President Obama addresses the United States Congress during his 2012 State of the Union message. Screenshot courtesy Whitehouse.gov

In a somewhat less partisan State of the Union speech than in previous years, President Barack Obama opened and closed his annual address to Congress with admiration and recognition for American’s true heroes: the men and women of the armed forces.

“We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world.”

Obama ticked off the successes of America’s military, including the death of the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist Osama Bin Laden, and said for the first time in nine years there are no American troops fighting in Iraq.

But probably the most urgent issue continues to be the health and strength of the American economy. Millions of families continue to struggle, consumer and energy prices have risen, and personal debt remains high.

And in a presidential election cycle that is sure to emphasize the continued structural weaknesses of the economy, President Obama vowed to build on what he called the successes of his Administration.

“An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded,” Obama outlined.

The President, harkening back to the economic collapse in 2008 under Republican President George W. Bush, said “the house of cards collapsed.”

Obama went on to distinguish his record from that of his predecessor, by noting that last year American businesses created the most jobs since 2005.

“American manufacturers are hiring again, creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990′s”, the President emphasized.

And in strong language, Obama extended the hand of cooperation but at the same time said he would fight the “obstructionist” every step of the way.

“As long as I”m President, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum,” Obama flatly stated.

In a nod to the manufacturing industry, the President said the way to move forward is by encouraging American manufacturing, developing workers’ skills and renewing American values. Obama spoke directly to those who lead businesses.

“Ask yourselves what you can do to bring jobs back to your country, and your country will do what it can to help you succeed.”

The President outlined his plan for encouraging manufacturing:

1. Lower tax rate for companies that do business in U.S.

2. Require companies to pay a minimum tax on overseas profits

3. Double the tax deduction for high-tech manufacturers who make products in the U.S.

4. Provide financing help for companies who relocate to communities that lost factories

Obama also told the nation that he will continue working with other countries to develop fair trade agreements and vowed to push hard for new markets for American products.

Abraham Lincoln

“I will go anywhere in the world to open new markets for American products.”

President Obama announced the formation of the Trade Enforcement Unit for investigating charges of unfair trade practices in countries like China.

Among the President’s other topics:

Education: “I am proposing that every state requires that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18.”

Illegal immigration: “This Administration has more boots on the border than ever before.”

American-made energy: “Oil isn’t enough. This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy.”

Energy: “We have a supply of natural gas that can last America more than 100 years.”

Climate change: “I”m directing my Administration to develop clean energy on enough public land to power three million homes.”

In a surprising approach to providing government assistance to “too big to fail” companies like banks and car makers, President Obama said regulations have been put into place to prevent the need for future taxpayer assistance.

“No bailouts, no handouts, no cop outs,” the President declared. “The rest of us are not bailing you out ever again.”

Near the end of his address which ran more than one hour, President Obama invoked the spirit of Abraham Lincoln and called for a “smarter, more effective government” by proposing the consolidation of at least six government agencies into one.

WATCH THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE UNION:

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