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Murphy Martin Commentary
February 2, 2006

 "State of the Union"

There were not many surprises when President Bush delivered his State of the Union address Tuesday night. Most Republicans thought it was well done and portrayed a good picture of America's needs. Most Democrats thought it was filled with "poor choices and bad management".

The nearly one-hour talk gave those in attendance a chance for much needed exercise--standing to applaud then sitting to listen. It should be pointed out the Republicans got more exercise than their across the aisle Democrats who remained seated more than the GOP members. Only once do I recall more Democrats
standing and cheering than the GOP members. That came when President Bush said "Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security", the Democrats whooped and hollered at that statement.

President Bush spent roughly the first half of his report dealing with terror and those who practice it. He said our work in Iraq is difficult and he used some form of the word terror more than twenty times during his speech. Mentioned freedom fifteen times, and security and victory more than a half-dozen times.

Mr. Bush said we "cannot retreat within our own borders" to stop terrorism. He said the job in Iraq is difficult because our enemy is brutal. But he emphasized that brutality has not stopped the dramatic progress of a new democracy. He said in three years Iraq has gone from dictatorship, to liberation, to sovereignty, to a constitution, to national elections. "Fellow citizens, we are in this fight to win, and we are winning." He added that troops will be coming home from Iraq, but repeated that military commanders will determine when that occurs.

Moving away from the problems brought on by the reaction to 9/11, the president touched on Energy, the Economy, Immigration, Education, Ethics and the Budget Deficit.

He said America is addicted to oil which is often imported from unstable parts of the world. We need to change how we power our homes and offices, we should invest more in zero emission, coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean safe nuclear energy.

Not surprising, among the least moved by Mr. Bush's remarks appeared to be Senator John Kerry and Senator Hillary Clinton as the cameras from time to time zeroed in on various people in the audience. And Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia, who the Democrats chose to deliver a response to Mr. Bush, repeatedly used "poor choices and bad management" in describing Mr. Bush, and repeatedly said "there is a better way".

About the only thing different from past State of the Union messages was the arrest before the speech of that disgruntled mother from California. Cindy Sheehan was arrested and removed from the House gallery before the president arrived in the chambers. Sheehan had been invited reportedly by Rep. Lynn Woolsey a California Democrat. Sheehan had worn an anti-war T-shirt to the event and hid it beneath a coat. Police had warned Sheehan that such displays were not allowed. Sheehan refuses to go away. Fifteen minutes of fame was not enough. She is addicted to the cameras and seemingly will team with anyone who is anti-Bush, even a South American dictator.

How effective the president's efforts to gain support for his programs will be measured by his approval ratings. They were just above 40% prior to Tuesday's speech. He left today, Wednesday, for key areas of America trying to further sell his goals for America .. If history repeats---and it usually does in politics---Bi-partisan support will not come easy for the president. It seldom does when a president has but two years remaining in office.

George Bush would like to be the first occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to change that. A successful new government in Iraq; A significant withdrawal of U.S forces from the Middle East; Continued economic improvements and a working health program in America---accomplishments in these areas could raise George Bush approval ratings significantly.

It won't be easy.

Nobody knows that better than President Bush.

Will you be a part of the problem, are part of the answer ?


Murphy Martin

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Previous commentaries:
"Is God Dead in Europe?"
"Remembering Dr. King"
"This Week in Review"
"New Year, New Challenges"
"The Party's Over"
"Merry Christmas Rules"
"Bush Unveils Plans"
"Border Security Now!!!"
"Stupidity Loses Financing"
"Crisis Christians"
"They Led the Way"
"Sadistic Saddam Hussein"
"Bourbon Street Bashing"
"Hurricane Aftermath"
"Standing Tall"
"Never a Dull Moment"
"Another Hero Laid to Rest"
"Blame Game"
"Senior Thoughts For the Young"
"Role Model Challenge"
August 18 - "Network News Anchors"
August 11 - "Now All Three Are Gone"
August 4 - "Trust in the Media"
July 28 - "Television Then and Now"
July 21 -  "The Mick"
July 14 - "Forty Years and Counting"