NationStates Jolt Archive

Well, the speech should start soon. Consider this thread a running commentary on the speech.

Have fun, I know I will.

Justice Alito...:D

So what exactly is a "State of the Union"-Address good for?

You know what he'll say already, you know he won't mention bad things and concentrate on good versions of other things and you know that that is not really the state of the union.

So why bother?

So what exactly is a "State of the Union"-Address good for?

You know what he'll say already, you know he won't mention bad things and concentrate on good versions of other things and you know that that is not really the state of the union.

So why bother?

A great many americans feel the same way. I think it is mostly for the old folks however.

Edit: and before someone starts, it is required that he reports to congress once a year. It doesn't have to be a speech however.

I can't wait for the mandatory camera shots of a drunk Kennedy and Schumer looking like he smells a fart.

He got confirmed, did he?

Damn. Last year, I had a TV tuner in my computer, so I could literally type as I watched it. Still need to get one of those for this...

He started talking now. Should be interesting...

So what exactly is a "State of the Union"-Address good for?

To know what bullshit Bush is officially using to explain things away this week.

So what exactly is a "State of the Union"-Address good for?

You know what he'll say already, you know he won't mention bad things and concentrate on good versions of other things and you know that that is not really the state of the union.

So why bother?

Comic value, methinks. That or for the betting pools. :p

Why be depressed the state of the union is a sort of pep rally for the United States of America so we should be happy this is a happy time we should celebrate everyday that we live in this nation and not take it for granted. If you want to complain then do something!!

I guess I can make this a running transcript.

Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, Members of the Supreme Court and diplomatic corps, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:



Today our Nation lost a beloved, graceful, courageous woman who called America to its founding ideals and carried on a noble dream. Tonight we are comforted by the hope of a glad reunion with the husband who was taken from her so long ago, and we are grateful for the good life of Coretta Scott King.



Each time I am invited to this rostrum, I am humbled by the privilege, and mindful of the history we have seen together. We have gathered under this Capitol dome in moments of national mourning and national achievement. We have served America through one of the most consequential periods of our history – and it has been my honor to serve with you.



In a system of two parties, two chambers, and two elected branches, there will always be differences and debate. But even tough debates can be conducted in a civil tone, and our differences cannot be allowed to harden into anger. To confront the great issues before us, we must act in a spirit of good will and respect for one another – and I will do my part. Tonight the state of our Union is strong – and together we will make it stronger.



In this decisive year, you and I will make choices that determine both the future and the character of our country. We will choose to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom – or retreat from our duties in the hope of an easier life. We will choose to build our prosperity by leading the world economy – or shut ourselves off from trade and opportunity. In a complex and challenging time, the road of isolationism and protectionism may seem broad and inviting – yet it ends in danger and decline. The only way to protect our people … the only way to secure the peace … the only way to control our destiny is by our leadership – so the United States of America will continue to lead.



Abroad, our Nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal – we seek the end of tyranny in our world. Some dismiss that goal as misguided idealism. In reality, the future security of America depends on it. On September 11th, 2001, we found that problems originating in a failed and oppressive state seven thousand miles away could bring murder and destruction to our country. Dictatorships shelter terrorists, feed resentment and radicalism, and seek weapons of mass destruction. Democracies replace resentment with hope, respect the rights of their citizens and their neighbors, and join the fight against terror. Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer, and so we will act boldly in freedom’s cause.



Far from being a hopeless dream, the advance of freedom is the great story of our time. In 1945, there were about two dozen lonely democracies on Earth. Today, there are 122. And we are writing a new chapter in the story of self-government – with women lining up to vote in Afghanistan … and millions of Iraqis marking their liberty with purple ink … and men and women from Lebanon to Egypt debating the rights of individuals and the necessity of freedom. At the start of 2006, more than half the people of our world live in democratic nations. And we do not forget the other half – in places like Syria, Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Iran – because the demands of justice, and the peace of this world, require their freedom as well.



No one can deny the success of freedom, but some men rage and fight against it. And one of the main sources of reaction and opposition is radical Islam – the perversion by a few of a noble faith into an ideology of terror and death. Terrorists like bin Laden are serious about mass murder – and all of us must take their declared intentions seriously. They seek to impose a heartless system of totalitarian control throughout the Middle East, and arm themselves with weapons of mass murder. Their aim is to seize power in Iraq, and use it as a safe haven to launch attacks against America and the world. Lacking the military strength to challenge us directly, the terrorists have chosen the weapon of fear. When they murder children at a school in Beslan … or blow up commuters in London … or behead a bound captive … the terrorists hope these horrors will break our will, allowing the violent to inherit the Earth. But they have miscalculated: We love our freedom, and we will fight to keep it.



In a time of testing, we cannot find security by abandoning our commitments and retreating within our borders. If we were to leave these vicious attackers alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores. There is no peace in retreat. And there is no honor in retreat. By allowing radical Islam to work its will – by leaving an assaulted world to fend for itself – we would signal to all that we no longer believe in our own ideals, or even in our own courage. But our enemies and our friends can be certain: The United States will not retreat from the world, and we will never surrender to evil.



America rejects the false comfort of isolationism. We are the Nation that saved liberty in Europe, and liberated death camps, and helped raise up democracies, and faced down an evil empire. Once again, we accept the call of history to deliver the oppressed, and move this world toward peace.



We remain on the offensive against terror networks. We have killed or captured many of their leaders – and for the others, their day will come.



We remain on the offensive in Afghanistan – where a fine president and national assembly are fighting terror while building the institutions of a new democracy.



And we are on the offensive in Iraq, with a clear plan for victory. First, we are helping Iraqis build an inclusive government, so that old resentments will be eased, and the insurgency marginalized. Second, we are continuing reconstruction efforts, and helping the Iraqi government to fight corruption and build a modern economy, so all Iraqis can experience the benefits of freedom. Third, we are striking terrorist targets while we train Iraqi forces that are increasingly capable of defeating the enemy. Iraqis are showing their courage every day, and we are proud to be their allies in the cause of freedom.



Our work in Iraq is difficult, because our enemy is brutal. But that brutality has not stopped the dramatic progress of a new democracy. In less than three years, that nation has gone from dictatorship, to liberation, to sovereignty, to a constitution, to national elections. At the same time, our coalition has been relentless in shutting off terrorist infiltration, clearing out insurgent strongholds, and turning over territory to Iraqi security forces. I am confident in our plan for victory … I am confident in the will of the Iraqi people … I am confident in the skill and spirit of our military. Fellow citizens, we are in this fight to win, and we are winning.



The road of victory is the road that will take our troops home. As we make progress on the ground, and Iraqi forces increasingly take the lead, we should be able to further decrease our troop levels – but those decisions will be made by our military commanders, not by politicians in Washington, D.C.



Our coalition has learned from experience in Iraq. We have adjusted our military tactics and changed our approach to reconstruction. Along the way, we have benefited from responsible criticism and counsel offered by Members of Congress of both parties. In the coming year, I will continue to reach out and seek your good advice.



Yet there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success, and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure. Hindsight alone is not wisdom. And second-guessing is not a strategy.



With so much in the balance, those of us in public office have a duty to speak with candor. A sudden withdrawal of our forces from Iraq would abandon our Iraqi allies to death and prison … put men like bin Laden and Zarqawi in charge of a strategic country … and show that a pledge from America means little. Members of Congress: however we feel about the decisions and debates of the past, our Nation has only one option: We must keep our word, defeat our enemies, and stand behind the American military in its vital mission.


Our men and women in uniform are making sacrifices – and showing a sense of duty stronger than all fear. They know what it is like to fight house to house in a maze of streets … to wear heavy gear in the desert heat … to see a comrade killed by a roadside bomb. And those who know the costs also know the stakes. Marine Staff Sergeant Dan Clay was killed last month fighting the enemy in Fallujah. He left behind a letter to his family, but his words could just as well be addressed to every American. Here is what Dan wrote: “I know what honor is. It has been an honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to…. Never falter! Don’t hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting.”



Staff Sergeant Dan Clay’s wife, Lisa, and his mom and dad, Sara Jo and Bud, are with us this evening. Our Nation is grateful to the fallen, who live in the memory of our country. We are grateful to all who volunteer to wear our Nation’s uniform – and as we honor our brave troops, let us never forget the sacrifices of America’s military families.



Our offensive against terror involves more than military action. Ultimately, the only way to defeat the terrorists is to defeat their dark vision of hatred and fear by offering the hopeful alternative of political freedom and peaceful change. So the United States of America supports democratic reform across the broader Middle East. Elections are vital – but they are only the beginning. Raising up a democracy requires the rule of law, protection of minorities, and strong, accountable institutions that last longer than a single vote. The great people of Egypt have voted in a multi-party presidential election – and now their government should open paths of peaceful opposition that will reduce the appeal of radicalism. The Palestinian people have voted in elections – now the leaders of Hamas must recognize Israel, disarm, reject terrorism, and work for lasting peace. Saudi Arabia has taken the first steps of reform – now it can offer its people a better future by pressing forward with those efforts. Democracies in the Middle East will not look like our own, because they will reflect the traditions of their own citizens. Yet liberty is the future of every nation in the Middle East, because liberty is the right and hope of all humanity.



The same is true of Iran, a nation now held hostage by a small clerical elite that is isolating and repressing its people. The regime in that country sponsors terrorists in the Palestinian territories and in Lebanon – and that must come to an end. The Iranian government is defying the world with its nuclear ambitions – and the nations of the world must not permit the Iranian regime to gain nuclear weapons. America will continue to rally the world to confront these threats. And tonight, let me speak directly to the citizens of Iran: America respects you, and we respect your country. We respect your right to choose your own future and win your own freedom. And our Nation hopes one day to be the closest of friends with a free and democratic Iran.


To overcome dangers in our world, we must also take the offensive by encouraging economic progress, fighting disease, and spreading hope in hopeless lands. Isolationism would not only tie our hands in fighting enemies, it would keep us from helping our friends in desperate need. We show compassion abroad because Americans believe in the God-given dignity and worth of a villager with HIV/AIDS, or an infant with malaria, or a refugee fleeing genocide, or a young girl sold into slavery. We also show compassion abroad because regions overwhelmed by poverty, corruption, and despair are sources of terrorism, organized crime, human trafficking, and the drug trade.



In recent years, you and I have taken unprecedented action to fight AIDS and malaria, expand the education of girls, and reward developing nations that are moving forward with economic and political reform. For people everywhere, the United States is a partner for a better life. Short-changing these efforts would increase the suffering and chaos of our world, undercut our long-term security, and dull the conscience of our country. I urge Members of Congress to serve the interests of America by showing the compassion of America.


Our country must also remain on the offensive against terrorism here at home. The enemy has not lost the desire or capability to attack us. Fortunately, this Nation has superb professionals in law enforcement, intelligence, the military, and homeland security. These men and women are dedicating their lives to protecting us all, and they deserve our support and our thanks. They also deserve the same tools they already use to fight drug trafficking and organized crime – so I ask you to reauthorize the Patriot Act.



It is said that prior to the attacks of September 11th, our government failed to connect the dots of the conspiracy. We now know that two of the hijackers in the United States placed telephone calls to al-Qaida operatives overseas. But we did not know about their plans until it was too late. So to prevent another attack – based on authority given to me by the Constitution and by statute – I have authorized a terrorist surveillance program to aggressively pursue the international communications of suspected al-Qaida operatives and affiliates to and from America. Previous presidents have used the same constitutional authority I have – and Federal courts have approved the use of that authority. Appropriate Members of Congress have been kept informed. This terrorist surveillance program has helped prevent terrorist attacks. It remains essential to the security of America. If there are people inside our country who are talking with al-Qaida, we want to know about it – because we will not sit back and wait to be hit again.

In all these areas – from the disruption of terror networks, to victory in Iraq, to the spread of freedom and hope in troubled regions – we need the support of friends and allies. To draw that support, we must always be clear in our principles and willing to act. The only alternative to American leadership is a dramatically more dangerous and anxious world. Yet we also choose to lead because it is a privilege to serve the values that gave us birth. American leaders – from Roosevelt to Truman to Kennedy to Reagan – rejected isolation and retreat, because they knew that America is always more secure when freedom is on the march. Our own generation is in a long war against a determined enemy – a war that will be fought by Presidents of both parties, who will need steady bipartisan support from the Congress. And tonight I ask for yours. Together, let us protect our country, support the men and women who defend us, and lead this world toward freedom.



Here at home, America also has a great opportunity: We will build the prosperity of our country by strengthening our economic leadership in the world.



Our economy is healthy, and vigorous, and growing faster than other major industrialized nations. In the last two-and-a-half years, America has created 4.6 million new jobs – more than Japan and the European Union combined. Even in the face of higher energy prices and natural disasters, the American people have turned in an economic performance that is the envy of the world.



The American economy is pre-eminent – but we cannot afford to be complacent. In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors like China and India. This creates uncertainty, which makes it easier to feed people’s fears. And so we are seeing some old temptations return. Protectionists want to escape competition, pretending that we can keep our high standard of living while walling off our economy. Others say that the government needs to take a larger role in directing the economy, centralizing more power in Washington and increasing taxes. We hear claims that immigrants are somehow bad for the economy – even though this economy could not function without them. All these are forms of economic retreat, and they lead in the same direction – toward a stagnant and second-rate economy.



Tonight I will set out a better path – an agenda for a Nation that competes with confidence – an agenda that will raise standards of living and generate new jobs. Americans should not fear our economic future, because we intend to shape it.



Keeping America competitive begins with keeping our economy growing. And our economy grows when Americans have more of their own money to spend, save, and invest. In the last five years, the tax relief you passed has left 880 billion dollars in the hands of American workers, investors, small businesses, and families – and they have used it to help produce more than four years of uninterrupted economic growth. Yet the tax relief is set to expire in the next few years. If we do nothing, American families will face a massive tax increase they do not expect and will not welcome.



Because America needs more than a temporary expansion, we need more than temporary tax relief. I urge the Congress to act responsibly, and make the tax cuts permanent.



Keeping America competitive requires us to be good stewards of tax dollars. Every year of my presidency, we have reduced the growth of non-security discretionary spending – and last year you passed bills that cut this spending. This year my budget will cut it again, and reduce or eliminate more than 140 programs that are performing poorly or not fulfilling essential priorities. By passing these reforms, we will save the American taxpayer another 14 billion dollars next year – and stay on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. I am pleased that Members of Congress are working on earmark reform – because the Federal budget has too many special interest projects. And we can tackle this problem together, if you pass the line-item veto.

Continued (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10337869&postcount=74)

So why bother?
'Cuz it's fun to make fun?

Whatever, he mentioned that dead chick, so I guess he does care about black people. Suck it, West!

Starts right in with "State of the Union is strong"...he hasn't done that in the last few times...

And a snide comment about filibustering, if I'm not mistaken.

Why be depressed the state of the union is a sort of pep rally for the United States of America so we should be happy...
You're easily impressed, aren't you?

Bush has negative speaking skills. and he blinks too much.

what the hell? He talks about the same shit every time. OOH THERE HE GOES WITH AN IDEA OF GIVING OUT MORE FREEDOM :rolleyes:

Anyone playing the drinking game is going to end up piss drunk halfway through.

"The terrorists use the weapon of fear... and they are coming after you!"
The latter part is paraphrase.

Why is he focusing on globalization? I mean, besides all of the obvious terrorism.

-snip-
I hate this sort of rhetoric so much...

What posting the actual transcript? Wow...didn't realize that was.

Never surrender to evil; unless it pays better than good.

Never surrender to evil; unless it pays better than good.
:D How very Bush. :p

So what exactly is a "State of the Union"-Address good for?

it's good for making our president seem like he's doing stuff that's moving our nation onward.

:D How very Bush. :p

Nah, he's to opinionated to change sides

These statements are so incredibly broad; if he backed half his stuff up, and didn't jump over everything, I might be able to follow him a tad better.

You're easily impressed, aren't you?

No more so than when Angela Merkel forces through a budget deal that effectively breaks promises that the EU made.

Last I heard, wasn't Iran a democracy? *blink*

I love how his "standing ovations" come entirely from one side of the hall.

"the time will come when we can decrease troop levels, but those decisions will be made by military commanders, not politicians in Iraq"

Translation: No, troops will never be removed from Iraq.

So what exactly is a "State of the Union"-Address good for?

The State of the Union is mandated by the Constitution. It has been chosen to be done yearly and generally the President reports on the state of the country and makes legislative proposals for that year. It's tradition that it has been done as the way it is.

Last I heard, wasn't Iran a democracy? *blink*

But they rigged the election :rolleyes:

No more so than when Angela Merkel forces through a budget deal that effectively breaks promises that the EU made.
Yay!
Finally an interesting topic. :p

Where you talking the European or the German Budget this time?

No more so than when Angela Merkel forces through a budget deal that effectively breaks promises that the EU made.
How did she do that? She helped negotiate problems coming from many EU countries and find compromises. If anything, Messieurs Blair and Chiraq are the ones at fault for a less than perfect deal.

I love how his "standing ovations" come entirely from one side of the hall.

Without all the clapping and ovations this would be a lot less painful.

Yay!
Finally an interesting topic. :p

Where you talking the European or the German Budget this time?

European.

Though I suppose it could apply to either.

http://www.examiner.com/articles/2006/01/31/ap/headlines/d8fg14mo0.txt

Supposedly, these are going to be the highlights...

1. declaring America must break its dependence on Mideast oil,
Specifically, "America is addicted to oil which is often imported from unstable parts of the world."

2. calling for training 70,000 math and science teachers to improve the nation's competitiveness

Who doesn't agree with this. I feel it is about time some president stepped up and said we must cease our addiction to oil. Not only is Bush saying it, the research being pumped into alternative fuels by his administration is something that I feel history will see as one of his greatest accomplishments. New math and science teachers, see here ( http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-01-30-math-race_x.htm?csp=34 ). Go Bush!!

Now the democratic response, On Iraq, VA Gov. Kaine is to say that Americans were given "inaccurate information about the reasons for invading" and that troops were given body armor that was inadequate.

Who doesn't dispute this? Someone gave us inaccurate information. The British guy who was found dead, the CIA's sub-sources, someone misled us into a war with Iraq. But does this mean that we should not succeed? Failure will likely result in a perfect training environment for the next 9-11's terrorists.

Body armor? In Iraq? Trust me, its fine. Everyone get enough armor. If we got anymore it would be way too fucking heavy to carry and we would get killed by not being able to move. I feel right now soldiers and Marines have the best combination of protection and mobility. This is a weak ass argument by the Dems. I bet you won't see Lieberman (who has actually been to Iraq twice and visited with troops) say this shit.

Anyways... thoughts???

Who wants to bet there is no way in hell the guy wrote this and it is part of the speech written by the guy who sits in the back writing speeches.

But they rigged the election :rolleyes:

Not entirely. The Supreme Council just limits who can run based on their adherence to Islam, their views on Islamic code, and so on and so fourth. It's actually a pretty decently free election, even for a general one-party democracy (lol).

I think I'll try translating some of this, for the less erudite NSers:
"Hindsight isn't wisdom; Second guessing is not a Strategy" - Shut up, bitches! Congress can't control me, I do what I want.
"Here's what Dan wrote" - Here's what I paid Dan to write.
"Protecting that which is worth protecting" - It's called patriotism, ass wipes, get some!

European.

Though I suppose it could apply to either.
How is she, the one credited for resolving many conflicts on the issue, responsible for forcing an "anti-EU" budget down the throats of the EU countries? Furthermore, how can she be blamed for planning necessary reforms for the outdated German economy?

European.
I think I have to side with Europa Maxima on this one...it was essentially the French and the British who couldn't find a compromise, and didn't bother trying, and Merkel said to them "Look, we can't leave here without some sort of agreement. Let's do this half-way and then try harder next time."

And it's not like Merkel did it out of German interests, because in the end, it's Germany who ends up paying the most.

one-party democracy (lol).
Isn't that an oxymoron?

Ah he just mentioned reform. What reform?

But they rigged the election :rolleyes:Yeah. The Ohio vote was seriously manipulated.

Oh. You meant Iran. ;)

Isn't that an oxymoron?

Ah he just mentioned reform. What reform?

Isn't it? One-party democracies are just authoritarian regimes and in some cases totalitarian regimes that let their people pick amongst a bunch of people who would be in with or without their vote. It looks good on paper.

Who wants to bet there is no way in hell the guy wrote this and it is part of the speech written by the guy who sits in the back writing speeches.
Presidents don't write speeches. They never do. They...um...do...something...

Whoops. Tehran is toast.

How is she, the one credited for resolving many conflicts on the issue, responsible for forcing an "anti-EU" budget down the throats of the EU countries? Furthermore, how can she be blamed for planning necessary reforms for the outdated German economy?

I vaguely remeber something about first world agricultural subsidies, and the recent hong kong round.

But doubtless you are correct, because europe=the world.

Tough to keep up with posting the transcript but ooo rah!

I love copy & paste.

I think I have to side with Europa Maxima on this one...
Do we tend to disagree that much? :confused: :p In any case, economically I share the same views as you...for the most part.

Had she not salvaged the budget deal, the EU would be left paralysed for another year. She demonstrated her skills in diplomacy by salvaging the whole affair. I was quite impressed. She is going well beyond my original expectations of her.

Much as I love talking about German economics (that's not sarcasm, it really is interesting), can you take it to another thread for the time being please? I might even stop by and put in some words of my own when this is all done.

Gah, no TV in this room. Must go back down and soak up more ammunition.

I vaguely remeber something about first world agricultural subsidies, and the recent hong kong round.

But doubtless you are correct, because europe=the world.
The agricultural subsidies relied on France (and a host of other nations) continued insistence that they remained in effect, as opposed to adopting Italy's proposition of assigning each country a fixed amount of the budget which they could spend as they wished (say, on agriculture). How is Merkel to blame for this?

Oh, and before you start with this anti-europeanism so rampant nowadays, do remember that the budget will be revised, and also that the EU is entitled to look out for its own interests, as do all other nations.

Bush is just making up bullshit now.

Hooray! More rhetoric about invading privacy to find out who we choose to talk to. It wasn't even very well hidden, either.

And again, only one side claps.

When did he start fighting aids? When he thought that abstinance-only education would stop everything bad from happening, ever?

Isn't it? One-party democracies are just authoritarian regimes and in some cases totalitarian regimes that let their people pick amongst a bunch of people who would be in with or without their vote. It looks good on paper.

Which is what Iran is; not really democratic then eh?

Yeah. The Ohio vote was seriously manipulated.

Oh. You meant Iran. ;)

I agree with the first thing too.

:upyours: Bush.



This guy does not do anything except fuck things up!

Fuck!

Do Americans actually take this shit seriously?
Every step toward freedom in the world makes our country safer, and so we will act boldly in freedom’s cause.
...
The United States will not retreat from the world, and we will never surrender to evil.
...
We are the Nation that saved liberty in Europe, and liberated death camps, and helped raise up democracies, and faced down an evil empire.
What in Jesus H Christ's name happened to him as a child?

There oughtta be an intermission. Maybe a musical number. I'm sorry, but this is simply below par for televisual media.

Bush is just making up bullshit now.
Was there a time when he wasn't? Hell, was there a time when the SotU wasn't made-up bullshit?
I want a President who will go up to the podium and deliver this speech:
"The State of the Union. Yes, the Union. Well, it's big, and most of it is located in the North American continent. That's all I got, everyone, goodnight."

Fuck!

Do Americans actually take this shit seriously?

What in Jesus H Christ's name happened to him as a child?
Watch this http://gprime.net/video.php/presidentialspeechalist :p

The agricultural subsidies relied on France (and a host of other nations) continued insistence that they remained in effect, as opposed to adopting Italy's proposition of assigning each country a fixed amount of the budget which they could spend as they wished (say, on agriculture). How is Merkel to blame for this?

Oh, and before you start with this anti-europeanism so rampant nowadays, do remember that the budget will be revised, and also that the EU is entitled to look out for its own interests, as do all other nations.

Which would be fine, except that europe had promised to do away with the CAP, which was blair's - though I hate that git - point.

So well done merkel. Piss on the third world. Leadership in action.

And it was very exciting for Europeans which goes back to my point of people being easily amused.

Fuck!

Do Americans actually take this shit seriously?

What in Jesus H Christ's name happened to him as a child?

He was dropped... and saw the light. His weak mind couldn't handle it :D

There oughtta be an intermission. Maybe a musical number. I'm sorry, but this is simply below par for televisual media.
That would be perfect. Bush should pull a cane out from behind the desk, catch a top hat thrown to him from off the stage, and just go into a song and dance number about terrorism. The Cabinet could get on stage and be his back-up singers.

Which is what Iran is; not really democratic then eh?



I agree with the first thing too.

:upyours: Bush.



This guy does not do anything except fuck things up!

Not democratic in the sense of western democracy but they do get to vote, albeit for people pre-chosen and sometimes there are actual non-clerical sponsored people allowed in, though not many, but it has happened. Secularists have won in some rare cases. So it's kind of like a democracy, every now and then. They do allow women to vote though (surprisingly).

Our economy is vigorous and strong...Yeah, let's ask Ford and General Motors about that. For that matter, how many of those 4.6 million mcjobs have benefits or a living wage?

Talking about immigrants now. He apparently (at least, judging by the speech) can't figure out how immigrants hurt the economy. Well, they don't, but they can hurt the people.

Granted, I'm not nessicarilly for or against him on this, but his stance is ignorant.

Also, John McCain is clapping, but he looks pissed.

Apparently, the right side of the room thinks they are to do the wave every 2 minutes.

Which would be fine, except that europe had promised to do away with the CAP, which was blair's - though I hate that git - point.

So well done merkel. Piss on the third world. Leadership in action.

And it was very exciting for Europeans which goes back to my point of people being easily amused.
Chiraq and Blair are to blame for that; she did not insist on agricultural subsidies. She ensured, however, that the EU is not afflicted with paralysis. Stop trying to vilify her. Also, remember, the EU owes a commitment first to itself. It cannot afford to become glacial. The EU has to continue moving forward.

LINE ITEM VETO!

where did that come from? and why is he trying to reinstate an item that the republicans destroyed?



I like the line item veto.

He made a funny. :D

Yeah, let's ask Ford and General Motors about that. For that matter, how many of those 4.6 million mcjobs have benefits or a living wage?
And the fact that the housing bubble might burst soon.

Honestly, who wants to tune into the State of the Union and here, "This country is screwed, we're all going to die. The world is about to shit on us and it is because we aren't paying attention or connected with reality." Nobody wants to hear that shit.

DID YOU JUST HEAR WHAT HE SAID? ABOUT THE BUDGET REFORMS?

Holy shit. He should cut non-essiental items, not what's performing poorly! If its non-essiental and performing poorly, then cut it, hands down.

LINE ITEM VETO!

where did that come from? and why is he trying to reinstate an item that the republicans destroyed?



I like the line item veto.
I'm a little undecided there...as I understand it, the Line Item Veto rips a lot of power out of Congress...

Apparently, the right side of the room thinks they are to do the wave every 2 minutes.
Maybe the "Applause"-Sign is broken.

Second Half of the transcript

Basically before I get a "too many character" error on the first one (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10337595&postcount=10).

We must also confront the larger challenge of mandatory spending, or entitlements. This year, the first of about 78 million Baby Boomers turn 60, including two of my Dad’s favorite people – me, and President Bill Clinton. This milestone is more than a personal crisis – it is a national challenge. The retirement of the Baby Boom generation will put unprecedented strains on the Federal government. By 2030, spending for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid alone will be almost 60 percent of the entire Federal budget. And that will present future Congresses with impossible choices – staggering tax increases, immense deficits, or deep cuts in every category of spending.



Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security, yet the rising cost of entitlements is a problem that is not going away – and with every year we fail to act, the situation gets worse. So tonight, I ask you to join me in creating a commission to examine the full impact of Baby Boom retirements on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. This commission should include Members of Congress of both parties, and offer bipartisan answers. We need to put aside partisan politics, work together, and get this problem solved.


Keeping America competitive requires us to open more markets for all that Americans make and grow. One out of every five factory jobs in America is related to global trade, and we want people everywhere to buy American. With open markets and a level playing field, no one can out-produce or out-compete the American worker.



Keeping America competitive requires an immigration system that upholds our laws, reflects our values, and serves the interests of our economy. Our Nation needs orderly and secure borders. To meet this goal, we must have stronger immigration enforcement and border protection. And we must have a rational, humane guest worker program that rejects amnesty … allows temporary jobs for people who seek them legally … and reduces smuggling and crime at the border.



Keeping America competitive requires affordable health care. Our government has a responsibility to help provide health care for the poor and the elderly, and we are meeting that responsibility. For all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care … strengthen the doctor-patient relationship … and help people afford the insurance coverage they need. We will make wider use of electronic records and other health information technology, to help control costs and reduce dangerous medical errors. We will strengthen Health Savings Accounts – by making sure individuals and small business employees can buy insurance with the same advantages that people working for big businesses now get. We will do more to make this coverage portable, so workers can switch jobs without having to worry about losing their health insurance. And because lawsuits are driving many good doctors out of practice – leaving women in nearly 1,500 American counties without a single OB-GYN – I ask the Congress to pass medical liability reform this year.

Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. Here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world.



The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly 10 billion dollars to develop cleaner, cheaper, more reliable alternative energy sources – and we are on the threshold of incredible advances. So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative – a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants; revolutionary solar and wind technologies; and clean, safe nuclear energy.


Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. Here we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable parts of the world.



The best way to break this addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly 10 billion dollars to develop cleaner, cheaper, more reliable alternative energy sources – and we are on the threshold of incredible advances. So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative – a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants; revolutionary solar and wind technologies; and clean, safe nuclear energy.


First: I propose to double the Federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next ten years. This funding will support the work of America’s most creative minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources.



Second: I propose to make permanent the research and development tax credit, to encourage bolder private-sector investment in technology. With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve our quality of life – and ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come.



Third: We need to encourage children to take more math and science, and make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other nations. We have made a good start in the early grades with the No Child Left Behind Act, which is raising standards and lifting test scores across our country. Tonight I propose to train 70,000 high school teachers, to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science … bring 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms … and give early help to students who struggle with math, so they have a better chance at good, high-wage jobs. If we ensure that America’s children succeed in life, they will ensure that America succeeds in the world.



Preparing our Nation to compete in the world is a goal that all of us can share. I urge you to support the American Competitiveness Initiative … and together we will show the world what the American people can achieve.


America is a great force for freedom and prosperity. Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.



In recent years, America has become a more hopeful Nation. Violent crime rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1970s. Welfare cases have dropped by more than half over the past decade. Drug use among youth is down 19 percent since 2001. There are fewer abortions in America than at any point in the last three decades, and the number of children born to teenage mothers has been falling for a dozen years in a row.

America is a great force for freedom and prosperity. Yet our greatness is not measured in power or luxuries, but by who we are and how we treat one another. So we strive to be a compassionate, decent, hopeful society.



In recent years, America has become a more hopeful Nation. Violent crime rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1970s. Welfare cases have dropped by more than half over the past decade. Drug use among youth is down 19 percent since 2001. There are fewer abortions in America than at any point in the last three decades, and the number of children born to teenage mothers has been falling for a dozen years in a row.



These gains are evidence of a quiet transformation – a revolution of conscience, in which a rising generation is finding that a life of personal responsibility is a life of fulfillment. Government has played a role. Wise policies such as welfare reform, drug education, and support for abstinence and adoption have made a difference in the character of our country. And everyone here tonight, Democrat and Republican, has a right to be proud of this record.



Yet many Americans, especially parents, still have deep concerns about the direction of our culture, and the health of our most basic institutions. They are concerned about unethical conduct by public officials, and discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage. And they worry about children in our society who need direction and love … and about fellow citizens still displaced by natural disaster … and about suffering caused by treatable disease.


As we look at these challenges, we must never give in to the belief that America is in decline, or that our culture is doomed to unravel. The American people know better than that. We have proven the pessimists wrong before – and we will do it again.



A hopeful society depends on courts that deliver equal justice under law. The Supreme Court now has two superb new members, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Sam Alito. I thank the Senate for confirming both of them. And I will continue to nominate men and women who understand that judges must be servants of the law, and not legislate from the bench. Today marks the official retirement of a very special American. For 24 years of faithful service to our Nation, the United States is grateful to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.


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.



A hopeful society expects elected officials to uphold the public trust. Honorable people in both parties are working on reforms to strengthen the ethical standards of Washington – and I support your efforts. Each of us has made a pledge to be worthy of public responsibility – and that is a pledge we must never forget, never dismiss, and never betray.



As we renew the promise of our institutions, let us also show the character of America in our compassion and care for one another.

A hopeful society gives special attention to children who lack direction and love. Through the Helping America’s Youth Initiative, we are encouraging caring adults to get involved in the life of a child – and this good work is led by our First Lady, Laura Bush. This year we will add resources to encourage young people to stay in school – so more of America’s youth can raise their sights and achieve their dreams.



A hopeful society comes to the aid of fellow citizens in times of suffering and emergency – and stays at it until they are back on their feet. So far the Federal government has committed 85 billion dollars to the people of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans. We are removing debris, repairing highways, and building stronger levees. We are providing business loans and housing assistance. Yet as we meet these immediate needs, we must also address deeper challenges that existed before the storm arrived. In New Orleans and in other places, many of our fellow citizens have felt excluded from the promise of our country. The answer is not only temporary relief, but schools that teach every child … and job skills that bring upward mobility … and more opportunities to own a home and start a business. As we recover from a disaster, let us also work for the day when all Americans are protected by justice, equal in hope, and rich in opportunity.


A hopeful society acts boldly to fight diseases like HIV/AIDS, which can be prevented, and treated, and defeated. More than a million Americans live with HIV, and half of all AIDS cases occur among African-Americans. I ask Congress to reform and reauthorize the Ryan White Act … and provide new funding to states, so we end the waiting lists for AIDS medicine in America. We will also lead a nationwide effort, working closely with African-American churches and faith-based groups, to deliver rapid HIV tests to millions, end the stigma of AIDS, and come closer to the day when there are no new infections in America.



Fellow citizens, we have been called to leadership in a period of consequence. We have entered a great ideological conflict we did nothing to invite. We see great changes in science and commerce that will influence all our lives. And sometimes it can seem that history is turning in a wide arc, toward an unknown shore.


Yet the destination of history is determined by human action, and every great movement of history comes to a point of choosing. Lincoln could have accepted peace at the cost of disunity and continued slavery. Martin Luther King could have stopped at Birmingham or at Selma, and achieved only half a victory over segregation. The United States could have accepted the permanent division of Europe, and been complicit in the oppression of others. Today, having come far in our own historical journey, we must decide: Will we turn back, or finish well?



Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage. Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we will finish well. We will lead freedom’s advance. We will compete and excel in the global economy. We will renew the defining moral commitments of this land. And so we move forward – optimistic about our country, faithful to its cause, and confident of victories to come.



Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America.

"Congress didn't act on my plan to save Social Security" gets a standing ovation?
:confused: YAY! He called us incompetent! WHEEEE!!!

He should cut non-essiental items, not what's performing poorly!
Well, he started with reconstruction money for the Iraqis...:rolleyes:

Honestly, who wants to tune into the State of the Union and here, "This country is screwed, we're all going to die. The world is about to shit on us and it is because we aren't paying attention or connected with reality." Nobody wants to hear that shit.

No, but we want the truth. The world isn't gonna shit on us, but we are not doing as good as he says.

"No one can out produce the american worker;"

China can :rolleyes:

Chiraq and Blair are to blame for that; she did not insist on agricultural subsidies. She ensured, however, that the EU is not afflicted with paralysis. Stop trying to vilify her. Also, remember, the EU owes a commitment first to itself. It cannot afford to become glacial. The EU has to continue moving forward.

Take a deep breath.

Okay. I am not trying to vilify Merkel per se. I am simply pointing out that what she did, which is basically predictable, and a case of promises made promises broken, is pretty much the same as what ever GWB is doing tonight. And in both cases, the respective constituencies are 'easily amused' by it.

Though she was still wrong. And blair was right. So there. :p

Well, he started with reconstruction money for the Iraqis...:rolleyes:

Nah... if we leave it like it is, we've just given the terrorists a good chunk of the world's oil.

Keep that funding, even if it sucks.

I like how he keeps talking about border control like we haven't been working it for the past 10 years. All he's proposing is doing what we've been doing, and hope it will suddenly make a difference.

No, but we want the truth. The world isn't gonna shit on us, but we are not doing as good as he says.

"No one can out produce the american worker;"

China can :rolleyes:

I don't think there is a State of the Union address where a President said that the State of the Union wasn't good except for that one where the stock market took a shit the next day. A lot is at stake with this speech. Tomorrow, stock trades will show a lot of how it was recieved.

Take a deep breath.

Okay. I am not trying to vilify Merkel per se. I am simply pointing out that what she did, which is basically predictable, and a case of promises made promises broken, is pretty much the same as what ever GWB is doing tonight. And in both cases, the respective constituencies are 'easily amused' by it.

Though she was still wrong. And blair was right. So there. :p
She did the best she could in a bad situation. Anyway, you've made your point, I've mad mine, so we might as well end this. Its off topic.

As for Blair, I find the worm detestable.

Now, why would I want to take a deep breath? :rolleyes:

I like how he keeps talking about border control like we haven't been working it for the past 10 years. All he's proposing is doing what we've been doing, and hope it will suddenly make a difference.

It will, because he said so.

what was that medical liability thing?

I'm a little undecided there...as I understand it, the Line Item Veto rips a lot of power out of Congress...Indeed it does, thus going a long way to eliminating the 'equal' part of the three branch system.

It's like the Republicans don't realize that at some point in the future they will be the weak party again.

Nah... if we leave it like it is, we've just given the terrorists a good chunk of the world's oil.

Keep that funding, even if it sucks.
Agreed. Going in was stupid, but pulling out now is even stupider.

And, Europa Maxima and Lacadaemon, can you please take that arguement to a seperate thread. It would be much appreciated.

Why be depressed the state of the union is a sort of pep rally for the United States of America so we should be happy this is a happy time we should celebrate everyday that we live in this nation and not take it for granted. If you want to complain then do something!!


Error: Does not comply. Statement made out of ignorance.


The State of the Union address is not a pep rally. It is just what it says: The State of the Union. Good or bad. Yes, it's going to be biased. It always has been. It's not just Bush, every president has always given a greater statement about the Union than the truth.

And the United States is not about to 'go under'. We'll be fine. Yes, we may end up in a war, but wars happen. It's unfortunate, but sometimes necessary. State your opinions on the country. It's your right. But don't assume that we have nothing but a group of fools running the government. Do you think you're qualified to run it? I'm not a huge Bush fan, but I'm atleast aware that I'm no more qualified than he is for the position.

YAY!!!!!!

A 22% increase in research funds! :rolleyes:
That isn't shit.

America is addicted to oil.Well, damn. Who knew the War on Drugs would target Exxon.

Last time I checked we were dependent on Venezuelan oil more than Middle Eastern. Doesn't most of our oil imports come from Mexico and Venezuela and Canada?

"we will make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing of the past- we will start a time travel project this year to travel back in time and take over the Middle East, so it is our oil."

It's like the Republicans don't realize that at some point in the future they will be the weak party again.

I've been praying for that since the day I started to care about politics.

HA HA HA!

Oh, man, that was the funniest thing he's said all year. "Moving away from foreign oil", "improving the environment"...oh man, is that funny.

And he attacked Kerry for flip-flopping...

"America is addicted to oil"
Goddamn it. I only just now managed to face that I was addicted to love, and not you want to throw this one on me to?

Democracies replace resentment with hope, respect the rights of their citizens and their neighbors, and join the fight against terror.
So it was written before Hamas was democratically elected to lead the Palestinian Authority?

About time we realized that it's time to get our kids smart. I mean damn the national average on intelligence has to be declining.

I don't think there is a State of the Union address where a President said that the State of the Union wasn't good except for that one where the stock market took a shit the next day. A lot is at stake with this speech. Tomorrow, stock trades will show a lot of how it was recieved.

they're gonna shit themselves :p

HA HA HA!

Oh, man, that was the funniest thing he's said all year. "Moving away from foreign oil", "improving the environment"...oh man, is that funny.

And he attacked Kerry for flip-flopping...
Well he is targetting arctic oil right now, is he not? Although technically that won't help the environment, and the US has very limited claim to it, Denmark, Canada, Russia and Norway essentially being the parties with greatest claim.

About time we realized that it's time to get our kids smart. I mean damn the national average on intelligence has to be declining.
"Listen, the other day I was asked about the National Intelligence Estimate, which is a national intelligence estimate." -Dubyah

Yep.

So it was written before Hamas was democratically elected to lead the Palestinian Authority?

Who knows when it was written. Shame isn't it that they were actually elected rightfully (as far as we can currently tell)? Man that's a major backstep in any hope of any lessening of insanity over there. It'll never be peaceful there but damn it would have certainly be a lot less kill-em-all until now.

I mean damn the national average on intelligence has to be declining.
:Dhttp://assets.jolt.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

I hate No Child Left Behind so incredibly much. All its done is made school stick us with a crapload of Rubrics that no one likes.

America is hopeful?
Drug use among youth is down 19%
^Funny, I think its something called not getting caught.

Who wants to bet he says we should overturn Roe v Wade in the next few minutes?

Scary though...a lot of foreign countries fund their brightest to come to our best universities to get educated and then they go back and do great things for thier own country. Hell we do educate 1/2 the worlds' terrorists at Harvard, Yale, etc. :). Man if only I was a terrorist, I could have gone to Harvard and not Iona.

"We should never give in to the idea that America is in decline"
Translation: Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

Who wants to bet he says we should overturn Roe v Wade in the next few minutes?
He doesn't need to. It's old news.

Yep, he mentioned Alito. Let's see where this goes.

We're going to have a funding initiative for advanced placement math and science sponsored by the guy who thought ID should be taught in science class? :rolleyes:

Oh and now we're attacking courts upholding civil rights and lauding the right-wing packing of SCOTUS.

I think my logical fallacy indicator just ran into the red.

Bah! Scalia could kick both of their asses with his hands tied behind his back. And he would father another 3 kids in the process.

Who wants to bet he says we should overturn Roe v Wade in the next few minutes?
I'll take that bet. Saying something like that is political suicide for his pals in the Senate, and so he will (at most) dance around the issue, but he will certainly not be direct or blunt about it.

He doesn't need to. It's old news.

Yep, he mentioned Alito. Let's see where this goes.

Another Page.

I should probably be watching this...

"I will continue to nominate men and women who respect the rule of law and will not legislate from the bench."
Translate: I plan to appoint judges who unwaveringly oppose progress in all forms.

Who wants to bet he says we should overturn Roe v Wade in the next few minutes?
Hes almost there

Okay all that other stuff sucks but cloning could lead to good things. Imagine growing a new heart for a 5 year old kid just by matching his blood type where it couldn't be done in any 1 out of 1,000,000,000 people.

Alert: Cloning Rant. Brilliant.

Also, note: he did not say "God", he said "our Creator".

Hes almost there

LOL ain't in the speech, I doubt it is.

I love rants against the best hope medicine has to cure diseases. Don't you?

Alert: Cloning Rant. Brilliant.

Also, note: he did not say "God", he said "our Creator".

Hmmm...You know that is pretty funny he said that...that's definitely a Founding Father's term.

Oh aye...I just remembered it's on BBC News 24 (which is shown on BBC1 at this time of the morning)

*Switches on TV*

LOL ain't in the speech, I doubt it is.
He came close with the stem cell comments. You can infer his feelings from there.

I want him to just say. "Listen Osama. How about I punchisize your face?"

"...not legislate from the bench."
This is really important to Americans, hey...the judicative should never ever interfere with the legislative.

The other way around of course is absolutely essential. :rolleyes:

I want him to just say. "Listen Osama. How about I punchisize your face?"

Nah, he'll misunderestimate osama's right hook

Gary Larson take:

"blah blah blah blah blah *war on terror* blah blah blah *clap-clap-clap*"

Vegetarianistica']Gary Larson take:

"blah blah blah blah blah *war on terror* blah blah blah *clap-clap-clap*"

Forgot Aids and freedom:p

This is really important to Americans, hey...the judicative should never ever interfere with the legislative.

The other way around of course is absolutely essential. :rolleyes:
This is also an issue in Britain, where the Judiciary is under constant attack by the Executive/ Legislative.

He came close with the stem cell comments. You can infer his feelings from there.

Oh yeah that's definitely a given but then again this guy does owe way too much to religion and God. Man, I long for the days of the deists like the Founding Fathers when they saw God had no actual role in actual life but rather that He created the world and set it free to run by itself. Man what happened to us over the course of a few hundred years, we turned into wussies.

He sounded good talking about HIV...







...then he said "faith based groups"

I love rants against the best hope medicine has to cure diseases. Don't you?Ayup. And then to pander for the African-American vote with a "let's cure AIDS 'cuz the brothers are sufferin'" plea.

"...faith based groups to deliver something about AIDS.."
Translation: I support religious opposition to sex

It seems that people in New Orleans might feel left out from the American Dream. Well, Skippy, I suppose that having your city destroyed might disillusion you somewhat.

Big Buildup...come On

"osama How About I Punchisize Your Face!!!"

Big Buildup...come On

"osama How About I Punchisize Your Face!!!"

Son of a bitch he didn't say it!

"Martin Luther king...could have only finished half of segregation."
First of all, that was a near direct quote. How do you "Finish Segregation?"

Secondly, I don't think that Bush wanted King to finish at all :rolleyes:

Vegetarianistica']Gary Larson take:

"blah blah blah blah blah *war on terror* blah blah blah *clap-clap-clap*"
I remember the cartoon you're thinking of. Brilliant man, that Gary Larson. :)

Aw. It's over.

I remember the cartoon you're thinking of. Brilliant man, that Gary Larson. :)

Aw. It's over.

Bush's conscience HAS to be overloaded from all the lies he's told over the past 5 years. COME ON. He's not even human, then! Eww.

"Martin Luther king...could have only finished half of segregation."
First of all, that was a near direct quote. How do you "Finish Segregation?"

Secondly, I don't think that Bush wanted King to finish at all :rolleyes:

Hmmm I don't think he really would think that. Byrd the KKK guy on the other hand.

Nah, he'll misunderestimate osama's right hook
Don't sell him short, only half of the fight is your ability to throw a punch, the other half is strategery.

Hmmm I don't think he really would think that. Byrd the KKK guy on the other hand.

Bush is a racist; he thinks it.
I'm right, because I'm always right. Even if I'm wrong, I'm right.
^The bush mentality.

Aw. It's over.
Time to get back to the ranch, watching cartoons, while his mates from PNAC run the place for a bit then.

Don't sell him short, only half of the fight is your ability to throw a punch, the other half is strategery.

Nah Bush would kick Osama's ass in a fight. He's from Texas. :D

Don't sell him short, only half of the fight is your ability to throw a punch, the other half is strategery.
Fool Him once, shame on Osama
fool Him twi...twice.......
He won't get fooled again :D

Bush is a racist; he thinks it.
I'm right, because I'm always right. Even if I'm wrong, I'm right.
^The bush mentality.

LOL ... Racism is fun...

Sheesh...just what I expected. This is why I chose to watch the NHL on OLN instead...after all, one of my two favorite teams is playing (my two favorite teams are Detroit and whoever's playing Colorado. Whoever's playing Colorado is winning 1-0. Life is good, except my eye itches like hell and my dog is trying to chase my cat.)

Anywho, enough of this thread hijack. OK, maybe not...God-fucking-damnit the damn Avalanche scored. Fuckity-fuckstick. And my eye still itches.

Frankly, it seems as though Bush's endeavors are social security reform, Roe vs. Wade overturned, and the Federal Marriage Amendment. Let's just say that my cats will begin dating before any of those besides the Roe vs. Wade one gets done, and even that's a long shot. So no, the State of the Union isn't worth it for me. I don't enjoy listening to a man who can't speak very well talk about an agenda that's a bunch of horseshit that largely can't get passed anyway.

<--- recieved a transcript of his speech @ 8:12PM :)

Okay, reference sheet.

9/11 - 2
WMDs - 4
Terrorism - 18
Freedom - 10
Democracy - 10
Osama Bin-Laden/Al-Qaeda - 6
Iraq - 15
Fear - 4
Immigration - 3
Iran - 6
Evil - 3
Social Security - 4
God References - 5

Terrorism wins with a score of 18, Iraq ran a close second.




The basic points:

-Reject Isolationism
-Fuck Iran
-Patriot Act around the world
-Global Economics
-14 bn cut in domestic spending
-New clean forms of energy
-More and better teachers
-Defending domestic spying
-Line Item Veto
-Research reform
-Supreme Court Justices "following the rule of law" instead of legislating from the bench




Biggest point in the speech - Foreign Policies/Terrorism

This is really important to Americans, hey...the judicative should never ever interfere with the legislative.

The other way around of course is absolutely essential. :rolleyes:

Actually, yeah, that's kind of important.

Honestly, if boils down to this.

I hate Bush.
He fills me with feelings that make me want to punch babies and boil live puppies.

"...faith based groups to deliver something about AIDS.."
Translation: I support religious opposition to sex


Or, rather, "if you don't go to church you deserve to die of AIDS."

The State Of The Union: A Strong America Leading The World



In His State Of The Union Address, President Bush Discussed America's Leadership In The World And Shared His Vision To Lead America Forward. At a time of great consequence, the President laid out an agenda of leadership to act confidently in pursuing the enemies of freedom and to build our prosperity by leading the world economy. The President rejected the roads of isolationism and protectionism and called for cooperation and courage in confronting challenges. America will lead freedom's advance, compete and excel in the global economy, and renew the defining moral commitments of this land, confident of victory.



Leadership Toward Peace In The World



Every Step Toward Freedom In The World Makes Our Country Safer, And So America Will Act Boldly In Freedom's Cause. Today our Nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal: the end of tyranny in our world. On September 11th, 2001, America found that problems originating in a failed and oppressive state seven thousand miles away could bring murder and destruction to our country. Dictatorships shelter terrorists, feed resentment and radicalism, and seek weapons of mass destruction. Democracies replace resentment with hope, respect the rights of their citizens and their neighbors, and join the fight against terror. As we celebrate the spread of freedom in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, we do not forget people living in places like Syria, Burma, Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Iran – because the demands of justice, and the peace of this world, require their freedom as well.



Ø America Will Not Retreat From The World Or Surrender To Evil. In a time of testing, America cannot find security by abandoning commitments and retreating to isolation within our borders. If we were to leave the terrorists alone, they would not leave us alone. They would simply move the battlefield to our own shores. There is no peace or honor in retreat. America rejects the false comfort of isolationism. We accept the call of history to deliver the oppressed and move the world toward peace.



America Is On The Offensive In The War On Terror. America and its allies have killed or captured many of the leaders of the terror networks. For the others, their day will come.



Ø We Remain On The Offensive In Afghanistan. In that country, a fine president and National Assembly are fighting terror while building the institutions of a new democracy.



Ø America Is On The Offensive In Iraq, With A Clear Plan For Victory. First, the Coalition is helping Iraqis build an inclusive government, so that old resentments will be eased and the insurgency will be marginalized. Second, the Coalition is continuing reconstruction efforts and helping the Iraqi government fight corruption and build a modern economy. Third, Coalition forces are striking terrorist targets and training Iraqi forces. In less than three years, Iraq has gone from dictatorship, to liberation, to sovereignty, to a constitution, to national elections.



Ø The Brutality Of The Terrorists Cannot Stop The Dramatic Progress Of A New Democracy. The Coalition has been relentless in shutting off terrorist infiltration, clearing out insurgent strongholds, and turning over territory to Iraqi security forces. As we make progress on the ground, and Iraqi forces increasingly take the lead, we should be able to further decrease our troop levels, but those decisions will be made by our military commanders, not by politicians in Washington, D.C.



Ø Our Strategy For Victory In Iraq Benefits From Responsible Criticism And Counsel. The effort in Iraq has benefited from responsible criticism and counsel offered by Members of Congress of both parties. The President will continue to reach out and seek good advice. Yet there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure. However individuals feel about the decisions and debates of the past, our Nation has only one option: We must keep our word, defeat our enemies, and stand behind the men and women of America's military in their vital mission.



Progress Will Continue Across The Middle East As America Offers A Hopeful Alternative To Hatred And Fear. America's offensive against terror involves more than military action, and we are delivering a clear message across the broader Middle East. In parts of the Middle East, there have been steps taken toward reform, but there is more progress to be made. Elections are vital – but they are only the beginning. Raising up a democracy requires the rule of law, protection of minorities, and strong, accountable institutions that last longer than a single vote. The Palestinian people have voted in elections – now the leaders of Hamas must recognize Israel, disarm, reject terrorism and work for a lasting peace. Elsewhere in the Middle East, the repressive regime in Iran is defying the world with its nuclear ambitions, and the nations of the world must not permit the Iranian regime to gain nuclear weapons.



Ø As America Encourages The Spread Of Freedom, We Must Also Spread Prosperity. To overcome dangers in our world, America will encourage economic progress, fight disease, and spread hope in hopeless lands. Isolationism would not only tie our hands in fighting enemies, it would keep America from helping our friends in desperate need. America has taken unprecedented action to fight AIDS and malaria, expand the education of girls, and reward developing nations moving forward with economic and political reform. Short-changing these efforts would increase the suffering and chaos of the world, undercut America's long-term security, and dull the conscience of our country.



The Offensive Against Terrorism Must Continue At Home. The enemy has not lost the desire or capability to attack us. America has superb professionals in law enforcement, intelligence, the military, and homeland security who are protecting America. They deserve our thanks – and they deserve the same tools they already use to fight drug trafficking and organized crime, so the President called on Congress to reauthorize the Patriot Act.



Winning The War on Terror Requires Learning The Lessons of September 11th. To prevent another attack – based on authority given to the President by the Constitution and by statute – the President has authorized a terrorist surveillance program to aggressively pursue the international communications of suspected al-Qaida operatives and affiliates to and from America. Previous presidents have used the same constitutional authority the President has – and Federal courts have approved the use of that authority. Appropriate Members of Congress have been kept informed. This terrorist surveillance program has helped prevent terrorist attacks. It remains essential to the security of America. If there are people inside our country who are talking with al-Qaida, we want to know about it – because we will not sit back and wait to be hit again.



Leadership For Prosperity At Home And Abroad



America's Economic Strength Continues To Lead The World. The American economy is healthy and vigorous and growing faster than other major industrialized nations. In the last two and a half years, America has created 4.6 million new jobs – more than Japan and the European Union combined. Even in the face of higher energy prices and natural disasters, the American people have turned in an economic performance that is the envy of the world.



Our Nation Will Compete With Confidence And Extend Our Economic Leadership In The World. In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors. This creates uncertainty, which makes it easier to feed people's fears. Protectionists want to escape competition, while others want the government to take a larger role in directing the economy. The President set forth a better path that will raise standards of living and generate new jobs. Americans should not fear our economic future, because we intend to shape it.



Congress Needs To Make The Tax Cuts Permanent. Keeping America competitive begins with keeping our economy growing. Our economy grows when Americans have more of their own money to spend, save, and invest. In the last five years, tax relief has left $880 billion in the hands of American workers, investors, small businesses, and families, and they have used it to help produce more than four years of uninterrupted economic growth. Yet the tax relief is set to expire in the next few years. If Congress does not act, American families will face a massive tax increase.



The Growth Of Government Must Be Limited Through Fiscal Discipline. Every year since President Bush took office, the growth of non-security discretionary spending has been reduced, and last year this spending was cut. This year the President's budget will cut it again and will reduce or eliminate more than 140 programs that are performing poorly or not fulfilling essential priorities. By passing these reforms, we will save the American taxpayer another $14 billion next year and stay on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. Congress must also move forward on earmark reform and pass the line-item veto to limit special interest projects.



Ø The Government Must Confront The Larger Challenge Of Entitlement Spending. The coming retirement of the Baby Boom generation will put unprecedented strains on the Federal government. By 2030, spending for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid alone will be almost 60 percent of the entire Federal budget. And that will present future Congresses with impossible choices: staggering tax increases, immense deficits, or deep cuts in every category of spending. The President proposed a bipartisan commission to examine the impact of this problem.



America Must Continue To Open Markets For American Goods. One out of every five factory jobs in America is related to global trade, and we want people everywhere to buy American. With open markets and a level playing field, no one can out-produce or out-compete the American worker.



Immigration Reform Must Be A Priority. America needs an immigration system that upholds our laws, reflects our values, and serves the interests of our economy. Our nation needs orderly and secure borders. To meet this goal, we must have stronger immigration enforcement and border protection. And we must have a rational, humane guest worker program that rejects amnesty, allows temporary jobs for people who seek them legally, and reduces smuggling and crime at the border.



Health Care Must Be Made Affordable And Accessible. Our government has a responsibility to help provide health care for the poor and the elderly, and it will meet that responsibility. For all Americans, we must confront the rising cost of care, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and help people afford the insurance coverage they need.



Ø Improved Health Savings Accounts Will Offer Lower Costs And Security Between Jobs. The President proposed strengthening Health Savings Accounts by making sure individuals and small business employees can buy insurance with the same tax advantages that people working for big businesses now get. We will do more to make this coverage portable, so workers can switch jobs without having to worry about losing their health insurance.



Ø Technology Offers The Possibility Of More Effective, Less Expensive Health Care. The President called for wider use of electronic records and other health information technology to help control costs and reduce medical errors.



Ø Medical Liability Reform Will Help Retain Good Doctors. The President called on Congress to pass Medical Liability Reform this year. Lawsuits are driving many good doctors out of practice, leaving women in nearly 1500 American counties without a single OB-GYN.



The Advanced Energy Initiative Will Help Break America's Dependence On Foreign Sources Of Energy. The best way to break America’s addiction to oil is through technology. The President set a goal of replacing more than 75 percent of oil imports from the Middle East by 2025. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, more reliable alternative energy sources. The Advanced Energy Initiative will deliver a 22 percent increase in clean-energy research to push for breakthroughs in two vital areas:



Ø New Energy Sources For Homes And Businesses. To change how we power our homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants; revolutionary solar and wind technologies; and clean, safe nuclear energy.



Ø New Energy Sources For Transportation. We must also change how we power our automobiles and move beyond a petroleum-based economy. We will increase our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars and in pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We will also fund additional research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from corn but from wood chips, stalks, or switch grass. The goal is to make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within six years.



The President's American Competitiveness Initiative Will Encourage Innovation Throughout The Economy. America must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity. Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hard-working, ambitious people, and we are going to keep that edge.



Ø New Federal Funding For Research. The President proposed doubling the Federal commitment to the most critical basic research in the physical sciences over the next ten years. This will support the work of America's most creative minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy sources.



Ø Provide Tax Certainty For Research And Development. The President proposed making permanent the research and development tax credit to encourage bolder private-sector investment in technology. With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve our quality of life and ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come.



Ø Strengthening Education In Math And Science. Building on the success of the No Child Left Behind Act, the President proposed training 70,000 high school teachers to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science; bringing 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms; and getting early help to students struggling with math so they have a better chance at good, high-wage jobs.



America Is Becoming A More Hopeful Nation. Violent crime rates have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1970s. Welfare cases have dropped by more than half over the past decade. Drug abuse among youth is down 19 percent since 2001. There are fewer abortions in America than at any point in the last three decades, and the number of children born to teenage mothers has been falling for a dozen years in a row. Government has played a role in this quiet transformation, and wise policies such as welfare reform, drug education, and support for abstinence and adoption have made a difference in the character of our country.



America Still Has More To Do To Strengthen Our Culture And Our Institutions. Many Americans, especially parents, still have deep concerns about the direction of our culture and the health of our most basic institutions. They are concerned about unethical conduct by public officials and discouraged by activist courts that try to redefine marriage. And they worry about children in need, fellow citizens still displaced by natural disaster, and suffering caused by treatable disease.



Ø Courts Must Deliver Equal Justice Under Law And Not Legislate From The Bench. The Senate has confirmed two superb new members of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. The President will continue to nominate men and women who understand that judges must be servants of the law and not legislate from the bench.



Ø America Must Recognize The Value Of Every Life. The President called on Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the most egregious abuses of medical research: cloning human beings; 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.



Ø Elected Officials Must Uphold The Public Trust. The President supports the efforts of honorable people in both parties who are working on reforms to strengthen the ethical standards of Washington. Public servants make a pledge to be worthy of public responsibility, and that is a pledge that must never be forgotten, dismissed, or betrayed.



Ø America Must Protect And Encourage Its Children. Through the Helping America's Youth initiative led by First Lady Laura Bush, America is encouraging caring adults to get involved in the life of a child. The President called for additional resources to encourage young people to stay in school so more of America's youth can raise their sights and achieve their dreams.



Ø A Continuing Commitment To Gulf Reconstruction. America will aid our fellow citizens in times of suffering and emergency and stay with them until they are back on their feet. So far the Federal government has committed $85 billion to the people of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans. We are removing debris, repairing highways, building stronger levees, and providing business loans and housing assistance. We must also address deeper challenges that existed before the storm arrived and must provide not only temporary relief, but also schools that teach every child, job skills that bring upward mobility, and more opportunities to own a home and start a business.



Ø Continuing The Fight To Prevent, Treat, And Defeat HIV/AIDS. The President called on Congress to reform and reauthorize the Ryan White Act and to provide new funding to states, so we end the waiting lists for AIDS medicine in America. More than one million Americans live with HIV, and half of all AIDS cases occur among African-Americans. The President called for a nationwide effort, working closely with African-American churches and faith-based groups, to deliver rapid HIV tests to millions, end the stigma of AIDS, and come closer to the day when there are no new infections in America.


21st Century White House

The speech just ended, and I thought he did a great job for not having the best speaking skills. It seems a lot of the people in here disagree with our President, which is fine, but I think he does the right thing a lot of the times. I don't agree with everything he does, but the bottomline is he needs to do something to protect our country, and protect others. He mentioned a lot of things tonight, and I find most of it to be credible.
The State of the Union has to be done because it says so in the Constitution, that's the only reason it's done.

No deficit by 2009, but he wants to make the tax cuts permanent....and I don't see us leaving Iraq all that soon...so what is he going to do? Cut HUGE portions of domestic spending?

Honestly, if boils down to this.

I hate Bush.
He fills me with feelings that make me want to punch babies and boil live puppies.

You aren't alone. I was a Republican and I voted for him. I don't regret voting for him because the rest of them were just as much toolish as he was. Consequently, after the whole thing they did to that poor girl on life support in Florida where BOTH parties turned her into a political football and seeing the utter distouch with reality that this administration has, I switched to Conservative and I am pretty vocal about trashing Bush whom I call Dumb-Dumb Head.

I liked it for the most part. I was yelling at the TV at others but overall not bad. I really didn't like the finnish well part. Does that mean the world's ending? Repent!!

No deficit by 2009, but he wants to make the tax cuts permanent....and I don't see us leaving Iraq all that soon...so what is he going to do? Cut HUGE portions of domestic spending?
For a conservative, and a former business owner, he's not so good with money and numbers.

The speech just ended, and I thought he did a great job for not having the best speaking skills. It seems a lot of the people in here disagree with our President, which is fine, but I think he does the right thing a lot of the times. I don't agree with everything he does, but the bottomline is he needs to do something to protect our country, and protect others. He mentioned a lot of things tonight, and I find most of it to be credible.
The State of the Union has to be done because it says so in the Constitution, that's the only reason it's done.

I heartily disagree. He's fucked the economy, global policy is shit, his letting relegion influence him at all (don't deny it), are all things I've got against him. Plus, he's got such goofy ears.

The speech was basically his last 40 speeches put together with some updates and some other new things. I thought it was okay. He studdered a little bit but who doesn't when giving a long speech like that. Now for the Democratic response (pfft).

For a conservative, and a former business owner, he's not so good with money and numbers.

hmm deficit spending...what a GREAT idea!

Byrd the KKK guy on the other hand.Nah. That was all just a youthful 'go along to get along' youthful indiscretion donchaknow. To hand it to Byrd, his record over the last 20 odd years has been fairly positive toward minority rights.

Now if I didn't feel like kicking him in the shins for not supporting the Alito filibuster.

Byrd should definitely not be speaking about morality. I still go with it's just a ploy to stay in office. It's kind of like the antics of Ted Kennedy but HOW THE HELL does he get re-elected? I say we investigate that!

I heartily disagree. He's fucked the economy, global policy is shit, his letting relegion influence him at all (don't deny it), are all things I've got against him. Plus, he's got such goofy ears.And the smirk. Makes you want to just wipe it off his face... with a knuckle sandwich. He did manage to control it for at least part of the evening.

LOL, the response comes from Richmond, VA. Got to love the south and the previous "Capital of the Confederacy." RAWR NYC PWNZ!!!

And the smirk. Makes you want to just wipe it off his face... with a knuckle sandwich. He did manage to control it for at least part of the evening.
I'm convinced his smirk is just him thinking "Yea bitches, I said it right, and you're clapping for me. Hear that? ME"

He doesn't smirk when he mis-pronounces or bumbles words.

I'm convinced his smirk is just him thinking "Yea bitches, I said it right, and you're clapping for me. Hear that? ME"

He doesn't smirk when he mis-pronounces or bumbles words.

No, no.

The smirk translates to this:

"I'm PRESIDENT BITCH!"

No, no.

The smirk translates to this:

"I'm PRESIDENT BITCH!"

Same thing.

Its been good talking with you guys, I've gotta go. Later.

Boy does he wish he had a podium so he doesn't have to use his hands so much.

That speech was a total victory for bush! Just heard it on the internet. I loved the crowds reactions. Dems sittin and Rep. claping. Dems did clap every once in a while. And I say kerry siting there dreaming he was up on stage givein the address. "I WON 3 PERPLE HEARTS! I Love american!" Kerrys dream

That speech was a total victory for bush! Just heard it on the internet. I loved the crowds reactions. Dems sittin and Rep. claping. Dems did clap every once in a while. And I say kerry siting there dreaming he was up on stage givein the address. "I WON 3 PERPLE HEARTS! I Love american!" Kerrys dream

Umm...Reps always clap & Dems always sit at his speech. Vice versa for Clinton. That's a given.

Byrd should definitely not be speaking about morality. I still go with it's just a ploy to stay in office. It's kind of like the antics of Ted Kennedy but HOW THE HELL does he get re-elected? I say we investigate that!Both men have been in the Senate long enough that they know where the bodies are buried ... erm... how things work. ;) They provide excellent service to their districts and so their constituents turn a blind eye to their historical indiscretions.

Now the ones I wonder about are the less-than-effective Senators such as Imhofe (R-OK), who has to be dain-bramaged, or Brownback (R-KS), who finds 'abortion' in every bill he touches. They're laughing stocks, aren't allowed anywhere near real legislation and yet are still re-elected over and over. It's a puzzle.

Oh. But I abhor term limits. Seen too many good legislators at the state level "retired" before their time.

Both men have been in the Senate long enough that they know where the bodies are buried ... erm... how things work. ;) They provide excellent service to their districts and so their constituents turn a blind eye to their historical indiscretions.

Now the ones I wonder about are the less-than-effective Senators such as Imhofe (R-OK), who has to be dain-bramaged, or Brownback (R-KS), who finds 'abortion' in every bill he touches. They're laughing stocks, aren't allowed anywhere near real legislation and yet are still re-elected over and over. It's a puzzle.

Oh. But I abhor term limits. Seen too many good legislators at the state level "retired" before their time.

Not going for term limits here but man Ted is definitely a laughing stock too.

It was a good speech. Not a great one, not the best he's given, but good.

It was a good speech. Not a great one, not the best he's given, but good.

No the best he ever gave was Sept 14, 2001. I'm pretty sure his remarks were his own on that one.

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. I want you all to know --

Q Can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can't talk any louder. (Laughter.)

I want you all to know that America today -- that America today is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. This nation stands with the good people of New York City, and New Jersey and Connecticut, as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens.

Q I can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can hear you. (Applause.) I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. (Applause.) And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: The nation sends its love and compassion to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for making the nation proud. And may God bless America. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

(The President waves small American flag.) (Applause.)

END 4:43 P.M. EDT



http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010914-9.html

I definitely think that was his best one to date.

Ted is definitely a laughing stock too.From what I've seen, he does most of his real work behind the scenes. And he does serve as a lightening rod for the ridicule. :)

No the best he ever gave was Sept 14, 2001. I'm pretty sure his remarks were his own on that one.

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. I want you all to know --

Q Can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can't talk any louder. (Laughter.)

I want you all to know that America today -- that America today is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. This nation stands with the good people of New York City, and New Jersey and Connecticut, as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens.

Q I can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can hear you. (Applause.) I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. (Applause.) And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: The nation sends its love and compassion to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for making the nation proud. And may God bless America. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

(The President waves small American flag.) (Applause.)

END 4:43 P.M. EDT



http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010914-9.html

I definitely think that was his best one to date.

Second best. I thought the September 20th speech was amazing. Kennedy/Lincoln worthy.

No the best he ever gave was Sept 14, 2001. I'm pretty sure his remarks were his own on that one.

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. I want you all to know --

Q Can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can't talk any louder. (Laughter.)

I want you all to know that America today -- that America today is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. This nation stands with the good people of New York City, and New Jersey and Connecticut, as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens.

Q I can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can hear you. (Applause.) I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. (Applause.) And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: The nation sends its love and compassion to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for making the nation proud. And may God bless America. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

(The President waves small American flag.) (Applause.)

END 4:43 P.M. EDT



http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010914-9.html

I definitely think that was his best one to date.


It was clearly a mandate to invade places and break people's stuff.

So why are people complaining now. STFU lefties.

State of the Union in Sixteen Words


Since the liberals in the DNC and MSM can't seem to concentrate on more than 16 words at any given moment, I thought I'd help the President focus the speech tonight into a bite-sized chunk for them.


"Economy up. Wiretaps work. Adios terrorists. Here comes the veto. Borders will be closed. Thank you."


Think about it. Not only does it get right to the point, but it helps the ADD liberals who will undoubtedly complain that such a lasting historic tradition is interfering with their Constitutional right to view American Idol.

http://texasrainmaker.blogspot.com/2006/01/state-of-union-in-sixteen-words-since.html

Second best. I thought the September 20th speech was amazing. Kennedy/Lincoln worthy.

Yes his address to Congress was up there. I'd rank that #2 for me :). Him just standing there with firemen all around, with a bullhorn, smoke in the background, all that shitty stuff, well yeah, he pwnzored that week.

No the best he ever gave was Sept 14, 2001. I'm pretty sure his remarks were his own on that one.

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. I want you all to know --

Q Can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can't talk any louder. (Laughter.)

I want you all to know that America today -- that America today is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, for the families who mourn. This nation stands with the good people of New York City, and New Jersey and Connecticut, as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens.

Q I can't hear you.

THE PRESIDENT: I can hear you. (Applause.) I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. (Applause.) And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

THE PRESIDENT: The nation sends its love and compassion to everybody who is here. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for making the nation proud. And may God bless America. (Applause.)

CROWD: U.S.A.! U.S.A.!

(The President waves small American flag.) (Applause.)

END 4:43 P.M. EDT



http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010914-9.html

I definitely think that was his best one to date.

Wow...your right. That speech is gettysburg address good! Actually maybe better! God Bless Bush and God bless the World

Best lines from tonights address.

Hindsight is not wisdom”

“Second guessing not a strategy”

http://www.examiner.com/articles/2006/01/31/ap/headlines/d8fg14mo0.txt

Supposedly, these are going to be the highlights...

1. declaring America must break its dependence on Mideast oil,
Specifically, "America is addicted to oil which is often imported from unstable parts of the world."

2. calling for training 70,000 math and science teachers to improve the nation's competitiveness

Who doesn't agree with this. I feel it is about time some president stepped up and said we must cease our addiction to oil. Not only is Bush saying it, the research being pumped into alternative fuels by his administration is something that I feel history will see as one of his greatest accomplishments. New math and science teachers, see here ( http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-01-30-math-race_x.htm?csp=34 ). Go Bush!!

Now the democratic response, On Iraq, VA Gov. Kaine is to say that Americans were given "inaccurate information about the reasons for invading" and that troops were given body armor that was inadequate.

Who doesn't dispute this? Someone gave us inaccurate information. The British guy who was found dead, the CIA's sub-sources, someone misled us into a war with Iraq. But does this mean that we should not succeed? Failure will likely result in a perfect training environment for the next 9-11's terrorists.

Body armor? In Iraq? Trust me, its fine. Everyone get enough armor. If we got anymore it would be way too fucking heavy to carry and we would get killed by not being able to move. I feel right now soldiers and Marines have the best combination of protection and mobility. This is a weak ass argument by the Dems. I bet you won't see Lieberman (who has actually been to Iraq twice and visited with troops) say this shit.

Anyways... thoughts???

Thus far, this is one of the only a few intelligent answers I have read yet. Mostly whining about "why is this on" "why does it have to be done this way".

Bravo on this response.

For the rest of you: You make me :headbang: therefore I sick my :sniper:, :mp5: and :gundge: on you. :D

Other than that, this thread is trash!

I want you all to know that America today -- that America today is on bended knee

Oh dear...

Wow...your right. That speech is gettysburg address good! Actually maybe better! God Bless Bush and God bless the World

I watched it on my TV in my dorm when he gave it. Pretty powerful, we were all clapping and screaming, especially since we had been glued to the television just a few days prior. Me and a friend went down to the hotel to the high floors to see the smoke and stuff. I have pictures somewhere of me giving the finger to an imaginary terrorist with the smoke in the BG.

Oh dear...

Copied & pasted from his speech :).

Copied & pasted from his speech :).
I know, I even checked it on the link you gave.

The fact that it's what he said is what makes it worse :(

I know, I even checked it on the link you gave.

The fact that it's what he said is what makes it worse :(

Well we all know he didn't write that speech.

Who wrote the Democrat's rebuttal? Ron Popeil? "There must be a better way!!!"

Well we all know he didn't write that speech.
Then who's to blame for the stupidity contained therein? :p

I know, I even checked it on the link you gave.

The fact that it's right is what makes it worse :(

I don't know about everyone else, but having been three blocks from the White House on 9/11, living half a mile from the Pentagon - it was a pretty damn powerful speech. Not my favorite, but pretty damn powerful.

People like seeing a President acting like a regular person. That's the kind of reaction that we all had.

If people can't burytheir partisanship on this kind of an issue, God help us.

People like seeing a President acting like a regular person. That's the kind of reaction that we all had.
The nauseous "average joe" syndrome...the president is NOT a regular person though, he is the leader of a state's government. He has to act within this capacity and be capable of fulfilling his duties. A regular person will not cut it.

Then who's to blame for the stupidity contained therein? :p

Hell I blame the whole cabinet.

But alas, bedtime (work tomorrow) so good night fellas & ladies. I hope you all can read the transcript I posted prior.

Last time I checked we were dependent on Venezuelan oil more than Middle Eastern. Doesn't most of our oil imports come from Mexico and Venezuela and Canada?

You left out Nigeria. Saudi is the ME country in the top 5. So Yea we will reduce the importing of oil from our 3rd vendor by 75% in 13 years.

The nauseous "average joe" syndrome...the president is NOT a regular person though, he is the leader of a state's government. He has to act within this capacity and be capable of fulfilling his duties. A regular person will not cut it.

It's funny - we expect the President to be superhuman, but when he doesn't act like an "average joe", he loses. See Kerry, Gore, Dole, Dukakis, Mondale. No one wanted to hang out and have a beer with those guys. When you make George H.W. Bush look like an "average joe", it's pretty bad.

The "average joe" syndrome isn't a bad thing - the American people need to believe that the President cares about them, and knows what their problems are. All the best Presidents - Washington, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt - had this kind of aura around them. There's nothing wrong with that.

I think most of America thinks the fact that many of our politicians aren't regular people is the problem with the government.

Did he mention nuclear power?

It's funny - we expect the President to be superhuman, but when he doesn't act like an "average joe", he loses. See Kerry, Gore, Dole, Dukakis, Mondale. No one wanted to hang out and have a beer with those guys. When you make George H.W. Bush look like an "average joe", it's pretty bad.
I would prefer having a debate with one of them over a glass of wine than "hanging out and having beer" with Bush. You may think me pretentious, yet I prefer an astute intellectual over a shrewd demagogue any day. And Bush is hardly "average Joe," what with his immense wealth. He acts the part though. I hate this populist aspect of politics.

The "average joe" syndrome isn't a bad thing - the American people need to believe that the President cares about them, and knows what their problems are. All the best Presidents - Washington, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt - had this kind of aura around them. There's nothing wrong with that.
If it works for the USA, then fine. Not my kind of thing, and I certainly hope its not the prevalent attitude in Europe.

I think most of America thinks the fact that many of our politicians aren't regular people is the problem with the government.
No, people who can't run it properly are its problem.

Who wrote the Democrat's rebuttal? Ron Popeil? "There must be a better way!!!"

Ron Popeil would make a better President than Bush, so I think Kane's speech was effective. :D

And you know...Kane actually gave EXAMPLES how service and more efficient government management practices WORK. Virginia, under the last Governor (a dem,) and under Kane as the Lt. Gov (and now Governor,) REALLY made a dramatic turnaround. The guy knows what he's talking about.

The fact that you so easily dismiss him shows how narrow your little partisan mind is.

Actually, yeah, that's kind of important.
If there really was an interest in keeping the two apart, I don't think politicians should be appointing judges.

As it is, it is little more than politicians desperately trying to cancel out the judicative by making them mere yes-men.

Ron Popeil would make a better President than Bush, so I think Kane's speech was effective. :D

And you know...Kane actually gave EXAMPLES how service and more efficient government management practices WORK. Virginia, under the last Governor (a dem,) and under Kane as the Lt. Gov (and now Governor,) REALLY made a dramatic turnaround. The guy knows what he's talking about.

The fact that you so easily dismiss him shows how narrow your little partisan mind is.
He didn't give ANY alternatives! He just kept saying "Bush sucks, we have a better way!"

WHAT THE FUCK ARE THE ALTERNATIVES that Democrats are so sure they have? Not what they WOULD have done 2 years ago, but what they WILL do in 07'. Tell me that, and maybe I'll quit laughing so hard at that idiotic speech.

State of the Union in Sixteen Words


Since the liberals in the DNC and MSM can't seem to concentrate on more than 16 words at any given moment, I thought I'd help the President focus the speech tonight into a bite-sized chunk for them.


"Economy up. Wiretaps work. Adios terrorists. Here comes the veto. Borders will be closed. Thank you."


Think about it. Not only does it get right to the point, but it helps the ADD liberals who will undoubtedly complain that such a lasting historic tradition is interfering with their Constitutional right to view American Idol.

http://texasrainmaker.blogspot.com/2006/01/state-of-union-in-sixteen-words-since.html

The GDP grew at a woeful pace this quarter. Savings are at their lowest point since the depression. Real wages are down. More people are without healthcare.

According to the FBI, wiretaps DON'T work...they just create backlog-building busywork. Bush says the program is limited and only is directed at known and suspected terrorists...something the existing Warrant system would handle easily...and yet he says he can't get (even retroactive,) wiretaps.

There are more terrorists now than on 9/11.

Line item veto was found to be unconstitutional under Clinton...to push it now is simply partisan asshattery (though I would like a line-item veto.)

Bush has been saying for years he's going to do something about the borders...what exactly has he done?

Hey, Sal y Limon, wanna buy a used car?

I would prefer having a debate with one of them over a glass of wine than "hanging out and having beer" with Bush. You may think me pretentious, yet I prefer an astute intellectual over a shrewd demagogue any day. And Bush is hardly "average Joe," what with his immense wealth. He acts the part though. I hate this populist aspect of politics.


If it works for the USA, then fine. Not my kind of thing, and I certainly hope its not the prevalent attitude in Europe.


No, people who can't govern it properly are its problem.

Ha. Amen to that.

Another well-written speech about a whole bunch of nothing. Coretta dies, Alito gets confirmed, George speaks: another nail in the coffin.

I don't know where he gets his info from, but crime seems to be up to me. San Francisco just wrapped up one of its most violent years, Bush now wants to try to slide the focus on oil attainment to Nigeria (like that's a whole lot better than Iran), people still don't have healthcare -- but I forget, Bush represents the "fuck the poor, I'm a Republican" party. Another dismal day. Expect more illegals spewing over, more outsourcing, more Chinese products, more power shifted to the executive branch, HIGHER gas prices, more scandals and fall out (PLEASE let's get more), more corporate crime, and hopefully a natural disaster in a fantastically rich area... hopefully it won't take 4, 5 or 6 days to save those poor rich people... and less privacy and less peace... but all this is only conjecture :rolleyes:

If there really was an interest in keeping the two apart, I don't think politicians should be appointing judges.

As it is, it is little more than politicians desperately trying to cancel out the judicative by making them mere yes-men.

Oh I agree. The judicary should be independant. The very fact that there is all this "moderate...consevative...liberal.." analysis in apointees belies the utter rot in the system.

On the other hand, the judicary should be subordinate to the legislature in most cases. Unlike most americans, I think democracy is important.

I would prefer having a debate with one of them over a glass of wine than "hanging out and having beer" with Bush. You may think me pretentious, yet I prefer an astute intellectual over a shrewd demagogue any day. And Bush is hardly "average Joe," what with his immense wealth. He acts the part though. I hate this populist aspect of politics.

That's the difference between Europe and the US. We've always been more "folky" than Europe is. It's a quirk of American politics. I like it.

If it works for the USA, then fine. Not my kind of thing, and I certainly hope its not the prevalent attitude in Europe.

It's not, and I doubt it will be. You guys have to have something to lord over us. :)

No, people who can't run it properly are its problem.

Agreed. But history has proven that a backwoods rail splitter can run the country as well as a blue-blooded scion of an American political dynasty.

Oh I agree. The judicary should be independant. The very fact that there is all this "moderate...consevative...liberal.." analysis in apointees belies the utter rot in the system.

On the other hand, the judicary should be subordinate to the legislature in most cases. Unlike most americans, I think democracy is important.
What happens when the legislative and the executive coincide, as is the case in Britain? The fact that judges aren't elected is a further reason for concern.

On the other hand, the judicary should be subordinate to the legislature in most cases. Unlike most americans, I think democracy is important.
Of course, judges have the plus that they don't have to care about getting reelected, which gives them the freedom to make the right decision, or hold on to something, even if it is unpopular, while a politician would have to appeal to the masses, so to speak.

That's the difference between Europe and the US. We've always been more "folky" than Europe is. It's a quirk of American politics. I like it.
Yes, I will admit that is true. Being a European I am biased to our way of thinking I suppose. :p



It's not, and I doubt it will be. You guys have to have something to lord over us. :)
Naturally. ;)


Agreed. But history has proven that a backwoods rail splitter can run the country as well as a blue-blooded scion of an American political dynasty.
And I don't dispute that; the actual ability to govern is what matters. Though that doesn't mean you should pretend to be more populist simply because it gets you votes. If anything, you should be yourself. If you're a blue blooded elite that's good at governing, you should be able to be that, and not have to alter your personality.

How can anyone take this rhetoric seriously? It's empty crap, it doesn't actually mean anything, it's all half-assed, all democratic politics is half-assed propaganda. Nothing ever gets accomplished, hardly anything changes, and yet people continue voting for these bafoons. I don't understand how people can be so narrow-minded and stupid as to swallow this crap.

The GDP grew at a woeful pace this quarter. Savings are at their lowest point since the depression. Real wages are down. More people are without healthcare.

According to the FBI, wiretaps DON'T work...they just create backlog-building busywork. Bush says the program is limited and only is directed at known and suspected terrorists...something the existing Warrant system would handle easily...and yet he says he can't get (even retroactive,) wiretaps.

There are more terrorists now than on 9/11.

Line item veto was found to be unconstitutional under Clinton...to push it now is simply partisan asshattery (though I would like a line-item veto.)

Bush has been saying for years he's going to do something about the borders...what exactly has he done?

Hey, Sal y Limon, wanna buy a used car?


I am glad someone on here is wise...If you were a chick...i'd love you...for long time :D

Is it true that Bush stated that Middle East Democracies will not look like our own?

Is it true that Bush stated that Middle East Democracies will not look like our own?

Yup.

"Democracies in the Middle East will not look like our own, because they will reflect the traditions of their own citizens. Yet liberty is the future of every nation in the Middle East, because liberty is the right and hope of all humanity."

Yup.

"Democracies in the Middle East will not look like our own, because they will reflect the traditions of their own citizens. Yet liberty is the future of every nation in the Middle East, because liberty is the right and hope of all humanity."

I just saw the blurb. Caught the first few minutes in the car on the way to bowling. After that, don't have a clue as to what he said. Waiting in the rerun :)

How can anyone take this rhetoric seriously? It's empty crap, it doesn't actually mean anything, it's all half-assed, all democratic politics is half-assed propaganda. Nothing ever gets accomplished, hardly anything changes, and yet people continue voting for these bafoons. I don't understand how people can be so narrow-minded and stupid as to swallow this crap.

Because if they didn't, then the OTHER guys might get in...

Seriously though, over here in UK, during the election last year the one thing i heard more than anything else from Labour was "don't vote for the Lib Dems, because if you do you'll let the Tories in through the back door...":headbang: - the idea was the 'progressive' vote would be split. Didn't happen. OK Labour's majority went down, but by historical standards they've got plenty.

I think the problem is with the system of representation. US, UK & many other countries share this problem: because of the way the electoral system works, any party that wants to get in power tries to 'capture the middle ground', so they become more and more similar. It makes me so depressed sometimes, I've got no idea who I'm going for next election. Maybe I'll stand myself as an independent... :cool:

Is it true that Bush stated that Middle East Democracies will not look like our own?

Yes, which is the intellectual equivalent of saying, "Boys have penises and girls have vaginas."

Of COURSE they're going to look different. :rolleyes:

Because if they didn't, then the OTHER guys might get in...

Seriously though, over here in UK, during the election last year the one thing i heard more than anything else from Labour was "don't vote for the Lib Dems, because if you do you'll let the Tories in through the back door...":headbang: - the idea was the 'progressive' vote would be split. Didn't happen. OK Labour's majority went down, but by historical standards they've got plenty.

I think the problem is with the system of representation. US, UK & many other countries share this problem: because of the way the electoral system works, any party that wants to get in power tries to 'capture the middle ground', so they become more and more similar. It makes me so depressed sometimes, I've got no idea who I'm going for next election. Maybe I'll stand myself as an independent... :cool:
The UK political (and judicial) system could do with much reform, namely a conversion to one of proportional representation and the drafting of a written Constitution. The Lib-dems are the only political party I can stomach, as they remind me of the notion of gentlemanly capitalism. They are a good combination of liberal economics and social policies, without becoming anti-monarchist and the like. Too bad they have so few votes.

Just watched a replay on C-Span..

I liked seeing the new Supreme Court lineup, and the President made some points that had to be made, but I absolutely hate promise-heavy speeches, especially when most of those promises are goals that can't be completed within his own term.. I don't really care what's going on in 2025 or 2015, because we don't know who'll be running the show then.. but I guess that's a politician's bread and butter... all in all, I give it a B-.

State of the Union in Sixteen Words


Since the liberals in the DNC and MSM can't seem to concentrate on more than 16 words at any given moment, I thought I'd help the President focus the speech tonight into a bite-sized chunk for them.


"Economy up. Wiretaps work. Adios terrorists. Here comes the veto. Borders will be closed. Thank you."


Think about it. Not only does it get right to the point, but it helps the ADD liberals who will undoubtedly complain that such a lasting historic tradition is interfering with their Constitutional right to view American Idol.

http://texasrainmaker.blogspot.com/2006/01/state-of-union-in-sixteen-words-since.html

*yawns*

Did he mention nuclear power?

Yes along with clean coal burning plants, solar and ethonal.

Hmmm can somebody say subsudies!

Yes along with clean coal burning plants, solar and ethonal.

Hmmm can somebody say subsudies!

So, in other words, we are still fucked.

He didn't give ANY alternatives! He just kept saying "Bush sucks, we have a better way!"

WHAT THE FUCK ARE THE ALTERNATIVES that Democrats are so sure they have? Not what they WOULD have done 2 years ago, but what they WILL do in 07'. Tell me that, and maybe I'll quit laughing so hard at that idiotic speech.

Oh come now. The shrubs speech was lacking in details.

I guess we have to look at what Virginia has done to validate his claims.

The shrub brags about no child left behind and yet my aunt who is rather level headed about such things says it caused many problems especially with the lack of funding.

He didn't give ANY alternatives! He just kept saying "Bush sucks, we have a better way!"

WHAT THE FUCK ARE THE ALTERNATIVES that Democrats are so sure they have? Not what they WOULD have done 2 years ago, but what they WILL do in 07'. Tell me that, and maybe I'll quit laughing so hard at that idiotic speech.

Boy, you do have a hard time listening. Many of the ALTERNATIVES Kane proposed are things his State, Virginia, is ALREADY DOING! And...gasp!...they're working. They're not empty promises. They're not speculative rhetoric. They're real world programs that actually work. Virginia has undergone a RADICAL recovery since the Dems took over that state...and you want to sit there and whine.

Go read some articles about Virginia's recovery and come back. Replace your whiny, partisan ignorance with something concrete.

God, you keep spouting the talking points even when they're embarrassingly wrong. Does your record EVER unstick?

Oh come now. The shrubs speech was lacking in details.

I guess we have to look at what Virginia has done to validate his claims.

The shrub brags about no child left behind and yet my aunt who is rather level headed about such things says it caused many problems especially with the lack of funding.

He expects his hand to be held by a pundit before he can make out what anyone is saying. God forbid he might actually have some curiosity and check out some of the things Virginia has actually done.

He'd rather listen to the empty, oft repeated, never acted upon promises Bush makes.

Boy, you do have a hard time listening. Many of the ALTERNATIVES Kane proposed are things his State, Virginia, is ALREADY DOING! And...gasp!...they're working. They're not empty promises. They're not speculative rhetoric. They're real world programs that actually work. Virginia has undergone a RADICAL recovery since the Dems took over that state...and you want to sit there and whine.

Go read some articles about Virginia's recover and come back. Replace your whiny, partisan ignorance with something concrete.

God, you keep spouting the talking points even when they're embarrassingly wrong. Does your record EVER unstick?

I live in Virginia. Some of the things we do here would never work in other states. Some of it would.

Kaine gave a good speech, and it was a good response. But at the same time, I don't think letting the tax cuts lapse is a good idea. Virginia is sitting on a giant surplus, which we got after taxes were raised. In my mind, surpluses are bad - as bad as deficits. If you're running a surplus you took too much. We should be running as near to a zero sum as possible.

I live in Virginia. Some of the things we do here would never work in other states. Some of it would.

Waaaaa! You didn't give specifics! Waaaaaa!

Kaine gave a good speech, and it was a good response. But at the same time, I don't think letting the tax cuts lapse is a good idea. Virginia is sitting on a giant surplus, which we got after taxes were raised. In my mind, surpluses are bad - as bad as deficits. If you're running a surplus you took too much. We should be running as near to a zero sum as possible.

Then again, a surplus might just be a sign that the economy grew much faster than was expected...which flies right in the face of the reasoning that raising taxes ultimately reduces government revenue.

And surpluses are easily rectified...just ask Bush!

I appreciate that he's putting on a show of caring about energy sources, but ethanol? What the hell? Can you say "Wasting land space when there are other viable options"?

And what exactly IS a zero emission coal-plant? Last I checked that's not even POSSIBLE.

Crap. I shouldn't have started that other thread, sry....

I appreciate that he's putting on a show of caring about energy sources, but ethanol? What the hell? Can you say "Wasting land space when there are other viable options"?

And what exactly IS a zero emission coal-plant? Last I checked that's not even POSSIBLE.

Drink! You didn't use a Bushword.

You're supposed to say, "unpossible."

(Cut and Paste from the other SoTU thread)

Anyway, a point which almost shocked me completely was Pres. Bush's proposal to eliminate America's oil "addiction," for foreign oil. I'm all for that. Cleaner burning, alternative fuel sources are the future, and this is something worth putting rescources towards (in my opinion).

Lip service. Bush is in the pocket of too many oil execs and is a former oil exec himself. If there's any serious alternative fuel source research to be made, it won't be from a past or present oil whore in charge of the government.

If anything, alternative fuel research will only be used by car companies as a loophole to allow lowering their gas mileage. There is or was in market cars made with Flexible Fueled Engines that could use either gasoline or an alcohol-based fuel to run. However, there are no state-wide infrastructure for processing and delivering the alcohol fuel anywhere in the United States so far. So the unsuspecting customers were basically suckered into buying expensive gas guzzlers.

Boy, you do have a hard time listening. Many of the ALTERNATIVES Kane proposed are things his State, Virginia, is ALREADY DOING! And...gasp!...they're working. They're not empty promises. They're not speculative rhetoric. They're real world programs that actually work. Virginia has undergone a RADICAL recovery since the Dems took over that state...and you want to sit there and whine.

Go read some articles about Virginia's recovery and come back. Replace your whiny, partisan ignorance with something concrete.

God, you keep spouting the talking points even when they're embarrassingly wrong. Does your record EVER unstick?
So, in other words, you can't name anything, besides "uuhh, we'll do what Virginia did!" What the fuck did Virginia do that you think is so great? NAME AN EXAMPLE!

You STILL haven't given me ONE example of a Democratic idea. Take your time, I know it's hard. *pats your head*

Why be depressed the state of the union is a sort of pep rally for the United States of America so we should be happy this is a happy time we should celebrate everyday that we live in this nation and not take it for granted. If you want to complain then do something!!

wow. dude... are you a Japanese game show host?

I live in Virginia. Some of the things we do here would never work in other states. Some of it would.

Kaine gave a good speech, and it was a good response. But at the same time, I don't think letting the tax cuts lapse is a good idea. Virginia is sitting on a giant surplus, which we got after taxes were raised. In my mind, surpluses are bad - as bad as deficits. If you're running a surplus you took too much. We should be running as near to a zero sum as possible.

Not to mention, I was about ready to turn off my TV with this "there is a better way" motto. God, that's almost as bad as "Help is on the way."

Just watched a replay on C-Span..

I liked seeing the new Supreme Court lineup, and the President made some points that had to be made, but I absolutely hate promise-heavy speeches, especially when most of those promises are goals that can't be completed within his own term.. I don't really care what's going on in 2025 or 2015, because we don't know who'll be running the show then.. but I guess that's a politician's bread and butter... all in all, I give it a B-.
And also promises he has made in every single State of the Union he has ever made. He took all his old State of the Unions and added "give me more money" and "I'm the Commander in Chief, the troops stay in Iraq."

what exactly IS a zero emission coal-plant?it works like this: coal + water + calciomoxide -> hydrogen + calciumcarbonate

C + 2H2O + CaO -> 2H2 + CaCO3