greybeta | Quick impressions on the State of the Union Address

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?