State Of The Union (7 posts)

1. State Of The Union
Wed, Jan 20, 1999 - 11:21 AM/EST
JimP

I am interested in our various reactions to the speech, and to the analysis before and after.

I worked at my quilting table throughout. I had a small TV on but muted. I listened to NPR's coverage the preceeding hour and for the hour after the speech.

WJC is a masterfull communicator. If I were asked what I thought the theme of the speech was, I'd reply his use of "Now" throughout. I think he has provided the Congress a very good starting point, and hope that both sides can debate, modify, and finalize most of the proposals. I have some philosophical problem with the federal government being as involved in education, as well as with some of his other proposals. But,hopefully the debate will help alleviate my concerns. (As if Congress will really debate. Fat chance!)

In general, I think the President did very well. I think that many of his proposals have been Republican initiatives, and that he has moved closer to the right than the Republicans have to the center.

I was disappointed in the Republican response. Tax cuts seems to be their only concern. One of NPR's commenters in Ohio said that he had been involved in seminars across the nation, and lowering taxes had not been even on the horizon as far as the people's list of important issues goes. When are my party, the Republicans, going to begin to LISTEN.

My comments. What are your's?

Regards,

Jim

2. State of the Union?
Wed, Jan 20, 1999 - 12:29 PM/EST
McRostie

It's fine exce[t for the self-fulfilling prophecy of the Republicans that it's becoming something else. They've been crying doom and gloom since pre-Reagan and continue to this day to attempt to make the case that our government is our enemy. At times they're almost to the point of being subversive.

As to the speech itself, Clinton is one very fine orator. Since pre 1982, he has argued for the idea of a "new Democrat" party, and his moves to the right, toward the political center, are persuasive evidence of the fact that he was sincere.

But Jim, your Republicans don't quite get the idea. They, instead embracing Clinton's move to the center, charge him with "stealing" their ideas. I'm inclined to agree Jim, the only ideaI I've heard the Republican party express for entirely too long is REDUCE OUR TAXES. We're the wealthiest country in the world with one of the lowest levels of taxation and they still say our taxes are too high. For some, yes, I agree. For others, and that's generally the ones whose cries are the loudest, I say no way.

To conclude, I think the "shopping list" might have been a little too long last night, but I didn't hear mush proposed that I believe, is not supported by the majority of the people in the country.

You did miss one thing Mr Largent said would be a major portion of the Republican plans for this session. Again, ad infinitim, it was abortion. Again, they don't quite get it. The American people have spoken, as has the Court, on the question. They both have said to a significant degree, keep government our of the question.

Regards, McRostie

3. Groan
Wed, Jan 20, 1999 - 1:16 PM/EST
Gayle

I don't watch the pre- and post- coverage, as I usually find them very annoying.

Clinton can be as fascinating and compelling as JFK, his role model. Last night's speech was very good, but I didn't think it was quite as good as last year's.

I believe his move to the 'right', while staying in the middle, is sincere and a clue the Republicans can't or won't understand...let's work together'. That concept is foreign to them, they have always appeared to want all the credit and not just their share. It makes me wonder if our politicians have done much of any teamwork since the founders put their heads together to write the Constitution.

Congress debate and give up back-biting, Jim? I think that may be a fantasy with this particular Congress. That particular (peculiar) segment of the Republican Party wants to make sure the Clinton legacy is not one of accomplishment.

I'm usually disappointed in the Republican response. They aren't for easy college entrance for all, they aren't for patient's rights, they aren't for…

When are they going to learn to listen? Probably when they lose the majority. And I do think that's even more inevitable after watching them NOT applaud for a lot of things the people care deeply about. They have said the People have short memories and will forget by 2000. But they keep on doing exactly what we don't like, so, as 'featherheaded' as we are, they make it difficult for us to forget. Apparently they are unable to comprehend that their supercilious attitude is something which makes a deep impression.

This seems like something beyond an unaware self-fulfilling prophecy, McRostie. It looks more and more like they're creating the doom purposely so they can say, "we told you so!", and then offer their 'sacrifice of civil service' for the poor, weakened victims of the Democrats to look up to. They want to 'save the nation' their way or no way.

4. Campaign speaches all over again~~~
Wed, Jan 20, 1999 - 6:33 PM/EST
Atropos

I felt like I was plunged into election season again! I wish WJC was as direct in his court testimony and responses as he was during the State of the Union Address. Both the initial speech, and the Republican response were rather weak. To be honest, I'd rather that nobody, Democrat, Republican, or other, applauded until the speech is over.

Good speech, & for WJC an OK delivery (I've seen better from the man). How many new agencies were formed? I missed the first few minutes of the speech. I was glad to see that more money would be going to the military. Misleading numbers on the Brady Bill issue.

For the Republican response, I agree there should be some anti-missile system developed and readied. Drop the tax return thing! A flat tax would be nice.

5. how can we believe him
Thu, Jan 21, 1999 - 4:03 AM/EST
mmac

how can we believe the man that mislead the american ppl while shaking his finger at us.this is the same man that says the era of big government is over.i do think he is and excellent communicator,but so are used car salesman. there are some points i agree with him on,more then i thought i would. i just dont trust him to follow thru with them.

6. one other point
Thu, Jan 21, 1999 - 4:05 AM/EST
mmac

remember with this president when he talks it depends on what the word " is" is.

7. Everybody wants to be in my business
Thu, Jan 21, 1999 - 4:11 AM/EST
Crispus

When I read about both the address and the Republican response, I was disappointed, but not in the least surprised. Clinton proposed more expensive programs that are outside of the true purview of the federal government. That was nothing new, of course. And when Steve Largent railed against the "tragedies" of euthanasia and abortion, I had to laugh. Anew, it became clear to me that neither of the main political parties care about individual rights or freedom, just about forcing their beliefs on others while simultaneously padding the government to make themselves seem relevant.

Frankly, I am glad that the two parties are locked in combat. If Clinton's call for bipartisan rule were ever to be heeded, we would be on our way to an oligarchy, and I would be on my way to Mencken's black flag.