Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests and fellow Americans.
On January 20th, 2001, I took the oath of office as President of these United States. With a solemn oath to defend our constitution, and a 21 gun salute, a new era began in our nation's history. January 20th not only marked the transition of power from one Administration to another, but the transition of power from the Washington establishment, back to the American people.
Over these past 100 days, this Administration has signed healthcare reform, regulatory reform, campaign finance reform and tax reform. It's about time. We have embarked on an ambitious agenda of reform, reform that our nation needs. We are the party of Reform, and reform is our goal. Our country was stagnating, our factories closing, our inner cities rotting. Without tremendous reform, our nation cannot survive in the new century. This American carnage must be stopped, and it begins not only with the American people, but with you.
Yes, my inauguration marks the start of a new era for America, but it also marks a new era in Washington. The root of all evil is the do nothing Congress which obstructs and blocks reform. Our nation would not be in the condition it is now, if our Congress had not only stood up our Presidents, but taken action to fix the problems in America. Decades have gone by, yet nothing changes.
My fellow Americans, if we want reform. It begins with you. I will not tolerate a Congress which obstructs me, or the will of the American people. Instead, you must be the agents of change. Yes, you. And if you get in the way of the American people, none of you will be re-elected come next year.
Yes, times have changed. No longer are we going to roll over for you. If you cannot bring us change, we will vote you out. Nobody here should feel safe, unless they listen to their people, and follow their will. Last November, the American people strongly rejected the two-party establishment. They strongly rejected the unfair trade deals, which suck the life out of our middle class. They rejected the corruption of the lobbyists and special interests. They rejected the blind partisanship which prevents anything from getting done. They rejected the old Washington, of the old century. This is the 21st century now.
We have a mandate for change, for Reform. You must either flow with the tide, or get washed away. I seek not to scold you or fight you. But I and the American people will not tolerate this idleness any longer.
We can work together, or you can start packing your bags. I and the American people will not rest until we finally have The America We Deserve.
The first 100 days are over, now it's time to really get down to business.
