Fate of the Union

So. Idiot Boy has once again given another "rousing" State of the Union address. Let's review some of the low points.

On Iran:

“And to the Iranian people, I say tonight: As you stand for your own liberty, America stands with you...”

Oh boy. That's about the same thing he said to the Iraqi people just before the invasion. Translation: "You fucks are next!"

Let's think about this for a minute. Iranian people are pretty much trained from birth that America is "The Great Satan", and that we mean to wipe out all of Islam. So far, our actions under this president haven't done anything to prove them wrong.

Bottom line: If we thought Iraq was a hornet's nest, just wait until we invade Iran. It's going to make Iraq look like a Sunday picnic in comparison.


On Social Security:

“I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you. For you, the Social Security system will not change in any way.”

Translation: Of course your benefits won't change. You have the power of the AARP behind you. I don't want to piss off a buch of senior citizens with nothing to do but organize against me. Your kids, however, are pretty much gonna take it in the shorts!

Let's me phrase this very clearly: There is no social security crisis. The only reason Bush wants privatization to happen is to enrich all his Wall Street buddies. Think how much more fraud they could perpetrate with a fresh infusion of all that Social Security money!

An aside: I'm happy to post a link on my blog to www.thereisnocrisis.com. It's there, to the right. Click on it! They have some interesting things to say.


On Social Security, part two:

"Thirteen years from now, in 2018, Social Security will be paying out more than it takes in. And every year afterward will bring a new shortfall, bigger than the year before. For example, in the year 2027, the government will somehow have to come up with an extra 200 billion dollars to keep the system afloat — and by 2033, the annual shortfall would be more than 300 billion dollars. By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt."

Huge cheers to the democrats who started booing him at this point. This is just more scare tactics designed to keep the red staters in the constant state of fear neccessary to get away with gutting Social Security.

"If steps are not taken to avert that outcome, the only solutions would be dramatically higher taxes, massive new borrowing, or sudden and severe cuts in Social Security benefits or other government programs."

So, what? Let's do all of that now instead of later?


On Tort Reform:

"To make our economy stronger and more competitive, America must reward, not punish, the efforts and dreams of entrepreneurs...so we must free small businesses from needless regulation and protect honest job-creators from junk lawsuits. Justice is distorted, and our economy is held back, by irresponsible class actions and frivolous asbestos claims — and I urge Congress to pass legal reforms this year."

Wow. Where do I start with this one?

First of all, it's NOT the small businesses that want less regulation, it's the BIG businesses. Second, how many jobs have been created lately? And finally, is it any surprise that he started talking about tort reform right about the same time Vioxx and Celebrex got pulled off the market?


On Health care Reform:

"I ask Congress to move forward on a comprehensive health care agenda — with tax credits to help low-income workers buy insurance, a community health center in every poor county, improved information technology to prevent medical errors and needless costs, association health plans for small businesses and their employees, expanded health savings accounts, and medical liability reform that will reduce health care costs, and make sure patients have the doctors and care they need."

Great idea. Let's all wait for two years from now and see just how much of this has actually happened. I'm not holding my breath!


On Energy policies:

"...we also need reliable supplies of affordable, environmentally responsible energy. Nearly four years ago, I submitted a comprehensive energy strategy that encourages conservation, alternative sources, a modernized electricity grid, and more production here at home, including safe, clean nuclear energy. My Clear Skies legislation will cut power plant pollution and improve the health of our citizens. And my budget provides strong funding for leading-edge technology — from hydrogen-fueled cars, to clean coal, to renewable sources such as ethanol. Four years of debate is enough — I urge Congress to pass legislation that makes America more secure and less dependent on foreign energy.

Safe, clean nuclear energy? Has he forgotten about Three-Mile Island? Chernobyl?
Nuclear fission is one of the most toxic forms of power generation available, producing hazardous by-products that take centuries to break down. As for his Clear Skies legislation, it's been very effective at clearing the skies of birds, but it hasn't done much else.


On National Security:

"In the three and a half years since September 11th, 2001, we have taken unprecedented actions to protect Americans."

First of all, you knew September 11th was going to be slipped in there somewhere. As for what actions have been taken to protect Americans, let's review:

USA PATRIOT act--Proven very effective at spying on Americans with unpopular political views, not so effective against terrorism
Afghanistan--woefully small number of troops deployed, Osama bin Laden and most Taliban leaders got away.
Iraq--A sovereign country that had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with September 11th was invaded, playing right into the hads of O.B.L. and his ilk. We, a non-Muslim nation, invaded a sovereign Muslim nation simply because we could--exactly what Bin Laden and his followers said we would do!


Well, that's about all I can stand for now. Whew! This may be the longest post I've done so far. And don't forget to go to thereisnocrisis.com!