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Last Tuesday, the president gave his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The speech is a constitutional requirement on the presidency and has become a way for the president to announce his agenda for the coming year.
What struck me the most was the president’s complete disconnect with reality. He promised job creation and announced the need for an all-of-the-above energy plan – an idea instituted by Republicans back in 2008 – yet only two weeks ago he killed the Keystone Pipeline, a construction project that would have created tens of thousands of direct jobs and helped America decrease its reliance on oil from the Middle East. He discussed the damage a tax increase would have on our fragile economy, yet in the same speech advocated for raising taxes on American job creators. He even invoked President Lincoln, stating ‘that government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more,’ while at the same time pushing for more regulations of our energy and financial industries. I didn’t think the gap between what the president says and what he does could get much larger – until he actually contradicted himself in the same speech." Yes, the Campaigner-in-Chief unfortunately gave the speech that I was expecting: one full of rhetoric that painted the rosy view of our country rather than the actual state of our union. And why wouldn’t he? He’s running for president after all. And his reelection bid is based on his ability to convince the American people they aren’t worse off under his leadership. Well, like my grandmother always said, ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.’ And Mr. President, you aren’t fooling me this time. This was the same speech we’ve all heard before. (Check out this video) Promises of comprehensive immigration reform, education reform, tax breaks for college tuition, job creation, tax breaks for American companies, and energy independence. All promises the president has broken. The president’s speech tonight was nothing more than a laundry list filled with lofty promises, but short on actual policy. While I agree with him that the American spirit is one that can lift this country back to the prosperity we are capable of, we can’t do that with crushing debt, overly burdensome regulations, and higher taxes on small businesses. And while that’s the president’s agenda for 2012 the House passed legislation to address all of these issues that were stalled in the Senate last year. This administration's failed policies have driven our economy to the brink, and his State of the Union only solidified his intent to continue down this same path. The true state of our union is one of divisiveness, brought on by the president’s continued insistence of pitting Republicans against Democrats, rich against poor, haves against have nots. This president seems to thrive on chaos and we all can remember what his former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said, ‘You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.’ Our country is facing serious challenges right now and leaders in Washington must put aside political rhetoric, roll up their sleeves, and come up with real solutions to help the American people. Unfortunately, we didn’t see that.
State of the Union: A Contradiction in Fact
In response to last week's State of the Union, my staff and I put together several blogs highlighting contradictions in the president's speech, because, as we all know, actions speak louder than words.
Contradiction One: The President Doesn't Believe in Limiting Government
Contradiction Two: The President's Assistance to American Manufacturing Comes with a Union Caveat
Contradiction Three: The President Doesn't Really Support an All-of-the-Above Energy Plan
Contradiction Four: The President Doesn't Really Want to Reward Your Hard Work - He Wants to Tax It
Contradiction Five: The President Doesn't Really Oppose Bailouts
Contradiction Six: The President Doesn't Think American Companies Are Taxed Too Much
Contradiction Seven: The President Would Rather Save a Tree Than Create a Job
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