Question of the Day - State of the Union (1-24-12)

Did you watch the US President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address? Yes or no, if so what did you think about it? I am a Republican and Conservative and I found it to be a great speech. It makes a strong case for the President's re-election efforts, while also putting some very unique ideas on the table. Such as making it illegal for students to drop out of school if they are under 18 or have yet to graduate. Putting colleges on notice for hiking tuition was also great. And I was surprised at how many good ideas were put forth. However, Obama's green initiatives were a bust in many ways, and I've yet to see a high-speed rail station being built in my area... a central theme of last year's State of the Union. So I am not necessarily optimistic that anything will change or get done, particularly in an election year. I was glad to see the President tell Iran, in no uncertain terms, that a nuclear weapon will not be tolerated and that nothing was off the table, while offering ANOTHER olive branch, and was glad to see Obama tell Syria that the regime has met its end. I also was very happy to see Obama strike the analogy at the end of comparing the American people to a military unit, making the point that we citizens need to look out for one another and stop the endless mocking and demonization. Having said that, Obama is known for sniping the other side, so lecturing others on that point comes across as somewhat ridiculous. But like he did following the tragedy in Arizona with Gabby Giffords, he once again seemed to ask for civility in our discourse with those we disagree with. And once again, that is a message that people, of all backgrounds, need to try to live up to. It is making things worse for everyone. Overall, great speech. Now we'll await the follow-through.