Thanks to a White House source, we can give you the following  excerpts from the president's State of the Union address to be delivered at 9 pm tonight:

 “In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country.  We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom – or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life.  We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy – or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity.  In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting – yet it ends in danger and decline.  The only way to protect our people … the only way to secure the peace … the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership – so the United States of America will continue to lead.” 

“Abroad, our Nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal – we seek the end of tyranny in our world… the future security of America depends on it.” 

“In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders.  If we were to leave these vicious attackers alone, they would not leave us alone.  They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores.”

 “…Ultimately, the only way to defeat the terrorists is to defeat their dark vision of hatred and fear by offering the hopeful alternative of political freedom and peaceful change.” 

 “To overcome dangers in our world, we must also take the offensive by encouraging economic progress, fighting disease, and spreading hope in hopeless lands.”

 “Here at home, America also has a great opportunity: We will build the prosperity of our country by strengthening our economic leadership in the world.” 

 “The American economy is pre-eminent – but we cannot afford to be complacent.  In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors like China and India.” 

 “We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity.  Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hard-working, ambitious people – and we are going to keep that edge.”

“America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world…  The best way to break this addiction is through technology.” 

 “Our government has a responsibility to help provide health care for the poor and the elderly, and we are meeting that responsibility.  For all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care … strengthen the doctor-patient relationship … and help people afford the insurance coverage they need.”   

“…our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another.  So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.”