Although political assessments of President George W. Bush's fourth State of the Union address was widely divided among party lines, reviews from the Christian evangelical and pro-family front were overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.
"The president delivered a powerful, moving speech this evening, speaking to the most important issues of the day with forcefulness and confident cadence," said Dr. James Dobson, chairman of Focus on the Family and one of the nation’s most influential Christian figures, in a statement released Thursday.
While most of Wednesday’s address centered on freedom, democracy and social security, Dobson and other evangelicals took particular affection to Bush’s statements regarding marriage, the culture of life, and the election of "impartial judges".
"Because marriage is a sacred institution and the foundation of society, it should not be re-defined by activist judges. For the good of families, children, and society, I support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage," said Bush, amid thunderous applause.
Bush also stood by his earlier vow to promote a "culture of life" by working against stem-cell research.
"To build a culture of life, we must also ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity, not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others," said Bush. "I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts, and that human life is never bought and sold as a commodity.
"America will continue to lead the world in medical research that is ambitious, aggressive, and always ethical."
Touching up on the critical issue of judicial nominations, Bush said he will nominate men and women who will deliver "impartial justice."
"Because courts must always deliver impartial justice, judges have a duty to faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from the bench," said Bush, alluding to the rising tide of activist judges who rule their liberal views in the courts. "As President, I have a constitutional responsibility to nominate men and women who understand the role of courts in our democracy, and are well-qualified to serve on the bench -- and I have done so."
To the delight of the evangelical "value-voter" base that helped him gain re-election victory last November, Bush acknowledged that Americans have the responsibility to pass on such traditional values to the next generation of leaders.
"Our second great responsibility to our children and grandchildren is to honour and to pass along the values that sustain a free society. So many of my generation, after a long journey, have come home to family and faith, and are determined to bring up responsible, moral children. Government is not the source of these values, but government should never undermine them," said Bush.
Dobson, whose evangelical radio program reaches millions each day, said he "especially appreciated that he reaffirmed his commitment to the culture of life and his refusal to back down on restoring order to the federal courts."
