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WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama called on Republicans and Democrats to unite to revitalize the economy, unleash research and technology and respect education. That's the path of greatness for America, Obama said Tuesday in the State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress.
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"From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream," he said. "That's how we win the future."
Obama called for a five-year freeze on most spending, simplifying the U.S. tax code, elimination of the tax break for the wealthiest taxpayers, make permanent education tax breaks, eliminating earmarks, streamlining government and not revisiting the contentious debate over healthcare.
The challenges the United States face are bigger than either party and any accomplishment will require the effort of both parties, he said.
"What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow," Obama said. "I believe we can. I believe we must. That's what the people who sent us here expect of us.
"New laws will only pass with support from Democrats and Republicans," he said. "We will move forward together, or not at all -- for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics."
At stake is whether jobs and industries come to America or somewhere else, Obama said.
Obama recognized an empty chair that honored Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who, along with 12 other people, were injured in the Jan. 8 Tucson shooting in which six people died. Members of Congress wore black-and-white ribbons to honor their absent colleague.
"(There's) a reason the tragedy in Tucson gave us pause," Obama said. "Amid all the noise and passions and rancor of our public debate, Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater -- something more consequential than party or political preference."
The tragedy reminds people that "we are part of the American family," Obama said.
"We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed; that the dreams of a little girl in Tucson are not so different than those of our own children, and that they all deserve the chance to be fulfilled.
"That, too, is what sets us apart as a nation."
After emerging from "the worst recession most of us have ever known," Obama said, America is poised to move ahead as the stock market roared back, corporate profits rose and the economy ticked along.
But success can't be measured by economic yardsticks alone, he said.
"We measure progress by the success of our people. By the jobs they can find and the quality of life those jobs offer. By the prospects of a small business owner who dreams of turning a good idea into a thriving enterprise," Obama said. "By the opportunities for a better life that we pass on to our children."
But more work must be done, he said.
"The steps we've taken over the last two years may have broken the back of this recession -- but to win the future, we'll need to take on challenges that have been decades in the making."
As messy as democracy can be at times, "I know there isn't a person here who would trade places with any other nation on Earth," Obama said to a standing ovation.
"We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can make it if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we believe in the same dream that says this is a country where anything's possible," Obama said. "No matter who you are. No matter where you come from."
Americans, Obama said, "do big things."
"The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice," he said in closing. "And tonight, more than two centuries later, it is because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our union is strong."
