More Perfect: A State of the Union Open Thread

by: Chris Blask

Tue Feb 12, 2013 at 21:00:05 PM EST



Well, President Obama is getting set to present the traditional State of the Union address. The GOP is set to respond out of both sides of their divided mouth.

There is an Executive Order on cybersecurity expected tomorrow. What will the President say about that?

The economy continues a fragile fifth year of recovery, sequestration looms ahead.

As Chris Dorner remains (?) in a burning cabin after killing a police officer today, wounding another, and killing others including a young couple guilty of having a father in the LAPD, the issue of guns is on the table.

What will our President have to say tonight, about the state of our Union?

Consider this a live thread and ongoingly Open Thread (here comes Michelle, and damn she looks sharp!).
Chris Blask :: More Perfect: A State of the Union Open Thread
Tags: , , (All Tags)
Print Friendly View Send As Email

More Perfect: A State of the Union Open Thread | 74 comments
Call me shallow (2.00 / 15)
But I am loving Michelle's dress.
Call me shallow to, (2.00 / 13)
but I am loving Michelle.

(the dress rocks, too ;~)

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
And Biden's tie is pretty sharp too. (2.00 / 13)

[ Parent ]
But somebody should tell Boehner (2.00 / 11)
Orange-skinned people should not wear salmon color.
[ Parent ]
my wife said he must have got dressed in the dark (2.00 / 7)
i thought he looked like a zantac commercial the whole time.

{vurrrrp}

Earth is the best vacation place for advanced clowns. --Gary Busey
 

[ Parent ]
NBC news camera (2.00 / 12)
Just showed a shot of the press box.  I guess the cameras are rarely on it, because some poor woman was just caught picking her teeth on national TV.
Could have been worse. (2.00 / 13)
(studiously refrains from listing picking options...)

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
[ Parent ]
::looks around to make sure there are no cameras on me:: (2.00 / 11)

[ Parent ]
Alaska, Illinois, Virginia and other Senators sitting in bipartisan pairs. (2.00 / 10)
That's a good sign.

A few words with Justice Sotomayor...

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
Let the hand shaking begin. (2.00 / 11)
Gabby Gifford and her fantastic husband are in the gallery.

Hadiya Pendleton's parents will be sitting with Michelle tonight.

Which Republicans sit where will speak to the state of that party, and give and indication where they will be heading.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

Mr. Speaker! (2.00 / 10)
The President of the United States!

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
SC Court Justices? (2.00 / 11)
It looks like Alito, Thomas and Scalia all stayed home.  Or did I miss them?
And so it begins. (2.00 / 10)
Members o Congress, I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you, the President of the United States.

Bohner chokes out...

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

Starting with bipartisanship (2.00 / 9)

There is much progress to report (2.00 / 10)
After a decade of grinding war, our brave men and women are coming home.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
[ Parent ]
After years of recession, our economy is creating 6M new jobs (2.00 / 10)
we are importing less oil than in twenty years.

together we have cleared away the ruble of crisis

we can say, with renewed confidence, that the state of our union is strong.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
Our economy is adding jobs, (2.00 / 7)
but too many people cannot find full time employment.

our corporations are having historic profits, but wages are stagnant.

it is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that made this country. That if you work hard, you can get ahead.

It is our task to make sure this country works for not just the few, but the many.

The American people don't expect gov't to fix every problem, for those of us in this room to agree on everything...

to forge reaonsable compromise where we can

our work must begin by making some basic decisions on our budge

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
The constitution makes us not rivals for power, (2.00 / 9)
but partners for progress.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
Settled in and watching. (2.00 / 10)
Need popcorn for the GOP responses.

Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For so the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.
Which one? (2.00 / 8)
Oh, the Schadenfreude!

heheheehee

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
On the Economy (2.00 / 9)
We are more than halfway to the goal to 4T in deficit reduction

how do we finish the job?

The Fiscal Cliff, sequestration: 2011 congress set it up [sic]

- this would cost us 100,000s of jobs
- some in congress have proposed preventing only defense cuts but bigger cuts to education, medicare, Soc Sec - "that idea is even worse"
- "yes, the biggest driver of rising debt is healthcare for an again population" - "we cannot ask senior citizens to carry the whole burden while protecting the wealthiest and most powerful"
- "we cannot just cut our way to prsperity"

- AFCA is helping to slow the growth of healthcare costs
- reduce taxpayer subsidies to Pharma
- bring down cost to the way gov't pays for Medicare - quality instead of quantity

- Dept Ceiling Dig: "we must keep the promises we have already made"

- get rid of tax loopholes instead of cutting education

- "now is our best chance for bipartisan tax reform that creates jobs and brings down the deficit.'

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

Economy (2.00 / 8)
 - simplify tax code,

- entitlement reform: the politics will be hard for both sides, but the alternative will cost us jobs, hit the economy

- replace reckless cuts with smart savings.

- the greatest country on earth cannot retain it's place by drifting from one manufactured crisis to another" (Bohner sits quietly)

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
Bohner sits and stares... (2.00 / 8)
 - drinks water

- picks (something?)

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
three questions (2.00 / 7)
 - how do we attract more jobs?
- how do we equip our workers?
- give them fair opportunities(did I get that right?)

- nothing I am proposing raises the deficit.

- manufacturing - 500K new jobs in the past three years

- announcing three more manufacturing hubs

- asks congress to make 15 more man'fing hubs

- we have to invest in teh best ideas, human genome $140 for each $1 invested

- now is the time to reach a level of R&D not seen since the height of the space race.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
Energy (2.00 / 7)
we produce more oil at home than we have in 15 years

doubled the mileage of cars

- more natural gas than ever]

- emissions fell last year for the first time

"For the sake of our children, we must do more to combat climate change"

12 hottest years on record came in the last 15

floods, droughts,

- we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgement of science and act before it is too late

- bipartishan solution to climate change like Lieberman and McCain did

- I will direct my cabinet to come up with actions to reduce pollution, speed new energy

- last year wind energy added more than half of new power

- use some of our oil and gas to create energy trust to shift cars and trucks off oil and gas for good

- new goal: cut in half energy wasted by homes and businesses in 20 years

- aging infrastructure

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

Infrastructure (2.00 / 7)
 - self healing power grids (oooh, now you're in my zone)

- I know you want these jobs in your district, I've seen all those ribbon cuttings

- proposing partnership to rebuild America that attracts private capital

- modern ports, pipelines, schools

- let's prove there is no better place to do business

Homes

- prices up

- construction expanding

- mortgages too hard to get: holding our economy back;  

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

I loved the ribbon cutting line (2.00 / 8)
Unfortunately, I'm listening, not watching mostly so I didn't get to see the reaction shots.
[ Parent ]
He enjoyed delivering that line....I love his chuckle. (2.00 / 7)


Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
On Education (2.00 / 7)
The sooner a child starts learning the better they do

- lack of access to preschool

- propose working with states to make high=-quality preschool available to every child

- every dollar we invest in early ed can save 7 later on by reducing pregnancy, crime

- make sure none of our kids start the race behind.

- make sure a highchool diploma is a path to a good job - Germany focuses on equivalent tech degree from one of our colleges

- new challenge - redesign high schools to equip kids for high tech jobs (STEM)

- Higher Ed: tax credits, grants and better loans, but tax payers cannot keep subsidizing: colleges must do their part to keep costs down. Change Higher Ed Act to include affordability to decide which colleges get gov't aid: best bang for edu buck

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

On immigration (2.00 / 8)
"the time has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform"

(Bohner sits and claps)

- stronger border security - illegal crossing at lowest level in 40 years

 -path to citizenship

- fixing legal immigration, cut waiting periods, attract engineers and entrepreneurs  

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

On Women's rights (2.00 / 9)
 - today the senate passed Violence Against Women Act, I urge House to pass

- declare that women should earn equal to efforts, pass paycheck fairness act this year (GOP sits on hands)

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

with several Republicans sitting down and not appaluding. (2.00 / 7)

[ Parent ]
Yep. (2.00 / 7)
much of that.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
[ Parent ]
On Minimum wage (2.00 / 8)

- minimum wage $14,500 lives below poverty line - let's declare that no-one working full time has to live in poverty, raise minimum wage to $9

- CEO pay has never been higher, tie minimu wage to cost of living ('which Romney agreed with on last year')

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

Thanks to a job layoff and a struggling small business environment (2.00 / 7)
a good friend of mine earned $13,000.00 last year. It's a hard way to live, and it's painful to watch her work so hard and struggle to just survive.  

Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
On ladders of opportunity to middle class (2.00 / 9)
 - incentives to companies who offer jobs to hardest hit towns

- give new tax credits to businesses who invest

- lower income coupes families

- making families doesn't mean being able to conceive a child, but to raise one (Marriage Equality)

- stronger families, stronger communities, stronger America

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

Afghanistan/War on Terror (2.00 / 8)
"achieved our objective of defeating the core of Al Qaeda"

- tonight over the next year 34,000 troops come home, "by the end of next year our war in Afghanistan will be over"

- beyond 2014 our commitment will endure, but two missions go forward: training and equiping, and pursuing terrorists

- we don't need to send 10s of thousands of our sons and daughters abroad, or occupy other nations, instead we wikll need to help countries like Yemen, Libya and Somalia

- we will continue to take direct action to oppose those terrorists who pose the gravest threat to Americans

- work to increase transparency in anti-terror

- work to prevent the spread of the most dangerous weapons - provocation like was saw last night (NK), Iran needs to meet their obligations - "we will do what is necessary to prevent them getting a nuclear weapon"

- work with Russia to reduce arsenals, reduce fissile material

 

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

One more year.....and then my friend can finally stop worrying (2.00 / 9)
that her son in the military will die there. His deployments have been so hard for her.

Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
totally (2.00 / 6)
concur

Earth is the best vacation place for advanced clowns. --Gary Busey
 
[ Parent ]
tyvm..... (2.00 / 5)


Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
On Cybersecurity (2.00 / 9)
We need to address our ability to prevent cyber attack

- enemies are seeking the ability to attack power, finance, air traffic control

"We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing in the face of real threats to our security and our economy. That is why, earlier today, I signed an new Executive Order that will strengthen our cyber defenses by increasing our information sharing and developing standards taht will protect our jobs and our economy.

"Congress needs to pass legislation to give our government better ability to secure our networks and prevent attacks."

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

This is going to be interesting. (2.00 / 10)
I will have a lot to say about this one over the next few days.

The Industrial Control System Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ICS-ISAC) has occupied a lot of my time these past 7 months. It has been an interesting process to set it up and get folks involved, and recent months and even weeks it has gained a great deal of momentum.

There is a time to get these things done, and we are in that time on this issue. This year is going to be very interesting.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
Thanks Chris..... (2.00 / 6)
I look forward to learning more, and feel fortunate you will be sharing your knowledge.

Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
I've gone over the EO (2.00 / 5)
which is available here.

In short, I approve.

Will write up something tomorrow likely.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
On international trade. (2.00 / 9)
 - new Asia and Europe agreements

- progress in most impoverished parts of world enriches us all

- US will join with our allies to eradicate poverty in two decades

- AIDS free generation within our reach

- America must remain a beacon to all who seek freedom in this age of change

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

on Military (2.00 / 10)
Will maintain the best the world have ever seen

insist on fairness for all service members and families "gay and straight"

support wounded warriors


"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

right to vote (2.00 / 11)
"when any American no matter where they live or what their party are denied that right because they cannot wait 4 or 5 or 6 hours to cast their vote we are betraying out ideals"

- non partisan commission to improve voting experience

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

The presence of the 102 yr old woman.... (2.00 / 12)
who struggled to vote was powerful. Makes me feel ashamed...and very frustrated.

Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
On Guns (2.00 / 14)
two months since Newtown

"this time it is different"

"overwhelming majority of Americans have come together"

- background checks

- resale of guns

- weapons of war and massive clips

- each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress

more than a thousand birthdays have been stolen since Newtown

- Nadiya Pendelton - 15 years old, loved fig newtons, was a majorette, shot and killed a mile from my house, her parents and more than two dozen others whose lives were torn apart by gun violence are here tonight - they deserve a vote - Gabby Giffords deserves a vote, teh families of Newtown deserve a vote

"They deserve a simple vote"

We were never sent here to be perfect, we were sent here to make what difference we can.


"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
That phrase spoke to my son and his friends...... (2.00 / 14)
They feel deeply moved with the positive message of the President's speech....."Will there be a better president in my lifetime Mom?"

Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
High five all of them for me. (2.00 / 9)
Tell them "yes"

They have a long future, and "better" is a relative word, but there will be great presidents in their future.

Maybe one of them?

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
what a good son in our lifetime.n.t. yes, he'll have to work though (0.00 / 0)
to get him elected, now that the pols have seen how good good is when the youth known what good is and work to deny the good youth, the college voters, the vote.
[ Parent ]
Boehner sits for Dezlinene (1.87 / 15)
fuck him

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
Sorry, I cannot in despite my dignity of a femme d'une certain age do .... (2.00 / 1)
...what you suggest. Even if he is third in line for the presidency.
And it's not because of the orange. orange remains my favorite color.
it's the weak shilly shallying..the kerflooying...all my sainted mother's words and she is close to 100.
[ Parent ]
Ha! (2.00 / 1)
You are a lady of Great Dignity, Ms. Blue.

This is you, if I am not mistaken?

(yes, Undercover Blues is one of my favorites ;~)

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
blonde is she. me is disguise. n.t. (2.00 / 1)

[ Parent ]
Rubio (2.00 / 10)
 - a shot for anti-abortion

- a comment on immigrant parents, building up from the economic bottom

- a comment on free enterprise

- Obama thinks free enterprise is the the problem

- going for small government

- more tax and spending by big gov is the problem

- "more government" is the repetitive theme

- "Obamacare" repetitive

- admits there is some role for government (Rand Paul will ream him for that)

- net: "I am a moderate Republican, the Tea Party is going to eat my brain"

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

is he still talking? (2.00 / 11)
 - school vouchers

- GOP has offered a detailed plan to save Medicare

- (bad reach off camera for a loud drink of water)

- "Republicans have plassed a plan"

- many problems are caused by the moral breakdown of our society (red meat for the Tea Party)

Seems like a nice enough kid. Too bad he is going to be eaten alive by his own cannibalistic party.

Sorry, I am not live-blogging Rand Paul. Can't type when I am laughing that hard.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
Hi I'm Marcio Rubio, and I'm twelve..... (2.00 / 14)
...and think I know something.... propaganda words with no content except negativity.

Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
It really was painful. (2.00 / 10)
Feel sorry for him, but won't even possibly vote for him for another 20 years.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
[ Parent ]
I don't (2.00 / 14)
that much preening ambition deserves the public airing he delivered. I've just never been one to stand in the way of anyone getting what they have coming to them, comes from being from a family of pretentious fucks. They cured me of ever having any optimism about Republicans. Or sympathy for that matter, they're just too destructive to let that get in the way of opposing them.

"But what people usually want with free speech is the ability to speak their mind and not have people think worse of them for it." Josh Marshall  
[ Parent ]
Tweety (2.00 / 10)
"Tinkertoys"

that was the sum

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
Incredible Speach (2.00 / 16)
I was wiping away tears at the "They deserve a vote". There was so much in the speech. I'm the daughter, niece and sister of veterans. The shout out to them was wonderful to hear. The shout out to the gay members of the Armed Forces was long over due.

I'm proud to have voted for this man when he ran for Senator when I was living in Illinois and proud to have voted for him twice as President.

"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world." Oscar Wilde

Me, too. (2.00 / 12)
Great speaker, great moment.

The GOP should not have hidden behind poor Rubio to follow that. Were they looking for the sympathy vote or just hiding.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
OMG did we see Marco Rubio I got the Gif (2.00 / 17)
photo SOTUNC1050_zpsc9b204cf.gif

I also have the music to go along with it



"I honor the place in you where Spirit lives
I honor the place in you which is
of Love, of Truth, of Light, of Peace,
when you are in that place in you,
and I am in that place in me,
then we are One."  Namaste Friends!

Very speedy! (2.00 / 13)
That drink will last a looooong time, heh

Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
[ Parent ]
The fatal moment (2.00 / 13)


"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon
[ Parent ]
"Gulp Fiction" (2.00 / 10)


Earth is the best vacation place for advanced clowns. --Gary Busey
 
[ Parent ]
Zing! (2.00 / 4)
Working on it..

Working on it..

nope, can't top that one.

"Conway, whom experience had taught that rudeness was by no means a guarantee of good faith, was even less inclined to regard a well-turned phrase as a proof of insincerity."  James Hilton, Lost Horizon

[ Parent ]
If he dandn't been so furtive, it might (2.00 / 8)
not have been so fatal. He just came across, to me, as a sneak.
[ Parent ]
hadn't not dand't, Oops. (2.00 / 6)

[ Parent ]
"Furtive" (2.00 / 7)
Yup, that's exactly how he came across to me too.

Rumproast and other sites have pegged it as the Aqualunge.

If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well it were done subjunctively.

[ Parent ]
Sully's summation..... (2.00 / 14)
I always check Andrew Sullivan's Live Blog

10.12 pm. Now we're really into Reagan territory. The 102 year-old is pretty damn amazing. And, yes, it is a national scandal that she had to wait six hours to vote. Then a heroic cop. "That's just the way we're made." I have to say that even to these jaundiced ears, that peroration moved me. The passion, the reason, the sincerity: this was an invigorated president, trying to shift the mood away from zero-sum partisanship to non-zero-sum citizenship. It's what we always hoped from him, and I think it places the Republicans in a horrible bind. Are they going to prevent a vote on guns? Are they going to refuse Bowles-Simpson Medicare reform? Are they willing to force a sequester rather than cooperate with this popular president? Does the Speaker not appreciate a 102 year-old getting to vote? Why did he stay seated? I have a feeling that moment will strike people.

Meep meep.



Love is the lasting legacy of our lives
Funny You Should Mention... (2.00 / 8)
The Chris Dorner story.  I've been following Twitter today and there is an unusually high number of tweets defending, indeed lionising, him.  It's quite remarkable; there is apparently a significant resentment of law enforcement in general and the LAPD in particular.

I can't imagine the LAPD handling this whole incident any worse from the start; even today the muddled and contradictory reports of the cause of the fire in the cabin and whether they have found a body and it's identity do not come across well on cable news.  Their 'manhunt' seems appropriately described; due process apparently so out of fashion among alpha law enforcement types these days.

No doubt this story will blow over but one is surprised at the apparent depth of mistrust of authority evident in the public; I sense that scepticism of authority, institutions and the corporate sector generally has reached a new low.

More Perfect: A State of the Union Open Thread | 74 comments
Search




Advanced Search
Menu

Make a New Account

Username:

Password:



Forget your username or password?

Blog Roll
Andrew Bacevich
Angry Bear
Angry Black Lady
Balloon Juice
Black Kos
Booman Tribune
Charles P. Pierce
Crooks and Liars
Daily Kos
Five Thirty Eight
Huffington Post
Juan Cole
Maddow Blog
P.M. Carpenter
Political Wire
RumpRoast
Scholars & Rogues
Stonekettle
Talking Points Memo
The Field
Washington Monthly
Wonkette
VetVoice
Moose With Blogs
Atdleft
Barr
BorderJumpers
BTchakir
Canadian Gal
Charles Lemos
Cheryl Kopec
Curtis Walker
Douglas Watts
Hubie Stubert
Intrepid Liberal
ItStands
Janicket
JoeTrippi
John Allen
LibraryGrape
MichaelEvan
National Gadfly
Peter Jukes
Senate Guru
Zachary Karabell




Back to Top

Posting Guidelines  |  FAQ  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact the Moose  |  Contact Congress
Powered by: SoapBlox