Thread: The State Of The Union

I work evenings so was not able to watch the speech. I had heard about the Republican response and, considering the fact that they had been shut out of so much in this last year, I think it was a sign of protest rather than "sitting on thier hands". I heard stories of Democrats hiding in rooms, pretending they were not "home", sneaking out the back when others knocked??? What kind of nonsense is this for our elected leaders to be engaging in? The utter failure of this president to follow through on promises like transparency, televising debates, being more nonpartisan, etc. is, I am sure, very frustrating to a party that finds itself in the minority (at the moment). I don't like to get into much political arguing but I have yet to see a more devisive figure as President Obama has turned out to be.

Having said that, I will add that there is always hope. I pray for him regularly and hope that as he matures, he will abandon some of his devisive ideology and become what he promised...a President for everyone.

Originally Posted by pstrjp

I think it was a sign of protest rather than "sitting on thier hands".

My reference was to their total lack of enthusiasm during the President's address. The behavior of the democratic congress toward the republicans since they gained a majority is as disgraceful as the republicans towards the democrats when they were in the majority. If neither party can never even attempt to find common ground to solve problems we the people are screwed. Both parties are guilty of engaging in partisanship. Too bad it will probably never change.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

My reference was to their total lack of enthusiasm during the President's address. The behavior of the democratic congress toward the republicans since they gained a majority is as disgraceful as the republicans towards the democrats when they were in the majority. If neither party can never even attempt to find common ground to solve problems we the people are screwed. Both parties are guilty of engaging in partisanship. Too bad it will probably never change.

I seem to recall that the Republicans, when in power, allowed the Democrats a say at least Jimmy.

I didn't hear the speech Jimmy but I dont think you are naive necessarily, as I always feel a little raised by Obama's speeches. It is something that he does do well. It is the keeping and following through on his promises that he is not so good at. So, while his speeches lift my heart a little it is always dropped by twice the amount it has been raised when I peek behind the curtain.

i think he's gotten a teleprompter upgrade. he scored some major populist points, definitely been learning from the scott brown phenomenon.
mark, you should make sure to check the speech out, it's definitely not like his old ones, even though there was a lot of recycling in it.

You people sound ridiculous. Since when does any politician ever keep his promises?

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

You people sound ridiculous. Since when does any politician ever keep his promises?

Are you suggesting that we shouldn't hold them to their word? Shouldn't someones word mean something?

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

You people sound ridiculous.

Seems you know the benchmark for that a lot better than I.

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

Since when does any politician ever keep his promises?

Hitler did, for starters. Pretty much by the book (or, rather, books, "Mein Kampf" and "Das zweite Buch"). I'm quite certain the same could be said about most totalitarian dictators (cf the blithe idea about the dogs of the bourgeoisie at the core of the Socialist pagan religion and the countless millions of deaths it brought).

I have always found that both views, ie belief and disbelief in politicians's complete fulfilment of promises made before an election, are a sure sign of that person's not having understood how a liberal democracy works. Which is fine if you live in a mud hut in the wilderness, but can be quite embarrassing in the presence of people who have.

Regards,
Robin

PS Nice speech, by the way.