March 1, 2017

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Google Announces Two New Updates to Android

  If you have an Android phone, you should know about two new updates to Android that Google announced this past week. The updates add new features to Android phones to make them more useful. Google Assistant comes to more phones Google Assistant is Google's digital assistant that carries out voice commands, similar to Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa. Since Google Assistant was launched in October, the service has only been available on Google's Pixel and Pixel XL phones, Google Home smart speaker, Android Wear smart watches, and Allo messaging app. Earlier this week Google announced that many more phones will be getting Google Assistant. The update including Google Assistant will be available to phones running Android 6.0, or Marshmallow, and 7.0, or Nougat, as well as phones made by companies HTC, Huawei, LG, Samsung, and Sony.             Google said the update would arrive this week for English speakers in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. German speakers in Germany should also get the update this week. Additional languages will be added during 2017. To receive the update, make sure you have an eligible phone and have downloaded the Google Play Services app onto the phone. After the update you can press the home button or say, "OK Google" to begin using Google Assistant. Then start asking questions such as, "What is the weather forecast?" and Google Assistant will answer based on where you are. In its announcement, Google said, "Our goal is to make the Assistant available anywhere you need it." In January, the company announced plans to bring Google Assistant to televisions and cars later this year. See Google Assistant and Alexa talking in an endless loop: New Android message app Google also announced a major update to one of its messaging apps. With this update, the app changes its name from Android Messenger to Android Messages. Android Messages will become the default text messaging app for Android phones. This app will be pre-installed on Android phones from manufacturers LG, Motorola, Sony, and others. Android Messages will also come pre-installed with Google's Pixel and Pixel XL phones. Users of other phones can download the Android Messages app from the Google Play store. Android Messages is one of three messaging apps from Google. The others are Allo and Google Hangouts. A future update to the Android Messages app will make text messages more powerful by changing from SMS, meaning Short Messaging Services, to RCS, or Rich Communications Services. When updated to RCS, Android Messages will offer features such as receipts that show when a message has been read, stickers, maps and more. RCS messages on Android Messages will be available on phones from partner cell phone service providers. Google's announcement stated that these partners include Sprint, Rogers, Telenor, Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Globe. These features will only be available for messages sent and received within the Android Messages app. Those who do not use the app, such as iPhone owners, will not share in those features. iPhone owners do have these features in iMessage, however. Android messages RCS interactive features Google is working with companies to add helpful interactive features to their RCS text messages. In the announcement, Google gave the example of an airline that could send a passenger a text "to provide a full check-in experience, complete with boarding pass, visual flight updates, and terminal maps on demand."               Initial partners for RCS Android Messages include companies Virgin Trains, Walgreens, Amber Alert Europe, Baskin-Robbins, BlaBlaCar and FICO. Gamestop, Philips, Subway, Time Inc., and Uber are among the others. What we do not yet know about Android messages Google did not announce a date when RCS on Android Messages will be available. The name of the app already has been changed to Android Messages in the Google Play store. We also do not know how users will be able to learn whether the person they are sending a text to has the RCS version of the Android Messages app. For example, in iMessage for iPhone, the text bubbles are blue for those who use iMessage and green for those who do not use it. I’m June Simms. And I’m Jonathan Evans.   Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Are you looking forward to the changes coming to Android phones? Which updates are most interesting to you? What other updates would you like to see come to Android phones? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. _________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   update - n. a change or addition to computer software that includes the most recent information digital assistant - n. an application program that can understand natural language and complete electronic tasks for the user eligible - adj. able to do or receive something default - n. a setting, option, etc., that a computer or cell phone uses if you do not choose a different one pre-install - v. download onto a computer or phone before it is sold iMessage - n. the text messaging service from Apple used on iPhones, iPads and Mac computers  

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Malaysia Charges Women in Kim Jong Nam Killing

Malaysia has charged two women with the killing of the half-brother of North Korea’s leader at the Kuala Lumpur airport last month. Siti Aisyah, a 25-year-old Indonesian, and Doan Thi Huong, a 28-year-old woman from Vietnam, appeared at a court in Kuala Lumpur under heavy security. Court officials did not ask them to officially declare their innocence or guilt. Reuters news service reported that the court in which the women appeared would likely not be the one to try the murder case. However, the women have said they did not knowingly attack the person identified as North Korean Kim Jong Nam. They said they believed they were taking part in a joke for a television program. When the charges were read, Doan Thi Huong told the court, “I understand, but I am not guilty,” in English. The two face the death sentence if found guilty. Malaysian officials say the women attacked Kim Jong Nam using a powerful poison at the Kuala Lumpur Airport. He died 20 minutes later. The officials say the poison was the deadly nerve agent VX. Kim is the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Their father was former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. Malaysia has blamed North Korea for organizing the killing and is seeking additional suspects in the case. On Tuesday, a North Korean delegation arrived in Kuala Lumpur seeking the body of the man. North Korea’s official news agency has denounced the findings as the “height of absurdity.” It said the women could not have used such a poison without harming themselves and others.  Malaysia continues to hold the body of the man, who North Korea identifies only as Kim Chol, the name of his passport. Incident has brought intense criticism of North Korea The killing in Malaysia has caused some lawmakers in the United States to consider further punishments for North Korea. Ted Yoho, a Republican representative from the state of Florida, says there is support for returning North Korea to the list of countries that support terrorism. Congress placed North Korea on the list after the bombing of a South Korean airplane in 1987 which killed 115 people. North Korea was removed from the list in 2008 as part of a deal to reduce its nuclear program. The State Department says the U.S. secretary of state must find that the North has “repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism” to return it to the list. Currently, three nations -- Iran, Sudan and Syria -- are on the list. Experts disagree on whether the attack in Kuala Lumpur can be defined as an act of terrorism. Joshua Stanton is a lawyer who specializes in sanctions. He says the killing along with North Korea’s many other acts means that North Korea should be returned to the list. However, Daniel Benjamin, a former U.S. State Department counterterrorism official, says the case is very unusual and lies in a “gray zone.” A State Department spokesperson told VOA that the department uses “all available information and intelligence, from a variety of sources” on North Korea. The spokesperson added that, “even without being designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, North Korea remains among the most heavily sanctioned countries in the world.” I’m Ashley Thompson.   Chris Hannas, Jenny Lee, Cho Eunjung and Baik Sungwon reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Did you watch the speech or read about it? And what did you think -- good or bad? _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   plea –n. an official statement of guilt or innocence given in a court of law absurdity –n. extremely foolish, making no sense designate –v. to officially chose as, to identify something or someone as sanctioned –adj. to be the subject of sanctions

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Uber Chief Caught on Camera Arguing with Driver

  This is What’s Trending Today. You can order a ride from Uber in nearly every major city. Uber has drivers working in more than 500 cities on six continents. While the ride-sharing service remains popular, 2017 is starting out as a difficult year for the company. A story published Tuesday on the Bloomberg news service’s website has a video of Uber’s chief executive officer (CEO) arguing with his driver. Travis Kalanick is the Uber official. Fawzi Kamel is the driver. The video of the two men was YouTube’s most popular Wednesday morning. It was seen over 1 million times in 24 hours.  Kamel made the video in early February on the day of the Super Bowl, the championship of American football. The Uber chief is shown sitting with two women in the back seat of Kamel’s car. Kalanick and the women are talking about the company’s recent troubles. The problems include Uber’s testing of self-driving cars and reports of workers making unwanted sexual comments. There also is a court case with Google based on claims that one Uber employee stole secrets about self-driving car technology. In addition, some of Uber’s drivers and riders criticized Kalanick for agreeing to join President Donald Trump’s council of business leaders. Kalanick later resigned from the council. On top of that, many drivers are not happy that Uber said they could earn a certain amount of money, but then reduced its fares in order to compete with services like Lyft. At one point in the video, Kalanick tells the women he makes sure “every year is a hard year … if it’s easy, I’m not pushing hard enough.” After the women leave the car, Kamel states that he has lost money because of Uber’s changing rates. He says he lost $97,000 and is bankrupt because of Kalanick’s policies. Kalanick goes on to say “some people … blame everything in their life on somebody else.” The discussion does not end well. Many people are reacting to the video of the argument. One of them is Kalanick, who wrote an email to Uber workers Tuesday night.  He apologized to Kamel and said he plans to get someone to help him lead the company. “I need leadership help, and I intend to get it,” he wrote. The video has over 2,000 comments, too. One person wrote he only earned $2.75 an hour as a driver for Uber. Another wrote: “(this is) the exact reason I stopped driving for Uber.” Kamel received praise for standing up to the Uber CEO when he had him in the car. Jon Clay wrote: “you are the man, times a million!” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What do you think of the Uber video? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   council – n. a group of people who are chosen to make rules, laws, or decisions about something fare – n. the money a person pays to travel on a bus, train, boat, or airplane or in a taxi bankrupt – adj. unable to pay debts

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US, Japan, S. Korea Explore Limits to N. Korea’s Arms

  The United States is increasing pressure on North Korea to cut back on its nuclear activities. The U.S. government also wants to build ties with allies and partners in East Asia to deal with the rising threat of a nuclear-armed North Korea. This week, the State Department released a statement on North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. It said the programs directly threaten the security of South Korea, Japan and the United States. South Korean, Japanese and U.S. officials met in Washington on Monday to discuss ways to restrict the money North Korea spends on weapons development. The three said they “explored a joint way forward toward the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea.” Joseph Yun is the State Department’s Special Representative for North Korea Policy. He led the meeting with Japanese and South Korean officials. The discussions followed an earlier foreign ministerial meeting in the German city of Bonn. They were at least partly a reaction to North Korea’s latest ballistic missile launch on February 12. The State Department noted: “The officials considered other possible measures under national authorities, including means to restrict further the revenue sources for North Korea’s weapons programs, particularly illicit activities.” Stephen Noerper is a professor at Columbia University and serves as a director of the Korea Society. He says “human rights and financial measures” are two issues that have had the greatest effect on North Korea. In the past, U.S. officials have threatened to send reports of human rights abuses by the government of Kim Jong Un to the International Criminal Court. The U.S. government also has taken steps to restrict the finances of North Korean individuals and groups. Anthony Ruggiero is with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a research center in Washington. He told VOA that the U.S. Japan and South Korea should decide on new action against North Korea. He said the three should target North Korea’s provocative activities. Ruggiero also said cooperation with China was important. “Beijing should at least be part of the focus of renewed North Korea sanctions,” he said. Stephen Noerper, however, notes that some Chinese officials have blamed U.S. actions for recent efforts by North Korea to expand its missile program. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Tuesday. The two discussed what they called, the “mutually beneficial economic relationship” between the U.S. and China. But they also noted concerns about North Korean nuclear activities. On Monday, Yang spoke briefly with U.S. President Donald Trump after he met with Trump’s national security adviser, H.R. McMaster. Yang also met with Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The United States, China, Japan and South Korea are all members of what diplomats call the six party talks. The two other members are North Korea and Russia. The six party talks have been held at different times since 2003. The goal was to expand economic aid, security guarantees and diplomatic ties with North Korea in exchange for the North suspending its nuclear weapons program. However, all six countries have not held talks since North Korea tested a nuclear device in 2009. That was one of five nuclear tests the country has carried out. Some former U.S. officials say it is time to deal with North Korea in a different way. They say direct engagement with the North could help develop ways to avoid a possible conflict that is in no one’s interest. I’m Mario Ritter. Nike Ching and Victor Beattie reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for Learning English with additional material from Reuters and AP. George Grow was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   ballistic missile – n. a missile that can travel long distances to strike a target verifiable – adj. able to be proved true or made known authorities – n. the power to give an order or do something revenue – n. money that is earned through business activity illicit – adj. not allowed, not lawful provocative – adj. meant to cause a response or argument mutually beneficial – adj. helping both sides equally engagement – n. the act of being involved with someone or something

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Trump Praised for Speech, But Can He Continue Unifying Message?

  President Donald Trump won cheers by calling for unity in his speech to Congress Tuesday night. Trump appealed to Americans to unite and work together on job creation, national security and other issues. Some wished he gave the speech at the start of his presidency, just over 40 days ago. That was the opinion of The Mercury News in San Jose, California. “Had he (Trump) offered this speech a month ago, at least some of the panic that has accompanied his election might have been calmed,” the newspaper said in an editorial. The Mercury News said it cannot forget that Trump in his speech asked for an end to “trivial fights” after fighting since the start of his presidency. His targets have included the news media, the U.S. National Park Service and even movie stars like Meryl Streep. But the newspaper praised Trump for not talking so much about himself during the speech. Instead, it was “we, we, we -- as it should be in a democracy,” the editorial said. Many of the president’s supporters loved what they heard. In Holmes, Pennsylvania, Bryan Gallagher said, “To bring money back and jobs back, anybody that’s finally talking about the economy and American workers. What’s wrong with that?” Even some of Trump’s critics offered praise. Van Jones is a liberal commentator for CNN television. Jones said he disagrees with most of what Trump proposed Tuesday night. But he said it was a special moment when the president recognized the wife of a U.S. Navy seal killed in Yemen. She fought back tears as lawmakers and others in the Capitol building stood and cheered for over two minutes in tribute to her husband’s bravery. “He (Trump) became president of the United States in that moment, period,” Jones said. Members of Trump’s Republican Party joined in the praise. Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming said the president’s speech offered “the same spirit of optimism that I hear from people all around Wyoming.” Yet there were questions about whether Trump can put into action the long list of proposals he noted during his hour-long speech. “Like most presidents he was strong on the goodies, but a little weak on how to pay for it,” said Texas Congressman Joe Barton, a Republican. California Senator Dianne Feinstein added: “It sounds great to slash taxes and spend more money while at the same time balancing the budget, but that’s not how real life works.” Feinstein is a leading member of the Democratic Party. But an opinion survey for CNN found that about seven in 10 Americans who watched the speech said they are now more hopeful about the future of the country. Jeff Olsen is an educator and Trump supporter in Texas. “I would have felt a lot better hearing this speech five weeks ago,” he said. “We’re all Americans. We all want to see what’s best for America, but I think there’s a much more unifying tone in what he said this evening.” Will he return to Twitter? There were questions about whether Trump after making a generally well-received speech about unity might soon return to Twitter to attack his critics. “He has been known to step on his own message with an aggrieved tweet or two,” wrote Peter Nicholas in the Wall Street Journal. “In the White House, some senior aides are no doubt hoping the new president returns to (the White House), puts his phone away and goes to bed, having helped his cause.” International reaction Russia said it did not take issue with Trump’s decision not to talk about Russia Tuesday night. It is natural for him to “be busy with American affairs while our president (Vladimir) Putin is busy with Russian affairs,’” a statement said. Chinese officials disputed Trump’s criticism in his speech of one-sided trade deals. He said that such deals led to factory closings in the United States, with businesses moving their operations to China. A representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said China-U.S. trade benefits both countries. I’m Jill Robbins. And I'm Bruce Alpert.   Bruce Alpert wrote this story for VOA Learning English. It was based partly on reports from VOA’s Chris Hannas, Katherine Gypson Kane Farabaugh, Michael O'Sullivan and Carolyn Presutti. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. Did you watch the speech or read about it? And what did you think -- good or bad? _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   panic - n. a state or feeling of extreme fear that makes someone unable to act or think normally accompany - v. to go somewhere with someone editorial - n. an essay in a newspaper or magazine that gives the opinions of its editors or publishers moment - n. a very short period of time tribute – n. something that you saw or do to show respect for someone optimism - n. feeling very hopeful something good will happen slash - v. to reduce by a large amount evening - n. nighttime aggrieved - adj. feeling anger because of unfair treatment

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Peter Ripken: A Life in Literature

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Peter Ripken: A Life in Literature

  Peter Ripken loves literature. The man from Frankfurt, Germany reads books by writers all over the world. And he learned years ago that not all nations permit writers to express themselves freely. In fact, free expression can be quite dangerous in many places. So, Ripken decided to act. He helped establish an organization to protect writers. The International Cities of Refuge Network, ICORN, was born in 1993. Its founders sought to persuade cities, not central government, to give refuge to persecuted writers. “I got involved in the program where persecuted writers are being given refuge in cities in Germany, and Frankfurt was one of the first cities and I was involved right from the beginning, from the mid 90s, to set up this program. The first organization was called “International Parliament of Writers.” In 2006, then we came together and established ICORN - International Cities of Refuge Network.” It was not his original plan. He had a different view of his future as a young man. “When I was 15 I was thinking because of my reading obsession to become a bookseller when  I was 15, sort of graduating from primary school. And then my mother said, ‘You do your high school diploma first and then you can still become a bookseller’ and so on.  So she influenced me on that.” A bookseller he did not become. Instead, in the late 1960s, Peter Ripken began a five year stint as a manager in an aid organization working in Africa. But his affinity for the written word remained strong.  And then he got a call. “Then I was being asked, ‘Can you help us, somebody has defected our radio station?’ So, I worked for three years at that radio station, Voice of Germany that is the equivalent to Voice of America. I worked as a deputy editor for the Africa section and I liked it. But when somebody else came and said ‘we have this organization promoting African, Asian, Latin American literature and we need somebody with your background to follow a person who has left us, can you do it, do you want to do it?’” Ripken did not hesitate.  “I said yes. I thought maybe I do that five years but I did it for 20 because it was so interesting meeting authors, traveling to literary conferences, doing workshops with publishers and authors. That was so varied, so interesting that I did it for 20 years!” Peter Ripken grew up reading German authors. But his interests broadened to other European and American literature.  Then, he found what he calls books ‘outside of the norm.’  This helped grow his interest in political developments in other regions. “I read mostly novels. I started early reading African, Arab, Indian authors, Latin American authors.That was one thing, and going with it I had a strong interest in political developments in other continents. I'm especially interested in political developments in Africa and the Arab world. And I've made efforts to find out by traveling, by meeting people, by going to conferences. And these two elements have shaped my life.” Peter Ripken has written one book himself.  At the height of the anti-apartheid struggle, he wrote a handbook on Southern Africa. But poetry came along later for Ripken, and with a little pressure. “I remember a Moroccan poet at one time told me, ‘You Europeans, you are doing everything to kill poetry.’ And I wanted to prove to him that I was not killing poetry, so I read poetry and I edited anthologies.” Last year Peter Ripken retired after several years as ICORN’s chairman. But he is still active in the organization. He and many others are developing relationships with new partners and supporters. The goal is to increase the group’s capacity to protect and promote writers and artists at risk around the world. More than 60 cities have joined the network, and no less than 170 writers and artists have found shelter in an ICORN member city. In 2016, International Cities of Refuge Network celebrated its 10-year anniversary.  And Ripken says he will continue to stay busy in the world of arts and literature. “There’s one project we are setting up a cultural center in southern Spain for encounters between writers and artists from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain, France and Germany. I'm involved there. I'm involved in an information center in Southern Africa. I am preparing with a friend a handbook of African literature. And corresponding with people and, partly I must say, also traveling.” Peter Ripken hopes to be remembered as somebody who promoted creativity and supported literature as a political tool and source of enjoyment. “At one time I was over political. For example, I read literature at a time as literature with a “brandish fist,” as a political weapon. I looked at the content and it was only later that I discovered that literature in itself is pleasure. Reading can move you, enlighten you and to convey to others this notion that I think is what I believe is my main motivation. What makes me tick!” I’m Marsha James. Marsha James wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Next time on People in America, meet Assal Ravandi, founder and president of the Academy of United States Veterans. Listening Quiz See how well you understand this story by taking a listening quiz. Play each video, then answer the question. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   persecuted – v. to treat someone unfairly especially because of race or religious or political beliefs obsession – n. an activity that someone is very interested in or spends a lot of time doing bookseller – n. a person or company that sells books stint – n. a period of time spent doing a certain job or activity affinity - n. a liking for or an attraction to something equivalent – adj. having the same value, use, meaning promote – v. to help something happen, develop or increase hesitate – v. without delay or doubts varied – adj. having many forms or types: including many different things outside of the norm – idiom exp. not normal, not common nonfiction – n. writing that is about facts or real events anthologies – n a published collection of writings such as poems or short stories by different authors brandish fist – exp. Waving the hand with its fingers bent down into the palm in a threatening or excited manner convey – v. to make something known to someone notion – n. an idea or opinion

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Assal Ravandi, Founder of Academy of United States Veterans

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Trump Calls for Unity, Jobs and National Security

In his first speech to Congress, President Donald Trump asked for unity to produce more jobs, protect Americans and improve education. Trump said he would continue to remove undocumented immigrants who commit crimes from the United States. But for the first time, Trump said he is ready to negotiate a plan that would give legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants. “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,” he said. In his first 40 days as president, Trump has been a divisive president. He has used Twitter to criticize the news media and U.S. intelligence agencies for reporting information critical of him and his administration. He has also put in place a ban on travel to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations. The ban was blocked by the courts and criticized by most Democrats.                                                                                                                              In his speech, Trump said America cannot accept immigrants from countries where it is difficult to check for terrorism connections. “We have seen the attacks in France, in Belgium, in Germany and all over the world,” Trump said. “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.” He talked about his presidential campaign, which ended with his surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton last November. “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,” Trump said. Keeping his promises “Above all else," Trump said, “we will keep our promises to the American people.” One promise he quickly carried out was to withdraw the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade deal connecting 13 nations. His call Tuesday to repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s national health care plan, known as Obamacare, received the night’s loudest cheers from Republican members of Congress. The speech became emotional when the president introduced the widow of a Navy seal killed last month in a raid in Yemen. Carryn Owens cried and took deep breaths as members of Congress and others in the crowded House chamber offered a long-standing ovation to honor her husband, William "Ryan" Owens. Trump said Owens "laid down his life for his friends, for his country, and for our freedom — we will never forget him." He said the raid produced large amounts of important intelligence.                                                                                                                           The president said he wants Congress to cut taxes on business and “hardworking” Americans, make work easier for parents raising children. Trump said he would work with Democrats and Republicans to give new parents paid family leave from their jobs, and for new investments in women’s health. Trump also called for a major change in how America decides which immigrants to admit to the United States. "It is a basic principle that those seeking to enter a country ought to be able to support themselves financially,” Trump said. “Yet, in America, we do not enforce this rule, straining the very public resources that our poorest citizens rely upon." The president also said he wants to protect the environment -- providing clean air and clean water. Democrats, though, criticized his action earlier Tuesday to start pulling back an Obama administration rule that makes small bodies of water subject to the U.S. Clean Water Act. On foreign affairs On foreign affairs, Trump said “America is willing to find new friends and develop new partnerships” to deal with world problems. During the campaign, Trump said he would try to work with Russia to end the deadly military conflict in Syria and defeat Islamic State militants. But reports that Russia worked to leak embarrassing information about Trump’s presidential opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton, led to calls for investigations by Democrats and some Republicans. In his speech, Trump spoke about his plan to increase military spending and fight terrorism. “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,” Trump said. He used the term “radical Islamic terrorism” to describe the terrorism problem, a term his new national security adviser said is not helpful to fighting the terrorist threat. Reactions to Trump’s speech Republicans welcomed Trump to the U.S. Capitol, where Congress meets. “He’s really focused on doing the things that he ran on,” said Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana. “He’s focused on creating jobs.” Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear gave the Democratic response following Trump’s address. “When the president attacks the loyalty and credibility of our intelligence agencies, the court system, the military, the free press and individual Americans – simply because he doesn’t like what they say – he is eroding our democracy,” Beshear said. Trump began his speech by talking about bomb threats called into Jewish schools and centers, destruction at two Jewish cemeteries and the shooting of two Indian immigrants. The attacks “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,” Trump said.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   commit - v. to do something that is illegal or harmful positive - adj. good or useful focus - n. a subject that is being discussed or studied restore - v. to bring back compassionate - adj. feeling or showing concern for someone vetting - n. checking carefully the backgrounds and records of people crucial - adj. very important ovation - n. loud cheers erode - v. taking away cemetery - n. where people are buried after death condemn - v.  to offer sharp criticism

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President Trump's Address to a Joint Session of Congress

Remarks as prepared for delivery   TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:          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.     THE WHITE HOUSE,     February 28, 2017.

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