State of the Union: President Obama Admonishes Republicans

 by Melanie Nathan, January 27, 2010.  The President’s State of  the Union Address was uplifting, sincere and an earnest attempt to deliver the imperative message - There is hope but the Republicans better get off their campaign trail and into Congress.   As I looked across the Republican side all I saw was a bunch of fuddy duddy old white men who all looked the same, totally baffled by their own purpose.  I thought, ‘yup the lockstep clan.’   It was the first time I have ever seen such an admonishment in a State of the Union. 

The brilliant well crafted speech heralded two concepts, firstly context of the first year of Presidency and secondly if you want to help the American people then you must choose out of politics and into governing.

The likes – Helping Haiti; tax incentives for middle class; deficit reduction; college loan reform with public service incentive; repeal of DADT; big banks taxed; help for small local banks to provide loans to small local businesses; lobbyists not biz as usual; hope for health care reform and a challenge for anyone with a better idea to step forward; immigration – a small mention; troops will come home- eventually; national security priorities; more clean energy; jobs – many more to come! 

The dislikes: Not enough detail re immigration; not enough mention of LGBT equality after all its not just DADT – how about a time line, what about the DOMA campaign promise?   What about the oppressed – the unequal?

The sad reality is that this President, who has potential to lead in a manner like no other, is faced with the most careless, unethical, disconnected uncompassionate, self serving  group of Republicans ever to serve in Congress; and it is no wonder – born and/or raised/ and or matured in the culture of the Cheney/Bush Administration – these are the remnants!

President Obama:  “…Now, I am not naïve.  I never thought the mere fact of my election would usher in peace, harmony, and some post-partisan era.  I knew that both parties have fed divisions that are deeply entrenched.   And on some issues, there are simply philosophical differences that will always cause us to part ways.  These disagreements, about the role of government in our lives, about our national priorities and our national security, have been taking place for over two hundred years.  They are the very essence of our democracy.

 But what frustrates the American people is a Washington where every day is Election Day.  We cannot wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal is to see who can get the most embarrassing headlines about their opponent – a belief that if you lose, I win.  Neither party should delay or obstruct every single bill just because they can.  The confirmation of well-qualified public servants should not be held hostage to the pet projects or grudges of a few individual Senators.  Washington may think that saying anything about the other side, no matter how false, is just part of the game.  But it is precisely such politics that has stopped either party from helping the American people.  Worse yet, it is sowing further division among our citizens and further distrust in our government.

 So no, I will not give up on changing the tone of our politics.  I know it’s an election year.  And after last week, it is clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual.  But we still need to govern.  To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest majority in decades, and the people expect us to solve some problems, not run for the hills.  And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that sixty votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this town, then the responsibility to govern is now yours as well.  Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it’s not leadership.  We were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions. So let’s show the American people that we can do it together.  This week, I’ll be addressing a meeting of the House Republicans.  And I would like to begin monthly meetings with both the Democratic and Republican leadership.  I know you can’t wait.”

So DOMA -DADT – ENDA-UAFA-CIR-HEALTH CARE  … Did you see those geezers sitting in their chairs -?  Nothing this potentially extraordinary President will do will move them toward a decent vote.  Something needs to change.  I hope the voters in mid term elections realize that adding more “R’s” to the bunch will only make things worse.

“Melanie –

I just finished delivering my first State of the Union, and I wanted to send you a quick note.

We face big and difficult challenges. Change on the scale we seek does not come easily. But I will never accept second place for the United States of America.

That is why I called for a robust jobs bill without delay. It’s why I proposed a small businesses tax credit, new investments in infrastructure, and pushed for climate legislation to create a clean energy economy.

It’s why we’re taking on big banks, reforming Wall Street, revitalizing our education system, increasing transparency — and finishing the job on health insurance reform.

It’s why I need your help — because I am determined to fight to defend the middle class, and special interest lobbyists will go all out to fight us.

Help me show that the American people are ready to join this fight for the middle class — add your name to a letter to Congress today:

http://my.barackobama.com/SOTU

We have finished a difficult year. We have come through a difficult decade. But we don’t quit. I don’t quit.

Let’s seize this moment — to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more.

President Barack Obama”

So to the LGBTQI community all I can say is SIGH – the oppression will continue… until we do something about it…. in solidarity/…

By Melanie Nathan
nathan@privatecourts.com

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