The State of the Union

The President was right on so many issues.  Read the full text here.

Some of my favorite points deal with the War on Terror.  For example, "what good have we done":

In the last two years, we've seen the desire for liberty in the broader Middle East -- and we have been sobered by the enemy's fierce reaction. In 2005, the world watched as the citizens of Lebanon raised the banner of the Cedar Revolution, they drove out the Syrian occupiers and chose new leaders in free elections. In 2005, the people of Afghanistan defied the terrorists and elected a democratic legislature. And in 2005, the Iraqi people held three national elections, choosing a transitional government, adopting the most progressive, democratic constitution in the Arab world, and then electing a government under that constitution. Despite endless threats from the killers in their midst, nearly 12 million Iraqi citizens came out to vote in a show of hope and solidarity that we should never forget. (Applause.)

How about pulling out now?

If American forces step back before Baghdad is secure, the Iraqi government would be overrun by extremists on all sides. We could expect an epic battle between Shia extremists backed by Iran, and Sunni extremists aided by al Qaeda and supporters of the old regime. A contagion of violence could spill out across the country -- and in time, the entire region could be drawn into the conflict.

For America, this is a nightmare scenario. For the enemy, this is the objective. Chaos is the greatest ally -- their greatest ally in this struggle. And out of chaos in Iraq would emerge an emboldened enemy with new safe havens, new recruits, new resources, and an even greater determination to harm America. To allow this to happen would be to ignore the lessons of September the 11th and invite tragedy. Ladies and gentlemen, nothing is more important at this moment in our history than for America to succeed in the Middle East, to succeed in Iraq and to spare the American people from this danger. (Applause.)

Are there any heroes in this war?

Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when he enlisted in the United States Army. In December 2003, he was on a reconnaissance mission in Iraq when his team came under heavy enemy fire. From his Humvee, Sergeant Rieman returned fire; he used his body as a shield to protect his gunner. He was shot in the chest and arm, and received shrapnel wounds to his legs -- yet he refused medical attention, and stayed in the fight. He helped to repel a second attack, firing grenades at the enemy's position. For his exceptional courage, Sergeant Rieman was awarded the Silver Star. And like so many other Americans who have volunteered to defend us, he has earned the respect and the gratitude of our entire country. (Applause.)

That's what I'm talking about.  The President took the fight to the enemy in enemy territory and did it with grace and humor.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. And tonight, I have a high privilege and distinct honor of my own -- as the first President to begin the State of the Union message with these words: Madam Speaker. (Applause.)

...

Next, there is the matter of earmarks. These special interest items are often slipped into bills at the last hour -- when not even C-SPAN is watching. (Laughter.)

 

Where has he been this last year?

Global Warming Continues Rampage

Where is Algore when you need him?

Global warming yesterday ruined plans of many Californians by dropping a freak blizzard on them. Global Warming champion, Heidi Cullen has issued a fatwa against any meteorologist who would disrespect GW (not Bush).

Interestingly, none of the mainstream media seemed to notice the blizzard in Colorado (although the weather channel did).

Well, off to work now. Be back later tonight.

New Year, New Format

Some of you may have noticed a few cosmetic changes to the blog. My picture has moved to the sidebar, which has moved to the left. There is a new way to access previous posts. And Sacred Cow Burgers is no longer on my blogroll. Jay Dyson has apparently completely shut down his site. What used to link to him now goes to a site full of ads. No more biting photos and commentary.

However, note that Day by Day is still at the bottom. I will soon be back to real blogging, but I thought you might have noticed the absence of the link and had not heard that Jay was getting out of the internet game.

It's a New Year

And you can make it happy.
Or you can make it sad.
You can make it good,
Or you can make it bad.

As for me and my family, we will choose life.

Tax Cuts For the Rich

Local politics is pretty interesting. It is a microcosm of the national politics. One contestant for Governor complains that the incumbent raised taxes in spite of a pledge to lower them.

What is interesting about this to me, is that she is from the "No Tax Cuts for the Rich" party. The governor did, in fact, lower income taxes. He raised property taxes. Now, income taxes are taxes on the working families of Alabama. Property taxes are taxes on the people who own property. Normally, that would be the "rich". So we have a tax increase on the rich and a tax decrease on working families and the Democrats are upset by it. Aren't they supposed to be the ones in favor of helping the poor working class?

And then there is John Kerry. He thinks President Bush should apologize to the troops in Iraq. The troops think Kerry owes them an apology. You have probably seen the picture of the sign "Halp us Jon Carry, we r stuk in Irak"

Tomorrow we vote.

Dave and Blarney Discuss Elections

Blarney:This time the Democrats will win both houses of Congress, thanks to Mark Foley.

Dave: Why is that, Blarney?

Blarney: Voters are outraged, and rightly so, about the Republican handling of this mess.

Dave: What is it, exactly, that the Democrats dislike about the incidents?

Blarney: Well, isn't it obvious?

Dave: Here are the facts as I understand them: Foley is a homosexual. He sent "overly friendly" email messages to a young page. He sent sexually explicit Instant Messages to an adult page, even engaging in "internet sex". There was no documented physical sexual contact. He resigned as soon as the situation became public. So, are you offended by his sexual orientation?

Blarney: Absolutely not. Everyone has a right to their own orientation.

Dave: Ok, then. Are you offended by sexually explicit instant messages?

Blarney: Well, the emails went to a minor.

Dave: Yes, but they were not sexually explicit. Foley engaged in internet sex with an adult male page, not the one he sent emails to. But can I assume that you oppose the North American Man Boy Love Association (NAMBLA)? Do you condemn their agenda?

Blarney: Well, no. We don't have uptight mores about sex.

Dave: Well, then what is it?

Blarney: Hastert should have done something about Foley much sooner.

Dave: But what is it that you find reprehensible about Foley? Was it that he sexually approached someone over which he had some authority? Did you find Bill and Monica to be reprehensible by the same standard?

Blarney: Well, no. That was a private matter between two adults. You conservatives had no right to attack Mr. Clinton for receiving "favors" from Monica.

Dave: And the fact that Mr. Clinton was married has no bearing on it?

Blarney: Of course not. We are enlightened.

Dave: You will of course recall that Mr. Clinton initially denied everything. Foley, on the other hand, admitted his actions. Is that what you find offensive?

Blarney: The leader of the House Republicans should have known what was going on and done something about it.

Dave: About what? What is the action that you find so horrible? NAMBLA openly advocates homosexual sex between adults and children. You don't seem upset with them. Bill Clinton used his office - the Oval Office - to engage in oral sex with an intern. You people rushed to defend him.

Blarney: Well...

Dave: And I find it strange that the same people who protest about tracking terrorist conversations think it is appropriate to expose emails between individuals in Congress.

Blarney: But...

Dave: Now, I do find Foley's behavior as a Congressman reprehensible. I am outraged that he would approach a subordinate. I am opposed to NAMBLA. I just can't figure out what you think was so horrible, based on previous discussions.

Blarney: It's an election year.

Dave: Right. Thanks for being open about the motivation for outrage on the Left.

The Watchmaker

Here is a beautiful poem, suitable for sharing with your children or grandchildren. You can even download the poem with music for a mere $5.

My friends Hawkeye and Camojack will like it and will probably have an extended post at their sites.