Quick impressions on the State of the Union Address

[greybeta]

As always, I am fascinated by the pomp and circumstance that is given to the President of the United States. Even if that office is occupied by the village idiot.

wldntulk2knwwho observed that starting off honoring Coretta Scott King was an ingenious move. If there were any thoughts of protest at the beginning of Bush's speech, they were quickly nixed by the acknowledgement.

I thought there was an early Bushism when he talked about "isolationism and protectionism", but feanor16 pointed out that Bush actually used protectionism correctly. I'd like to meet Bush's brilliant speechwriting team someday.

Bush kind of implied that the war on terror was a war on tyranny. Does that mean we have to fight ourselves now?

Oh, and Mr. President, I hear ethanol is not exactly the best alternative fuel source. Besides, you're a big oil man. What real incentive do you have for getting America off oil?

And apparently, we should start wars in Iran and North Korea. I mean, over half the world's population lives in a democracy. Although, one sixth of the world's population lives in a certain Asian country that is now threatening our hold on oil.

Nix stem cell research because life is precious, sanctified by our Creator. Is that so? I wonder what Bush would say about capital punishment in his home state of Texas.

And now we're going to try to spy on international calls? Wow, we're giving up a lot of freedoms to ensure our security. I'd have to say it's almost like we're not free at all. I guess that's they meant when they said America is a land of limited liberties.

A nod to Roberts and Alito. The Supreme Court shall remain conservative for at least another decade, though it remains to be seen if Roe v. Wade will be overturned. The gay marriage issue will probably come up as well.

Overall, Bush played it safe. With midterm elections coming up in a few months, he hit on what he thought he would be able to push through for his Congress buddies.

I found it fascinating that the Democrats chose the Governor of Virginia to give the Democratic Response. I fully expected Reid or Pelosi to give it, but I suppose even they want to avoid saying too much with midterm elections on the horizon. So the Dems played it safe, too.

Funny, why is it when Washington starts to play it safe, I feel unsafe?

Comments

[loga.livejournal.com]

Bush kind of implied that the war on terror was a war on tyranny. Does that mean we have to fight ourselves now?

Careful...those might be words of treason, dear. Homeland Security...
:o/

[cieo.livejournal.com]

Dude!

The internet is getting smaller.

[loga.livejournal.com]

Or, as we say in Russian, "Мир тесен," (the world is close)...and, well, it sure is. :)

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

I have heard it said that the Internet has made our world into a global household.

[baronbrian.livejournal.com]

And now we're going to try to spy on international calls? Wow, we're giving up a lot of freedoms to ensure our security. I'd have to say it's almost like we're not free at all. I guess that's they meant when they said America is a land of limited liberties.

You know I've said it once and I'll say it again. If we're going to play Soviet Union can we at least get the state supported health care and subsidized vodka as well?

[loga.livejournal.com]

You are right about the health care.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

Bush should start referring to us as "comrades against terrorism."

[thanoslug.livejournal.com]

Bush kind of implied that the war on terror was a war on tyranny. Does that mean we have to fight ourselves now?
Nah, just the liberals.

And now we're going to try to spy on international calls?
What do you mean going to try? We do. Not only are we already doing it but spying on communication from our country with an enemy we are at war with is nothing new and is something our government has done in every war we have been in.

What real incentive do you have for getting America off oil?
Because it's a good idea? I was surprised to not hear him talk about ANWR. While I support the idea of alternate energy sources, we aren't there yet and should secure our oil supply in the interim.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

What do you mean going to try? We do. Not only are we already doing it but spying on communication from our country with an enemy we are at war with is nothing new and is something our government has done in every war we have been in.
Yes, but history tells us that we must be ever vigilant to keep this war from terrorism into devolving into a witch hunt.

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

Bush kind of implied that the war on terror was a war on tyranny. Does that mean we have to fight ourselves now?


I'm guessing this statement was made with tongue firmly implanted in cheek ;)

Or do you honestly think that the government of the United States is a tyranny?

And apparently, we should start wars in Iran and North Korea.

Well, they are part of the Axis of Evil :)

I haven't heard anyone in the administration recommend military action in either of these cases. They seem to want to give diplomacy a chance, which is a very wise move. Or perhaps we are waiting for Israel to strike Iran for us...

Nix stem cell research because life is precious, sanctified by our Creator.

I missed the speech - did he actually call for outlawing stem cell research?

See, the thing I don't get about the stem cell research debate is that Bush has cut government funding. It isn't illegal. The government just won't provide money for research. If stem cell research is the Holy Grail it is made out to be, then private investors can pump as much money as they'd like into research.

I found it fascinating that the Democrats chose the Governor of Virginia to give the Democratic Response

I, too, was surprised that they chose the new governor of the Commonwealth. If they wanted a governor from the Commonwealth, they should have chosen his predecessor, who supposedly has aspirations to become President.

They probably stayed away from polarizing figures like Pelosi, Reid, or Clinton because they wanted a more moderate response to the address.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

Or do you honestly think that the government of the United States is a tyranny?
Ask Hamas.

I missed the speech - did he actually call for outlawing stem cell research?
And I quote, "A hopeful society has institutions of science and medicine that do not cut ethical corners, and that recognize the matchless value of every life. Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to prohibit the most egregious abuses of medical research: human cloning in all its forms, creating or implanting embryos for experiments, creating human-animal hybrids, and buying, selling, or patenting human embryos. Human life is a gift from our Creator -- and that gift should never be discarded, devalued or put up for sale."

They probably stayed away from polarizing figures like Pelosi, Reid, or Clinton because they wanted a more moderate response to the address.
I dunno, I found the response rather weak for some reason.

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

Ask Hamas.

Honestly, I could care less what a terrorist organization thinks about the United States. I'm sure Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, Al Qaeda, and any number of other terrorist organizations would consider us evil and tyrranical.

But I wasn't asking Hamas. I was asking you ;)

human cloning in all its forms, creating or implanting embryos for experiments, creating human-animal hybrids, and buying, selling, or patenting human embryos. Human life is a gift from our Creator -- and that gift should never be discarded, devalued or put up for sale

This would seem open to interpretation. He isn't explicitly calling for the outlaw of stem cell research. And one could argue that embryos at fertility centers wouldn't fall into this category because they weren't created or implanted for experiments.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

But I wasn't asking Hamas. I was asking you.
My answer is this: Ask President Bush. Then ask Hamas. My answer lies somewhere in between those two answers.

This would seem open to interpretation. He isn't explicitly calling for the outlaw of stem cell research. And one could argue that embryos at fertility centers wouldn't fall into this category because they weren't created or implanted for experiments.
I guess it does give Bush wiggle room against the Far Right. And yet I can't shake the feeling he will not support stem cell research.

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

A tyrant is a "cruel despot who places their own interests or the interests of a small oligarchy over the best interests of the general population of the state over which they govern."

Bush is a cruel despot? Places his own interest over the general population? I really think that is reaching.

And yet I can't shake the feeling he will not support stem cell research.

What would give you that idea? That he has repeatedly - and emphatically - stated he will veto any legislation funding embryonic stem cell research? ;)

Like I said earlier, there is a misconception here: restricting federal funding != outlawing the research. If embryonic stem cell research will find cures for all of the world's ills, then they should be awash in money from venture capitalists and other private funding. That is not the case, so obviously the private sector also questions the viability of the claims of Nancy Reagan, Michael J. Fox, and supporters of the research.

Not speaking as opposition or advocate here - just thinking from an impartial point of view.

[cloewen.livejournal.com]

The government of the U.S. a tyranny? As I don't see detractors lined up against the wall or hanging from gibbets, I don't think so.

And you may have heard "ethanol is not exactly the best alternative fuel source," but I'd be hard pressed to find a better. True, it will eat out the gaskets and rubber hoses of older cars, but just like the horse buggy manufacturers had to adapt when cars were first introduced, the auto industry and consumers will have to adapt as we switch over to biofuels.

The American farmer seems to have a bright future the way I see it.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

The way I figure it, necessity is the mother of invention. Unfortunately, the necessity is more political than actual right now.

[samroswell.livejournal.com]

Biodiesel is a much better option than ethanol; ethanol requires higher compression (meaning major engine modifications for all but some of the most recent cars), provides less energy (lower MPG), and actually results the creation of more so-called Greenhouse Gases (when viewed from a "well-to-wheel" perspective) than gasoline. The only places where ethanol is comparably priced to gasoline is where the government provides heavy subsidies to corn farmers (yes, if you're for a socialistic welfare state, then that is actually a good thing...). Biodiesel, on the other hand, actually has a Greenhouse Gas deficit (soy eats more CO2 than corn...), runs in diesel engines with minimal modifications (it'll eat non-synthetic rubber hoses), and is more easily manufactured (refine grease from MickyD's...); in point of fact, modern diesel engines have greater fuel efficiency than modern gasoline engines, period.

Of course, both of these options require either buying a new car or heavily modifying an existing (gasoline) car...

[cloewen.livejournal.com]

This is truth.

I blame sleep deprivation for mixing ethanol with biofuel.

[odclay.livejournal.com]

Writer Peter David (www.peterdavid.net) had a pretty good running commentary of the speech last night.

My absolute favorite part was the Democratic standing ovation when Bush lamented about his failed Social Security reformed. He looked so pissed.

wldntulk2knwwho observed that starting off honoring Coretta Scott King was an ingenious move.

I liked how he went from honoring Mrs. King to comparing himself to Dr. Martin.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

I liked how he went from honoring Mrs. King to comparing himself to Dr. Martin.
We're all equal in God's eyes...

[odclay.livejournal.com]

Y'mean, Cheney?

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

Link to what you are talking about please?

[odclay.livejournal.com]

Sorry about that:

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/43189

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

The Onion is always good for a laugh. Did you see their post-9/11 "issue"?

[odclay.livejournal.com]

Was it the "We want to care about bullshit again" thing, or something else?

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

I think one of the headlines was "Holy Fucking Shit!!!"

Or something to that effect.

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

My absolute favorite part was the Democratic standing ovation when Bush lamented about his failed Social Security reformed. He looked so pissed.


I'm not sure why one would want to cheer for ignoring an issue as critical to the future of America's retirees as Social Security reform.

Oh...wait...I know why... they get hefty government pensions and the AARP lobby wants them to do nothing. ;)

[odclay.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure why one would want to cheer for ignoring an issue as critical to the future of America's retirees as Social Security reform.

I was just glad the Democrats finally got off their asses for something. Especially considering how much it annoyed Bush.

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

I was just glad the Democrats finally got off their asses for something.

Perhaps they can get off their asses and try to introduce legislation or agendas that would address the nation's pressing issues.

Giving themselves a standing ovation for their own little lame duck session is...well...silly...

[samroswell.livejournal.com]

1. Anyone referring to the president as a "village idiot" tends to actually occupy that position himself.
2. Care to rationally explain how you see the U.S. as a tyranny? Referencing an organization that stands and calls for the destruction of Israel is not a rational explanation.
3. You claim to be a historian; did you miss where our current president actually failed as an "oil man"?
4. I expect, unrealistically apparently, educated people to distinguish between "stem cell research" and "embryonic stem cell research". I don't, however, expect dim-witted polemics to distinguish between the execution of someone because of the choices he made and the execution of another because he doesn't yet have opportunity to make choices.
5. What freedoms are lost when someone listens in on your international call? Reads your email? Reads your IM messages? Liberty? Are you now imprisoned because of this potential action? Property? Are you now destitute? Life? Are you now dead? The freedom to kill and harm others? Now, stepping away from the abstract philosophical issue, should we listen to calls from ObL into the country? What about other known Al Queda members? What about other known, declared "Enemies of State"? Do we only listen to the foreign side, or do we also pay attention to who is speaking stateside, and what he is saying? Also, based on your words, I presume that you would not have us listen in on ObL's foreign-foreign conversations; should we just fire all current employees of the NSA, CIA and State Department?
6. What was your opinion of the Democratic Wing applauding the failure to of Congress to take steps to fix the obvious failure know as Social Security? Do you fail to see it as a failure? Personally I feel that I should count what was deducted from my pay last year for S.S. as a charitable contribution, and attempt to recoup some of the loss...

It's late, goodnight.

[greybeta.livejournal.com]

1. It takes one to know one.
2. Actually, Hamas would be among the best people to ask if the U.S. is a tyranny or not.
3. And yet, I see a bunch of oil lobbyists paying a bunch of money to the Bush dynasty.
4. Rational, educated people will be the ones to lead America to its destruction.
5. I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that we should be aware that we are never truly free in a land of limited liberties.
6. Who knows? Maybe we'll look back twenty years from now and applaud the Dems for standing up to Bush. Don't assume too much.

[kmg-365.livejournal.com]

1. It takes one to know one.

So are you agreeing with his assessment? That those who call Bush a village idiot are, themselves, idiots? If so, what does that say about the validity of their claims?

2. Actually, Hamas would be among the best people to ask if the U.S. is a tyranny or not.

You will have to beg my pardon, but I really don't understand your insistence on using Hamas as the tyrrany litmus test. Are you suggesting that we should be considered tyrants because we don't support their agenda to destroy Israel?

I would think that the best people to ask if the US is a tyranny is its citizens. Not terrorists who have pledged to destroy an entire nation and people.

Maybe we'll look back twenty years from now and applaud the Dems for standing up to Bush.

Social Security won't magically make itself solvent. Even the most conservative estimates state that the fund will go bankrupt if we continue business as usual. Pelosi's statements that she will block any and all social security reform is counter-productive, and not worthy of applause. If you have issues with the recommendations of a bi-partisan comission, then by all means, Nancy, offer alternatives. Filibustering and obstructionism are not solutions. Nor are they the basis for a platform - something I would think the past several election cycles would have taught the Democrats.

[thanoslug.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was kind of annoyed at the Dems for their hearty applause at their failure to do anything about the mess that the social security system is in. Woo hoo, we have blocked Bush from trying to keep social security from becoming bankrupt, we rule. I mean really, how childish can they be?

There is, indeed, a difference between stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research. Bush has really only ever spoken out against the embryonic research.