The State of My Union

President Bush got his chance last night, now it's my turn. I should probably go over the president's speech point by point, but to tell you the truth, I kept dozing off. I was trying to be a responsible American and listen to what our commander in chief had to say, but something about his dulcet tones always makes me drowsy.

I did hear bits and pieces though so I think I get the drift. Let's see if I've got this right. We won't back down (I think GW should have credited Tom Petty), we need to make more ethanol out of wood chips and weeds, hire more teachers, teach kids to add, give more tax breaks and make sure that the poor and geezerly can afford medicine. Maybe I paid more attention than I thought. This all sounds well and good, but I'm left just wanting to say "Duh!" Of course we all want those things. Why didn't he just have Cheney sprinkle pixie dust over him as he told all of us about the fantasy land he dreams of.

I enjoyed seeing the various standing ovations. I especially like the ones where the democrats stayed seated. We get it! You don't like all the President's policies. Nobody likes all of them, but sitting and pouting like a petulant child makes you look silly. Stand all the time, or don't stand at all. I'm also fond of the way the President smirks every time they stay seated. It's as if he wants to flip them off and say "sit all you want babies, I'm still in charge."

As for me, the question always is, am I better off this year than last. This is a tricky question. Yeah, I'm paying way too much for gas and to heat my home, and minimum wage, jack booted thugs are rooting through my underwear for what seems like an inappropriate length of time at the airport, but I have a nice home, food on the table, and wireless internet. Would I like things to be better, sure. Will they get better in my lifetime? Who knows. But until all our "leaders" can decide if they want to sit or stand together, I'm just going to wait for the pixie dust to kick in. Later...Brian