What the hell, I'll be a little political.

Watched the President's State of the Union address tonight. Interesting, to say the least. Overall, I thought it to be bland and mostly inoffensive. As expected there were ups and downs. I will touch on a few of each.

We'll go negative 1st, saving the "best" for last. Dubya called for renewal of both his taxcuts and the Patriot act. While I may not be a pro economist, I'm pretty sure his cuts are going only to him, and those like him (greedy, rich bastards). At the same time, I'm not sure how you can give taxcuts to a lower class that receives most, if not all, of their tax money back when tax checks come out each year. On this, I need to become more learned. The Patriot Act, however, I am more sure on. I will applaud 43 on his intentions. While some may disagree, I don't believe he's an evil man aiming to strip American's of their Constitutional rights. At the same time, it's time to realize that, as my father once told me, "Good intentions pave the road to Hell." (Thanks, Dad) It's time to, if not completely reject then majorly re-haul, the Patriot Act. No doubt we need to protect our homeland and keep a lookout for terrorists, but we can't do that at the expense of our own personal freedoms. One other thing I am severely conflicted on is this "sanctity of marriage" business. Being raised in a Christian household, I am still ingrained that homosexuality is morally wrong, though I really am trying to keep an open mind. That said I can understand the stance of man & woman, man & woman, man & woman. At the same time, however, I see no reason from a legal perspective for us, the heterosexual majority, to condemn those different from us. I learned in my basic government class that our government works on a "majority rules, minority rights" basis. Of all I learned, this is perhaps what stuck with me the most.

Not withstanding my last 298 words, I was, on the whole, pleased with this speech. I think a reformed prisoner relief system would be beneficial not only to those it helps directly, but also to the economy as a whole as it would open up an entire new sector of workers for employers, giving opportunity to those who need it most. This move would get good face, therefore encouraging consumers to consume in said company, spurring the economy as a whole. I especially liked Bush's proposed expansion of federal Pell grants, as this would apply to me. The idea of rewarding students for their academic success and not only their determined "need" may truly encourage young people to strive for achievement.

I know there was more. There are ideas Bush through out that sound good. I require more background info 1st. Specifically on immigration, healthcare, monies for faith-based organizations, I would like more info.

This was a long post. And, to be honest, it would have been longer if I would not have waited for so long to start my post after the speech. If you read this far, you get a gold star.

If only I could make myself write like this for that English paper due on Thursday.