**LIVE Thread - State of the Union Address [starting at approx. comment 400]

http://www.cspan.org/ ^ | 1-23-07

[You Dirty Rats]

absolutely nothing about the issues of the fall of moral values in our country, the need for good judges, school vouchers, abortion, religious values, lowering taxes, the corruption at the U.N.

Let's talk about that.

Talking about the fall of moral values or corruption at the UN would have been stupid with Republican Congresscritters going to jail. The President's Party has no credibility on that issue, and if you are a fair person you will realise that is not his fault, but the fault of lesser men.

He did talk about judges and the duty of the Senate to have an up-or-down vote. Again, the failure to confirm some judges (and John Bolton) is not his fault -- it's the fault of weak Republican Senators.

School Vouchers -- He tried that in 2001, but there is no real support for that in Congress. It's not going to happen, and he is far too practical a man to waste his time pushing for issues of limited interest and less support.

Abortion -- He's made his position on this issue clear time after time. He can't overrule Roe v. Wade. He can't forcibly close abortion clinics. Remember the ONE issue he used a veto on -- his commitment on this issue can only be doubted by someone determined to be unfair and ignorant of reality.

Religious Values -- He is the President, not Billy Graham. It was not necessary to thump a Bible during SOTU to prove his convictions on this subject either. After six years we all know this.

Lowering Taxes - Fair point. He should at least have talked about extending the tax cuts past 2010 -- although in fairness if the last Congress wouldn't do this the current one certainly won't.

In sum, while the President is far from perfect I support him more than I do the jackasses in Congress (including many Republicans) and overall he's done well these past six years. IMHO you are unfairly blaming him for the sins of lesser politicians in Congress.

[jaycee]

She was just in a phony attitude. She knows people don't like her and she is trying to get likable. She will never be likable to me.....no way!

[freema]

Charlie Gibson said the third highest search on Google tonight (after the basketball player, and Baby Einstein) was earmarks. Could the American Public be waking up?

[whatisthetruth]

I haven't checked out the full thread but did any one capture the new Hillary? She's definately had some work done. Pretty in pink again. She actually appears serene.

I noticed. She did look good (at least the top half anyway)and appeared to be quite well-rested, a definite improvement over this.

'Cept for all the blinking even Pelosi looked pretty decent considering.

[MEG33]

I forgot to say goodbye?

[Chena]

No, I think they are probably trying to chase off trolls and other people who's only interest is being disruptive. It is well known to most that one can have a differing viewpoint and debate issues without being inflamatory.

[Gator113]

Well said.......

God Bless our Great President!!

[null and void]

Someone has read Harry Turtledove (grin)

I have, but I don't recall that line. I thought it was new.

[A.Hun]

They have been fond of that for a long time IIRC.

http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/letters/farrellh/farrellh_0109.htm

[HitmanLV]

Will employer subsidies be treated as taxable income?

This is the flip side to it and it makes logical sense. We need details...

[jwalsh07]

President Bush's health plan is a step in the right direction. First of all those who pay there own insurance, like I did for many years, were actually penalized by having to pay with after tax dollars while those getting their insurance from corporations or government paid with pre tax dollars. Secondly the only way to get costs under control is thorugh individuals paying their own bills. I'm all for any plan that moves health insurance out of the government and corporation hands into the hands of the indivdual.

[Chena]

Speaking in general to a new tactic I've noticed here on FR: sign up to FR as a border hardliner: vent on and on about NO amnesty, NO immigration, Bush is a failure like his dad, etc, etc... noone even notices around here anymore.

I've noticed. :)

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

The President was POWERFUL in the Foreign Policy section of the laundry List!!

Really Really Good!!!

[Diddle E. Squat]

There is something valuable in being seen, and appearing as a leader. Tonight probably won't greatly shift the political realities, but it does provide a chance to break some of the tension, kinda like starting a new chapter.

[samantha]

Ooh, that was gross. I am glad I missed it, I had to switch it off him, he was giving me the creeps. He is getting crazier by the minute, looks like a mental Patient that is without his Meds lost on the streets of DC. I can tell you when Police see that funny look in the eye, they call for three or four backups.

[Penner]

You need to remove those blinkers and look at reality.

No, I don't. He has an approval rating that he richly deserves.

[AliVeritas]

Will do.

[jwalsh07]

Could be! :-}

[shoebooty]

What an inspiring speeach by a great man, a great president, and most of all a great Christian. We are lucky to have this man as our leader!

[nopardons]

There have been a few moronic statements posted to this thread; even some trying to hijacking it, in order to wave their pom poms for their presidential "hopeful" candidate.