1996 State of the Union Address: Visions of America Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph.Sentence)

Quote #1

Self-reliance and teamwork are not opposing virtues; we must have both. (8.2)

By "self-reliance" he means less government help and by "teamwork" he means people working together, even when the law doesn't say they have to. When you're imagining the perfect America, sometimes it's tempting to look to the better angels of human nature.

Quote #2

We should…make permanent deficits yesterday's legacy. (15.5)

This vision for America didn't outlive the Clinton presidency. Deficits are currently pretty crazy-big. But some argue that this is okay. After all, should the government really spend less than it earns through taxes?

Quote #3

Family is the foundation of American life. If we have stronger families, we will have a stronger America. (17.3-4)

This sounds like one of those black and white commercials from the fifties. For many people, "the American dream" still means a spouse, 2.5 kids, a house, and a golden retriever. What do you think? Is family still the foundation?