quote:
Originally posted by MADDOG 20/20:
What points struck the posters on the board in the State of the Union speech as presented by President George W. Bush, were the most critical and urgent to be addressed? (This sounds like a test for a political science class LOL) Knowing the extreme views on both sides on this board, liberal and conservative, if possible to put any preconceived prejudice or ideas aside, REALLY what direction do the posters think the stratagies as outlined will play out? I'll give my opinions near the end, if anyone posts. THE DOG
How about if I try to put aside preconcieved notions?
His comments on health care struck me as a very poor compromise between NO national health care beyond medicare and medicade, and an extension of the medicade program with a mandate for employer provided insurance or personally provided insurance, much like Car insurance. His tax deduction for the cost of premiums seems inadequate to me.
On energy consumption, he handed a challenge to Congress. They are to come up with a plan that will reduce gasoline consumption by 20%. This can be by increasing the use of ethanol, electric vehicles, or lpg power as far as I could tell. The easy way is with Cafe Regulations. Generally that means reduced power output for the cars sold, since that is about the only way to increas fuel economy.
His Iraq policy seeems to be "Stay the Course" with a new name, "New Way Forward." At least until you read the comprehensive outline on the White House web site. One Paart of the Proposal calls for givint the Coalition and Iraq Security forces wider latitude regarding rules of engagement, and targeting. He could be saying that resistance of any kind will result in all out assault.
I got a strong sense that he redifined the "enemy" in Iraq just sufficiently to give the appearance of an all out assault on Sunni resistance to the government. And he laid out a clear warning to Iran to STAY OUT OF THE CONFLICT.