posted by wanda at 11:59 AM

The State of the Union
what is the status of freedom,morality, and hope in America


"We will lead freedom's advance..." President George W. Bush in his state of the Union address, January 31, 2006

Meanwhile outside the Senate chamber of the nation that will "lead freedom's advance", Peace Mom Arrested
" Peace activist Cindy Sheehan was arrested Tuesday in the House gallery after refusing to cover up a T-shirt bearing an anti-war slogan before President Bush's State of the Union address."

Make no mistake, I don't agree with everything Mrs. Sheehan has said and done. But I believe to the core of my being in her RIGHT to voice her opinion. Even if that means wearing a t-shirt that bears an anti-war slogan.
Tell me again what her son (and thousands of others like him) died for? What's that you say? He died defending freedom? Am I wrong in assuming that 'freedom' includes being able to wear whatever you want to a State of the Union address. I guess she should have stayed nicely tucked away in one of those 'free speech zones' that were set up for protestors. Somehow I thought this entire country was a free speech zone.
So much for leading the advance of freedom. Maybe we need to start taking a little closer look at the status of freedom here at home.

"Defining moral commitments..."---Yes lets do define what 'moral' means to George W. Bush and republicans, as they try yet again to make men like Jack Abramoff, Tom DeLay, Duke Cunningham, and Bob Ney, disappear into the woodwork.

"the U.S. can be a "hopeful society" Tell that to the families along the Gulf Coast as they struggle to rebuild their lives. To the Americans who lose their jobs as they look to rebuild their careers and our soldiers in Iraq as they try to rebuild a nation. Tell that to the Fourty-eight million Americans who have no health insurance and no access to decent, affordable health care. To the millions of Americans who go to bed at night wrapped up in layers of clothing because they can't afford heat. And the millions of elderly who have to choose between paying their utilities, buying their medications or eating.

By all means lets talk about moral commitments and being a hopeful society. Lets talk indeed.
Lets talk about change, and just how much we need a change of leadership in this country. That's MY State of the Union address!
posted by wanda at 10:43 PM

Defining Moments
will you remember this day

There are certain moments in history that as they happen they're barely noticed. It isn't until many years later that their impact on our lives and the lives of those who will follow us are fully understood. I believe tomorrow will be one of those days.
The nomination of Samuel Alito will go to the Senate floor for a debate and then for an up or down vote. A few ragtag democrats will attempt to mount a filibuster, but they will be quickly overruled by the majority and Alito will be confirmed. There won't be much fanfare. The general public will hardly take notice. Yet this will be one of those defining moments.

"His background, record and silence on a number of questions speak volumes about his likely performance on the court," ( Thomas Mann, a Brookings Institution scholar.)
"I expect him to settle comfortably on the right of the court and write careful and intelligent decisions that support his longstanding ideological views and values," Mann said.[source]

This man holds within his hands the ability and I believe the will, to change not only the face of the Supreme Court but the way our country is governed.

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., predicts that an effort to try to block a final vote on Alito would fail on Monday. [source]
To more effectively oppose Supreme Court nominees in the future, Democrats need to convince the public "their values are at stake" rather than use stalling tactics said Sen. Obama, who opposes Samuel Alito's confirmation.
Sen. Obama thinks Democrats need to do a better job of persuading the American people directly. As in winning elections. I agree.

Until we can come together, work together, and win back the majority in the Congress, moves like a filibuster are not much better than expecting an umbrella to protect you in a hurricane.
Somehow this reminds me of Rumsfield's comment," you go to war with the army you have". That's what this filibuster is. The Democrats are fighting with the army they have. Small as it is they are still fighting. In the face of certain defeat, they will still stand and be heard.
Some will call it politics. Others will call it grandstanding. Call it whatever you wish. The fact is tomorrow a small group of men and women will stand up and remind us all, just what this country is all about.
I for one will be proud of them. I'll be watching on C-SPAN. Because this is one of those moments I feel should not go unnoticed. If ever we become so complacent that we lie down in defeat before the battle is fought, then we have lost all that we stand for.
To those men and women who will stand and speak tomorrow, I say thank you. Thank you for reminding us that we are a country where the minority can still be heard. Thank you for reminding me that every voice counts. Even mine. And that every one of us has the ability to make a difference. We may not win, but we will NOT go quietly into that dark night.
posted by wanda at 3:19 PM