Friday, January 28, 2000
Text of State of the Union address
(Part 5 of 5)
In the new century, innovations in science and technology will be the key not only to the health of the environment but to miraculous improvements in the quality of our lives and advances in the economy.
Later this year, researchers will complete the first draft of the entire human genome — the very blueprint of life. It is important for all Americans to recognize that your tax dollars have fueled this research — and that this and other wise investments in science are leading to a revolution in our ability to detect, treat, and prevent disease.
For example, researchers have identified genes that cause Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer — and they are designing precision therapies that will block the harmful effects of these faulty genes for good. Researchers are already using this new technique to target and destroy cells that cause breast cancer. Soon, we may be able to use it to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists are also working on an artificial retina to help many blind people to see and microchips that would directly stimulate damaged spinal cords and allow people who are now paralyzed to stand up and walk.
Science and engineering innovations are also propelling our remarkable prosperity. Information technology alone now accounts for a third of our economic growth, with jobs that pay almost 80 percent above the private sector average. Again, we should keep in mind: Government-funded research brought supercomputers, the Internet and communications satellites into being. Soon, researchers will bring us devices that can translate foreign languages as fast as you can speak, materials 10 times stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight and molecular computers the size of a teardrop with the power of today's fastest supercomputers.
To accelerate the march of discovery across all disciplines of science and technology, my budget includes an unprecedented $3 billion increase in the 21st Century Research Fund, the largest increase in civilian research in a generation. These new breakthroughs must be used in ways that reflect our most cherished values.
First and foremost, we must safeguard our citizens' privacy. Last year, we proposed rules to protect every citizen's medical records. This year, we will finalize those rules. We have also taken the first steps to protect the privacy of bank and credit card statements and other financial records. Soon, I will send legislation to the Congress to finish that job. We must also act to prevent any genetic discrimination by employers or insurers.
These steps will allow America to lead toward the far frontiers of science and technology — enhancing our health, environment, and economy in ways we cannot even imagine today. At a time when science, technology and the forces of globalization are bringing so many changes into our lives, it is more important than ever that we strengthen the bonds that root us in our local communities and in our national communities.
No tie binds different people together like citizen service. There is a new spirit of service in America; a movement we have supported with AmeriCorps, an expanded Peace Corps, and unprecedented new partnerships with businesses, foundations, and community groups. Partnerships to enlist 12,000 companies in moving 650,000 of our fellow citizens from welfare to work. To battle drug abuse and AIDS. To teach young people to read. To save America's treasures. To strengthen the arts. To fight teen pregnancy. To prevent youth violence. To promote racial healing.
We can do even more to help Americans help each other. We should help faith-based organizations do more to fight poverty and drug abuse and help young people get back on the right track with initiatives like second-chance homes to help unwed teen mothers. We should support Americans who tithe and contribute to charities, but don't earn enough to claim a tax deduction for it. Tonight, I propose new tax incentives to allow low- and middle-income citizens to get that deduction.
We should do more to help new immigrants fully participate in the American community — investing more to teach them civics and English. And since everyone in our community counts, we must make sure everyone is counted in this year's census.
Within 10 years there will be no majority race in our largest state, California. In a little more than 50 years, there will be no majority race in America. In a more interconnected world, this diversity can be our greatest strength. Just look around this chamber. We have members from virtually every racial, ethnic and religious background. And America is stronger for it. But as we have seen, these differences all too often spark hatred and division, even here at home.
We have seen a man dragged to death in Texas simply because he was black; a young man murdered in Wyoming simply because he was gay. In the last year alone, we've seen the shootings of African Americans, Asian Americans, and Jewish children simply because of who they were. This is not the American way. We must draw the line. Without delay, we must pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. And we should reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.
No American should be subjected to discrimination in finding a home, getting a job, going to school, or securing a loan. Tonight, I propose the largest ever investment to enforce America's civil rights laws. Protections in law must be protections in fact.
Last February, I created the White House Office of One America to promote racial reconciliation. That's what Hank Aaron, has done all his life. From his days as baseball's all-time homerun king to his recent acts of healing, he has always brought Americans together. We're pleased he's with us tonight.
This fall, at the White House, one of America's leading scientists said something we should all remember. He said all human beings, genetically, are 99.9 percent the same. So modern science affirms what ancient faith has always taught: The most important fact of life is our common humanity. Therefore, we must do more than tolerate diversity — we must honor it and celebrate it.
My fellow Americans, each time I prepare for the State of the Union, I approach it with great hope and expectations for our nation. But tonight is special because we stand on the mountaintop of a new millennium. Behind us we see the great expanse of American achievement; before us, even grander frontiers of possibility. We should be filled with gratitude and humility for our prosperity and progress; with awe and joy at what lies ahead; and with absolute determination to make the most of it.
When the framers finished crafting our Constitution, Benjamin Franklin stood in Independence Hall and reflected on a painting of the sun, low on the horizon. He said, “I have often wondered whether that sun was rising or setting. Today,” Franklin said, “I have the happiness to know it is a rising sun.” Well, today, because each generation of Americans has kept the fire of freedom burning brightly, lighting those frontiers of possibility, we still bask in the warmth of Mr. Franklin.
End of Address
Text of State of the Union address (Part 1)
Text of State of the Union address (Part 2)
Text of State of the Union address (Part 3)
Text of State of the Union address (Part 4)
Text of State of the Union address (Part 5)
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