State of the Union

THE STATE OF THE UNION



This coming Tuesday, on January 31st, 2006, the sitting President of these United States, George W. Bush, will deliver what portends to be the most significant public address of his life.



I was going to attempt to rebut, significant item by significant item, the expected verbiage of that delivery. I believe I could present a rebuttal that would, difficult as it may seem, effectively present an opposing view to virtually every word the President says. I know that may sound arrogant, and if that’s the way you take it, I apologize. There is, however, another way of looking at that statement. If I can deliver such a rebuttal, then it just must not be so terribly difficult a task to ponder. And, yes, Virginia, that IS the way I meant it.



Although the words may be written by those who have superior speech-writing skills, they will be delivered by a man whose ability to orate, publicly (yes, it is legal) is at the very best questionable. And, as has been so pointedly addressed towards me, if the people cannot understand what you mean to say, they will pay little or no attention to what you actually DO say.



In the preparation of my rebuttal, I actively tested the words on someone of what I believe to be approximately equal to the President in their policy and oratory skills. Sadly, I had to stop short when her third grade teacher made her come in from recess.



Rather than not only pick apart the speech, the man, and the administration (which would, I promise you not only be devastatingly effective, but also one heck of a good time!), I am going to honor the original caveat of this Blog: I will be honest to my greater goal.



Let me preface this with just a quick, general statement of belief on my part. It is MY belief. It is ONLY my opinion. No, there is no need for a rant warning this time!




This speech has been, throughout the history of our nation, the most singularly significant communication which a sitting President can make to the people he leads. Decades, and even Centuries of study are meticulously sacrificed to the exhaustive evaluation and study of the words uttered upon this occasion by the most learned men and women of the World. The American “State of the Union” Address is, without exception, the most studied speech in the Universe (or at least that part that we know about).



Hundreds of historians and scholars are, even as you read this, studying the first State of the Union address delivered by our very first President, George Washington. This Address (SOTU) is not merely a cornerstone of our nation. Economic fortunes are created and lost within 24 hours of its delivery. Governmental re-alignments multi-laterally occur because of these particular words uttered, whether stumbled over or powerfully delivered.



Hundreds of thousands of individual lives within the borders of this very country are indelibly affected by this address. Social dictates judicial proclivities, religious fervor, military advancements, scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs, technological achievements—all these and so many more real life parameters are nudged and/or jolted because of this speech.










Do you really believe that?









It’s a very simple question that, I believe deserves your undivided attention and honest answer. That's alright, go right ahead and ponder. I will wait.









If you DO believe it, then are you willing to sacrifice the amount of time required to either watch, or listen to (SOTU) in its entirety?



And, furthermore, will you seriously attend the words of this President, and study not only their meaning but their impact on your daily life?



Will you exercise your liberty, your freedom, and your civic responsibility as an American Citizen—just this much? (Go ahead. Ponder. I will wait. You KNEW there was gonna be a test!)










Regardless of your political affiliation, social condition, spiritual advancement, financial status or emotional level, this speech WILL impact your life for the years to come. Exercise your franchise!



Evaluate the words; discern not what is said, but rather what is meant. You are invited to take action upon what you decide—here.



Leave a comment on the SOTU Address. Is that really so very much to ask, considering how much you believe all that I just said?



Even if you categorically deny the truth of these words, offer an opposing view. If nothing else, you will feel like you participated in the process. And voicing your opinion IS citizenship! That alone would make an historical difference in the future of our Nation.




Vox Populi!






Unohu