President’s State of Union Address

For myself, the most striking and stirring aspect of President Bush’s address was his emphasis on the strength and spirit of the individual. As Americans, we must continue to cherish our right to have individual differences even as we unite to achieve true freedom, happiness and peace.

It is remarkable that we as Americans come from as many different countries as there are in this world, while we share the same basic human needs and sublime ideals. America is living proof of a profound truth, the realization of which in a global context is what the operation in the Persian Gulf is all about.

The President’s address left me with only one regret: I didn’t vote for him. Although technically a Democrat, I am exceedingly proud of the job that President Bush is doing, and I believe that he is proving to be our nation’s best and strongest leader in a very long time.

I hope that Bush’s overwhelming present popularity will translate to a new bipartisan commitment to major, positive domestic change. Then, finally, perhaps essential improvements at home will actually be carried out instead of being hammered to a tasteless pulp in endless, counterproductive dog fights and bickering among our representatives in Congress.

MARGOT TEMPEREAU, Beverly Hills