We need to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world.
So said President Obama in his second State of the Union address, amid a seating-chart of good feelings but no era of good feelings. When Speaker Boehner wasn't looking bored or, when the president lauded him, weepy, he was no doubt figuring out beneath his tanned pate how to defeat every Obama initiative. Boehner thought bubble: "Post-partisan, my ass..." I am so far from our national zeitgeist that I'm sure this speech soared for most Americans, just as they loved him for the Tucson pep rally. So forgive me, but I found it uninspiring. Worse, it bordered on the delusional. This is his chance to talk to the largest audience of the year and it ended up sounding like a Who Moved My Cheese corporate seminar given before your entire department is outsourced to a "third-party vendor" in Bangalore. He even said, regarding globalization, "The rules have changed."
Ronald Reagan's best speeches can still move me, in spite of myself. Mr. Obama, who outraged the Clintons by saying he wanted to be a "transformational" president like Mr. Reagan, just doesn't connect, but as I write, I'm sure it's just me. But when Dutch spoke he was changing minds and persuading Americans to make a hostile Congress do his bidding (often to destructive long-term consequences, but effective nevertheless). Behind the scenes, Reagan was using executive orders to dramatically change the nation's course. The results behind the rhetoric are just as telling for Mr. Obama.
On the eve of the State of the Union, Carol Browner, the president's point person on climate change, announced her resignation. Nothing has been done over the past two years to address the greatest threat of our time. Nothing. The corporate capture of the Oval Office is complete with GE's Jeff Immelt replacing Paul Volcker as wise man, William Daley of JPMorgan Chase as chief of staff, and Gene Sperling, lately of Goldman Sachs, heading the economic council. The report of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission was leaked, and it properly detailed the risky business, regulatory laxness and swindles that led to the Great Recession. Republicans on the commission promptly disowned the report, issuing dissents (minorities getting liar loans caused the worst panic since the Great Depression, don't you know). The big finance playerz are back to business as usual, saved by the taxpayers. Nobody from Bear Stearns, Lehman, Washington Mutual, Goldman, etc. has done a perp walk. No high-speed rail line has opened or is even abuilding. We got a repeal of DADT, a big and overdue act of social justice and common sense. But the imperial adventures that underlie that need for manpower are as operative as during the Bush/Cheney years. We got "health care reform" but Americans are still in the clutches of the for-profit insurance industry. Mr. Obama transformational? Trust, but verify, as the Gipper would say.
Amid this, the dictators of the Middle East ("Our S.O.B.s," as the cold warriors would have it) are trembling from the overthrow of the regime in Tunisia. Egypt, and more likely Saudi Arabia, may survive this time. But not forever. And Jeffersonian democrats are not waiting to take control. Radical Islam gains every time we destroy a village or kill a child in Afghanistan or Iraq, or practice "rendition" anywhere. We keep Our S.O.B.s in power for stability, to appease an increasingly unsustainable Israeli policy, and, especially, for oil. George W. Bush talked more about peak oil than has President Obama. I give the latter points for at least pushing high-speed rail, but then he's on to "millions of electric cars." Electric cars are not an energy source. We're going to have to make fundamental changes, not just fix "roads and bridges." But no straight talk to the American people, such is the state of our magical thinking union.
Still, it works for New York Times columnist Timothy Egan, who wrote, "From the president, we got the first blueprint for how to build a second term. With a wind of higher approval ratings at his back, he will run as the Pragmatic Progressive. The pragmatist will compromise when he has to, as Obama did with tax cuts and as he promised to do Tuesday night with possible corrections in the health care law. The progressive will not repeal anything that keeps insurance companies from denying coverage to someone who is sick, and will move forward with new investments." Oh, okay.
I'm not sure we'll get high-speed rail, or better education, or good jobs. We'll get a second Clinton term without the drama and the infidelity. And didn't that work out dandy for the nation the first time. I suspect the next two years will be Obama playing defense just to keep what little he's gained (his Homeland Security Secretary can tell him how that works) from the reactionary policies headed our way. Rhetoric to the contrary, we will not do big things, as America once did (and how dare the man who defunded NASA invoke Project Apollo?). But maybe he'll win a second term. Even the right needs Obamanation, for the theater, for the outrage, for the SOCIALISM and a black man in the White House. For an America that's running out of time, I'm not so sure.
When Obama was elected, I had a naive idea that he would be transformational by the simple fact of his own uniqueness. Against all odds, America elected a biracial cosmopolitan, someone who by his very appearance challenged centuries of cultural and racial norms. If he accomplished nothing else, the fact of his election changed us forever.
As I said, the idea was naive.
Republicans seized the opportunity Obama wouldn't. The sheer brazenness of their lockstep opposition, the incessant demonization, and hysteria bordering on psychosis kept them in control of events. Obama catered and compromised, he curried favor with their base and lashed out at his own. He did everything but change party registration. It wasn't enough nor would anything ever be enough. Because there's a central fact in our politics today that Obama's biography cannot change. It's the control of our political institutions by one class, the rich. And if the rubes who vote for the interests of the rich ever figured this out, the jig would be up.
I'm not sure if the rich knew Obama would more gladly be their courtier than scourge but they weren't taking any chances. The sheer ferocity of their attack left nothing to chance. And so, here we are, both sides demanding spending freezes in the worst recession in modern history.
Of course, most politics is just theater. The entire SOTU address was little more than a high school pageant where toga-wrapped deities and beloved bromides compete for our uncomprehending attention. Obama said something about salmon and we wondered if we should eat more of that. Omega 3 oils or something.
At several points, Obama was nearly pooping rainbows and sparkles in extolling our fractious extended family, America. He didn't utter the word but the gist was clear: we are exceptional. We can do anything! We're number one! And behind him sat the glum weeper, John Boehner.
Let's be sober for a moment: we can't do anything we want. We can't even do what is minimally responsible. Because if we did, if we found out that government can actually make our lives better, we might break the hypnotic spell that binds untold millions to the fairy tale of benevolent, job-bestowing billionaires.
By the end, it was clear that "exceptionalism" is merely a cover for something much darker. It's the crazy glue of Americanism itself, paranoia. Because without jihadists to fear and French to mock and Mexicans to hate, who are we? We're simply ordinary humans whose lives are getting demonstrably worse while our media instruct us to look at bright, shiny objects. So the rich simply spook us with absurd tales from the crypt, and we cower and beg for their protection.
And Obama knows the score. He knows his second term depends on keeping this machinery running. And if the rich get even a hint of disrespect from this upstart, he knows he'll be toast.
Posted by: soleri | January 27, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Way to go soleri, you scared everyone off.
Posted by: azrebel | January 27, 2011 at 10:26 PM
I liked the speech because of its soft brutality and hard expediency. America has but two choices in 2012. It is either Obama, or a cave of soul-sick moonbats scatting up the digs...
So yes Jon, Obama is playing defense.
Trying to hold on to the gains made in health care. He has no choice. There aren't any progressives in the streets nosily demanding single payer. There aren't any socialists marching on Washington demanding economic equality. The only vocal ire out there still issues from the oligarchs and their teabag stooges...
And that is what made this speech so brilliant. He played softly to the middle and did it a hard heartless way: By stealing Republican thunder.
And he stole it a lot...
No finer example of this exists than when he pounded the podium and said: Know this: I will not sign any bill that contains earmarks.
Anybody with a brain knows earmarks are a red-state herring. And that their abeyance will hurt red states as much as blue, if not more so. So by prime-timing this non-issue Obama launched a straight right-hand to McCain's face. Funny to see the old man stand and clap, not overtly realizing apparently, that he had been expediently excerpted. (Say goodnight John.)
So the game has moved on.
We are talking about two years of gridlock. And Obama is totally + totally right to steal the Right's talking points (and do nothing with them, just steal them (return is fair play)), and run like hell to the middle. The game now is to hold on to the small victories, let people grow to like The Affordable Health Care Act, and then hope he gets a Congressional majority again for another push...
Like it or not this is how progress is made in America. Because of the south, and the legacy of slavery, and the hate of the black man, the ship can hardly be turned at all.
So really....
The astounding thing about a waltzing confederacy of dunces, is not that it can't be lead brazenly about the dance floor, but that it can waltz at all.
Be grateful for small things...
After all, it could be raining bat scat.
Posted by: koreyel | January 28, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Interesting to note that while the American government is insisting that Egypt keep the internet open during this uprising, the administration is pursuing the option for the American President to have a kill switch on the internet, should it become necessary here in the U.S. It is this type of two-faced lying that we have to deal with, which kept me from even watching the SOTU speech. He lied to me last year. Why on earth would I bother watching him this year? There are so many easy solutions to our problems that it is sad that, in the end, we'll do it the hard and painful way.
Instead of SOTU, it should be: HSFMFYG.
Here's Some Fresh Manure For Your Garden
Posted by: azrebel | January 28, 2011 at 10:50 AM
I was never inspired by Reagan. He just seemed a doddering old fool to me, full of platitudes and good speechifying.
Posted by: eclecticdog | January 28, 2011 at 04:27 PM
"We need to out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world." - Barack Obama
Low expecatations. We need to put ourselves into a position of strength from where we can help the world to innovate, educate, build sustainably, and communicate honestly.
Posted by: Rate Crimes | January 29, 2011 at 09:49 AM
I dont see a future for the planet much less the inhabitants. We are all animal farm talking heads. All the stuff in DC is baloney. There isnt even a hint of sustainability for us. Hang on for a lot of foul air, scarce resources, more overpopulation,and everything that follows. There will be rioting in the streets. Off with the Kings head.
From the producers of "The Company."
cal and his dog spot in their motor hoke somewhere in the great Sonoran desert, whats left of it.
Posted by: cal lash | January 29, 2011 at 12:59 PM
From the sweet season
I want to thank U all for the info.
But it all seems a little much as I travel down Abbeys Road seeking Ed's spirit. It's good to know that there are folks out there with big brains and imagination. I am re-reading City by Clifford Simak, where the dogs sit around the campfire and ponder if man truly existed. Look for me on the high plains where U can C for miles and not a house or pole in sight. Mas Tarde.
cal lash and his dog spot from their motor home somewhere in the vastness of space and time
Posted by: cal lash | January 29, 2011 at 01:03 PM
A long time ago, in a country no more, the term "True Liberal" had a different meaning. It was a time when the populace understood that Liberalism was to the right of socialism and communism and not a leftist political philosophy at all.
True liberalism reared its head during the State of the Union speech. Words of progress were uttered, however, large corporate power has been maintained and enhanced the past two years. Reference was made to major health care reform passage, alleging help to middle America, but mostly enriching the health care industry at the rank and file's expense.
Meet the new boss same as the old boss.
Posted by: jmav | January 30, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I half understand the realpolitik of Obama co-opting right-wing talking points. I wish he did it less fervently, with perhaps a few hints of irony, and with a view to correcting some of the more toxic myths of our discourse. As a Geiger counter for the national mood, Obama excels. But this isn't leadership. It's pandering.
When Obama tells the nation that he's open to whittling away ACA to benefit corporate interests, he's waving a white flag in advance of the actual battle. This further confuses a nation that is already hopelessly confused about the actual legislation. Single-payer is not even on the table here. ACA is just modest reform that gingerly posits a few humane reforms and maybe somewhat effective cost containment. You don't expect the average citizen to man the barricades in its defense but you need to keep the rhetorical higher ground for the sake of the underlying principle. It's only government that can do this. Corporations have no incentive because their purview is the maximization of their own profits. Their interest and the national interest have never been more different.
Obama wants to play Reagan but Reagan had the benefit of a rich nation to loot on behalf of corporations and the rich. Reagan did enormous damage but he was twinkly-eyed and well-scripted. The absurdity of his lionization needs the corrective lenses of hindsight but Obama wants us to remember only the romance and technicolor, not the incoherent story-line.
Obama's Reaganesque vow to veto any bill with earmarks fails even as theater. There is no chance that any appropriations bill will be completely free of these minor add-ons. So, when Obama inevitably signs the bill, the right wing will scream jubilantly: Obama lied! Another news cycle will be dominated by their cynical hysteria and our collective tolerance for partial success will further weaken.
I understand how the right dominates with their huge megaphone differential. I understand the corruption of our national media. I understand the dispirited and marginal left. But I don't understand a president who capitulates as quickly as this one. Agree or disagree politically, Americans still want a president who fights from core principles. Obama not only doesn't fight, he appears bereft of any actual core. What does he believe? The presidency is a hard-fought prize. You either ride this bronco or you die trying. History is going to judge us regardless.
Posted by: soleri | January 30, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Set low expectations and your accomplishments will be guaranteed. Congratulations will be scant.
Posted by: Rate Crimes | January 30, 2011 at 12:49 PM
The President didn't say anything unexpected. I was hoping to be surprised but for some reason I felt as if I had read the script prior to his delivery.
What I hope for is that the Pres is pandering to the majority of Americans, giving a light hand job for Republican interests even, but behind closed doors is working for our country's future. This would include funding high speed rail, education (k-12 especially), and continuing the funding of intercity rail projects.
There already is talk that the President's doublespeak could spell trouble for very important rail projects in Mesa (light rail extension east) and Tempe's Mill Ave. street car rail project connection to the METRO light rail line. This would be devastating to continued transit ridership growth and dense, sustainable development. Similar projects around the country are on the same troubled course.
The President must find a way to prevent such devastating blows to the nation's infrastructure by, say, deep cuts into the defense budget. I say that even while contemplating re-entering military service after the DADT repeal is finalized (actually, I've pretty much already made up my mind).
Posted by: phxSUNSfan | January 30, 2011 at 01:06 PM
I find current Republican representation, and anyone who calls themselves a Republican these days rather frustrating.
I just watched an episode of Real Time and one Republican (Rep. Jack Kingston) rejected another panelists view of evolution by saying that she was merely defining adaptation and not evolution. Unfortunately, many ill-educated repubs will take this and run with it, failing to understand that evolution is a form of adaptation.
This is an example of Republican wordplay - semantics - that fuels American ignorance. Particularly that which runs rampant in the Tea Party and other evangelical cults. Trying to explain global warming (climate change) to Rep. Kingston and other Republicans is just as befuddling; after all ya'll, it's snowin' like the dickens ova yonder on the right coast of the ol' U.S. of A.
Posted by: phxSUNSfan | January 30, 2011 at 01:37 PM