Final Thoughts
“War without conquest.”
That’s it, really. We’re going to war to protect our interests, yes — but our interests do not lie in the annexation of other lands, or making permanent protectorated out of them. We didn’t even do that to Germany or Japan; we won’t do it now.
What else was important? As one reader wrote, Bush told the Axis of Weasels to hop on board the train or jump off the tracks — this train is leaving the station.
It looks like Powell got his way and, Nuke’em All people aside, that’s not entirely a bad thing. War last fall, and we wouldn’t have had the rumored 600-800 Tomahawks ready, or the necessary JDAMs, JSOWs, and other smart bombs manufatured. Powell maybe picked up some extra support, maybe lost some. Doesn’t matter. We’re ready to fight now and, baring some miracle in Baghdad, we’re going to be fighting soon.
So it’s war in February, most likely. Powell gets his legalistic niceties fulfilled, the Pentagon has its toys ready — and our soldiers, sailors, and airmen will be deployed, trained, and ready. And after this speech, I think you’ll find them in high spirit, too.
Domestically? You know I have some serious issues with Bush and the Republicans — but those serious issues lack seriousness in these seriously serious times.
What matters in this forsaken age we’re in is taking to our enemies before they bring it to us. My sometimes wavering confidence in Bush on this issue has been restored.
I’m glad it isn’t me who has to give that order sometime after Feb 5.
Damn, that was interesting. He didn’t pull a single punch. Now to enjoy the stunned silence of Europe for the next few days.
Wow.
Did anybody else notice how he ignored Tom Daschle as he was walking out?
I loved it.
And Gary Locke is about ready to put me to sleep. “Tax cuts for the rich, blah blah blah”
Apart from a few really stupid treasure-busting pledges, this probably was the best State of the Union address ever delivered.
I’d say “tools” not “toys”. This is no game.
I’m always willing to cut Gary Locke some slack–he comes across like a nice guy. I’m sure glad we didn’t have to watch Daschle ramble on “tax cuts for the rich.” Even so, Locke didn’t sound serious enough. We’re going to war, and he’s talking about his grandfather? Ugh.
This forsaken age? Nonsense. The human race has never been in a better position, nor better able to enjoy the fruits of progress, the war on terrorism not-withstanding.
This struggle will be a blip in history BECAUSE it is being handled promptly and pre-emptively.
Thanks for providing commentary to read during the applause. But Stephen, cheap brandy? You? I had a nice Caol Ila single malt:)
I did notice the Daschle snub. Tom kept trying to get in front or on the side of W and he just ignored him.
Thanks VP for making it a lot of fun. Took me back to my days living in LA and hearing Vin Scully do the simulcast of the games. You did a better job of rebutting W than Locke on most issues.
Supposedly W told Demshill before inauguration (sp) that he learned from his dad’s mistake in taking Mitchell at his word. And Demshill had better not lie to him.
Poor Bush looked tired, but steady tonight. He didn’t dig it in the ribs of the French/Germans as much as I’d thought he would.
And having *Powell* be the one to give the US statement to the UN, Adlai Stevenson style (from the Cuban Missile Crisis) is a good move. Let the weenies hear the truth straight from the mouth of the only member of the Bush crew they actually like; maybe that’ll get it through to them how serious this and how if even a dove like Powell can be pro-war, that their own priorities are seriously out of whack.
Ahhh, played the SOTU Drinking Game along with it (with Fat Tire!!)…we downed a 12 pack between 2 of us, and she got handicap points for bodyweight the last 3rd of it
Maybe that was the reason the Dems found Locke in the bullpen–they knew that people are tired of Daschle’s face.
I live in WA state. Locke is a total cypher. They let him do it because he’s meaningless, and trying to respond to this speech would have also been meaningless, so there was no point in wasting one of their “big guns” on it.
Daschele looked like he was going to crack a molar gritting his teeth through the whole thing.
I heard this speech and looked at the Dems and saw that they have Nothing to offer.
I thought Locke came off as intelligent and made some good points. I don’t happen to agree with them, but at least he didn’t demonize the opposition as we’ve heard so much of lately. Oliver Willis is disappointed they didn’t put someone more attractive on. I think we’ve now got a little more explanation for “Why Clinton?”
His stance on affirmative action puzzles me. He’s Asian. Asians are the most adversely affected group as a result of affirmative action, or so I’ve heard. Maybe I’m wrong, though.
Re: snubs
He went right up to Lieberman to shake his hand, and he didn’t so much as look at Hillary (who was right next to Joe).
Remember, last year he gave “Tommy the Commie” hugs; not this year. The man does learn and doesn’t forget.