In depth analysis and some quick reaction to Obama's big night
The National Journal Online has an interesting interactive feature analyzing the full text of Obama's speech to Congress using a mixture of bloggers, pundits, members of Congress, and a descriptive note about each applause (only Democrats stood, both Democrats AND Republicans, etc.). Readers can click higlighted sections for reactions based on accuracy, campaign promises kept (or broken), themes of change, patriotism, responsibility, and more. Further background is given with links to newspaper coverage from around the country.
Bloggers from the left and the right were asked to pick a specific section or remark from Obama’s address to Congress and give a reaction to it. Here's mine:
President Obama said,
“As soon as I took office, I asked this Congress to send me a recovery plan by President’s Day that would put people back to work and put money in their pockets. Not because I believe in bigger government – I don’t. Not because I’m not mindful of the massive debt we’ve inherited – I am.”
I told National Journal that I’m already tired of hearing the blame game, both against President Bush, and more particularly, against ME-- especially when the President said that,
“we have lived through an era where too often, short-term gains were prized over long-term prosperity; where we failed to look beyond the next payment, the next quarter, or the next election. A surplus became an excuse to transfer wealth to the wealthy instead of an opportunity to invest in our future.”
As a small business owner working hard to scratch out a living, pay taxes, care for employees, and try to put away for retirement, I am insulted that he includes me and mine as part of the cause. I didn’t shortchange anyone for short term gain. I didn’t get a home loan I shouldn’t have. Yes, I did get a small tax cut a few years back like everybody else, but I’m certainly not wealthy. Indeed, I am not to blame for the present woes, but the more President Obama unleashes his “plan,” the more I realize that I am going to be among those having to pay for it.
Click here to view the full text with linked annotations, or here to go straight to the blogger reaction section.
Comments
Posted by: Michael Kitch | February 26, 2009 11:59 AM