State of the Union 2018

We watched the State of the Union Address last night. That was a huge event in our house. Why? Because for the first time my husband actually told me to change the channel TO the State of the Union Address. We have been married for nearly 37 years and in all that time, unless he was at work, he always had me change the channel or start a movie when it was on. He said they were only going to lie to us anyway. Imagine how stunned I was that he wanted to watch it. He even made commentary regarding the disrespect shown by those in the audience (nearly the entire Democrat section and a few Republicans) who sat arms crossed, dower expressions on their faces, and even at one point a female representative mouthing (you couldn't hear her) 'No! No! No!'

What they objected to? Keeping America safe from the illegal immigrant criminal element. Really? Why wouldn't you want people who are educated or are being educated, can and will work rather than play the welfare system game, are not a threat to the safety of our country and our citizens, and show respect by adopting our country instead of trying to turn it into the country they left,  over the gangs, drug dealers, murderers and rapists that are flooding our borders right along with the good people? Why? Seemed like a good compromise to me. I think it probably did to a lot of people.

President Trump praised our military and border patrol agents who work to keep our borders and our country safe from those who would harm us. He praised our police, firefighters, EMTs and volunteers who gave up their time and money and risked their own lives to help those devastated by the floods, wildfires, and hurricanes and tornadoes. He praised a young man who received the Bronze Star with the V for Valor for his actions to save a fellow soldier and still they did not stand. He painted a bright future for our country with industry coming back, or starting up, or expanding bringing jobs for our people. Hope is a wonderful thing! If the people lose hope for their future then the future will be lost and our country will fall apart. Don't think for one minute that just because there are protesters out there that we are not a united country in many ways. No one asked if someone was black or white or legal or illegal, gay, straight, Christian or not, before pulling from the flood waters of the hurricanes or giving them refuge and food in the aftermath.

I also watched the Democratic Response by Senator Joe Kennedy III. Mostly what he said was rehash of the president's speech. Then he tried to twist it for some reason to be a bad thing. President Trump stated he wanted our country to be safe and prosperous for all its citizens regardless of race, gender, religion, etc. He didn't say 'except for those who are gender confused, gay, lesbian, or whatever other thing they come up with these days. He was inclusive of EVERYONE. But Senator Kennedy made it sound like he had an exceptions list. He acted like the only dreamers are the ones here illegally. Well, I'll tell you what Senator Kennedy, as the president put it, "Americans are dreamers too!" I am, my children were and are, my neighbors' children and grandchildren are. We all dream of a bright future and being able to pay our bills and earn a decent living, and of being safe in our own homes.

The senator went off subject several times addressing things that weren't even part of the president's address. I don't know why.

All in all, I considered it, albeit long, a good address presenting hope for us all if we just listen without regard to political party and stubbornly cutting off our nose to spite our face just because someone doesn't care for the man who holds office.