"America, you complete me"
President Bush implored lawmakers and the nation last night to give him one more chance to win the war in Iraq and avoid the "nightmare scenario" of defeat while presenting a domestic agenda intended to find common cause with the new Democratic Congress on issues such as energy and immigration.
Politically wounded but rhetorically unbowed, Bush gave no ground on his decision to dispatch 21,500 more troops to Iraq despite a bipartisan cascade of criticism. Addressing for the first time a Congress controlled by the other party, Bush challenged Democrats "to show our enemies abroad that we are united in the goal of victory" and warned that the consequences of failure in Iraq "would be grievous and far-reaching." [Washington Post]
State of the Union 2007-- My Thoughts
by David Rees, comic artist of Get Your War On
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The scene could not be more dramatic... the stakes could not be higher ... the drama could not be more charged with importance ... it is America's annual "Night to Remember," it's time for the State of the Union speech!
The big room where they hold the speech is full of splendor: dark oak paneling ... brass fixtures, all polished to a shine ... flags (American?) ... carpeted walkways ... truly a majestic setting for this historic speech. (Where is this room, by the way? Is it in the White House? If so, they should use it for entertaining foreign dignitaries. It is truly MARVELOUS.)
What's more, the hall is filled with ... ALL THE MOST FAMOUS POLITICIANS. It seems everyone who is "anyone" in Washington, DC is here! Congressmen, Senators, even maybe five(?) Supreme Chief Justices ... everyone has "represented" for State of the Union 2007!
In fact, it appears some generals from the Iraq War have flown home in helicopters (Blue Thunder?!?) to listen to their "Commander in Chief." Unless ... could those men actually be fake military officials, planted right up front to draw out foreign terrorists??? That would be a brilliant tactical masterstroke: "Yes, Mr. Terrorist, all our big generals are sitting in the front row ... right this way, my pretty ... walk right into... my lair ... OF JUSTICE!!! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE NOW BEING ARRESTED BY DENNIS KUCINICH AND CONDOLEEZZA RICE!!!"
Anyway, everyone is taking their seats ... and so we wait ... while some lady with a big wooden hammer names a bunch of people who will escort the President into the room (bodyguards from Missouri, Kentucky, etc. ???).
FINALLY, the show is about to begin! A pasty-faced man walks right up to the TV camera and bellows:
"HEY EVERYBODY, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
Can anyone listen to those words--regardless of political party-- and not get a chill in the spine of their neck? The hairs stand up on my ends even now as I recall when those words were spoken, not one hour ago!
It's "SHOW TIME!" President George Bush Jr., our 43rd president, enters the hall...
... and Lady Democracy roars her approval! The chamber thunders with mighty ovations as Bush, ever the showman, shakes every person's hand in the whole room. Never without a friendly word or wink, he immediately puts everyone at ease: "Sure, we've had our differences," he seems to say, "but our country is bigger than all that. Because our STATE OF THE UNION is bigger than that!"
(My uncle once explained it to me like this: "David, think of the State of the Union speech as a sort of 'User's Manual' for this great, complicated product we bought called THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. And by the way, David," he added, "if I may continue addressing you, think of the Bible as our nation's Unlimited Warranty!") [Read more at The Huffington Post]
Jon Stewart handicaps the President's speech by taking a look back and past five State of the Union addresses [Crooks and Liars].
Music
An Aquarium Drunkard has a couple tracks off the new Shins album, Wincing the Night Away, for you to sample.
Drop by the Torture Garden and check out all the Arcade Fire goodies Shane's posted in the past few days.
Hump Day Playlist
Chin Up, Chin Up - "For All the Tanning Salons in Texas"PAS/CAL - "Little Red Radio"
Death Cab for Cutie - "Soul Meets Body"
Brian Jonestown Massacre - "God is my Girlfriend"
Viva Voce - "Alive with Pleasure"
The Secret Machines - "Nowhere Again"
Page France - "Chariot"
David and the Citizens - "Ain't No Good News"