2006.01.31
State of the Union 2006
You looked a little bit confused at the loud applause after you said, ‘Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security,’ and I admit I was at first, too, because I thought it was the Republicans clapping so enthusiastically.
Like a few people out there I heard President Bush’s State of the Union Address. Geez, I was practically finishing his sentences for him. Tax cuts, war, oppression, activist judges, cloning, compassion… That’s ok, there was still quite a bit that wasn’t deja vu.
I’m sick of these references to a “war on terror.” Congress has not declared war, so there is no war. Sorry Mr. President, but please use the correct terminology. Hey! You mentioned bin Laden! What ever happened to that scoundrel? Maybe he’s at some resort with the other assholes of the world, smoking a cigar (Cuban) and laughing at us. Maybe you should work on that…
I hear you saying that decisions regarding our military in Iraq will be determined by our military leaders and not politician in Washington, DC. Does that mean you don’t think you’re a politician in Washington, DC? Or that you’re not really the Commander in Chief who tells the military what to do? That’s rhetorical; I don’t really expect an answer.
I think one of the best quotes of the evening was, “Hindsight alone is not wisdom. And second-guessing is not a strategy.” I know this is another rhetorical question, but what are the other components of wisdom? At least you’re absolutely right that second-guessing is not a strategy, but neither is plowing ahead with a bad idea regardless of the consequences. Like, say, invading a country on faulty intelligence, proceeding to nation build with out a clear strategy, ill equipping our troops, and continually saying everything is hunky dory. Maybe that’s just me and my common sense, though.
You are correct that we have to hold the course, though. Once you started us down the path of invasion and nation building it is anything but criminal to stop. Yes, future Presidents from both parties will be dealing with the consequences of your actions for many years. After all, it’s not like they can step back and say, “Oh, hey, sorry about all that. Would you like to come to Disney Land?”
You looked a little bit confused at the loud applause after you said, “Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security,” and I admit I was at first, too, because I thought it was the Republicans clapping so enthusiastically.
I don’t want to sound like I’m entirely contrarian to your words, Mr. President. I agree with you entirely that American competitiveness requires affordable health care. I see a brilliant way of achieving this laudable goal, too! Wanna hear it? Expand the existing military health care system to the civilian population! Free healthcare! Plus it focuses on our military and how efficient they are. (This, BTW, is not sarcasm; the military health care system was the best balance of affordability and quality I’ve encounter anywhere I’ve ever been.)
I’m happy you are again bringing up the need for new energy sources to wean us of our oil addiction. You mentioned this in your 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 addresses, too. I’m still waiting for this clean and reliable source of energy so I can stop the IV drip of black gold.
I applaud your education bits. It would be great for our economy if our kids (mine are a figment, but hopefully not for forever) were awesome at math and science. Our economy would definitely improve… if our corporations weren’t so busy sending all those jobs overseas.
Mr. President, I don’t know what the coming year will bring. The only thing I know is that you didn’t once mention the pressing need to give me your office and do the job right. Maybe that will come next year.
Categorized: political
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