National Security will play a large role in Bush's State of the Union speech. Undoubtedly, he will claim successes in Iraq and on national security. However, four years after 9/11, he fails to adequately protect the homeland, Osama bin Laden is alive, al Qaeda expands globally, violence rages in Iraq, and our military is near its breaking point.

Our nation is not secure. His administration failed the Public Discourse Project, based upon the 9/11 Commission. Only 6% of national security spending is spent on homeland security. Our borders are porous. First responders lack communications gear for emergencies.

Our Army is stretched thin. In 2005, the Army missed recruitment goals for the first time since 1999; the third year for the Army National Guard. Ignoring promises for full support, policies strain the all-volunteer military. Our soldiers suffer because they lack needed body armor.

Bush never had a strategy for success in Iraq. Over 500 Iraqis have died since the December elections. Since the invasion began in 2003, 2,239 U.S. troops have died and 16,420 have been injured. 20% of Iraqis live in poverty, up since the 2003 invasion.

When Bush discusses National Security, ask yourself, what nation has he made secure?

This is exactly 200 words. Feel free to expand/edit/use/improve to your heart's desire.

You said it all perfectly Noonan.  And you condensed it into 200 words.  This is amazing.  Thank you for writing it and sending it to the SotU.  I hope a lot of people read it and spread the word to their friends and family. 

KT 

you left out the Mexican boarder how safe it is, with all the new tunnels they have in ca. the tourist(terrorist) don't have to use the border crossing they can come and go when ever