The politics of absolute Republican rule are over in Washington, D.C. Using the cunning political tactic of not being Republicans, the Democrats won a majority in Congress in November. Thus, with much ballyhoo, America has entered a new era of divided government, with new challenges and new possibilities.
In the State of the Union Address on Tuesday, President Bush addressed this legislative reality both explicitly and implicitly: Before launching into his speech, Bush congratulated the new Democratic majority, admitting that even though Congress has changed, the responsibilities of government have not. As he spoke, using his down-home, platitude-laden rhetorical style, it became clear that Bush was conscious of his audience, as he detailed a litany of progressive-sounding initiatives. It was, ultimately, a mixed bag, despite Bush’s best attempts to keep it grounded in middle-of-the-road rhetoric. Here’s our take on some of his points.
? Budget priorities:
Bush stated that he had three budgetary priorities: balance the budget (“We can do this without raising taxes.”); reform the budget process by cutting earmarks in half by the end of the session; and fix entitlements, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. However, Bush’s economic record has been spotty, and many in his own party have called for his culling because of the administration’s excessive spending. Entitlements, however, require reformation that would ensure their existence in years to come.
? No Child Left Behind Act:
In the wake of the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, the federal government should give parents even greater school choice. The implication of this would be vouchers. Bush stated that the government must also increase funds for students who are struggling. School vouchers deserve serious discussion, and it would behoove the current administration to discuss the issue in a mature, emotionally detached manner.
? Global Warming:
We must confront global climate change and stop it. Bush said that he realized that America had a dependence on foreign oil and that America must thus decrease its consumption of fossil fuels. Somewhere, Al Gore is smiling. But before anyone thinks Bush is going to grow some begrimed dreadlocks, one must first comprehend the complexity of the problem. Does Bush plan on subsidizing corporations that invest in “green energy?” And what forms of green energy does Bush plan to promote? Ethanol, mentioned in his speech as a sort of magic bullet, is not a viable alternative to oil, as it would require the appropriation of all the cropland in the United States.
? Protecting America:
In a bit of doublespeak, Bush claimed that he would use every lawful and proper tool to protect American citizens. These lawful and proper tools, such as warrantless wire taps, have not been terribly popular in the past, nor have they been terribly successful.
? The war on terror:
Bush touched upon the War on Terror, mentioning the importance of finding terrorists and destroying them and their infrastructure. Here, Bush runs into another rhetorical snag. He still refers to terrorists as if there is a finite number of them. Instead of addressing the larger problems inherent in fighting international terrorism, Bush oversimplified our current situation, and as a result, came up with an oversimplified solution.
? His speech:
Bush’s speech was well delivered, though it lacked substance. The State of the Union Address always skimps on details; it is more concerned with over-arching, high-minded ideas while leaving the details vague.
The high points of the speech came when the cameras cut away from Bush’s pallid oratory to focus on Condoleezza Rice, brandishing a look of ferocious intensity, as if she were telepathically interlinking with Bush. And toward the end, Bush trotted out four American heroes, as if the sheer proximity to greatness would give the collected representatives of our government credibility. The pandering was palpable.
The State of the Union is divided, as America saw last night. Perhaps, this will make America stronger, as it faces obstacles in rectifying its image internationally. “You did not vote for failure,” Bush said. Of course Americans didn’t vote for failure. But Americans got it anyway. Americans should hope that in the months to come, Bush turns his vague vision of the future into a three-dimensional reality.
State of the Union address lacked substance
Daily Emerald
January 24, 2007
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