GUEST BELI-BLOGGER LEE MCD: STATE OF THE UNION

Tonight, President Bush delivers the annual State of the Union speech. As an American, I hope that the state of our union is strong and good. As a partisan Democrat, I fear Bush the politician will focus on the minor achievements (regime change in Iraq, 4th quarter 2003 growth) while ignoring the larger issues such as the loss of manufacturing jobs, the attempt to re-organize overtime pay requirements, the misguided faith-based initiatives, and the continual asault on privacy and personal liberties. What should the President say or not say tonight? What is the state of our union?

Lee, why do you think Bush is responsible for the loss of manufacturing jobs? Do you not recognize Unions and their role in this? Also, a few years back import laws were changed... I believe a Democrat was in office then. Why does it always land at Bush's feet. Is he supposed to be a miracle worker and get back what has been wantonly given away due to greed? I am so sick of all the spin. Nobody wants to accept their own responsiblity in some of the things that happened. Instead they all want to be the victims and blame it on someone else. Two years ago I heard that the import laws had changed to the point that this year the import restrictions are all but dropped. I was horrified. It makes a nation of consumers when we used to be the manufacturing greats. Detroit and other major manufacturing areas ruined that by running up the costs. That has been years in the making and who do they back? The Democrats!
Tonight nobody is going to give the truth of the state of the nation. Not Bush and not the democrats who will have their turn at tearing down every little thing he said. Of course, they won't have to provide an answer, just criticism. That's democracy!

I think Bush shares responsibility for the loss of manufactruing jobs because: 1. his tax cuts for the very wealthy do NOT create incentives to create manufacturing jobs; 2. his economic policies do not "disincent" companies from moving overseas (contrast Wes Clark's plans); 3. his policy of relaxing environmental and other rules and exempting manufacturers from compliance does not create long-term manufacturing OR industrial job growth or production; and 4. his lack of proposals to protect manufacturing jobs shows just how he IS a divider (rich vs. poor) and how is NOT very compassionate.

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