## The President's State of the Union Address

Post by SolidSnickerdoodle » Tue Jan 12, 2016 7:18 pm

Thoughts and opinions.
Please be tolerant and respectful.
There is only one God, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: Not today.

### Re: The President's State of the Union Address

Post by ebascoray » Thu Jan 14, 2016 11:28 am

Well, gee, SolidSnickerdoodle, from the response that you've gotten so far, it looks as though people were so "gobsmacked", so flabbergasted, by the State of the Union Address, that they remain rather..."speechless." I wonder why that could be. Personally, I have seen, and heard, better SOTU Addresses from this President, and past ones, that have been better. But, now you, as a young person of 18 years, what did you think of it?
Ebascoray

### Re: The President's State of the Union Address

Post by SolidSnickerdoodle » Thu Jan 14, 2016 2:58 pm

> ebascoray wrote:Well, gee, SolidSnickerdoodle, from the response that you've gotten so far, it looks as though people were so "gobsmacked", so flabbergasted, by the State of the Union Address, that they remain rather..."speechless." I wonder why that could be. Personally, I have seen, and heard, better SOTU Addresses from this President, and past ones, that have been better. But, now you, as a young person of 18 years, what did you think of it?
> Ebascoray

Yeah, not one of my most popular thread topics I guess.
To be honest, it's difficult for me to take a stance on political matters. My views on matters such as civil rights and climate change are rather prominent. But when it gets into things foreign policy, healthcare, and immigration, I don't know enough to develop a solid opinion, and I'm perfectly alright with admitting that.
He did address one matter of particular interest to me: the influence of wealth on politics.
There seems to be a growing concern that the wealthy can buy political influence and change the course of the government as they see fit. President Obama not only acknowledged this, but also said that it destroys the basis for democracy, "quoting that democracy breaks down when the average person believes that their beliefs don’t matter anymore". He further stated, "if we want better politics, we have to change the system to reflect our interests and not just the interests of the wealthy."
I myself am in entire agreement with him. It is my honest belief that if this trend of private political lobbying continues, then The United States will shift towards an oligarchy, with the wealthiest individuals spearheading the government’s efforts.
I'm not very big on the idea of having an electoral college. I think it infringes heavily on the democratic philosophy, putting the final say in the hands of a small group of people, and leaving many citizens to feel as though their vote doesn't matter.
President Obama did not reference the electoral college directly, but he did call to put the the power back in the hands of the citizens, making it easier for citizens to vote, and increasing their involvement. So, as far as that one particular issue is concerned, I'd agree with him.
There is only one God, and his name is Death. And there is only one thing we say to Death: Not today.

### Re: The President's State of the Union Address

Post by Jason Toddman » Thu Jan 14, 2016 3:57 pm

I find it funny that Republicans are criticizing Obama's mention that the conflicts in the Middle East have lasted for millennia. Didn't they ever read the Bible they claim is divine truth? Where do they think all the occurrences in the Bible take place? New York?
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

### Re: The President's State of the Union Address

Post by Jason Toddman » Thu Jan 14, 2016 4:00 pm

> SolidSnickerdoodle wrote: Yeah, not one of my most popular thread topics I guess.

How do you expect people to have something to say when you started this thread with nothing to say about your own subject? You have to venture your own opinion before people are going to be interested instating their own. Think of that the next time you start a thread and you'll probably get more responses. Your follow up is what you should have led with in the first place.
Dare to be different... and make a difference.
To boldly go where no one in their right mind has gone before...

### Re: The President's State of the Union Address

Post by drawscore » Thu Jan 14, 2016 6:23 pm

I don't pay a lot of attention to State of the Union addresses. They can usually be summed up as: "Bullshit, bullshit, more bullshit, horseshit, I, me, my, bullshit, horsecock, screw the opposition; they are all obstructionists; bullshit bullshit piled higher.
Drawscore