The President, not too surprisingly, said a lot last night in the State of the Union - and by that, I mean he used a lot of words. But what did the President actually propose?
In short - it was the same thing we’ve been hearing from him since his campaign - the government creates jobs, the government needs to control healthcare, and the government needs to spend a lot on education. But it was notable in its inconsistency - proposing a (partial, and small) spending freeze while proposing massive government “investment” in numerous programs - and its disconnect from the free markets.
Here is a quick summary:
Raise Taxes:
• “I have proposed a fee on the biggest banks.”
• “finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas”
• “But at a time of record deficits, we will not continue tax cuts for oil companies, investment fund managers, and those making over $250,000 a year.”
Tax Cuts With Strings – Targeted, Not broad-based cuts:
• “new small business tax credit”
• “eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment”
• “provide a tax incentive for all businesses, large and small, to invest in new plants and equipment”
• “give rebates to Americans who make their homes more energy efficient”
• “give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs in the United States of America”
• “That’s why we’re nearly doubling the child care tax credit”
• “expanding the tax credit for those who start a nest egg”
• “give families a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and increase Pell Grants”
• “we will extend our middle-class tax cuts”
Regulation
• “We can’t allow financial institutions to take risks that threaten the whole economy”
• “Require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf of a client with my Administration or Congress.”
• “And it’s time to put strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates for federal office.”
• “urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong [the Supreme Court ruling]”
• “We are going to crack down on violations of equal pay laws – so that women get equal pay for an equal day’s work.”
Spending - General:
• “We need to encourage American innovation” (through “investment”)
• “launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports, and reform export controls consistent with national security”
• “we will step up re-financing so that homeowners can move into more affordable mortgages.”
• “jobs must be our number one focus in 2010, and that is why I am calling for a new jobs bill tonight.”
Spending Freeze and Reform
• “Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years. Spending related to our national security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will not be affected. But all other discretionary government programs will.”
• “calling on Congress to publish all earmark requests on a single website before there’s a vote”
Spending - Education
• “When we renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with Congress to expand these reforms to all fifty states”
• “urge the Senate to follow the House and pass a bill that will revitalize our community colleges”
• “And let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required:
o “to pay only ten percent of their income on student loans,
o “and all of their debt will be forgiven after twenty years – and forgiven after ten years if they choose a career in public service.”
Healthcare (Spending, Regulation and Taxes)
• “And it is precisely to relieve the burden on middle-class families that we still need health insurance reform.”
National Security
• We will have all of our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August.
• “We will support the Iraqi government as they hold elections, and continue to partner with the Iraqi people to promote regional peace and prosperity. But make no mistake: this war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home.”
• “To reduce our stockpiles and launchers, while ensuring our deterrent, the United States and Russia are completing negotiations on the farthest-reaching arms control treaty in nearly two decades.”
• “That is why North Korea now faces increased isolation, and stronger sanctions – sanctions that are being vigorously enforced.”
• “And as Iran’s leaders continue to ignore their obligations, there should be no doubt: they, too, will face growing consequences.”
• “This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are.”
Immigration
• “And we should continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system – to secure our borders, enforce our laws, and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nations.”
JadedByPolitics
Michael Becker
Ben Domenech
Erick Brockway
It was a forgettable speech...
writeblock Thursday, January 28th at 9:49AM EST (link)And he sounded like what he is–a con artist. Nothing changes. Nobody was converted.
My Seventh-Graders Were Not Impressed By BIG BRObama
Ausonius Thursday, January 28th at 1:12PM EST (link)True story: I just overheard a conversation among some 7th-Grade boys from my Latin I course.
I am not making this up!
Student A: “Did you hear that State of the Union thing last night?”
Student B: “My parents watched some of it. It was pretty stupid.”
Student C: “Yeah, he wasn’t saying anything really, and then all the Democrats jump up and start clapping.”
Student A: “Yeah, I saw that. That was pretty stupid, and what we saw was pretty boring anyway. We watched a movie.”
Student B: “He’s just all talk.”
Student C: “Yeah, a smooth talker.”
These were some of my most talented boys. To be sure, they undoubtedly obtain their politics from their parents. What struck me most was the line: “…he wasn’t saying anything really…”
That 12-year old mind was not fooled last night!
Ausonius: 310-395 A.D. Teacher, Poet, Consul, General, Farmer.
Personal Tutor to the future St. Paulinus of Nola and to young Gratian, heir to the throne during the turbulent final years of the Western Roman Empire. When his former student Gratian was assassinated, Ausonius threw up his hands and retired to his farm in Gaul. Rome was captured by barbarians 14 years after his death.
My Seventh-Graders Were Not Impressed By BIG BRObama
Ausonius Thursday, January 28th at 1:12PM EST (link)True story: I just overheard a conversation among some 7th-Grade boys from my Latin I course.
I am not making this up!
Student A: “Did you hear that State of the Union thing last night?”
Student B: “My parents watched some of it. It was pretty stupid.”
Student C: “Yeah, he wasn’t saying anything really, and then all the Democrats jump up and start clapping.”
Student A: “Yeah, I saw that. That was pretty stupid, and what we saw was pretty boring anyway. We watched a movie.”
Student B: “He’s just all talk.”
Student C: “Yeah, a smooth talker.”
These were some of my most talented boys. To be sure, they undoubtedly obtain their politics from their parents. What struck me most was the line: “…he wasn’t saying anything really…”
That 12-year old mind was not fooled last night!
Ausonius: 310-395 A.D. Teacher, Poet, Consul, General, Farmer.
Personal Tutor to the future St. Paulinus of Nola and to young Gratian, heir to the throne during the turbulent final years of the Western Roman Empire. When his former student Gratian was assassinated, Ausonius threw up his hands and retired to his farm in Gaul. Rome was captured by barbarians 14 years after his death.
Its a bad sign when the 12 year old president cant convince other 12 year olds. -nt
Alberta Thursday, January 28th at 6:04PM EST (link)Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.
Abraham Lincoln
MAObama Is A Fine President For Solipsistic Adolescents
Ausonius Thursday, January 28th at 7:06PM EST (link)Given that a good number of his minions have never grown up, do not understand sacrifice or delayed gratification, it is obvious why they supported him.
He was entitled to become President because of who he is. The minions are entitled to hand-outs because of who THEY are!
Fortunately there are some 12 year-olds who understand the situation more clearly than his minions!
Ausonius: 310-395 A.D. Teacher, Poet, Consul, General, Farmer.
Personal Tutor to the future St. Paulinus of Nola and to young Gratian, heir to the throne during the turbulent final years of the Western Roman Empire. When his former student Gratian was assassinated, Ausonius threw up his hands and retired to his farm in Gaul. Rome was captured by barbarians 14 years after his death.
Shouldn't he have a pacifier on a string around his neck every time he gives a speech?
muffin Thursday, January 28th at 10:05AM EST (link)After all, when a baby whines, you stick a pacy in its mouth.
Fortitudine vincimus - By endurance we conquer
One of many fabulous claims- killing more terrorists than Bush
Marcus_Traianus Thursday, January 28th at 10:15AM EST (link)Perhaps we should put a “T” for every tango kill on the presidential limousine- it will be nostalgic and REALLY COOL, like him!
To all you critics, I bet Plouffe and Axelrod would like the idea. SO there.
Anyway, after years of war, drones that President Bush put in the air and the entire “War on Terror” that Mr. Obama says doesn’t exist- he throws out the body count. Nice SOTU talking point- I am sure the almost 20% unemployed really care. Plus I am certain it impressed the heck out of the folks at Fort Hood and the almost victims of the hapless “underwear bomber”. My friends in the military that actually watch this tripe? It solicited a round of twinkie and Chicken Fajita throwing at the set. They turned the channel back to watching Nova vs. ND.
I guess his proposal was to continue leveraging all of the heavy lifting Mr. Bush did and continue claiming the successes as his?
“Both of our political parties, at least the honest portion of them, agree conscientiously in the same object—the public good; but they differ essentially in what they deem the means of promoting that good. One side believes it best done by one composition of the governing powers; the other, by a different one. One fears most the ignorance of the people; the other, the selfishness of rulers independent of them. Which is right, time and experience will prove.”.Thomas Jefferson
Contributor to The Minority Report
The "great" word smith
dlgd Thursday, January 28th at 10:19AM EST (link)The President certainly thinks highly of his “ability” to craft and deliver words because that is all he gave last night…words.
Great Post hogan
Brian Darling Thursday, January 28th at 10:26AM EST (link)The Earmark promise is not a very strong one. Instead of putting all earmarks on a web site - how about getting rid of them all.
Earmark website?
NightTwister Thursday, January 28th at 12:16PM EST (link)It’ll be on the same server as the one where legislation is posted 5 days before it’s voted on. It’s a very secure website. In the old days, many people used “security by obscurity”. Basically, if you can’t find it, you can’t hack it (long before Google took over the internet).
The WH server that hosts this website is so obscure, no one has yet been able to find it!
Get Connected in Colorado…Colorado Political Analysis: 2010
Attacking the Supreme Court
jackbenimble Thursday, January 28th at 10:30AM EST (link)I thought the most unseemly moment in the speech was when he he attacked the Supreme Court for their reversal of McCain-Feingold with all of the Democrats standing right behind them and applauding. Despite his words “with all due respect” it was a completely classless and disrespectful attack on a separate and equal branch of government.
The media is reporting that Justice Alito mouthed the words “Not True”. If it had been me, I would have mouthed the words “***k You!”
I wonder if the Supremes will take any revenge? Perhaps the time has come for the “Birthers” to finally get their day in court. Or maybe the recent ruling by the EPA that CO2 is a pollutant should be re-visited in the light of Climategate. And of course, there are several Constitutional Issues related to Obamacare.
Beyond being classeless, it was stupid and bad politics. The Court can fight back and could totally trash the Obama agenda.
“I repudiate the idea of voting for a Democrat
The Justice should have
itdiehard Thursday, January 28th at 11:00AM EST (link)stood up and quietly walked out!
SCOTUS is above that.
AzHat Thursday, January 28th at 11:37AM EST (link)I don’t believe they would scuttle O either. They appeared to be the only adults in the room last night. And the only ones in government.
Government is too important to be left to the Government.
No needs to listen to being belittled
itdiehard Thursday, January 28th at 11:41AM EST (link)They should have done the polite thing and just walked out. They have no other form than court briefs to retort the abuses of congress and the POTUS regarding the Constitution
But, next time...
AzHat Thursday, January 28th at 5:36PM EST (link)I think they were correct and polite in not leaving this SoTU, but I wouldn’t blame them if they don’t attend anymore of his speeches.
Government is too important to be left to the Government.
"With all due respect..."
Read Chesterton Thursday, January 28th at 11:23AM EST (link)when you hear those words… be prepared for some serious disrespect. I’ve never witnessed an exception to this observation. Further, using that tired and sour phrase only exacerbated the dreary and lecturing tone.
“If I were to destroy what those who came before me established, I should be justly convicted of being not a builder, but an overthrower, so testifies the voice of the Truth, who says ‘Every kingdom divided against itself shall not stand’ (Lk 11:17); and every science and law divided against itself shall be destroyed. - St. Gregory the Great (540-604 AD)
And when you hear
persiflage Thursday, January 28th at 12:12PM EST (link)“Let me be clear about this…”, be prepared for some serious dissembling.
“A republic, if you can keep it…” - B. Franklin
Maybe Justice's will save retirement
kmacwayne Thursday, January 28th at 11:20AM EST (link)for the next administration after suffering O’s Chicago style politics.
The audacity of this man railing against something his very own campaign seems to have done - I was for it (campaign reform) before I was against it (when I ran) now I am for it again ( when it looks like the American People are gonna whoop my a - - in 2012.
Geez
New Jobs Bill
kmacwayne Thursday, January 28th at 11:21AM EST (link)Yes, please Mr. President, get a new job and leave us alone.
To me, it sounded
AF Sarge (Ret) Thursday, January 28th at 11:30AM EST (link)Like a re-hash of his campaign speeches. Was there anything new in there except for mentioned the words “tax cut”?
Sarge
PCM
bigredone Thursday, January 28th at 11:34AM EST (link)Permanent Campaign Mode. Nothing more.
Did anyone else
frankieb Thursday, January 28th at 11:41AM EST (link)Feel like asking BO if he wanted some cheese with that whine?
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A consistent conservative for the MO State Senate: http://www.WillKraus.com
Our Further Subinfuedation
Repair_Man_Jack Thursday, January 28th at 11:44AM EST (link)All those goodies come with strings attached. The strings by which the puppetmaster controls our every move.
“smug doesn’t balance a spreadsheet” -Moe lane
Regulation
1stRichard Thursday, January 28th at 11:46AM EST (link)From the state of the union “Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests – including foreign corporations – to spend without limit in our elections. Well I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that’s why I’m urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong.” They are going to “right this wrong” political free speech?
The 5-4 vote left intact limits on corporate gifts to individual candidates but ruled that corporations may spend as much as they wish to support or oppose candidates in advertising. All these pro capitalism free market corporations that provide jobs would have a voice and it is “wrong.” I think Madison correctly argued it should be tolerated because the only way of determining such is by free examination and free communication among the people thereon. This is the foundation of our freedom, free and open debate, to stifle such is unconstitutional, un-American, a horrible decision, dangerous and erodes individual freedom. This is the most dangerous of slippery slopes to step on when we start to abridged speech. There may be some that think hate speech or burning the flag should be made illegal and controlled by the government, this is wrong. However precious or distasteful an opinion may seem, we depend for its correction not on the conscience of judges and juries but on the comparison of other ideas. Every part of this inalienable liberty belongs to “We the People” and especially political speech must not be abridged in any way. It is up to us to decide, We the People and not the government.
I think this is one of the most dangers, how would all of you rate it?
I have never heard this ....
momofthecastle Friday, January 29th at 5:24PM EST (link)thought so eloquently phrased:
“However precious or distasteful an opinion may seem, we depend for its correction not on the conscience of judges and juries but on the comparison of other ideas. ”
I shall use it often, if you don’t mind.
Filibuster
Return to Revolution Thursday, January 28th at 12:01PM EST (link)Obama’s whining about his inability to pass anything because of “a few senators” (also saying in the same sentence that the larger the majority democrats have the more responsible republicans are to govern??) seemed to imply that he will do everything he can to eliminate the filibuster.
I know that has been brought up by other dems and written about here. Seems to corroborate that they will try - and fail at - another unpopular endeavor.
The objective of “peace”, as defined by the peace movement, is the use of force to impose an egalitarian vision on society, and its alternative is not war, but liberty.
We need to work together
6eorge Jetson Friday, January 29th at 7:58AM EST (link)And I will start by pushing to eliminate minority rights in the Senate so I can do what I want.
Click to see enlarged image
Forgive student loans
bonkey Thursday, January 28th at 2:24PM EST (link)He said he wants to forgive student loans after 20 years, and after 10 years for people who enter public service. Unclear on if the timer starts when you take the loan, or after you graduate.
Either way, they are LOANS, not gifts! Or they shouldn’t be gifts. And why the deference to people who enter public service?
Spread the wealth liberalism on full display.
I was wrong, AChance was right. He went MORE left. Crazy.
Alberta Thursday, January 28th at 6:07PM EST (link)-nt
Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.
Abraham Lincoln
Yes he was
kowalski Thursday, January 28th at 6:14PM EST (link)I reco’d his diary because he’s an old hand and he smelled it coming, as I did. Obama is going to be “populist left” which is very different from “populist center” or “populist right”. He’s trying not to alienate the screaming radicals in his base, they’re the ones who elected him.
Defend Liberty — Join the NRA | Live in Massachusetts? Join GOAL.
Not surprisingly our newspapers speak in code
kowalski Thursday, January 28th at 6:17PM EST (link)There’s an enormous difference between different flavors of “populism” in this country, but if you read the newspapers there’s only one: the One the One is trying to be, which is Left Populism, meaning, not surprisingly, a continuation and advancement of his Statist policies and his continued attempt to hobble the United States economy.
That’s what Left Populism means and it’s going to continue as long as Obama is President. It’s the only thing he knows, it’s the only thing his advisers know, and most importantly, it’s the only thing the Europeans who are really telling him what to do, know.
Defend Liberty — Join the NRA | Live in Massachusetts? Join GOAL.
I'd just as soon been wrong! nt
Achance Thursday, January 28th at 6:17PM EST (link)In Vino Veritas