State of the Union?

[Freak]

Ok, I just want to keep this a simple question, no need to go in a lot of detail if you don't want to. How do you think Bush did in his speech? (1 being the worst, 5 being the best)

Any observations?

EDIT: Ok, I didn't put in the numbers, you can figure it out;)

[Freak]

I generally agreed. I am questioning the non-war related foreign policy a bit. I did like his stance on Iraq. It will be interesting what Powell has to say next week.

[Pistol Pete]

I thought he did a great job of cutting the legs out from under the Demos concerning domestic policy (they have no credible policy). I fully agree with what he said concerning foreign matters, in particular Iran. He's the only president that has given open support to the Iranian people to overthrow the mullahs and take control of their society. The demise if the ruling mullahs can bring a lot of stability to the region and cause the surrounding dictators to sweat a bit

I noticed there were certain demos that refused to stand or applaud and just sat there stoically during the entire speech.

He pretty much put it on the line to Saddam that time has run out and that he's about to die and that other countries in that region are on notice. :D

[Freak]

Originally posted by Pistol Pete
...I noticed there were certain demos that refused to stand or applaud and just sat there stoically during the entire speech.

yeah, I guess they didn't realize how dumb they looked doing that.:hehe:

[Pistol Pete]

There was a Secret Service agent the looked like AL Bundy right behind the President as he was leaving.:hehe:

[Jimness]

I thought it was generally a good speech. Bush is much better on the set speech than he is making ad-libs during a press conference.

Thankfully, Bush finally took the lead on Iraq. After listening for a few weeks to various secretaries and under-secretaries, we finally have the President telling us what his policy is and why he thinks we need to do it. His thoughts on why containing Saddam Hussein will not work were reasonable and thoughtful and I don't dispute his logic. I'm still undecided as to whether I think we should go to war in Iraq, but at least I have the Bush's reasons for why we should.

[Dave]

Was it me, or did everyone look like the walking dead.....was it the lighting or what........I've met Lieberman and I know what he looks like in person.

Other than that...a speach is just what it is...a speach...it's easy to get up there and say you are going to do all kinds of great things, it's another to actually do them.

How about solving the HIV problem in the United States before you throw 15 billion to Africa.....how about feeding our homeless before you worry about other nations.

[Television]

I agree with Dave.

The speech was great, but I expect Bush to follow through.

[RodJSM]

I think it was a great showcase for what "compasionate conservatism" really is. Putting legs on the idea, so to speak. I think PP is right re: "cutting the legs out from under the Demos".

[gopsdragon]

I know it's compassionate conservatism and all, and politically takes all kinds of things away from the Democrats, but I don't understand one bit, why $15 billion tax dollars should go to Africa for AIDS research. That's a lot of money that could go towards all kinds of research right here whether it be cancer, Parkinson's etc. Countries like France, who have seen fit to dominate and kill for so long, should pony up the money with all they have reaped there.

[Eddy's Geist]

I'd give it a three

Yeah, Bush does give good speech. Not only are his speech writers fantastic at what they do... his "down home" delivery is refreshing.

I liked what he had to say about taxes.. I liked that alot. The way I see it, let me keep more of my money and I'll spend and invest more and that will help put people back to work.

I am a little leary on the effectiveness of the changes to the dividend taxation. I agree that the double taxation should be wiped out but I don't feel that that will be much of a stimulus. I'd rather see a change to the Capital Gains tax..

The rest of the speech? Just lip service. War is a foregone conclusion and whether a case is made or not.. it's still going to take place. What the hell.. war is good for my business ;)

[gopsdragon]

Originally posted by Eddy's Geist
I liked what he had to say about taxes.. I liked that alot. The way I see it, let me keep more of my money and I'll spend and invest more and that will help put people back to work.

*gopsdragon mimicking old, tired, worn-out, socialist liberal lines*

Eddy,

I bet you "didn't pay your fair share during the '80's". That must be why you are so cold and uncaring and unwilling to contribute to your community.

[Freak]

Originally posted by gopsdragon
..but I don't understand one bit, why $15 billion tax dollars should go to Africa for AIDS research. That's a lot of money that could go towards all kinds of research right here whether it be cancer, Parkinson's etc...

Exactly what i was thinking.

Originally posted by gopsdragon
...Countries like France...

:nuts: :scary:

[Eddy's Geist]

That's right! Now, if we could just raise all the taxes so as we could release the non-violent prisoners from our overcrowded jails and build FREE housing for them.. then they can re-integrate themselves back in to society. No prisoner should have low self esteem.



Originally posted by gopsdragon
*gopsdragon mimicking old, tired, worn-out, socialist liberal lines*

Eddy,

I bet you "didn't pay your fair share during the '80's". That must be why you are so cold and uncaring and unwilling to contribute to your community.

[Mando]

I wish I could have seen the whole thing but I had to take my son to swim lessons. Here is what I got out of it.

$15 Billion to Africa for AIDS research, think about it, where is that research going to be done, Tanzania? No, more than likely here in the good ol’ USA. Yes a smattering of that money will end up over there as there will be the test cases (why put our own people in peril?).

Most of the speech had a lot of umph, but the test will be in the follow through, that is where Congress will come in. If the Hill can get beyond there partisan bullshit and pass a bill without self indigent riders on them this country may be able to have a focus! Unity is a greater strength than partisanship.