Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address
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White House Photo, Pete Souza, 1/27/10
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Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the state of our union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They've done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they've done so in the midst of war and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle.
It's tempting to look back on these moments and assume that our progress was inevitable -– that America was always destined to succeed. But when the Union was turned back at Bull Run, and the Allies first landed at Omaha Beach, victory was very much in doubt. When the market crashed on Black Tuesday, and civil rights marchers were beaten on Bloody Sunday, the future was anything but certain. These were the times that tested the courage of our convictions, and the strength of our union. And despite all our divisions and disagreements, our hesitations and our fears, America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one nation, as one people.
Again, we are tested. And again, we must answer history's call... (Full text)
On February 5, 2010, U.S. Ambassador Michele J. Sison witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to provide technical support for the upcoming municipal elections in Lebanon. With funding made available through USAID, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) will work with the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to support activities for the upcoming electoral cycle. IFES will work with the Ministry to provide technical support to train elections workers and assist the Ministry in developing a public media outreach program on the election process...
