While it’s true that the Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Friends” reruns vied for my attention Tuesday night, once again I watched the State of the Union address. With all due respect, allow me to share my initial emotion regardless of who is speaking for this long, with this lengthy of a list, with this much use of the pronoun “I” after a full day: yawn.
I mean no disrespect. I’m interested in what our leaders have to say; I just don’t always find partisan initiatives combined with political theater particularly interesting. Hence, I decided to share a few other thoughts… some mine… some yours…. each who felt called to share their creative, editorial insights…
- Nice ties, Joe & John. Well-coordinated, I might add.
- Lookin’ good, Michelle. Michelle Obama always looks good — especially when she’s smiling.
- The first SOTU by George Washington only lasted 5-7 minutes. I’m thinking contemporary leaders could learn a thing or two.
- The question here is relevance. How can this President remain relevant his last 2 years in office?
- “Aisle hogs”… you know who they are… always have to be right on the row’s edge. See Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
- Any tickets for this up on Stubhub?
- Will James Taylor be singing?
- Obama looks grayer to me. Life must be a little stressful.
- Saluting the troops is right on.
- Does the Supreme Court know how to clap?
- I think every President accepts too much credit and too little blame.
- “Middle class economics”? Who came up with that term?
- Not being able to pay for college is not a new circumstance.
- What’s the message here to Hillary?
- I’m realizing even the intelligent blur the line between “wants” & “needs.”
- Seems like he’s trying to tug on my heartstrings.
- Did he just say “sl_ts” instead of “slots”?
- How’s he going to pay for all this?
- Tax wealth — not income. Otherwise we’re talking socialism.
- Reducing the deficit is great, but don’t ignore the increasing debt.
- John Boehner, blowing your nose while the President’s talking isn’t all that attractive.
- Remember that “free” doesn’t mean free; it means using our tax dollars to pay for it.
- Love it when they ALL stand! Then it feels a less like a Patriots’ game.
- [via Chris Rock] “With obesity at record levels, Republicans should set a good example and stand up once in a while.”
- So if I get free internet, will my taxes go up or stay the same?
- If you like Obama and like a lot of free stuff, you’ll like this speech.
- Instead of taxing the richest 1% more, could we eliminate their Social Security checks?
- No use of the word “Islamic.” No use of Al Qaeda either.
- I have great fear about where we are heading.
- Not sure if the laughter/sarcasm here is appropriate. Snarkiness never goes over well.
- Sen. Diane Feinstein, interesting pink and purple combo.
- Not sure climate change is our biggest challenge and not comfortable as the Intramuralist says about omitting God from the conversation.
- We can speak to issues that still need improvement and we could point out that Obama may not have played a significant role in any of these improvements. But can’t we at least pause for a moment to acknowledge the positive?
- With all the veto threats, you have to wonder if persons will perceive you as someone who can be worked with.
- Strong on domestic policy. Weak on foreign policy.
- Under Obama’s leadership, he mentions how some say we’re more divided than ever. I wish that wasn’t true. Each of us needs to look at how we play a role in that. That includes Obama. That includes the media. That includes me.
- I hear a conciliatory tone as the President closes. Maybe that would have been wise to use the whole time.
- Bill Clinton’s SOTU’s sounded very Republican; George Bush’s sounded very Democratic; both seemed to be reaching out to the other side, where Obama doesn’t seem to make any attempt to reach out and gives a very partisan/Democratic speech.
- An appropriate Republican response? Balance the budget. Period.
- The Republican response comes next — this year via Sen. Joni Ernst. No disrespect, Senator, but haven’t we listened long enough?
- Sen. Ernst, the first female, combat veteran elected to the Senate… impressive. She’s even wearing camouflage heels.
- I like the fact that Ernst worked the farm and the Hardee’s biscuit line; now that’s hard work.
- Keystone pipeline/jobs bill. Republicans and Democrats support it. The State Dept. supported it. But administration says they can’t sign it yet. Not sure what the truth is there.
- Simplify the tax code — please!
- Too much dysfunction in Washington. Yep.
- 4 times as many people will be watching the Super Bowl next week than the number who watched this tonight. Shocking.
And then on Tuesday, this semi-humble observer turned on “Chopped.” Did I mention my yawn?
Respectfully…
AR