State of the Union

President Obama just finished his third State of the Union address, and boy was it boring. Good thing some members of Congress sat with a date during the speech, so they could nap on each other's shoulders. Seriously, I did think the speech was boring. It was also necessary, and good.

"We are poised for progress" President Obama told us, and then mapped out a plan for progress full of investments in education, research, and innovation. Except for the final five minutes, the speech focused exclusively on the economy, jobs, and American's exceptional spirit. So much for the Republican argument that President Obama doesn't believe in American exceptionalism. The president talked about America's exceptional workers, scientists, and colleges for nearly half the speech. It wasn't a raucous crowd, but that section sure felt like a pep rally.

Speaking of Republicans, I enjoyed Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan's Republican Response. I listened intently, but am confused. Rep. Ryan said during the speech that Americans are living in a time of "unlimited prosperity" but are headed toward a "day of reckoning." (Yikes!) How is that the case? More important: how should I be feeling, happy or scared? Since it was the Republican Response, I'll assume I should be scared.

Also, I don't understand why Republicans continue to harp on our national debt. They tell us about it over and over. We get it more so than they do. For example, the recent tax deal between President Obama and House Republicans continued to give tax cuts to the richest of rich Americans, those who earn over $250K annually. That deal adds over $700 million to our deficit, which is different from the debt, but still adds to it. If they were really serious about eliminating debt, then why was that such a vital issue to them? In addition, talking about the debt is not an effective strategy to attract new voters. If it was, then no Republicans would be left after President Bush's two terms, two wars, and massive tax breaks skyrocketed our national debt.

Lastly, I want everyone to know that I love Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. Just love him. When asked what he thought of the speech by NBC's Brian Williams, the first thing Rendell said was that President Obama missed an opportunity by not talking seriously about gun control in tonight's speech. Just because it (gun control legislation) might not happen doesn't mean that it isn't the right thing to do was Rendell's sentiment, and I agree wholeheartedly. I can understand why the president didn't address gun control, but I respect the hell out of Gov. Rendell for bringing up the issue immediately. Kudos to him.

The Forever War

"Perhaps in the hideous present some larger good was being born, struggling painfully and awfully, but coming into the world just the same. And perhaps this new world might one day justify the death and suffering unfolding below...."

-Dexter Filkins, The New York Times

There are still 101 pages left in Dexter Filkins's The Forever War, but I've read enough to know that it is a great and important book. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not at the front of our national consciousness. But just because they don't dominate the headlines doesn't mean they are over. As veteran journalist Tom Brokaw wrote before November's elections, "No decision is more important than committing a nation to war. It is, as politicians like to say, about our blood and treasure. Surely blood and treasure are worthy of more attention than they've been getting in this campaign."

Tomorrow night is President Obama's third State of the Union address. The speech will most likely focus on economic topics like jobs and the upcoming Congressional battles on spending. But what about the real battles? Will we hear about our president's plans for the wars, other than sure-to-change timetables and assurances that those who do evil will be brought to justice? I hope so.

These wars have been costly, both in American dollars and American lives. The Forever War highlights the painful realities of both. Every story Filkins's tells reminds me. I hope the last 101 pages are as good as the 244 before them. I'll let you know.