This post was written by Hatchet columnist Corey Jacobson
Amid all the anticipation and post-speech analysis, there was something truly remarkable about President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address Tuesday: it was merely a more coherent and organized view of the same pragmatic stances Obama has held throughout his entire presidency.
Tonight, he outlined five priorities that America needs to pursue not just to boost today’s economy, but to propel our nation forward for an entire generation: innovation, education, infrastructure, deficit reduction and reforming government.
The president referenced his growing list of accomplishments in these fields, including the incentive-based education fund “Race to the Top” and his new executive order to reduce bureaucratic red tape. But he also outlined a unifying vision going forward. It was one that acknowledged the tough times ahead—his proposed five year freeze on domestic spending can provide a
clue as to what he means—and the many arguments to be had over how to best address those five priorities. Ultimately, it was a
vision that welcomed the contention, so long as it moves our country forward.
Truth be told, we deserve a debate that goes far beyond the all-too-familiar (and equally all-too-simplistic) big-versus-small
government. We need to have a great debate, one that addresses the many nuances of our society. It needs to be about smart and necessary government versus superfluous bureaucracy.
As the president put it, “We shouldn’t just give our people a government that’s more affordable. We should give them a government that’s more competent and efficient.”
Obama’s speech tonight was far more than a performance; it was a statement of purpose, and it must have Republicans a little scared. But the greatest thing is that if they are truly serious about buckling down and making some tough choices, it shouldn’t matter in the slightest.
For a Republican perspective, read Andrew Clark’s post, “Obama pledged centralism, but will his actions back up the rhetoric?”
Based on the brutal arrest of a former military veteran and CIA adviser on GW property on 2/17/11, I disagree. See email below sent to GW faculty for response:
Sadly, I fear this post too be censored and erased by the Hatchet. Staff: join brave media in the middle east and stand up for the truth.
From: Paisner, Jonah
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2011 9:21 AM
To: ‘abuaardvark@gmail.com’
Cc: ‘henry@henryfarrell.net’; ‘jsides@gwu.edu’; ‘brchis@gwu.edu’
Subject: censorship and brutality on GW campus for peaceful protest
Dear Prof. Lynch:
I am a ’93 BA alum in Political science and Economics. Please respond to this event at GW recently:
http://scottystarnes.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/the-exposed-hypocrisy-of-the-obama-regime-speak-out-in-support-of-peaceful-protests-in-egypt-then-arrest-an-america-vet-for-peaceful-silent-protest-video/
I am concerned that this appears to be a peaceful silent protestor being tackled and beaten on GW property. This protester was a former member of the U.S. military and senior CIA advisor to seven U.S. Presidents. This is shocking for many reasons, and needs a response from the University.
Please provide your view. Unfortunately, unless and until a reasonable explanation or apology is issued, I will not be able to financially support GW, will recommend against anyone giving financially to GW or attend GW, and will publicize my serious concern on the Internet.
Kind Regards,
Jonah Paisner
cc: Political science blog authors, and others faculty
———————————————–
Law Office of Jonah H. Paisner, PC
P.O. Box 86275
Portland, Oregon, 97286
jonah@paisnerlaw.com
“We shouldn’t just give our people a government that’s more affordable. We should give them a government that’s more competent and efficient.”
This has been said 5,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times, give or take a few, by every politician. There’s no such thing as competent and efficient government. There’s nothing purposeful or honest about this statement; it simply means nothing.