After watching the State of the Union Address, I am sorry, but I'm going to divulge a political rant...
This statement was made by President Bush in defense of the war in Iraq, "America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country." First, America did seek a permission slip from the UN before declaring war on Iraq, but when the administration did not receive it, they went ahead anyway. Second, with this mentality of bypassing international resolution, how is our government acting any different than that of a villainous country such Iraq? The war on Iraq was based on supposed weapons of mass destruction and not complying with UN inspectors. Can someone name another country that doesn't comply with UN resolutions and has weapons of mass destruction?
"This republic will lead the cause of freedom." (Bush) Funny, a republic who will lead the cause of freedom has a leader that calls for the continuation of The Patriot Act which directly imposes on the freedoms of its citizens.
President Bush also backed the No Child Left Behind Act which he states will guarantee all students learn basic reading and math skills. It is just too bad that all the other students who were not going to be left behind will have to work at the same pace.
There's a whole bunch more I'd like to say, but I have become tired of writing.
I discovered something. In order to be a successful politician, you must never speak with any tone other than a single tone. Mr. Bush did it. Nancy Peluci did it. Tom Daschle strayed from this policy, but barely so. Dr. Dean decided to speak with some vigor the other day and he's been painted as though he escaped from an insane asylum.
To the point: compliance with UN resolutions, depends on where you want to go with that. Several countries (e.g. China) have WMDs or are developing them (e.g. North Korea (and you really think they're gonna quit doing so, ha!)) yet do not comply to all UN mandates (think human rights). Now if you were to qualify that as UN defense mandates then perhaps the story changes.
I too noticed the "defense of freedoms" quote was quite ironic in light of his Patriot Act quotes. I also was very annoyed that several times he said "you" in reference to taxpayers as in "you did x" where x is some policy I wouldn't advocate. Of course, I am a citizen and voted, so in one philosophical manner I did.
I gurantee I too could write a State of the Union Address with would garner at least the 69 standing ovations given last night. I can also gurantee that both Democrats and Republicans will stand at those times. Here's a few quotes:
"Every child should have food, water, and shelter. We will do our best to provide these."
"Our American service men AND women risk their lives for our country. To them, we are forever thankful."
"The economy is important. Employment must be strong, business vibrant, and taxes fairly applied."
"The government should not waste money and resources."
"We will not support terrorism."
I could go on and on with empty, meaningless, hard-to-frown-upon statements like Mr. Bush did last night, but I have become, as some say, tired of writing.