January 29, 2003
Well, as most politically minded folks know, last night was the annual "State of the Union" address by President Bush to Congress. Despite the fact that it is to Congress, tradition broadcasts it to the common folk, so we can get an idea of where the country is.Lamentably, I wasn't able to listen to the whole address, so I'll have to read it when it's available. I was anxious to hear it, since it was dubbed the most anticipated State-of-the-Union speech in decades. However, from what I did hear, I was marginally impressed. I didn't really hear any advancements in the economic plan or the case against Saddam. I'm a backer of Pres. Bush in most things, but these are probably my two biggest concerns. With the economy, what the country desperately needs is business investment and spending. That will both lower unemployment and increase the GDP. Bush's plan is for tax cuts, with the largest cuts going to the rich. Please note that I have no problem whatsoever that the rich are getting the tax cuts. They are reponsible for an overwhelming majority of all income taxes, and therefore affect the economy the most. I just don't see any immediate economic effects from a tax cut.In regards to the war against Iraq, I'm convinced it will happen. The biggest issue here is that no "smoking gun" has been found that would instantly incriminate Saddam. Europeans, who generally shy at war, are upset that Bush is so intent on war, and France and Germany have basically withdrawn their approval for a war at this point, instead opting to give the inspectors another chance to find the "smoking gun." Bush says if they don't want to help, then we'll go it alone. Alone with a few shaky Allies that is. Britain will jump in, but at a danger to Tony Blair's career, since many Britains oppose the war also. However, Bush is not without cause here. Take for example the terrorists of Sept. 11. Had we known the amount of terror and damage they were going to have caused, I believe no one would be against a hard preemptive strike to prevent it. Saddam is a known abuser of power, of economic and political sanctions, as well as a murderer of his own people. He has been known to seek weapons of mass destruction. He has already been caught with contraband by the inspectors in Iraq. What's to say he won't strike in the near future. Given his record, a call for a preemptive strike is not out of the question.
Posted by charr at 9:20 AM
Reader Comments
I've received a comment on my first post and that it was liked (though I had a typo). Hopefully things will get even better.
The posting of comments doesn't seem to be working correctly. You hit "Post" and it will seemingly sit and wait indefinitely, even though it has actually made the post. I'm not sure how to fix that.
Well, that that time it eventually finished, though it took quite a while. I'm trying now from a different browser to see if that has anything to do with it. It also seems to not save user info.
I would have said you had a typo here, but I didn't want to start out with a negative comment.
The President's speech was one of the best speeches I have heard - delivered very well, the content very timely on all subjects, spoken by a man of honor and integrity, worthy of the office of President of this great country. President Bush is one of our greatest Presidents,and Laura one of the greatest First Ladies. May God bless him as he leads our country the next four years, and may God bless America.
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I've received a comment on my first post and that it was liked (though I had a typo). Hopefully things will get even better.
Posted by Cameron at January 29, 2003 11:29 AM