President Biden's State of the Union address was solid. It might not have been the highest state of rhetoric, one for the ages, but it was mega-light years ahead of the most recent former occupant.
He said little I disagree with. He was far more bipartisan than I would have been.
Without the high flown rhetoric, here is where I see as the State of the Union:
We're in trouble, but not as far off course as we could have been.
1) The number one concern of our times continues to be...global warming.
We are unable to pass even the most basic legislation to reverse course. This is mostly symbolized by the resistance of Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, but he is really just the frontman for corporate and wealthy interests who are more concerned about the NOW instead of tomorrow.
We also are faced with the likelihood that even mild executive actions will be reversed by one the most reactionarily conservative Supreme Courts in American History.
The clock is ticking. It is already too late to stop. We can only mitigate. Perhaps Russian belligerence will finally move us to free us of our dependence on fossil fuels.
But I'm guessing it won't.
I applaud Biden's efforts. But without Congressional and judicial support, there may be little that can be done.
2) The conflict between autocracy and democracy is now front and center.
I don't want having to stand down Putin to be the primary focus of global reality. But we don't always get to choose. Our grandparents/great-grandparents certainly didn't want to be focused on Hitler. But they didn't have any choice, and they rose to the occasion.
Now, we are being called to do the same. For four years we had a President who worshipped at the feet of autocrats. One who dismissed NATO and withheld $391 million dollars worth of military aid to Ukraine as attempted blackmail.
We must rejoin the ranks of nations who believe in democracy. We must turn our backs on those who would encourage coups and insurrections, those who refuse to accept the results of elections out of petty narcissism and fear of retribution for their crimes.
It is a dangerous action that the Russians have taken, and we must be cautious not to fire up World War 3. But we need to do everything we can to support the Ukranian people - diplomacy, supplies (humanitarian and military), shared intelligence, sanctions, sacrifice.
I have a special message for Republicans and Trumpists who want to complain about gas prices right now - SHUT UP. Now is not the time or place. We must leave no economic sanction unturned, and if that means patriotically handling higher gas prices - SO BE IT.
3) The macro-economy is hitting gangbusters!
The greatest increase in jobs under any President, super-charged GDP growth, virtual full unemployment - it's all about as good as it gets. If this was under a Republican administration, we'd hear about it 24/7 blasted from the rooftops.
Yes, there are people falling through the cracks. Child care, college expense, health care, inflation - all remain obstacles to a secure middle class life. I insist that passing the proposed human infrastructure bill would go a long way to solving these problems - Joe Manchin, are you listening?
I'm hitting some time and length limits, so I will do my best to continue this I the near future.
God bless the Ukranian people. I pray for a peaceful and democratic solution.
T. M. Strait
sorry for any uncorected grammar flaws. Grammarly is having trouble functioning this morning.
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