Scott Allan’s World

George W. Bush gave a very good State of the Union speech tonight. Bush reiterated his goals, philosophies, and vision for America. It’s difficult for a REASONABLE person to disagree with much of what he said. The part that resonated the most with me is his understanding of history and how to apply those lessons going forward. Isolationism and protectionism have never succeeded.

Best lines of the night:

If there are people inside our country who are talking with al-Qaida, we want to know about it - because we will not sit back and wait to be hit again.

Yet there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success, and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure. Hindsight alone is not wisdom. And second-guessing is not a strategy.

This year, the first of about 78 million baby boomers turn 60, including two of my dad’s favorite people — me and President Bill Clinton. This milestone is more than a personal crisis — it is a national challenge.

Today, having come far in our own historical journey, we must decide: Will we turn back, or finish well? Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage. Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we will finish well.

I especially liked the “finish well” phrase.

Tim Kaine’s “There’s a better way” response was sadly partisan and pathetic. Whereas Bush sought to bridge the differences between people and promote optimism in our future, Tim Kaine tried to paint a gloomy picture and tear down America to benefit himself and his party. Saying there is a better way doesn’t actually make it better if there is no substance to back it up.

He said he was proud to speak on behalf of his commonwealth, yet I think he embarrassed a majority of his constituents. His Mr. Rogers delivery paled in comparison to the polished delivery of the President. It was difficult to pay attention to his message because I kept wondering when his left eyebrow would come down to the level of the right one.

For those who say after every speech that George didn’t say anything,

• Win war on terror. Retreat not an option. Check!
• Exit strategy depends on situation on the ground, not politicians in Washington. Check!
• Addicted to oil. Need new energy sources, nuclear, ethanol, fuel cells. End dependency on Middle East oil. Check!
• Need to provide incentives to promote and keep competitive edge. Check!
• Economy doing well. More jobs than Japan and EU combined. Check!
• Social Security needs fixing or will be insolvent. Check!
• Judges need to be servants of the law, not authors. Check!
• Ending tyranny in the world is vital to US security. Check!
• Iranian regime is evil and dangerous. Check!
• Make tax cuts permanent. Check!
• Renew Patriot Act. Check!

Sounds pretty clear to me. Just by insisting that he said nothing, doesn’t make it true. But perhaps if it is said loud enough, often enough, and angry enough, it can become a pseudo-truth.