Yeah, Right, Whatever

Yeah, I know everyone has said something about the speech. Why should I be left out? I didn't watch it live- was watching Mythbusters with the guys. Didn't think they'd care to watch the speech (I was right.)

So... now I can't sleep, so I'm watching the rebroadcast on FoxNews. Interesting. Very interesting. He was interupted by applause 65 times (but I did notice that many of those were quite one-sided). Here's some of the moments that made me go "hmmm..." or *snicker*... or out-right laugh... or cry, just a little....

• My budget substantially reduces or eliminates more than 150 government programs that are not getting results, or duplicate current efforts, or do not fulfill essential priorities. The principle here is clear: a taxpayer dollar must be spent wisely, or not at all. (oooo... that's not gonna make some people happy... who gets the axe? Not that I'm complaining, but... dang. Woohoo! )
  
• Four years of debate is enough -- I urge Congress to pass legislation that makes America more secure and less dependent on foreign energy. (Is it wrong to (once again) want to give him an "Amen"?)
• I have a message for every American who is 55 or older: Do not let anyone mislead you. For you, the Social Security system will not change in any way. (ya hear that, you fear mongers?)
• (Refering to Social Security) I will listen to anyone who has a good idea to offer. We must, however, be guided by some basic principles. (principles? Well... that leaves a whole lot of politicians out of the debate, Sir.)
• Because courts must always deliver impartial justice, judges have a duty to faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from the bench. As president, I have a constitutional responsibility to nominate men and women who understand the role of courts in our democracy, and are well qualified to serve on the bench -- and I have done so. (Preach on, Brother W!)
• The Constitution also gives the Senate a responsibility: Every judicial nominee deserves an up-or-down vote. (I noticed Senator Biden laughing at that. Yeah, Sparky, he was talking to YOU and all your little obstructionist friends.)
• The government of Saudi Arabia can demonstrate its leadership in the region by expanding the role of its people in determining their future. (Hint. Hint. Not like they'll listen, but it's a nice thought.)
• Syria still allows its territory, and parts of Lebanon, to be used by terrorists who seek to destroy every chance of peace in the region. (You'd think they're not paying attention. Do they really think he won't put them down if given a reason? Half a reason?)
• Today, Iran remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror -- pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve. (But, Sir... they say it's just for peaceful energy use... riiiight.)
• In any nation, casting your vote is an act of civic responsibility; for millions of Iraqis, it was also an act of personal courage, and they have earned the respect of us all. (And it pains me to think that people in our own country don't understand that civic responsibility. Maybe they can learn a lesson from our friends the Iraqis.)
• We will not set an artificial timetable for leaving Iraq, because that would embolden the terrorists and make them believe they can wait us out. (But... but... we need to know when they're coming home!!! We need a time table! We need a plan! Quagmire! Quagmire! uh... sorry... let the moonbats take over for a second)
• Our generation has dreams of its own, and we also go forward with confidence. The road of Providence is uneven and unpredictable -- yet we know where it leads: It leads to freedom. (What a beautiful ending... I love it!)

But, in the end, what struck me most, what touched me deepest, was this. There are no words needed after this. It says it all.

She wrote, "When Byron was home the last time, I said that I wanted to protect him like I had since he was born. He just hugged me and said: 'You've done your job, mom. Now it's my turn to protect you.'" Ladies and gentlemen, with grateful hearts, we honor freedom's defenders, and our military families, represented here this evening by Sgt. Norwood's mom and dad, Janet and Bill Norwood.

In case you weren't paying attention, that's Safia Taleb al-Suhail, an Iraqi who voted on Sunday, in freedom, hugging Sgt. Norwood's mom.