Journal Texas Rose on Lava L's Journal: State of the union 2
Thoughts on the SOTU speech--
Social security. I'm having a problem with what both parties are saying on this. Some changes do need to be made (despite what the Democrats say) but private accounts don't address what's wrong with it (despite what the Bushies say). I think we need some kind of small, gradual cut in benefits -- either by raising the age, or indexing the increases to inflation rather than wages, or something. But it's not as doomed as Bush says. The trust fund runs out in 2042 (give or take a few decades) and then the program can pay out 70-80% of benefits. Private accounts may be the right thing to do (although I think they're quite risky and aren't really compatible with the purpose of a social safety net like SS), but they're unrelated to the trust fund shortfall.
"protect marriage?" Bullshit. We don't want your stupid marriage amendment.
Syrian accountability act? Guess we know who's next up to be "liberated."
he mentioned Iran... making demands that they must stop supporting terrorism... uh oh.
Iraq. There's the "so we don't have to face the terrorists at home" line again. And talking about the elections over there.
Sophia talib whoever. Wonder how much time Bush spent practicing THAT name. At least he got it right... he should work on "nuclear" next.
He wants Iraq to be a country that is at peace with its neighbors, government represents all people, etc. Wish we had that over here in teh US.
"We have given them training and equipment" what baout body armor?
NBC's commentary now... they mentioned the "playbook" the republicans handed out to help people sell his plan. I think Salon mentioned that playbook earlier today.
Democratic response --
Harry Reid talking. Searchlight blah blah. Deficit. Good point. Birth tax? Is this a new buzzword? End offshoring tax breaks -- good.
Great point on Groundhog Day! Bush does seem to be pushing the same things as 4 years ago.
Dems oppose SS privatization... 40% benefit cut, is this true? "SS roulette" -- sadly, people are dumb enough that investing SS money in the stock market probably would amount to this. Not everyone is as smart as a Senator's personal financial advisor.
Nancy Pelosi --
national security. support the troops blah blah. Staying in Iraq... she's right, Bush doesn't have a plan for what to do in Iraq. Pelosi's plan (a) turn power over to the Iraqis (Bush not training enough iraqi troops) (b) accelerate Iraq's economy (c) diplomacy. Sounds good to me. Smaller american presence... good.
Homeland security -- there's still a lot of unfixed exploits in the system. Old news. Bush hasn't done jack shit about it. Also old news. You think he's listeningt right now? probably not.
Mentioned the military equipment again. Good, don't let people forget Bush didn't give the troops body armor.
Civil liberties. There's something Bush didn't have much to say about.
cingular ad... oh wait, it's over, I should stop typing now.
no body armor is a drop in the bucket (Score:2)
Marriage is important (Score:1)
If marriage is so important, why are people divorsing so quickly? Why the high rate among Evangicals when compared to the rest of the nation? Protect children my ass, it's to make Evangicals feel better that people they'd see dead can't get married.
Best solution to prevent divorse, ban marriage.