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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Google honours Pakistan's Angel of Mercy Abdul Sattar Edhi who founded the world's largest volunteer ambulance network


Abdul Sattar Edhi founded the world's  largest volunteer ambulance network in Pakistan, the Edhi Foundation.
Unlike wealthy individuals that fund charities in their names, Edhi dedicated his life to the poor from the age of 20, when he himself was penniless in Karachi.
The reach of Edhi's foundation grew internationally, and in 2005 the organisation raised $100,000 in aid relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina 
Edhi was born before partition in Bantva, Gujarat, India on February 28, 1928.
He died last year in Karachi of renal failure.  He was offered treatment abroad,  but insisted on being treated in a government hospital at home.
The Edhi Foundation's slogan is: "Live and help live".
Today would have been his 89th birthday.
In his honour, Google changed its logo in the United States; Iceland; Portugal; Australia; New Zealand; Japan; Estonia; the UK; Denmark; Ireland and Pakistan to a doodle, or illustration, of Edhi.
Google hailed Edhi's "super-efficient" ambulance service.
"In celebration of Abdul Sattar Edhi, let's all lend a hand to someone in need today," it said.

Supreme Court of India(SCI) Refuses to entertain plea seeking permission to abort 26-week-old foetus Tuesday Feb 28,2017

Supreme Court of India(SCI)on Tuesday Feb 28,2017 refused to allow a woman's plea to abort her 26-week old foetus suffering from 'down syndrome'.
A bench of Justices S A Bobde and L Nageswara Rao, which had on February 23 constituted a medical board to examine the 37-year-old woman, took into record report of medical experts that there is no danger to life of baby and mother if the pregnancy continued.
The SCI had earlier asked the medical board comprising doctors of Mumbai-based KEM Hospital to file a report before it about her condition and advisability of permitting a medical termination of pregnancy, forthwith.
The bench said as per the report, the foetus is "likely to have mental and physical challenges" but the advise of the doctors does not warrant termination of pregnancy.
"With this report, we don't think we are going to allow termination of pregnancy. We have a life in our hands," the bench said.
"In these circumstances, as per the present advise, it is not possible to grant permission to terminate the pregnancy," the court said.

Note
Down syndrome is a congenital disorder which causes intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities. 

2017 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona,Spain - Chinese Telecoms Giant ZTE launches world's first 5G-enabled smartphone Gigabit




Chinese Telecoms Giant ZTE unveiled a new smartphone Gigabit, touted to be world's first 5G enabled smartphone.




ZTE said that Gigabit can download speeds reaching up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) -- up to 10 times faster than the first generation of 4G services. It also has  improved capacity to process data over a network


The Gigabit features Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor along with Snapdragon X16 LTE modem integration. It will allow for 360-degree panoramic, Virtual Reality video as well as 4K video.
The Chinese company also presented the ZTE BLADE V8, which will be available in stores in mid-March, and the ZTE BLADE V8 LITE, which will be available a few weeks later after the BLADE V8.
The ZTE BLADE V8 has a 5.2-inch screen with FHD resolution, a 13MP rear camera and a dual front camera capable of capturing images from different angles and supports 3D shooting.
On the other hand, the ZTE BLADE V8 LITE features a 5-inch IPS screen with a 13MP rear camera, 8MP front camera and Android Nougat operating system.
ZTE also presented a new update of the AXON 7 with Android Nougat and GoogleDayDream, being the first smartphone of the company that allows the user to enjoy experiences of Virtual Reality

Reliance Jio Prime Membership subscription at Rs 99 starts from today Wednesday March 01,2017



Reliance Jio, which marked Ambani's re-entry in telecom space after a decade with free voice calls for life and free data for a promotional period that was extended until March 31, 2017 started rolling out Jio Prime membership plans from Wednesday March 01,2017


Jio Prime members can continue to enjoy the unlimited free voice, free data offered in the 'Happy New Year' scheme for another 12 months for a price of Rs 303 per month. Jio Prime members will also get the bouquet of Jio media services till March 31, 2018.

What is the difference between the Jio Prime and Jio Non-Prime plan?
You might be thinking of not opting for the Rs 99 Jio Prime membership and committing at least Rs 303 monthly and prefer to be on the Non-Prime plan. While this serves to subscribers wanting only free voice calls and data, for mobile internet users, it could be expensive. For mobile internet users, Jio Prime plans offer at least double the data (in terms of GB) when compared to Non-Prime Jio plans.


What will you get for the Rs 303 Jio Prime offer?
The Rs 303 Jio Prime plan offers unlimited free voice calls, free unlimited SMS, access to Jio apps along with 28 days validity. While data is also unlimited, users will receive 4G speeds for 28GB data only, after which the speed will slow down. Also, there is a daily FUP of 1GB. This means you will get 4G speeds for 1GB data consumption daily only for 28 days with the Rs 303 Jio Prime plan
What to do if the Rs 303-data plan with 1 GB daily FUP is not enough?
If 1GB free data daily on 4G speeds is not good enough you can opt for the Rs 499 Jio Prime plan which offers a daily FUP on 4G speeds of 2GB for 28 days. To get rid of the FUP altogether, users can opt for the Rs 999 Jio Prime Plan, which offers 60GB 4G data with 60 days validity without any FUP.
There are other plans for Rs 1,999, Rs 4,999 and Rs 9,999 with 90 days, 180 days and 360 days validity and 125GB, 350GB, and 750GB data respectively without any FUP.
In case, you are using a Jio Prime plan without FUP and run out of data midway, you can always opt for booster packs ranging between Rs 11 and Rs 301 with 0.1GB to 10GB data.
Jio Prime Membership programme wherein customers can enroll by paying one-time fee of Rs 99 and continue to get the existing benefits till March 2018 at "a rock-bottom introductory price of only Rs 303 per month".

Jio has also released a new tariff plan. Check out the complete chart.


 

Enrollment for Prime membership will start from March 1 and continue till March 31. The subscribers can avail the above plans effective from 1st April 2017.
But if customers don't join Prime membership, they still will continue to have all voice calls free and without any roaming charges.

Down Syndrome - All you need to know

Down Syndrome refers to a set of physical and mental traits caused by a genetic disorder that occurs before birth. Children who have Down Syndrome tend to have certain physical features, such as a flat face and a short neck due to delay of growth. They also have some degree of intellectual disability. This varies from person to person. But in most cases it is mild to moderate. It is a lifelong condition, but with care and support, children who have Down Syndrome can grow up to have healthy, happy and productive lives.

What Causes Down Syndrome?

Down Syndrome is caused by an extra copy of genetic material on all or part of the 21st chromosome. Every cell in the body contains genes that are grouped along chromosomes in the cell's nucleus. There are normally 46 chromosomes in each cell, 23 inherited from the mother and 23 from the father. When some or all of a person's cells have an extra, full or partial, copy of chromosome 21, it results is Down Syndrome.

The most common form of Down Syndrome is known as Trisomy 21, a condition where individuals have 47 chromosomes in each cell instead of 46. Trisomy 21 is caused by an error in cell division called nondisjunction, which leaves a sperm or egg cell with an extra copy of chromosome 21 before or at conception. This variant accounts for 95 percent of Down Syndrome cases. The remaining 5 percent of Down Syndrome cases are due to conditions called Mosaicism and Robertsonian Translocation.

Mosaic Down Syndrome results when some cells in the body are normal while others have Trisomy 21. Robertsonian Translocation occurs when part of chromosome 21 breaks off during cell division and attaches to another chromosome (usually chromosome 14). The presence of this extra part of chromosome 21 causes certain Down Syndrome characteristics. Although a person with a translocation may appear physically normal, he or she has a greater risk of producing a child with an extra 21st chromosome.

Seven worldwide facts related to Down Syndrome

1. The Reason Behind its Name: Down Syndrome is named after English physician John Langdon Down, who was the first to point it out as a mental disorder. He had initially referred to the disorder as "Mongoloid", drawing resemblance to the features of people from the Mongoloid region. However, in 1965 WHO dropped the term after requests from Mongolia People's republic, as well as from scientists when it was established that it was a genetic disorder.

2. Exact Cause: The exact cause of the extra chromosome that triggers Down syndrome is still unknown. And there is still no cure for it.

3. Most Common Chromosomal Condition: One in every 691 babies in the U.S. is born with Down Syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition

4. Life Expectancy: Earlier the life expectancy of a patient suffering Down Syndrome was 25 but now it is 60.

5. Developmental and Cognitive Impairment: Down Syndrome leads to short, delayed development, learning disability and speech delay in child.It also leads to intellectual disability and poor understanding among the patients.

6. Tongue Disorder: Patients have abnormally large tongue or displacement of tongue, which can be a result of Down Syndrome.

7. Impaired Eyes and Ears: Down Syndrome leads to lazy eyes or formation of spots around the eyes cavity of patients80 per cent of people suffering from down syndrome faces hearing problems as well.

Ireland Baldwin Strips Completely Nude for Trevor Flores Photo shoot

Ireland Baldwin has truly evolved into a woman.

The model, who's also known as the daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, added a new photo to her Instagram page where she's naked in the sand.

The 21-year-old aimed her piercing eyes toward the camera and let her skin show in the photo taken by Trevor Flores 

Beach babe: Ireland Baldwin took it all off for a nude picture posted to her Instagram page on Monday taken by Trevor Flores


Prunes - Know Why You Should Include Prune in Your Diet


Prunes are dried plums and possess numerous health benefits. Have them early morning to boost energy or have them in the evening as an instant snack when feeling drained out

Prunes are packed with various vitamins and minerals like Vitamins A (beta carotene), K, potassium and dietary fibre with added benefits of antioxidants. They can be consumed by both children and adults of all ages. Research suggests that eating a daily recommended dose of 100 gm or 10-12 prunes may be useful in digestive, bone and dental health in adult men and women. They can be eaten as a simple dried fruit snack or used in a variety of recipes, including salads, entrees, jams and desserts.

Prunes can be eaten all through the year. In fact, they should be consumed daily in moderation to keep the gut happy. Prunes by brands like Del Monte act as a great snack that helps you curb your desire to binge eat

Unprocessed, unsweetened prunes have a relatively low glycemic index and high dietary fiber content. Even though prunes are a good source of energy, they do not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. However, for diabetics moderation is the key and excessive consumption should be avoided.

Prunes are known for their natural laxative benefits and help to maintain regular bowel movements. They are a natural remedy for constipation. Prunes consumed in moderation can be included in your diet in the long term.

Murder of Kim Jong-Nam(estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader ) - Malaysia Charges Two Women For Airport Murder of Kim Jong-Nam Wednesday March 01,2017


Malaysia on Wednesday March 01,2017 charged two women - an Indonesian and a Vietnamese - with murder over their alleged involvement in the killing of the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader.
Siti Aishah(25)and Doan Thi Huong(28)were presented in court by the Malaysian police where charges were read out to them.
Composite photo of Doan Thi Huong and Siti Aisyah

They could face the death penalty if convicted
Kim Jong Nam, who had criticised the regime of his family and his half-brother Kim Jong Un, was killed in Kuala Lumpur's main airport on Feb. 13,2017  after two women allegedly smeared VX nerve agent, a chemical described by the United Nations as a weapon of mass destruction, across his face.

US President Donald Trump Restores Right to Buy Guns to the Mentally ill Tuesday Feb 28,2017

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday Feb 28,2017  the repeal of the regulation imposed by former President Barack Obama to stop people with mental problems from buying guns, in a victory for gun-rights groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Trump, as expected, signed the proposal into law, one of the first promoted by the new US Congress following last November's presidential election and the Republican's victory over Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton
The Republicans also came away with the majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and so were able to push through this legislation two weeks ago.
The ban that has now been repealed was promoted by Obama as part of his plan to increase control over access to firearms following the Newtown Sandy Hook school massacre in 2012, when 20 children and six teachers were gunned down.
The regulation, estimated to affect some 75,000 people, required the Social Security Administration to report to the federal government the names of people receiving disability benefits because of mental health problems, in order to block them from buying arms.
Tuesday's decision was cheered by the NRA, the principal group promoting the right of individual citizens to bear arms.
"Today's Senate vote was the next step in rolling back some of the egregious government overreaches that characterised the Obama era," Chris W. Cox, the executive director of the NRA gun lobby, said last week when he heard about the Senate's decision.
For his part, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, where the Newtown massacre occurred, indignantly pointed out that the repealed regulation only affected a small number of people.
"The risk is that someone who can't literally deposit their own paycheck probably can't, or likely can't, responsibly own and protect a gun," he said before voting "No" to the proposal in a plenary session of the Senate.
Organisations that favor gun control also expressed their objections.
"Make no mistake, this vote was really about deepening the gun industry's customer pool, at the expense of those in danger of hurting themselves or others," said Dan Gross, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

US President Donald Trump delivers his first congressional address at the US Capitol on Tuesday Feb 28,2017





US President Donald Trump started his speech with a claim on the role of political peacemaker, saying he wanted to bring Americans who voted for him together with those who didn't



Vice President Pence and Speaker Paul Ryan smiled as the president launched into his address in the House chamber 



'I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart,' he said




That followed a stunning condemnation of anti-Semitism and other hatred.



Trump declared that the close of Black History Month led him to remember 'our nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains.'



'Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.'

Some of Trump's other rhetoric was full of hopeful Kennedyesque loft – notable after four contentious weeks marking the beginning of the president's Washington odyssey.

'Think of the marvels we can achieve,' Trump urged, speaking of his still-incubating science reform proposals, 'if we simply set free the dreams of our people, cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.'

'American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream. Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect. And streets where mothers are safe from fear, schools where children learn in peace, and jobs where Americans prosper and grow are not too much to ask.'

Trump was predicting a safer and more prosperous world when America celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026. He noted the centennial celebrations in 1876 where 'the country's builders and artists and inventors showed off their creations' in Philadelphia.

'Alexander Graham Bell displayed his telephone for the first time. Remington unveiled the first typewriter. An early attempt was made at electric light,' he mused. 'Thomas Edison showed an automatic telegraph and an electric pen.'


Speaker Ryan welcomed the president to the rostrum as applause rippled through the House chamber 




First Lady Melania Trump made an elegant entrance as she took her seat before her husband was announced 


First Lady Melania Trump made an elegant entrance as she took her seat before her husband was announcedFirst Lady Melania made an elegant entrance as she took her seat before her husband was announced 



Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were seated behind the First Lady and Second Lady Karen Pence 



Carryn Owens, the widow of Senior Chief Ryan Owens, wept as President Trump hailed her late husband as a hero







President Trump joined the rest of the House in applause for Mrs Owens. Afterwards, he said she'd broken the record for receiving the longest ever ovation




A series of Democratic women wore white in protest at Trump  - and gave the gesture first used by the Romans to decide the fate of defeated gladiators in the arena




Many of the Democrats also pinned 'Protect Our Care' badges to their jackets in protest of Trump's plan to do away with Obamacare. Others wore American Civil Liberties Union ribbons in a show of defiance against Trump's travel ban



Main themes of Trump's speech

IMMIGRATION
Trump promised new steps shortly to "keep out those who would do us harm" and said his administration had been working on improved vetting procedures. He said the vast majority of people convicted for terrorism-related offenses since the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, had come from outside the United States and vowed the country should not "become a sanctuary for extremists".
He said the United States should switch away from lower-skilled immigration and adopt a merit-based system, adding that Republicans and Democrats could work together to achieve immigration reform as long as it focused on improving jobs and wages and strengthening the country's security.
Construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border will begin soon, Trump said. Throughout his election campaign and in the first weeks of his presidency, Trump said Mexico would pay for the wall, but he made no mention of that on Tuesday.
HEALTHCARE REFORM
Trump called on Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare. He said reforms should lower the cost of healthcare and ensure people with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage.
He proposed tax credits and expanded health savings accounts for people to purchase health insurance. Legal reforms should also protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance, he said.
TAX
Trump vowed "historic" reform to reduce the corporate tax rate to make U.S. companies more globally competitive and promised "massive" tax relief for the middle class. He gave no new details on the tax reforms he would like to see and made no mention of a border adjustment tax that lies at the heart of a Republican proposal in the House of Representatives.
Trump said Congress will be asked to approve legislation for a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure, financed through both public and private channels. "Buy American" and "Hire American" will be the guiding principles, he said.
DEFENSE SPENDING AND FOREIGN POLICY
Trump promised to send to Congress a budget to rebuild the military, billing it as one of the largest-ever increases in defense spending. He vowed to work with U.S. allies, including in the Muslim world, to destroy Islamic State, describing the radical militant group as a "network of lawless savages."

He vowed support for NATO but said U.S. partners must meet their financial obligations. He also reaffirmed "our unbreakable alliance" with Israel


TRUMP'S SPEECH TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS

'Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, the First Lady of the United States, and Citizens of America:
'Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation's path toward civil rights and the work that still remains. Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week's shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.
'Each American generation passes the torch of truth, liberty and justice –- in an unbroken chain all the way down to the present.
'That torch is now in our hands. And we will use it to light up the world. I am here tonight to deliver a message of unity and strength, and it is a message deeply delivered from my heart.
'A new chapter of American Greatness is now beginning.
'A new national pride is sweeping across our Nation.
'And a new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp.
'What we are witnessing today is the Renewal of the American Spirit.
'Our allies will find that America is once again ready to lead.
'All the nations of the world -- friend or foe -- will find that America is strong, America is proud, and America is free.
'In 9 years, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our founding -- 250 years since the day we declared our Independence.
'It will be one of the great milestones in the history of the world.
'But what will America look like as we reach our 250th year? What kind of country will we leave for our children?
'I will not allow the mistakes of recent decades past to define the course of our future.
'For too long, we've watched our middle class shrink as we've exported our jobs and wealth to foreign countries.
'We've financed and built one global project after another, but ignored the fates of our children in the inner cities of Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit -- and so many other places throughout our land.
'We've defended the borders of other nations, while leaving our own borders wide open, for anyone to cross -- and for drugs to pour in at a now unprecedented rate.
'And we've spent trillions of dollars overseas, while our infrastructure at home has so badly crumbled.
'Then, in 2016, the earth shifted beneath our feet. The rebellion started as a quiet protest, spoken by families of all colors and creeds -– families who just wanted a fair shot for their children, and a fair hearing for their concerns.
'But then the quiet voices became a loud chorus -- as thousands of citizens now spoke out together, from cities small and large, all across our country.
'Finally, the chorus became an earthquake – and the people turned out by the tens of millions, and they were all united by one very simple, but crucial demand, that America must put its own citizens first ... because only then, can we truly MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.
'Dying industries will come roaring back to life. Heroic veterans will get the care they so desperately need.
'Our military will be given the resources its brave warriors so richly deserve.
'Crumbling infrastructure will be replaced with new roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and railways gleaming across our beautiful land.
'Our terrible drug epidemic will slow down and ultimately, stop.
'And our neglected inner cities will see a rebirth of hope, safety, and opportunity.
'Above all else, we will keep our promises to the American people.
'It's been a little over a month since my inauguration, and I want to take this moment to update the Nation on the progress I've made in keeping those promises.
'Since my election, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler, General Motors, Sprint, Softbank, Lockheed, Intel, Walmart, and many others, have announced that they will invest billions of dollars in the United States and will create tens of thousands of new American jobs.
'The stock market has gained almost three trillion dollars in value since the election on November 8th, a record. We've saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing down the price of the fantastic new F-35 jet fighter, and will be saving billions more dollars on contracts all across our Government. We have placed a hiring freeze on non-military and non-essential Federal workers.
'We have begun to drain the swamp of government corruption by imposing a 5 year ban on lobbying by executive branch officials –- and a lifetime ban on becoming lobbyists for a foreign government.
'We have undertaken a historic effort to massively reduce job crushing regulations, creating a deregulation task force inside of every Government agency; imposing a new rule which mandates that for every 1 new regulation, 2 old regulations must be eliminated; and stopping a regulation that threatens the future and livelihoods of our great coal miners.
'We have cleared the way for the construction of the Keystone and Dakota Access Pipelines -- thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs -- and I've issued a new directive that new American pipelines be made with American steel.
'We have withdrawn the United States from the job-killing Trans-Pacific Partnership.
'With the help of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we have formed a Council with our neighbors in Canada to help ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the networks, markets and capital they need to start a business and live out their financial dreams.
'To protect our citizens, I have directed the Department of Justice to form a Task Force on Reducing Violent Crime.
'I have further ordered the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, along with the Department of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to coordinate an aggressive strategy to dismantle the criminal cartels that have spread across our Nation.
'We will stop the drugs from pouring into our country and poisoning our youth -- and we will expand treatment for those who have become so badly addicted.
'At the same time, my Administration has answered the pleas of the American people for immigration enforcement and border security. By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone. We want all Americans to succeed –- but that can't happen in an environment of lawless chaos. We must restore integrity and the rule of law to our borders.
'For that reason, we will soon begin the construction of a great wall along our southern border. It will be started ahead of schedule and, when finished, it will be a very effective weapon against drugs and crime.
'As we speak, we are removing gang members, drug dealers and criminals that threaten our communities and prey on our citizens. Bad ones are going out as I speak tonight and as I have promised.
'To any in Congress who do not believe we should enforce our laws, I would ask you this question: what would you say to the American family that loses their jobs, their income, or a loved one, because America refused to uphold its laws and defend its borders?
'Our obligation is to serve, protect, and defend the citizens of the United States. We are also taking strong measures to protect our Nation from Radical Islamic Terrorism.
'According to data provided by the Department of Justice, the vast majority of individuals convicted for terrorism-related offenses since 9/11 came here from outside of our country. We have seen the attacks at home -– from Boston to San Bernardino to the Pentagon and yes, even the World Trade Center.
'We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world.
'It is not compassionate, but reckless, to allow uncontrolled entry from places where proper vetting cannot occur. Those given the high honor of admission to the United States should support this country and love its people and its values.
'We cannot allow a beachhead of terrorism to form inside America -- we cannot allow our Nation to become a sanctuary for extremists.
'That is why my Administration has been working on improved vetting procedures, and we will shortly take new steps to keep our Nation safe -- and to keep out those who would do us harm.
'As promised, I directed the Department of Defense to develop a plan to demolish and destroy ISIS -- a network of lawless savages that have slaughtered Muslims and Christians, and men, women, and children of all faiths and beliefs. We will work with our allies, including our friends and allies in the Muslim world, to extinguish this vile enemy from our planet.
'I have also imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals who support Iran's ballistic missile program, and reaffirmed our unbreakable alliance with the State of Israel.
'Finally, I have kept my promise to appoint a Justice to the United States Supreme Court -- from my list of 20 judges -- who will defend our Constitution. I am honored to have Maureen Scalia with us in the gallery tonight. Her late, great husband, Antonin Scalia, will forever be a symbol of American justice. To fill his seat, we have chosen Judge Neil Gorsuch, a man of incredible skill, and deep devotion to the law. He was confirmed unanimously to the Court of Appeals, and I am asking the Senate to swiftly approve his nomination.
'Tonight, as I outline the next steps we must take as a country, we must honestly acknowledge the circumstances we inherited.
'Ninety-four million Americans are out of the labor force.
'Over 43 million people are now living in poverty, and over 43 million Americans are on food stamps.
'More than 1 in 5 people in their prime working years are not working.
'We have the worst financial recovery in 65 years.
'In the last 8 years, the past Administration has put on more new debt than nearly all other Presidents combined.
'We've lost more than one-fourth of our manufacturing jobs since NAFTA was approved, and we've lost 60,000 factories since China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001.
'Our trade deficit in goods with the world last year was nearly $800 billion dollars.
'And overseas, we have inherited a series of tragic foreign policy disasters.
'Solving these, and so many other pressing problems, will require us to work past the differences of party. It will require us to tap into the American spirit that has overcome every challenge throughout our long and storied history.
'But to accomplish our goals at home and abroad, we must restart the engine of the American economy -- making it easier for companies to do business in the United States, and much harder for companies to leave.
'Right now, American companies are taxed at one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.
'My economic team is developing historic tax reform that will reduce the tax rate on our companies so they can compete and thrive anywhere and with anyone. At the same time, we will provide massive tax relief for the middle class.
'We must create a level playing field for American companies and workers.
'Currently, when we ship products out of America, many other countries make us pay very high tariffs and taxes -- but when foreign companies ship their products into America, we charge them almost nothing.
'I just met with officials and workers from a great American company, Harley-Davidson. In fact, they proudly displayed five of their magnificent motorcycles, made in the USA, on the front lawn of the White House.
'At our meeting, I asked them, how are you doing, how is business? They said that it's good. I asked them further how they are doing with other countries, mainly international sales. They told me -- without even complaining because they have been mistreated for so long that they have become used to it -- that it is very hard to do business with other countries because they tax our goods at such a high rate. They said that in one case another country taxed their motorcycles at 100 percent.
'They weren't even asking for change. But I am.
'I believe strongly in free trade but it also has to be FAIR TRADE.
'The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, warned that the "abandonment of the protective policy by the American Government [will] produce want and ruin among our people."
'Lincoln was right -- and it is time we heeded his words. I am not going to let America and its great companies and workers, be taken advantage of anymore.
'I am going to bring back millions of jobs. Protecting our workers also means reforming our system of legal immigration. The current, outdated system depresses wages for our poorest workers, and puts great pressure on taxpayers.
'Nations around the world, like Canada, Australia and many others –- have a merit-based immigration system. It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially. Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon. According to the National Academy of Sciences, our current immigration system costs America's taxpayers many billions of dollars a year.
'Switching away from this current system of lower-skilled immigration, and instead adopting a merit-based system, will have many benefits: it will save countless dollars, raise workers' wages, and help struggling families –- including immigrant families –- enter the middle class.
'I believe that real and positive immigration reform is possible, as long as we focus on the following goals: to improve jobs and wages for Americans, to strengthen our nation’s security, and to restore respect for our laws.
'If we are guided by the well-being of American citizens then I believe Republicans and Democrats can work together to achieve an outcome that has eluded our country for decades.
'Another Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, initiated the last truly great national infrastructure program –- the building of the interstate highway system. The time has come for a new program of national rebuilding.
'America has spent approximately six trillion dollars in the Middle East, all this while our infrastructure at home is crumbling. With this six trillion dollars we could have rebuilt our country –- twice. And maybe even three times if we had people who had the ability to negotiate.
'To launch our national rebuilding, I will be asking the Congress to approve legislation that produces a $1 trillion investment in the infrastructure of the United States -- financed through both public and private capital –- creating millions of new jobs.
'This effort will be guided by two core principles: Buy American, and Hire American.
'Tonight, I am also calling on this Congress to repeal and replace Obamacare with reforms that expand choice, increase access, lower costs, and at the same time, provide better Healthcare.
'Mandating every American to buy government-approved health insurance was never the right solution for America. The way to make health insurance available to everyone is to lower the cost of health insurance, and that is what we will do.
'Obamacare premiums nationwide have increased by double and triple digits. As an example, Arizona went up 116 percent last year alone. Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky just said Obamacare is failing in his State -- it is unsustainable and collapsing.
'One third of counties have only one insurer on the exchanges –- leaving many Americans with no choice at all.
'Remember when you were told that you could keep your doctor, and keep your plan?
'We now know that all of those promises have been broken.
'Obamacare is collapsing –- and we must act decisively to protect all Americans. Action is not a choice –- it is a necessity.
'So I am calling on all Democrats and Republicans in the Congress to work with us to save Americans from this imploding Obamacare disaster.
'Here are the principles that should guide the Congress as we move to create a better healthcare system for all Americans:
'First, we should ensure that Americans with pre-existing conditions have access to coverage, and that we have a stable transition for Americans currently enrolled in the healthcare exchanges.
'Secondly, we should help Americans purchase their own coverage, through the use of tax credits and expanded Health Savings Accounts –- but it must be the plan they want, not the plan forced on them by the Government.
'Thirdly, we should give our great State Governors the resources and flexibility they need with Medicaid to make sure no one is left out.
'Fourthly, we should implement legal reforms that protect patients and doctors from unnecessary costs that drive up the price of insurance – and work to bring down the artificially high price of drugs and bring them down immediately.
'Finally, the time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across State lines –- creating a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring cost way down and provide far better care.
'Everything that is broken in our country can be fixed. Every problem can be solved. And every hurting family can find healing, and hope.
'Our citizens deserve this, and so much more –- so why not join forces to finally get it done? On this and so many other things, Democrats and Republicans should get together and unite for the good of our country, and for the good of the American people.
'My administration wants to work with members in both parties to make childcare accessible and affordable, to help ensure new parents have paid family leave, to invest in women's health, and to promote clean air and clear water, and to rebuild our military and our infrastructure.
'True love for our people requires us to find common ground, to advance the common good, and to cooperate on behalf of every American child who deserves a brighter future.
'An incredible young woman is with us this evening who should serve as an inspiration to us all.
'Today is Rare Disease day, and joining us in the gallery is a Rare Disease Survivor, Megan Crowley. Megan was diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare and serious illness, when she was 15 months old. She was not expected to live past 5.
'On receiving this news, Megan's dad, John, fought with everything he had to save the life of his precious child. He founded a company to look for a cure, and helped develop the drug that saved Megan's life. Today she is 20 years old -- and a sophomore at Notre Dame.
'Megan's story is about the unbounded power of a father's love for a daughter.
'But our slow and burdensome approval process at the Food and Drug Administration keeps too many advances, like the one that saved Megan's life, from reaching those in need.
'If we slash the restraints, not just at the FDA but across our Government, then we will be blessed with far more miracles like Megan.
'In fact, our children will grow up in a Nation of miracles.
'But to achieve this future, we must enrich the mind –- and the souls –- of every American child.
'Education is the civil rights issue of our time.
'I am calling upon Members of both parties to pass an education bill that funds school choice for disadvantaged youth, including millions of African-American and Latino children. These families should be free to choose the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school that is right for them.
'Joining us tonight in the gallery is a remarkable woman, Denisha Merriweather. As a young girl, Denisha struggled in school and failed third grade twice. But then she was able to enroll in a private center for learning, with the help of a tax credit scholarship program. Today, she is the first in her family to graduate, not just from high school, but from college. Later this year she will get her masters degree in social work.
'We want all children to be able to break the cycle of poverty just like Denisha.
'But to break the cycle of poverty, we must also break the cycle of violence.
'The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century.
'In Chicago, more than 4,000 people were shot last year alone –- and the murder rate so far this year has been even higher.
'This is not acceptable in our society.
'Every American child should be able to grow up in a safe community, to attend a great school, and to have access to a high-paying job.
'But to create this future, we must work with –- not against -– the men and women of law enforcement.
'We must build bridges of cooperation and trust –- not drive the wedge of disunity and division.
'Police and sheriffs are members of our community. They are friends and neighbors, they are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters – and they leave behind loved ones every day who worry whether or not they'll come home safe and sound.
'We must support the incredible men and women of law enforcement.
'And we must support the victims of crime.
'I have ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create an office to serve American Victims. The office is called VOICE –- Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. We are providing a voice to those who have been ignored by our media, and silenced by special interests.
'Joining us in the audience tonight are four very brave Americans whose government failed them.
'Their names are Jamiel Shaw, Susan Oliver, Jenna Oliver, and Jessica Davis.
'Jamiel's 17-year-old son was viciously murdered by an illegal immigrant gang member, who had just been released from prison. Jamiel Shaw Jr. was an incredible young man, with unlimited potential who was getting ready to go to college where he would have excelled as a great quarterback. But he never got the chance. His father, who is in the audience tonight, has become a good friend of mine.
'Also with us are Susan Oliver and Jessica Davis. Their husbands –- Deputy Sheriff Danny Oliver and Detective Michael Davis –- were slain in the line of duty in California. They were pillars of their community. These brave men were viciously gunned down by an illegal immigrant with a criminal record and two prior deportations.
'Sitting with Susan is her daughter, Jenna. Jenna: I want you to know that your father was a hero, and that tonight you have the love of an entire country supporting you and praying for you.
'To Jamiel, Jenna, Susan and Jessica: I want you to know –- we will never stop fighting for justice. Your loved ones will never be forgotten, we will always honor their memory.
'Finally, to keep America Safe we must provide the men and women of the United States military with the tools they need to prevent war and –- if they must –- to fight and to win.
'I am sending the Congress a budget that rebuilds the military, eliminates the Defense sequester, and calls for one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history.
'My budget will also increase funding for our veterans.
'Our veterans have delivered for this Nation –- and now we must deliver for them.
'The challenges we face as a Nation are great. But our people are even greater.
'And none are greater or braver than those who fight for America in uniform.
'We are blessed to be joined tonight by Carryn Owens, the widow of a U.S. Navy Special Operator, Senior Chief William "Ryan" Owens. Ryan died as he lived: a warrior, and a hero –- battling against terrorism and securing our Nation.
'I just spoke to General Mattis, who reconfirmed that, and I quote, "Ryan was a part of a highly successful raid that generated large amounts of vital intelligence that will lead to many more victories in the future against our enemies." Ryan's legacy is etched into eternity. For as the Bible teaches us, there is no greater act of love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Ryan laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom –- we will never forget him.
'To those allies who wonder what kind of friend America will be, look no further than the heroes who wear our uniform.
'Our foreign policy calls for a direct, robust and meaningful engagement with the world. It is American leadership based on vital security interests that we share with our allies across the globe.
'We strongly support NATO, an alliance forged through the bonds of two World Wars that dethroned fascism, and a Cold War that defeated communism.
'But our partners must meet their financial obligations.
'And now, based on our very strong and frank discussions, they are beginning to do just that.
'We expect our partners, whether in NATO, in the Middle East, or the Pacific –- to take a direct and meaningful role in both strategic and military operations, and pay their fair share of the cost.
'We will respect historic institutions, but we will also respect the sovereign rights of nations.
'Free nations are the best vehicle for expressing the will of the people –- and America respects the right of all nations to chart their own path. My job is not to represent the world. My job is to represent the United States of America. But we know that America is better off, when there is less conflict -- not more.
'We must learn from the mistakes of the past –- we have seen the war and destruction that have raged across our world.
'The only long-term solution for these humanitarian disasters is to create the conditions where displaced persons can safely return home and begin the long process of rebuilding.
'America is willing to find new friends, and to forge new partnerships, where shared interests align. We want harmony and stability, not war and conflict.
'We want peace, wherever peace can be found. America is friends today with former enemies. Some of our closest allies, decades ago, fought on the opposite side of these World Wars. This history should give us all faith in the possibilities for a better world.
'Hopefully, the 250th year for America will see a world that is more peaceful, more just and more free.
'On our 100th anniversary, in 1876, citizens from across our Nation came to Philadelphia to celebrate America's centennial. At that celebration, the country's builders and artists and inventors showed off their creations.
'Alexander Graham Bell displayed his telephone for the first time.
'Remington unveiled the first typewriter. An early attempt was made at electric light.
'Thomas Edison showed an automatic telegraph and an electric pen.
'Imagine the wonders our country could know in America's 250th year.
'Think of the marvels we can achieve if we simply set free the dreams of our people.
'Cures to illnesses that have always plagued us are not too much to hope.
'American footprints on distant worlds are not too big a dream.
'Millions lifted from welfare to work is not too much to expect.
'And streets where mothers are safe from fear -- schools where children learn in peace -- and jobs where Americans prosper and grow -- are not too much to ask.
'When we have all of this, we will have made America greater than ever before. For all Americans.
'This is our vision. This is our mission.
'But we can only get there together.
'We are one people, with one destiny.
'We all bleed the same blood.
'We all salute the same flag.
'And we are all made by the same God.
'And when we fulfill this vision; when we celebrate our 250 years of glorious freedom, we will look back on tonight as when this new chapter of American Greatness began.
'The time for small thinking is over. The time for trivial fights is behind us.
'We just need the courage to share the dreams that fill our hearts.
'The bravery to express the hopes that stir our souls.
'And the confidence to turn those hopes and dreams to action.
'From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears –- inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past –- and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts.
'I am asking all citizens to embrace this Renewal of the American Spirit. I am asking all members of Congress to join me in dreaming big, and bold and daring things for our country. And I am asking everyone watching tonight to seize this moment and --
'Believe in yourselves.
'Believe in your future.
'And believe, once more, in America.
'Thank you, God bless you, and God Bless these United States.'