#286 - Because the Unexamined Democracy is Not Worth Fighting For

Bush's "us vs. them" policies were front and center in last night's State of the Union speech. This mentality (complete with smirks on cue) smacks of his moral certitude: you're either with us or against us, and if you're against us, well then, you're gonna go to hell.

Last night G.W. made it clear that the nonbelievers deserve ridicule:

Tonight, Members of Congress can take pride in the great works of compassion and reform that skeptics had thought impossible.

I know that some people question if America is really in a war at all. They view terrorism more as a crime -- a problem to be solved mainly with law enforcement and indictments.

We also hear doubts that democracy is a realistic goal for the greater Middle East, where freedom is rare.

We also heard him point out the sinners:

Some in this chamber, and in our country, did not support the liberation of Iraq.

But the status quo always has defenders. Some want to undermine the No Child Left Behind Act by weakening standards and accountability.

And set up the opposition to reform or become even more sinful:

Congress has some unfinished business on the issue of taxes. The tax reductions you passed are set to expire. Unless you act, the unfair tax on marriage will go back up. Unless you act, millions of families will be charged 300 dollars more in Federal taxes for every child. Unless you act, small businesses will pay higher taxes. Unless you act, the death tax will eventually come back to life. Unless you act, Americans face a tax increase.

I signed this measure proudly, and any attempt to limit the choices of our seniors, or to take away their prescription drug coverage under Medicare, will meet my veto.

If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process. Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage.

Never mind that tax cuts have slashed badly needed social programs, or that the prescription drug coverage plan benefits drug companies more than seniors, or that judges are put on the bench to force the Constitution's will upon the people, not the President's.

This administration is a regime that believes it holds all the answers and does not tolerate dissent. To disagree is to be unpatriotic. To reject is to be damned.

Ashley Pearson, we hope you will grow up still believing that you can help save our country. And we hope you will be willing to question your government to do it.