Unforeseen Contingencies

The first State of the Union for Obama... and his 1,523rd campaign speech... since being elected. He concluded by asking for a "new start," which seemed to sum his position nicely. I was deeply disappointed, a point I'll get to shortly. Let's see, what campaign promises did he make...

A freeze on non-defense discretionary spending...
A new jobs bill...
New spending on infrastructure and green energy...

(Ummm, err)

Health care reform...
Tax cuts...
Spending repaid TARP money on subsidizing small banks and firms
Fiscal responsibility...

(Gulp)

Increasing exports...
More free trade...
Taxes to punish firms who engage in international trade...

(Hoo boy)

OK, it made no more sense than the nonsense George W. Bush used to peddle at these events. However, the correct grammar, the correct pronunciation, and the clear enunciation were delightfully refreshing. If we must have gibberish, it's wonderful to have it articulated so beautifully.

His singling out of the Supreme Court for its ruling in "Citizens United" was despicable, but "Citizens United" is for a later post.

So the address was mildly interesting...

But ultimately, what a disappointment. Here's why.

During the address, Obama stated that without "his" stimulus spending, unemployment would have been double what it is now. Earlier today, Hank Paulson told Congress that unemployment would have been 25% without his bailout of AIG on behalf of Goldman Sachs. These claims are completely fabricated; there's nothing at all behind them. They are completely made up ex post.

So my great disappointment: where was the guy who was supposed to jump up and shout "You lie!"