State of the Union 2007

"In religion and politics, people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination." (Mark Twain)

We have become a society of lazy idoits.

We not only fail to gather information or think for ourselves, we have gotten to the point where we don't even form opinions ourselves. Instead of forming opinions after careful research and weighing all sides of an argument, we rely on the opinions and commentary of others to tell us what and even HOW to think and believe. To me, this is unthinkable. And it is true on BOTH sides of the political spectrum.

So today, I challenge you to go against the status quo, just a little. Instead of picking up your paper this morning or googling news coverage or watching the 24-hour cable networks to find out what everyone SAYS Bush said last night, READ his actual words (which I have provided for you below).

Then, decide for yourself what you think about what he said. Do you agree? Disagree? Agree with some things but not others (like me)? Do you agree in principle but disagree about how to do it? Great! I don't care what you decide to believe, as long as YOU decide for yourself.

Here is one of my favorite quotes, just to inspire you a little...

"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."
~ Thomas Jefferson

President Bush's 2007 State of the Union Address

(As Delivered in the House Chamber)

Courtesy CQ Transcripts Wire
Tuesday, January 23, 2007; 11:15 PM

(Click here for link to full transcript)