48 hours of programming on American History every weekend on cspan 3. Follow us on Twitter Twitter cspanhistory for information on our schedule, upcoming programs and to keep up with the latest history news. President obama delivers his state of the Union Address on tuesday, january 20th to a joint session of congress. Now American History tv looks back to 1965 and president lyndon b. Johnsons state of the union speech. Lbj called upon americans to continue on what he called, quote, the road to the Great Society. Proposing a sweeping National Agenda from education to war on deadly diseases to a campaign on pollution. He declared his support for civil rights, specifically the right to vote and the enforcement of civil rights laws providing opportunity for all, including africanamericans. [ applause ] members of the congress. I have the great and personal pleasure high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you, the president of the united states. Mr. Speaker, mr. President , members of the congress, my fellow americans. On this hill which was my home, im stirred by old friendships. Though total agreement by the executive and the congress is impossible total respect. Im proud to be among my colleagues in the Congress Whose legacy to their trust is their loyalty to their nation. Im not unaware of the inner emotions of the new members of this body tonight. 28 years ago as i feel now. You will soon learn among men whose first love is their country. Men who try each day to do as best they can what they believe is right. Were entering the third century of the pursuit of american union. 200 years ago in 1765, nine assembled colonies first joined together to demand freedom from arbitrary power. For the First Century we struggled to hold together the first Continental Union of democracy in the history of man. 100 years ago in 1865, following a terrible test of blood and fire, the compact of union was finally sealed. For a second century we labored to establish a unity of purpose and interest among the many groups which make up the american community. That struggle has often brought pain and violence. We have achieved a unity of interest among our people. And so tonight, now in 1965, we begin a new quest for a union. We seek the unity of man with the world that he has built. With the knowledge that can save or destroy him. With the cities with which can stimulate or stifle him. With the wealth and the machines which can enrich his spirit. We seek to establish a harmony between man and society, which will allow each of us to enlarge the meaning of his life. And all of us to elevate the quality of our civilization. This is the search that we begin tonight. But the unity we seek cannot realize its full promise in isolation. For today, the state of the union depends in large measure upon the state of the world. Our concern and interest compassion and vigilance extend to every corner of a dwindling planet. Yet, it is not merely our concern but the concern of all free men. We will not and we should not assume that it is the task of americans alone to settle all the conflicts of a torn and troubled world. Let the foes of freedom take no comfort from this. For in concert with other nations, we shall help men defend their freedom. Our first aim remains the safety and the well being of our own country. We are prepared to live as Good Neighbors with all. But we cannot be indifferent to acts designed to injure our interests or our citizens or our establishments abroad. The community of nations requires mutual respect. We shall expect it. And our relations with the world world, we shall follow the example of Andrew Jackson who said i intend to ask for nothing. That is not clearly right and to submit to nothing that is wrong. And he promised that the honor of my country shall never be stained by an apology from me for the statement of truth or for the performance of beauty. That was this nations policy in the 1830s. That is the nations policy in the 1960s. Our own freedom and growth have never been the final goal of the american dream. We were never meant to be an oasis of liberty and abundance in a worldwide desert of disappointed dreams. Our nation was created to help strike a wave the chains of ignorance and misery and tyranny wherever they keep man less than god means him to be. Were moving toward that destiny. Never more rapidly than weve moved in the last four years. In this period, we have built a military power Strong Enough to meet any threat and destroy any adversary. And that superiority will continue to grow. So long as this office is mine and you sit on capitol hill. And this period no new nation has become communist. And the unity of the communist empire has begun to crumble. And joined in an alliance for progress toward Economic Growth and political democracy. Toward the conquest of space. Has emerged into the fullness of selfconfidence and purpose. No longer are we called upon to get america moving. We are moving. No longer do we doubt our strength, our resolution we are strong and we have proven our resolve. No longer can anyone wonder whether were in the grip of historical decay. We know that history is ours to make. And if there is great danger there is now also the excitement of great expectations. Yet, we still live in a troubled and perilous world. There is no longer a single threat. There are many. They differ in intensity and in danger. They require different attitudes and different answers. With the soviet union, we see peaceful understanding that can lessen the danger to freedom. I asked the American People to choose that course. I will Carry Forward their command. If we are to live together in peace, we must come to know each other better. I am sure that the American People would welcome a chance to listen to the soviet leaders on our television. As i would like the soviet people to hear our leaders on theirs. [ applause ] i hope the new soviet leaders can visit america so they can learn about our country at firsthand. In Eastern Europe restless nations are slowly beginning to assert their identity. Your government assisted by the leaders in American Labor and business is now exploring ways to increase peaceful trade with these countries and with the soviet union. I will report our conclusions to the congress. In asia communism wears a more aggressive face. We see that in vietnam. Why are we there . We are there first because a friendly nation has asked us for help against the communist aggression. Ten years ago our president pledged our help. Three president s have supported that pledge. And we will not break it now. Our own security is tied to the peace of asia. Twice in one generation. We have had to fight against aggression in the far east. To ignore aggression now would only increase the danger of a much larger war. Our goal is peace in southeast asia. That will come only when aggressors leave their neighbors in peace. What is at stake is the cause of freedom. And in that cause america will never be found wanting. But communism is not the only source of trouble and unrest. There are older and deeper sources in the misery of nations and mans irrepressible ambition for liberty and a better life. With the free republics of latin america, i have always felt and my country has always felt very special ties of interest and affection. It will be the purpose of my administration to strengthen these ties together we share and shape the destiny of the new world. And in the coming year, i hope to pay a visit to latin america. And i will steadily enlarge our commitment to the alliance for progress as the instrument of our war against poverty and injustice in this hemisphere. In the atlantic community, we continue to pursue our goal of 20 years. A europe thats growing in strength unity and cooperation with america. A great unfinished task is the reunification of germany through selfdetermination. This european policy is not based on any abstract design. It is based on the realities of common interests and common values, common dangers and common expectations. These realities will continue to have their way. And in our especially, i think in our expanding trade. And especially in our common defense. Three americans have shaped the policies of the united states. And because we know these realities those policies have been and will be in the interest of europe. Must shape the course of europe and for the same reasons that course has been and will be in our interest and in the interest of freedom. And i hope to repay these visits to some of our friends in europe this year. In africa and asia, were witnessing the turbulent unfolding of new nations and continents continents. We welcome them to the society of nations. We are committed to helping those seeking to strengthen their own independence. And to work most closely with those governments dedicated to the welfare of all of their people. We see not fidelity to an iron faith, but a diversity of belief as varied as man himself. We seek not to extend the power of america, but the progress of humanity. We seek not to dominate others, but to strengthen the freedom of all people. I will seek new ways to use our knowledge to help deal with the explosion and World Population and the growing scarcity in world resources. [ applause ] finally, we renew our commitment to the continued growth and the effectiveness of the United Nations. The frustrations of the United Nations are a product of the world that we live in. And not of the institution which gives them voice. To the assembly of nations than to permit them to fester in silent danger these are some of the goals of the american nation in the world in which we live. Neither praise nor blame, neither gratitude nor obedience. We seek peace. We seek freedom. We seek to enrich the life of man. For that is the world in which we will flourish. And that is the world that we mean for all men to ultimately have. Today we can turn increased attention to the character of american life. The greatest upward surge in the history of any nation. Our flourishing progress has been marked by price stability thats unequalled in the world. Our balance of payments deficit has declined. And the soundness of our dollar is unquestioned. I pledge to keep it that way. And i urge business and labor to cooperate to that end. We worked for two centuries to climb the peak of prosperity. But were only at the beginning of the road to the Great Society. Ahead now is a summit where freedoms of wants of the body can help fulfill the needs of the spirit. We built this nation to serve its people. We want it to grow and build and create. But we p want progress to be the servant and not the master of man. We do not intend to live in the mitds midst of abundance. Confined by blighted cities and bleak suburbs, stunted by a poverty of learning and emptiness of leisure. The Great Society asked not how much but how good. Not only how to create wealth, but how to use it. Not only how fast were going but where were headed. Proposes as a first test of a nation, the quality of its people. This kind of society will not flower spontaneously from swelling richies and surging power. It will require of every american for many generations both faith and the destination and fortitude to make the journey. And it will always be challenged and not fulfilled. And tonight, we accept that challenge. To ensure every american child. The fullest development of his mind and skills. [ applause ] i propose that we begin a massive attack on crippling and killing diseases. I propose we launch a National Effort to make the American City a better and more stimulating place to live. I propose that we increase the beauty of america and end the poisoning of our rivers and the air that we breathe. I propose that we carry out a new program to develop regions of our country that are now suffering from distress and depression. I propose that we make new efforts to control and prevent crime and delinquency. I propose that we eliminate every remaining obstacle to the right and the opportunity to vote. I propose that we honor and support the achievements of thought and the creations of art art. I propose that we make an allout campaign against waste and inefficiency. Our basic task is threefold. First, to keep our economy growing. To open the opportunity now enjoyed by most americans. And to improve the quality of life for all. Tonight, i would like to just briefly explain some of my major recommendations in the three main areas of national need. First, we must keep our nation prosperous. We seek full Employment Opportunity for every american citizen. I will present a budget designed to move the economy forward. More money will be left in the hands of the consumer. By a substantial cut in excise taxes. We will continue along the path toward a balanced budget in a balanced economy. I confidently predict what economic sign tells us tonight. The continued flourishing of the american economy. But we must remember that fear of a recession can contribute to the fact of a recession. The knowledge that our government will and can move swiftly. Will strengthen the confidence of investors and business. Congress can reinforce this confidence by ensuring procedures on temporary tax cuts and special funds for jobcreating public programs. Should be made available for Immediate Use if recession threatens our continued prosperity demands continued spris stability. Business, labor and the consumer all have a high stake in keeping wages and prices within the framework of the guide post that have served the nation so well. Finding new markets abroad for our goods depends on the business. But we stand ready with credit and other help to assist the flow of trade which will benefit the entire nation. Our economy owes much to the efficiency of our farmers the opportunity to earn a fair reward. I have instructed the secretary of agriculture to lead a major to find new approaches to reduce the heavy cost of our foreign programs and to direct more of our effort to the small farmer who needs the help the most. [ applause ] we can help ensure continued prosperity through a reasonable Recovery Program to assist the development of stricken areas left behind by our National Progress efforts to provide our workers with the skills demanded by modern technology an indispensable force. The extension of the minimum wage to more than 2 million unprotected workers. The improvement and the modernization of the Unemployment Compensation system. And as pledged in our 1960 and 1964 democratic platform, i will propose to Congress Changes in the act including section 14b. I will do so hoping to reduce the conflicts that for several years have divided americans in various states of our union. In a country that spans a continent, modern transportation is vital to continued growth. I will recommend heavier alliance on competition in transportation and a new policy for our merchant marine. I will ask for funds to study highspeed rail transportation between urban centers we will begin with test projects between washington and boston on highspeed trains, passengers could travel this distance in less than four hours. Second, we must open opportunity to all of our people. Most americans enjoy a good life. But far too many are still trapped in poverty and idleness and fear. Let a just nation throw open to them the city of promise to the elderly by providing hospital care under Social Security and by raising benefit payments to those struggling to maintain the dignity of their later years. The poor and the unfortunate through doubling the war against poverty poverty. Of barriers to the right to vote. To those today no nation can be both ignorant and great. In addition to our existing programs, ill recommend a new program for schools and students with a first year authorization of 1. 5 billion. It will help at every stage along the road to learning. For the preschool years, we will help needy children become aware of the excitement of learning. For the primary and secondary school years we will aid Public Schools serving lowincome families and assist students in both public and private schools. For the college years, we will provide scholarships to High School Students of the greatest promise and the greatest need and we will guarantee low interest loans to students continuing their college studies. [ applause ] new laboratories and centers will help our schools help them lift their standards of excellence and explore new methods of teaching. These centers will provide special training for those who need and those who deserve special treatment. Greatness requires not only an educated people, but a Healthy People. Our goal is to match the achievements of our medicine to the afflictions of our people. We already carry on a Large Program in this country for research and health. In addition Regional Medical centers can provide the most advanced diagnosis and treatment for Heart Disease and cancer and stroke and other major diseases. New support for medical and dental education will provide the trained people to apply our knowledge. Community centers can help the mentally ill and improve health care for School Aged Children from poor families, including the services for the mentally retarded. And educated and Healthy People require surroundings in harmony with their hopes. In our urban areas the central problem today is to protect and restore mans satisfaction and belonging to a community where he can find security and significance. The first