WE Do Big Things

So you take that to mean what? The President is now calling on the American people to do the job he has suggested government should do for his entire career? I take that to mean: We, the American government, are going to spend more of your money, because we know what's best for you. You, the American people, need to understand that this isn't spending - it's an investment.

Okay, so you didn't hear him as he stated "we" the people sent to DC to respresent the American people need to spend "our" money responsibly ... that corporations enjoying their loopholes at our expense need to come to an end ... that those taxpayers (2%) being gifted billions are not in need of additional billions, not at the expense of the larger percentage of America's betterment! If you heard the President say "we know what's best for you" ... you loose me entirely! Question, why did any American send a representative to DC?

You said ... "why should the American taxpayers be investing in anything at the will of the government?" I don't remember the President asking the taxpayers to invest in "anything" ... I think I heard him say "we", Americans must invest in "ourselves" or an alternative "choice" is to remain in the dark ages.

And a very good morning to you ParaTed! I'm always an early bird too! ;) My take, this was not a "policy" speech ... my way or the highway thing! IMO, the President reminded this nation of its greatness ... he asked our people, ALL of our political representatives to HELP solve OUR problems! He made some very interesting and good suggestions! Do you remember any of them?

Yes, he did make some good suggestions, but in each case he made a statement contradicting them. In an effort to make several statements, he ended up saying very little of substance. I am glad that he made a point of acknowledging Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' empty seat, and wishing her well.

Yes ParaTed, to you last point, we all wish Rep. Giffords the very best recovery. You'll need to explain to me the contadictions you refer to. As I surely didn't take from the President's words contradictions! The President enumerated as many YES WE CANs as he did "here are some ways we can" ... he went on to say clearly that he is willing to work with all of congress to get our nation more on the roads to recoveries... he asked if all would be helpful in solving the problems ... ah, responsibly!

Balancing a budget does not mean the government is a smart investor that is far too generalized in it's logic. Besides, much of the wealth during the Clinton administration was created in the online financial sector and yes, there was the inevitable bust that followed.

Hi xfahctor ... hey, to your bottom line, I agree! However, have we any idea how a little seed money can assist in what this nation is in dire need of right now? After reading and listening to many "Wednesday morning quarterbackings" ... I read, what I consider a great read as well as one of the most responsible assessments. In that article, the writer (Howard Kurtz, The Daily Beast) writes: "The pundits weren't crazy about the president's speech ... too flat, they said, not enough applause lines, didn't live up to inspiration of Tucson. Well, maybe State of the Union addresses tend to be too long and too programmatic. But, President Obama gave a 'grownup speech,' and folks at home tend to like those more than the scorecard-wielding pundits. He crafted a forward-looking theme that called on America to lift its great game -- and with a 1957 metaphor (Sputnik) that fits nicely into headlines. There was a touch of Reagan-style optimism that belied our 9.4% unemployment (plus, it must be said a touch of Clintonian long-windedness)." (emphasis added) This, IMO, was indeed an adult-styled, fair assessment. I watched the SOTU on C-Span2 ... geesh, do I love that station ... it spares the chatter of pundits while "important" stuff is happening!!

I know, I know xfahctor! But, what "government" has demonstrated a rather poor investor? Didn't President Clinton, a democratic president (with the help of a repub congress) balance this nation's budget? Didn't Clinton's "government" make many millionairs happen in this country ... oh sure we had a tech burst ... but, prior to that, people enjoyed years of abundance? I think to make your statement fly, we'd need to determine what "governmental administrations" grew our economies and those that did not! I think, therein lies some real good facts.

Bottom line...I think the man is clueless about how to fix our problems. Because he may have said YES WE CAN...but he sure as heck did not say HOW. Too little actual substance. Too much of a pep rally. I guess I was looking for a more assertive approach from him. More drive. More determination. More certainty about what exactly needs to be done and HOW exactly it is going to be accomplished. I want to know he has a clear road map on how he is going to do things. To be fair I think most presidents turn the state of the union into a pep rally. which annoys me. I want specifics. I want answers. I want to know the president not only know what our problems are but also knows EXACTLY how he wants to fix them. I want to know that the president has an action plan and exactly what it is. I know I know...pipe dream...but a girl's got a right to dream.

Well, since so many republicans have said that this is a "christian" nation, I'm just wondering ... where is their faith in their own country ... that country that "God" is always supposed to bless, is "HE" not supposed to bless this so-called "christian" nation under this President? The president asks us not just to dream, but to be innovative!!

Then, why was there any rebuttal at all? What were they rebutting ... perhaps your bottom line there lilwonders?