Confession: I didn't watch the State of the Union, or Rep. Paul Ryan's Republican response. I know, I know. Here's why: I have been stuck at home with a house full of Influenza A ridden kids for 5 days straight. I had a birthday dinner to go to, and I jumped at the chance. I planned on watching and reading both this morning, but I can't force myself to do it. I've started BOTH videos, and I felt like I was ready to vomit along with my kids, for different reasons obviously. I typically love the time honored traditions of our political process.
But the politically inflated words are falling on deaf and cynical ears. Both parties are desperately trying to repair their image. Republicans made a grandiose gesture of reading the most recent version of the US Constitution at the opening of this congressional session. Nice gesture. We're not fooled. It was a political stunt playing to the cries from the conservatives to return to the correct form of the federal government: limited. (Which is specified in the constitution.) I'll believe it when I see it. Democrats suggested playing musical chairs, removing the dividing aisle between the two quarreling parties. Integrating the party seating. Nice gesture. I'm not buying it either. Especially when you are interviewed on the talking head news shows bad mouthing your political counterparts.
My point: When I feel like I can waste an hour and a half listening to speeches written by someone other than the orator, then I might give my two cents. But as of right now, my two cents is, WHATS THE POINT?!?! Words given at the State of the Union address are just that, words. President, let's see what you actually do to improve the economy instead of throwing hundreds of billions at it. Congress, let's see if you can actually work together to cut spending at all levels, in all sectors, and incentivize business to keep business in the US.
4 comments:
I decided not to watch this year on purpose. I have just found that in the past it is nothing more than a political pep rally (both sides of the isle). When the room empties and the lights go out, things go on as they have been. There is no actual change in course. I'd rather not waste my time. Maybe that sounds a bit apathetic....oh well.
I think someone didn't watch lest she find things to LIKE about the Prez, along with 98& percent of Americans who did ... :)
I did hear that Obama gave a great speech. I am not afraid of liking him. I just don't agree with him politically. You see, I didn't watch under Bush either (I watched the 1st not the 2nd) I watch faithfully under Clinton and Bush 1. I just think, like I said, it is a night filled with a bunch of words and I don't want to get excited or disappointed for something great to happen when things are getting worse and no one is doing anything productive about it. But Carlos, that was a nice try :)
Carlos, I do (and have) said nice things about the Prez. And have since listened/watched/read the SOTU and the Response. And like the majority of American's, I agree Pres Obama can deliver a decent (he's had better) speeches. And I actually enjoyed having the seating "integrated" :) which surprised me. It was less of a pep assembly address from our Student Body President, with the fist pumping crowd. It was more subdued, which I liked better.
However, my entire point is that there are soooo many nauseating big productions for WORDS. And I think the majority of the blame should be on the mindless public that just wants to be reassured that everything is hunky dory in the good ol' US of A, that politicians words haven't been challenged as much as former Pres. Bush and Pres. Obama. President Obama presents great soundbytes, but like most politicians (repubs and dems) it is rarely backed up with constructive (key word) solutions.
And Carlos, I must say your more "civil discourse" is pleasant. Did you have a come to Jesus moment? :) All jokes aside, I appreciate it!
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