I know for sure this post will sound political but that’s not my intent. My takeaways from watching Trump deliver the SOTU address will be different from yours, I’m sure. And that’s GREAT actually. There should be a range of issues we agree on as well as other issues we don’t. We’re not the same people, after all.
As long as you like dogs, you’re okie dokie in my book. 🙂
Trump’s mental capacity is not diminished.
You can call Trump a bully and say he’s arrogant. I’ll agree with you on those two things. But when you go out there on a limb and say he’s declining mentally, that’s where I draw the line. He’s sharp as a tack.
Democrats need a conductor — someone to stand in front of them and tell them when they should stand and clap. Listen, I admire those Democrats that attended… it’s tough to sit through a speech delivered by someone spouting stuff you don’t agree with. Even worse when you’re called out. But there were occasions where I believe standing up — even just out of respect — would’ve been the right thing to do.
The event underscored deep divisions.
- Trump basically delivered a bajillion dollar ad and Democrats let it happen. @POTUS: “If you agree with this statement then stand up and show your support: the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens not illegal aliens.” <— no Democrats stood up.
- Angel families and victims of crimes by illegal immigrants — no standing for Iryna Zarutska’s parents even though her mother was sobbing. You can be against deportations and still show empathy for those suffering.
- The USA men’s hockey team’s Olympic gold medal is a national pride moment… that’s not a partisan thing. Not standing is a petty refusal to honor American achievement.
On the other hand, I “get it” that…
- The left didn’t stand up for preventing gender transitions for minors without parental consent. I *thought* the Democratic platform opposes state and federal bans on gender-affirming care and emphasizes that decisions should be made by parents, families, and doctors — not politicians. But they didn’t stand up so who knows?
- Dems didn’t stand for no taxes on tips, overtime and SSI. They stayed seated knowing if they didn’t stand or applaud it could be seen as refusing to support direct benefits for everyday workers — although my understanding is they have key criticisms of the overall package (the one big beautiful bill). Again, not sure if this was a good look.
Overall, it felt like the SOTU event had a deeply partisan tone where unity was absent and both sides used the moment to highlight contrasts ahead of midterms. Basically… politics is politics. And it wouldn’t have been the same if ole’ Al Green wasn’t escorted out. Apologies in advance if you like him… but I think he’s an embarrassment.
And there you have it… (unless you skipped reading this entire post). How far apart are we in our perceptions of how things went down?
The main thing here is… I care a whole lot more about how you treat dogs than I do who you vote for. 😉
And finally, I might’ve got a little teary over the 100 year-old dude that was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. 🩷
Now you know: Notorious mobsters Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky were awarded Medals of Freedom by President Harry Truman in a secret ceremony.