SOTU

I have the SOTU on in the background as I do some freelance work. I wasn't planning on watching, since it would likely piss me off, but I'll pay half attention and throw some thoughts down as we go...

It's been on for a while when I tune in, Bush is now talking about social security. He gets a decent joke in about his dad's two favorite people—him and Clinton. But the Dems get the last laugh with a raucous ovation when Bush scolds Congress for "failing to join him in saving social security." Oops.

Boilerplate about "nobody out-competing/producing the American worker"...

Bush breezes through his health care stuff and tosses out simple talking points that sound good at a glance; portability of health plans (good) and ability to buy individual plans at group rates (already exists for many—at least in Michigan). Really he barely gets into this, and hardly even mentions HSAs by name. Hardly a centerpiece, barely a mention. And only those in the know realize Bush is essentially throwing you to the wolves with his plan. Probably why he barely gets into it. For him, the less said, the better.

He's smoother than usual, but extra smirky.

Some crap about medical malpractice. And passing reform.

Declares that America is addicted to oil. My wife mentioned that he'd say that. His energy plan talks a good game, but I know better than to trust him. His boast "over the last five years, America has invested over $10 Billion on alternative forms of energy" is less money than Exxon's profits last quarter. He hypes new types of ethanol (promising), and zero-emission coal plants (a fantasy?).

He's filled with "I will propose..." followed by "doubling" or some massive increase or another of "spending" or "investing" throughout the speech. We all know none of this stuff will ever actually be appropriated or funded. Yawn.

Some stuff about immigration. They show Homeland Security honcho Chertoff clapping like he's the Swedish chef from 'The Muppet Show.' Are those his arms? Yikes.

Abortion at lowest level in decades. A lie? Does he mean for the duration of this speech?

Teenage moms down for twelve years? Sharing credit with Clinton?

"Activist courts redefine marriage..."

Reference to the "pessimists"

Thanks to O'Connor—she's not in attendance...

Human/animal hybrids? Is that on anybody's radar? What the fuck? I guess Dr. Moreau is the new Osama.

Ethics reform. Wasn't sure he'd go here.

Talking about Katrina reconstruction when the TiVo wants to change to record "The Closer" for my wife. I let it.

Whatever. From what I saw, I'd say it was a good performance by Bush with fairly empty material. I didn't get to see any Iraq, Iran or foreign policy stuff. Did he kiss Lieberman again?