President Obama speaks eloquently and correctly about the state of the union

FRE

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There were things in Obama’s State of the Union speech that I found disappointing.

He listed several energy sources, including wind, solar, clean coal, bio fuel, and as almost an after-thought, nuclear. Many politicians who know that nuclear is essential have permitted themselves to become so intimidated by “environmentalists” (as opposed to environmentalists) that they are afraid even to mention nuclear.

A few months ago, I had a meeting with representative Heinrich (D, NM). He has a degree in mechanical engineering and is well equipped to understand energy issues. In talking to him, it seemed clear that he was well aware that nuclear energy is essential yet, in his printed material and speeches, he won’t even mention it.

Also a few months ago, I was at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History here in Albuquerque. One of the museum executives (whose name and exact position I shall not mention) insisted that to deal with our energy problems, we will need to implement ALL energy sources, including wind, solar, clean coal hydro, micro hydro, and nuclear.

Obviously it makes no sense to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on energy sources which are impractical. We know that nuclear is practical, that it can and should be made more so, yet our government decision makers are afraid to mention it, including those who are well informed and know full well that nuclear power is essential to provide most of the energy for the U.S. and the rest of the world.

It is possible that if Obama spoke up clearly and directly about our energy problems and made it clear that nuclear power must provide most of our energy, that he could change attitudes and get us on a more reasonable energy path.

The other thing I found disappointing in his speech was what he said about education. He is correct that our primary and secondary schools are far behind international standards and that improvement is essential if we are to compete effectively with other countries. I even agree with him that the solution is not to spend more money. He put considerable emphasis on mathematics and science. Of course we should greatly improve education in mathematics and science, but he totally omitted others subjects which are also important. We need high school and college graduates that have a better understanding of the world around them and a better understanding of other people and cultures. That requires teaching history, geography, sociology, languages, psychology, economics, various religions, and the other subjects that are required to produce well-rounded graduates who are able to think clearly, critically, and objectively. It also requires encouraging life-long education.

So, although there were parts of Obama’s speech that I did like, I was very disappointed that he failed to delineate a reasonable energy policy and failed to emphasize the importance of teaching subjects other than mathematics and science.
 

MikeBD

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Some of you must have been listing to a different Obama last night than the one I hear.

The Obama I heard gave the American people the same bullshit he's been spreading for the last 3 or 4 years. By the way, how's that "change" working out for most of you? :biggrin1:

Just another empty suit.


That change is working out pretty well for me I can afford to be on my parents healthcare again so that I can afford to get a cpap machine for my sleep apnea and not die. A bunch of my friends got their jobs back working on road construction paid for by the 'big bailout'. and while I was doomed by student loans my friend who cant even afford a computer now has a chance to go to school despite his dead beat dad. So I mean Im pretty happy with the change so far. As for the rest of the country I hear private sector jobs are up and then there was that whole START thingy where we try to stop loose weapons slippin into the wrong hands. so yea i like change.
 

maxcok

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That change is working out pretty well for me I can afford to be on my parents healthcare again so that I can afford to get a cpap machine for my sleep apnea and not die. A bunch of my friends got their jobs back working on road construction paid for by the 'big bailout'. and while I was doomed by student loans my friend who cant even afford a computer now has a chance to go to school despite his dead beat dad. So I mean Im pretty happy with the change so far. As for the rest of the country I hear private sector jobs are up and then there was that whole START thingy where we try to stop loose weapons slippin into the wrong hands. so yea i like change.
It's gratifying to hear someone share real life, real world positive experience rather than dimwitted criticism and dull ideology. It would be well for people to stop and imagine how much worse off we all could be right now. Thanks for posting that.
 

MikeBD

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No problem I didn't mean to take the post off topic but that quote just boils my blood every time I hear it. So yes, that 'change-y hope stuff' is working out pretty well for me Mrs Palin, thank you for asking.
 

MercyfulFate

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Yes, weakened by his political realities. Overall I agree.




Yes, it was.



Yes, he's catching on. Weak? Time will tell.



Yes, in time history will consider him such.



Huh??:confused:

Obama will be considered one of the greatest presidents? I'm sorry, but that's just crazy talk.
 

B_VinylBoy

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No problem I didn't mean to take the post off topic but that quote just boils my blood every time I hear it. So yes, that 'change-y hope stuff' is working out pretty well for me Mrs Palin, thank you for asking.

That's precisely why little trollettes like JulieINTampa say it.
They're all banter and no bite. All complaints, with no real solutions that have either been discredited by various credible sources or are so unbelievably benign that it borders on insanity. At the rate Palin is falling after her most recent debacles surrounding her handling of the Arizona shooting and the ridiculous "WTF" comments regarding the State of the Union address, by 2012 she'll have the perfect face for radio because that will be the only media she'll have left where people will actually listen to her.

Of course, Palin still needs to run for President because Tina Fey does deserve another Emmy for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy. :wink:
 

maxcok

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No problem I didn't mean to take the post off topic but that quote just boils my blood every time I hear it. So yes, that 'change-y hope stuff' is working out pretty well for me Mrs Palin, thank you for asking.
You're not "off topic" at all. Your positive personal experience and broader observations are infinitely more relevant to the "State of the Union" than the mindless cliche slogans offered up by dumbass detractors.

After all, what is more essential to the state of the Union than the security and well-being of the people?
 

b.c.

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Obama will be considered one of the greatest presidents? I'm sorry, but that's just crazy talk.

Well then, perhaps you might avail yourself a study of U.S. Presidential History, in particular, those who were not so popular in their time but later came to be quite highly regarded (e.g. Truman) - and those who were popular in their time who afterward didn't fare quite as well.
 
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cruztbone

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Julie in Tampa, the only empty suit here is yours, along with your brain.that change is working our just fine, thanks to our president's strength and courage. This is a better nation than in 2008. and that includes the direction of the economy.
as to the same bullshit, yes, that would be the GOP and their HAPLESS HOPELESS ORANGE BONER, the speaker of the house.
was he drunk again during the address or really wishing he was, having to listen just feet from Obama? probably was too much for the BONER. in his case , its 4 years and longer for the Obama stretch he is concerned about, not a 4 hour personal erection.