Blog #2: State of the Union Address

Okay, I was going to start with a completely different topic and I was going to wait until Saturday, but sorry, can't. I just watched President Obama's State of the Union Address. I'm going to start by saying that I am a sucker for these. I even liked the ones that President Clinton gave and I was a rabid GOP BYU student at the time--I actually felt guilty for liking his speeches. So, I'm not going to be hard hitting on this, but I do wanna know about how you all feel.

I have to set up my favorite part. When I was a child, I loved all musicals and especially Disney ones. Live action ones--even better. (Please, be gentle with that...) Anyways one of my all time favorites was one of Disney's first: "The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band." (see http://www.classicmoviemusicals.com/filmso.htm#genuine). It was one of Goldie Hawn's first movies. (She has a bit part in the last scene as a dancer--it is pretty funny.) Anyways, in the movie the family band is a politically divided household who goes to sing at the 1888 Democratic Convention and they sing this hilarious song, called, "Oh Benjamin" which has a line that has one side of the family singing, "...ah, that's politics." To which the other side of the family says, "No, that's statesmanship." It is a must see, really. So, MY favorite part of the State of the Union is always the part where the President asks Congress to play nice. Since they are playing with our toys (ok, money) wouldn't it be nice if they did so?

I loved President Obama's request of the GOP. (Keep in mind I am a somewhat troubled card-carrying Republican--yeah, we're gonna have to talk about that in the future...): "...it may be good short-term politics, but it is bad leadership." (Speaking of requiring a supermajority for any legislation to pass just because they can now.) Sorry, ladies and gentlemen: I think everyone needs to relearn the meaning of "statesmanship." Government is supposed to be about public service and frankly, I ain't seeing that as a priority...especially in an election year.

So I loved it. I'm going to remain quiet on the Republican rebuttal--okay, I can't. (Quit laughing, you knew I wouldn't) I'll just say this: having some poor guy out in the sticks speak after the President of the US is a stupid practice. No one looks good after the President of the United States and does anyone besides me notice that they always pick some newbie/sacrificial cow to look bad? I almost lost my ice cream while watching his posturing. And really, did he watch the President's speech at all? Yeah, I know, the poor guy had a script but aargh...maybe I'll quit watching that part. I probably better if I'm going to be able to say with a straight face that I support the GOP.

So, there is my short two bits. I could go on for a long time, but I'm not going to...I ran out of milkshake. So your turn. (Be gentle--remember the rules.)

Blog Number 1: Rules of the Blog

I've been wondering if I should do this...really, do I want the firestorm? Do I want to see people offend one another? But then I remember how amazing my friends are--what intelligent, caring and insightful people they are. And I remember those fun times after an evening at the movies, sitting and giggling until 1:00 in the morning at Sal's as we talked about the future. Or maybe it was a midnight run to Taco Bell and eating in the dark and looking at the big Utah mountains and discussing the opposite sex or maybe even the reality of God. Or even later in life it was after a hard study group, eating the last few pieces of cold pizza and discussing the nitty gritty of the law, not just the letter of it. Or maybe it was some of those discussions that happened when I was married, but pre-kids--a good meal shared and then laughter and stories of victory or sadness. I've had great friends and great discussions. I miss that. So here is my cyber attempt at reconnecting with those moments. It won't be as cozy as the conversation over the proverbial wine (or root beer or milkshake), but maybe we can all reconnect with who we were, who we wanted to be and who we are becoming. And maybe we can focus on what we really want to be in the future.

So, control freak that I am, there are a few rules:

1. No nastiness, please. I retain the full right to edit or delete any of that. Everyone gets an opinion, but don't attack someone. Make your argument with logic (maybe a little wit, but nothing razor sharp), and dignity. I don't claim to have friends of one persuasion or the other (red/blue, positive/negative, dark side/light side etc.) So don't assume anything. Just BE NICE, but not boring, okay?

2. Please, please let's talk, discuss, and express our opinions. But let's back it up. Don't make a statement that you don't really believe or can't back up with some real evidence. Saying, "The government is crap," while you may believe it is true, doesn't really advance any of the conversation, nor does it help illuminate anyone. Share specifics. The point is not really to moan, but to put forward your ideas, worries even and then maybe suggest solutions. So, say "The government is crap," but keep going and say why or how it could be better.

3. Respect other's opinions. I decided to do this because I do love my Facebook, but I think it is more a "run-into-each-other-at-the grocery-store" kind of conversation spot. I want this to be deeper place to talk, and that requires respect. The kind of respect we reserve for our friends--perhaps a respect that is a little audacious, but the kind that keeps us from flinging our glass of beverage at each other.

4. IF you get offended, please don't throw the beverage. Say, "I'm offended by this because...." (fill in the rest.) Throw the napkin at them, the cheeseball or the nasty glare, but tell us. Don't go away mad. Tell the person so they can clarify their comments and maybe make nice. And if that doesn't work, then you have my permission to throw the beverage...nicely.

So those are the rules. And since I am in charge (hey, it is my blog...I have to pretend because I have not doubt that you all will quickly grasp control and take off...) I get to say where this all started. So, here we go...