Keeping with my previous promise, I did not watch last night’s State of the Union address and, after reading through the transcript of the speech, I can only say that I’m glad that I didn’t. Three-quarters of the speech is, as always, pure bunk; we’re doing great, the state of the union is strong, all of that nonsense. Then, just about at the time that most normal Americans would be falling asleep President Bush got to the specifics.
First, I propose to double the federal commitment to the most critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years. This funding will support the work of America’s most creative minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing and alternative energy sources.
Oh dear God. Another spending program. And just, pray tell, how is it that the federal government is supposed to know which areas of research are the most promising to invest in ? Isn’ t that what the free market is for ?
Second, I propose to make permanent the research and development tax credit, to encourage bolder private-sector initiatives in technology.
I’m not sure what is worse. Government spending that distorts the market or tax credits that distort the market. In either case, the effect is the same.
Are you sure you’re a Republican President Bush ?
Third, we need to encourage children to take more math and science, and to make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other nations. We made a good start in the early grades with the No Child Left Behind Act, which is raising standards and lifting test scores across our country.
Mr. President, I’ll give this idea some consideration as soon as you point me to that part of the United States Constitution that gives you or Congress any authority to regulate public education.
Haven’t found it yet ?
I didn’t think so.
There was more to the speech of course. Progress in Iraq. Progress in the War on Terror. All of which is great, but when it comes to the issues that are most directly affecting the pocketbooks of Americans here at home, I’m afraid that the federal government is, once again, lacking. Instead of realizing that the best solution is to just get the heck out of the way, they continue to believe that yet another government program or initiative is all that’s needed to solve our problems; whether those problems are traffic gridlock or druge use or youth gang violence. Its enough to make someone think that those bozos in Washington really don’t know what they’re doing.
And, as if the speech itself wasn’t entertaining enough, it seems that the newest baby moonbat, Cindy Sheehan, was arrested prior to the speech for unlawful conduct inside the Capitol Building. And to those who say that Cindy was treated unfairly because of her views, keep in mind that the wife of Florida Congressman Bill Young was ejected from the gallery for wearing a “support the troops” button. If you ask me, both ejections were stupid and possibily illegal, but its probably a good thing that Cindy got booted because, when I heard she would be there last night, the first thought I had was that she would end up doing something to disrupt the speech.
Further observations at Outside The Beltway from James Joyner and Leopold Stotch and a wrap-up from Stephen Green at Vodkapundit.
Update @ 8:15pm: The Washington Post is reporting that Capitol Police have dropped the charges against Sheehan and apologized to both her and Congressman Young’s wife for the incidents yesterday.
Other’s blogging about the SOTU:
Perry Eidelbus
Kevin Boyd
Richard Combs
Dale Franks
Atlas Shrugs
Mover Mike and follow-up thoughts here.
Protein Wisdom
Crazy Politico’s Rantings
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Technorati Tags: Bush, Politics, State of the Union
