state of the union

I watched most of it --- spent a few minutes trying to figure out how to stream it, since I don't have TV reception.

The speech was:
- decidedly partisan
(factoids repeatedly shown on the right hand side of the screen - usually criticizing the GOP)

- somewhat authoritarian
(greater use of executive powers than most presidents - without apology)

Although I support investment in basic science research, I'd have to say his justification (Google) was really mis-placed. Google, Facebook, and Twitter --- three of the bigger online systems - didn't really grow thanks to public monies. For the most part - these mega enterprises started when a creative person sat at home and wrote interesting code --- shared it with their friends - who shared it with their friends --- who shared it with their friends. Private money has done more to advance the wired world than public money.

The President took way too much credit for "job creation" (total bunk).

He also made passing reference to making homes affordable. That's what created the real estate bubble burst --- how soon people forget --- when you give someone a house they can't afford -- you simply tell them it's affordable --- you're going to have problems!

I think the President's trust in education is also a tad bit optimistic. There are too many people in college ---- that's the problem. Colleges ought to be charged with making smart people smarter - not awarding worthless credentials the entire world.

The thing that bugs me is that this guy is so sure of himself, that he openly pledges to use his executive powers to accomplish his goals. Executive powers aren't new ---- but it seems (and most media agrees) that President Obama is very comfortable using them.

This address is also the most partisan that I recall. The "enhanced" version that I streamed from the White House fed me facts and tidbits ---- all partisan. Yeah - I know Congress is being partisan, as well --- but it got real old.

I watched a few minutes of the Republican response - but found that every bit as repulsive.

My conclusion - the state of the union sucks.

Agree with both of you. Time for the State Of The Union to evolve. Less about future empty promises and more about our increasing debt levels, long term unemployment, entitlement increases per capita.
Tell us how it is.

It would have been nice to hear the actual and truthful state of the union instead of a Benghazi style whitewash of the actual facts.

Mislead on so many areas including ACA signups, the energy boom, jobs created, etc. I really didn't expect much different from all his other speeches, but I'm always hoping he eventually takes some responsibility for at least some of the failures on his watch.

Didn't watch it,didn't want to hear the same old,same old platitudes and promises.....hear's my
take on this year (2014).....some UNINTENDED unpredicted consequences.....which will create
a chaotic Q3 (summer) and the paradigm will shift so RADICALLY the general populace will NOT
understand what hit them.....JMO.......(if you are astrologically inclined, you will most likely
agree......guess we will wait and see,huh?)

on the way the speech ended

---

President Obama made a big deal of talking about
Sgt First Class Cory Remsburg.

Let me be clear - I admire his service, sacrifice, and determination to recover. It deserves recognition
and gratuity from the entire country (as would be the case for any military vet).

HOWEVER ----

Why the heck didn't Sgt Remsburg salute the President (Commander in Chief)?

I'm not an authority on military protocol ---- but thumbs up?????

Seems more indulgent than obedient.

(No, I'm not a real fan of the President - but he IS the President).

bailey bud wrote: I watched most of it --- spent a few minutes trying to figure out how to stream it, since I don't have TV reception.

The speech was:
- decidedly partisan
(factoids repeatedly shown on the right hand side of the screen - usually criticizing the GOP)

- somewhat authoritarian
(greater use of executive powers than most presidents - without apology)

Although I support investment in basic science research, I'd have to say his justification (Google) was really mis-placed. Google, Facebook, and Twitter --- three of the bigger online systems - didn't really grow thanks to public monies. For the most part - these mega enterprises started when a creative person sat at home and wrote interesting code --- shared it with their friends - who shared it with their friends --- who shared it with their friends. Private money has done more to advance the wired world than public money.

The President took way too much credit for "job creation" (total bunk).

He also made passing reference to making homes affordable. That's what created the real estate bubble burst --- how soon people forget --- when you give someone a house they can't afford -- you simply tell them it's affordable --- you're going to have problems!

I think the President's trust in education is also a tad bit optimistic. There are too many people in college ---- that's the problem. Colleges ought to be charged with making smart people smarter - not awarding worthless credentials the entire world.

The thing that bugs me is that this guy is so sure of himself, that he openly pledges to use his executive powers to accomplish his goals. Executive powers aren't new ---- but it seems (and most media agrees) that President Obama is very comfortable using them.

This address is also the most partisan that I recall. The "enhanced" version that I streamed from the White House fed me facts and tidbits ---- all partisan. Yeah - I know Congress is being partisan, as well --- but it got real old.

I watched a few minutes of the Republican response - but found that every bit as repulsive.

My conclusion - the state of the union sucks.

Excelllent summary BB, thanks for sparing me the pain of listening to the dog and pony show.
Sighhhhh

A Bush speechwriter accused Obama of plagarizing a Bush SOTU speech. Now Barack is stealing Republican ideas?

bailey bud wrote: on the way the speech ended

---

President Obama made a big deal of talking about
Sgt First Class Cory Remsburg.

Let me be clear - I admire his service, sacrifice, and determination to recover. It deserves recognition
and gratuity from the entire country (as would be the case for any military vet).

HOWEVER ----

Why the heck didn't Sgt Remsburg salute the President (Commander in Chief)?

I'm not an authority on military protocol ---- but thumbs up?????

Seems more indulgent than obedient.

(No, I'm not a real fan of the President - but he IS the President).

Navy does not salute inside or when not covered . Air Force does. Army, don't know.

I have a cast iron stomach but the thought of listening to Barry wax on about how great everything is in the current day United States of America because of his personal initiatives makes me queasy.

Ever walk on to a car lot to buy a used car, inspect a clearly damaged and decaying vehicle then get assailed by a salesman who wants to tell you all about the positive features of the same car? "Well, yes sir you are correct, all four tires are flat, however you may have overlooked that those are top of the line 100,000 mile tires. Sure they have holes on the sidewalls but that can be repaired, it will just take a little time and some money to make the repair. Faded paint and rust?! Sir, I don't mean to insult you but those who understand the used car market refer to those same features as a fine patina, it's a new old look that is in very high demand these days. We put this vehicle on the lot at what I thought was a fair price but now that you have pointed out the finest features of this vehicle I'm thinking we ought to ask $5000.00 more because it's such a wonderful car."

Judging from the summaries from the media it was just more of the same from Barry, a campaign speech with no election at stake, more empty promises, and more taking personal credit for things that didn't happen.