State Of The Union - Rhetoric And Faces Tell The Tale

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Here we are, two days after the State of the Union, with the full knowledge and understanding that none of what the President put forth will probably even be considered.  His request for an up and down vote on many of his proposals won't happen.  Expectations for this Congress and this President working together to find solutions to our problems are incredibly low.  You could hear it in the President's message.  You could see it the faces of Eric Cantor and Mitch McConnell. 

President Obama nearly touched on every facet of what ails our nation in his State of the Union address last evening.  As always, it was a powerful speech whether one is supportive of his Administration or not.  As usual, the Democrats cheered for everything, the Republicans sat on their hands for everything and the only common ground was any mention of our Armed Forces.  The President did not back away from the divisiveness that separates his Administration from the Congress nor the separation we have among the people of the nation.    

President Obama's "Built to Last" message clearly focused on ideas designed to spark the economy, grow the economy and create an environment of competitiveness for the American worker.  He spoke of common ground that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on and how he would sign such legislation immediately.  He spoke of the divide between the two parties and made some effort to reach out hoping for compromise and negotiation.  His address was filled with familiar themes and ideas. 

The President spoke of education.  Keeping kids in school until they graduate from high school or at least attain the age of 18.  He spoke of working with community colleges matching them  and curriculum with employers needing skilled workers.  He spoke of college tuition tax credits, work study jobs and warned colleges and universities to take serious the need to keep costs under control. 

President Obama put forth numerous tax break proposals for small businesses.  Incentives for corporations to bring jobs back home.   He spoke of leveling the playing field with other nations and making sure that they adhere to trade agreements and international trademark laws.  He spoke of regulation reform where possible and tax relief for small businesses that are raising wages and creating good jobs. 

He spoke of mortgage assistance for responsible homeowners.  He spoke of cutting red tape delays that frustrate infrastructure construction projects.  He spoke of redirecting money that has been spent on war-making and rebuilding America.  He talked of streamlining the executive branch.  He spoke to the issue of immigration.  He covered most of the bases. 

The President again asked for fairness with taxes.  He continues to want to see the Bush tax cuts disappear for those Americans making over $250,000 a year and wants to institute a higher tax rate on these same folks.  None of this will happen over the course of the next year as well. 

It was a great speech but it will turn out to be all rhetoric as neither party will work together to address the issues our nation faces.  The President will press his message and plans across the nation working hard to build momentum and pressure on his opponents but it is unlikely that anything of consequence will occur in our nation's capital in 2012.  It is a shame that common ground can't be found.  The lack of action will indeed once again be settled in the voting booth come November.         

Santorum - No Credibility - So Sad

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Yesterday in Lady Lake, Florida, Rick Santorum chose not to correct a woman at his town hall meeting who referred to President Barack Obama as "an avowed Muslim".  It is disappointing to say the least that there are still Americans who find it acceptable to paint the President as a Muslim and not entitled to hold the Presidency.  More disappointing is that a candidate for the Presidency of the United States chose not to correct this ignorant and racist woman.  For me, Santorum lost all credibility when he made the decision not to rebuke this woman. 

I am thoroughly disappointed and disheartened that he chose not to correct this woman and rebuke all of what she said about our president.  The lady also said, "He has no legal right to be calling himself President."   Santorum should have said proudly, "Barack Obama is our freely elected president and is a Christian, not a Muslim."  Then he could have made clear all the things that he takes issue with the president on.  For a man who lives a Christian life and demonstrates high moral values, he compromised all of that with his failure to respond.  For me, it is critical that a presidential candidate calls racism for what it is.  Pandering to ignorant people may win you votes but it won't win you The White House. 

One of the most significant moments in the 2008 election was when the Republican nominee, John McCain, corrected a woman who basically was saying much of the same in one of his town hall meetings.  He won everyone's respect that evening for not allowing such rubbish to stand.  He responded in a most appropriate fashion saying that Barack Obama was a good man.  Then he went about indicating the differences between him and Obama.  It was a proud moment for him and for all of us who respected him for it. 

Americans need to shout down the racism that continues to permeate our politics, our communities and our daily lives.  Presidential candidates need to lead on such issues and Rick Santorum chose not to.  His failure to respond is very disheartening.  He indicated that he has no responsibility to correct such thinking.  He's wrong.  He has every responsibility to do just that. 

Leaders make choices all the time.  Make decisions all the time.  His failure to lead on this one issue places him clearly in the camp with the likes of Sarah Palin, Michele Bachman and Donald Trump.  I thought so much more of this man.  Obviously, votes in Florida trump common decency.  Shame on you Rick Santorum.