. with your i will pursue these with vigor and, with determination. you and i will act as necessary to protect and to preserve our nation's security. the men and of america's armed forces are on duty tonight in many parts the world. i'm proud of the job they're doing. and i know you share that pride. i believe that our volunteer forces, adequate for current defense, needs. and i hope that it will not become necessary to impose a draft. however, we must be prepared for that possibility. for this reason, i have
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determined that the selective service must now be revitalized. i will send legislation and budget proposals to the congress next month so that we can begin registration and then meet future mobilization needs rapidly. if arise. we also clear and quick passage of a new to define the legal authority and accountability of our intelligence agencies. we will guarantee that abuses do not recur, but we must tighten our controls on sensitive intelligence information and we need to remove restraints on america's ability to collect intelligence.
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the decade ahead will be a time of rapid change as. nations everywhere seek to deal with new problems and age old tensions. but america need have no fear. we thrive in a world change. if we remain true to our values and actively engaged in promoting world peace, we will continue to work as we have for peace in the middle east and southern. we will continue to build ties with developing, respecting and, helping to strengthen our national independence, which they have struggled so hard to achieve. and we will continue to support the growth of democracy and the protection of human in repressive regimes, popular frustrations often have no outlet except through violence.
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but when and their governments can approach our problems together through democratic methods the basis for stability and peace, is far more solid and far more enduring. that is why did our support for human rights and other countries is in our own national interest as. well, as part of our own national character. peace. a peace that preserves freedom remains america's first goal in the coming years as a mighty nation. we will continue to pursue peace, but to be strong abroad. we must be strong at home. and in order to be.
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we must continue to up to the difficult issues that us as a nation today. the crises in iran and afghanistan have dramatized a very important lesson our excessive dependance on oil is a clear and present to nation's security. the need has never been more urgent. long last, we must have a clear, comprehensive policy for the united. as you well know, i have been working the congress in a concentrated and processed way over the past three years to meet this need. we have made together. but congress must act promptly now to complete final action on this vital energy.
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our nation will then have a major conservation. important initiatives to develop solar power. realistic pricing based on a true value of oil. strong incentives for the production of coal and other fossil fuel in the united states. and our nation's most massive peacetime investment in a developing of synthetic fuels. the american people are making progress and energy. last we reduced overall petroleum consumption by 8% and gasoline consumption. 5% below what it was the year before. now we must do more. after consultation with, the governors, we will set gasoline conservation goals for each of the 50 states and i make them mandatory. if goals are not met, i have established an import ceiling
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for 1980 of 8.2 million barrels a day, well below level of foreign oil purchases. in 1977. i expect imports to be much lower than this, but the ceiling will be enforced by an oil import the if necessary. i'm prepared to lower these imports still further. if the other all consuming countries will join us in a fair and mutual reduction. if we have serious shortage, i will not hesitate to impose mandatory rationing immediately. the sink single biggest factor in the inflation rate last the increase, the inflation rate last year was from one college the skyrocket in prices of opec oil. we must take whatever actions are necessary to reduce our dependance on foreign oil and at the same time reduce inflation
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as individuals, as families. few of us can produce energy by ourselves, but all of us can conserve energy. everyone, us every day of our lives. tonight i call you. in fact, all the people of america. to help our nation conserve energy, eliminate waste, make 1980 and lead a year of energy conservation. of course, we take other actions to strengthen our nation economy. first, we will continue to reduce the deficit and then to balance the federal budget.
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second, as we continue to work with business, to hold down prices, we will build also on the historic national accord with organized labor to restrain pay increases and a fair fight against inflation. third, we will continue our successful efforts to cut paperwork and to dismantle unnecessary tory government regulation. fourth, we will continue our progress in providing jobs for america, concentrating on a major new program to training and work for our young people, especially minority youth. it has been said that our mind is a terrible thing to waste. we will give our young people hope for jobs and a better life.
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in the 1980s and faith we must use a decade of the 1980s to attack basic structural weaknesses and problems in our economy through measures to increase productivity, savings and. with these energy and economic policies, we will make america even at home in this decade. just as our foreign and defense policies will make us stronger and safer throughout the world, we will never abandon our struggle for a just and a decent society here at home. that's a heart of america, and it's a source of our ability to other people, to our own rights abroad, a material resource as great as they are. a our problems are too complex for simple slogans or for quick solutions. we cannot solve them without effort and sacrifice.
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walter lippmann once reminded us, you took the good things for granted. now you must earn them again for every right you cherish. you have a duty which you must fulfill for every good. which you wish to preserve. you will have to sacrifice your comfort and your ease. there is nothing for nothing any longer. our challenges are formidable, but there is a new spirit of, unity and resolve in our country. we move into the 1980s with confidence and hope and a bright vision of the america we want. an america strong and free. an america at peace. an america with equal rights for all citizens and for women.
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guarantee in the united states constitution. and america with jobs and good health and good education for every citizen. an america. a clean and bountiful life in our cities and on our farms. an america that helps to feed the world. and america secure and filling its own energy needs. an america of justice tolerance and compassion. for this vision to come true. we must sacrifice. but this national committeeman will be an exciting and a prize that will unify people together as one people. let us work. build our strength at home and
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together as one indivisible union. let us seek peace and security. the world. together, us. make this time of challenge and danger. a decade of national resolve and our brave achievement. thank you very much much.
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