State Of The Union

 Our beautiful First Lady Michelle Obama

 Obama Cabinet led by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

 Obama Cabinet arrived at Chamber of House

 Powerful Hilary Clinton, Secretary of State

 Gabby Giffords Hugged by the President of the US

Rep. Gifford in Congress for the last time.

 Shot almost 1 year ago, Rep. Gifford will resign.

 So vulnerable, Rep. Gifford seems to have become a symbol

for a divided Congress and Nation to unite in compassion.

Gabby Gifford's husband, Mark Kelly, NASA Astronaut

 Jackie Brae, symbol of the possibilities 

when given  the right educational opportunities.

Rare, a pretty woman up on the hill.

 Rare, a likable looking guy.

 President Barack Obama with characteristic tilted head.

 President Barack Obama, an orator par excellence.

 Sourpuss, Speaker of the House Boehner

 An enlightened house one may wish.

The President gave a powerful speech, as usual.

I do object to the glorification of the wars

and the achievements of the military,

including the assassination of Bin Laden.

Yes to no more bail-outs, hand-outs, cop-outs.

Yes to rewarding business in the US

and taxing those that take it abroad.

No to false optimism.

I doubt that America is truly back.

While there is concern for the middle class,

the poor are strangely left out of the equation.

Ralph Nader has a point that Progressives,

while seemingly having nowhere to go, 

should make demands of the Obama adminstration,

as they can (and may, I am afraid) simply stay home

when it is time to vote.

Again, an impressive speech from a visibly aged,

should we hope leaner and meaner,

but darn charismatic President.

between a rock and a hard place

Large On White

President Obama's State of the Union Address, eloquent as ever, and so darn self-confident, strikes me as covering a lot of ground, yet offering little of the change so many of us desire. Tightening the belt will not mean abandoning armament in Iraq, leading in alternative green energy will not exclude the quest for more unsustainable nuclear power and/or non-existent "clean coal," tax refunds will not make that big a difference to many that seek further education, and health care reform without a public option seems almost, if not entirely meaningless.

Some interesting fact checks can be found here:
www.salon.com/news/state_of_the_union/index.html?story=/n...

View On Black

Interesting though how any one image, any one thing can look so very different from another point of view. Seems to me that the Republicans and Democrats need to put themselves in to one another's shoes, so they can switch their point of view, have a deeper understanding of what is needed and really start working together. We like to vilify the other, but in truth they complement each other and make a larger whole. The search for this larger vision is a noble one, but sure goes against most of our desires to get things done - our way. I applaud President Obama for chastising both parties and encouraging both to work towards common goals and the good for all. Contrary to those that urge President Obama to force policies through and act more tough and angry, I admire, in theory, his principled approach and desire to bring along both parties.

I am afraid though we will not see the changes we so hoped for and were so excited about only 1 year ago. I am afraid Adriana Huffington might be right and we will not see great achievements, but little disappointing bits and pieces that will not add up to a whole lot, certainly not enough for the progressives.