[sinkspur]

I thought of you during the speech.

I knew you'd be pissed, and I was right.

It must really be a big burr under your saddle that this country is behind George W. Bush as much as they are.

Meanwhile, you're off in the weeds, muttering under your breath.

[kristinn]

I must note for the record that you failed to address Askel5's concern. Instead, you made a personal attack on her.

[Torie]

As time goes by, it seems clearer and clearer to me that Bush is a meld between traditional American individualistic conservatism, and the Burkean communitarian European kind, that is for a prudent government activism even as it preserves the invisible hand and basic values. Bush will not let ideology blind him to addressing real problems, even while ideology guides him in how to do it consistent to the extent possible with conservative values. That is why Sullivan and I have grown so comfortable with Bush I suspect. Frankly he is a neocon is good standing really. But don't let that get out.

[Askel5]

What in this speech or your reactions could possible upset me? I'm supposed to be shocked? jealous? left out? angry? hateful?

Hardly. A snoozer of sorts in that it was practically perfect in every way.

I wasn't upset until -- reading this article -- I couldn't find any mention of the ESCR decision. Once upon a time it was important enough to make the topic of his First Televised Address ... once Gracie had softened up the audience with her secret smile.

Imagine ... he informed consciences, quoted Scripture and actually split the baby in half by sticking to his ONE CONCRETE campaign promise re: Human Life by using only "already been killed" embryos.

a more neutral, uplifting spirit of action and service, a problem-solving ethic that is practical but also moral, and deeply American.

That decision was hardly neutral. A big step. And the only thing "deeply American" seems to be the alchemy of pragmatism that believes it's overcome somehow the two essential self-evident truths on which this nation was founded: all men are created equal and possess the right to life.

Would you say it's still true, Sinkspur? Would you say all men are created equal and that each has the right to life?

Helllllllooooo ... anyone notice all the Excess Human Life sitting in the middle of America's family room during the Address?