This is refreshing:

Obama to say US will rebuild and emerge stronger. Remember how W talked down the economy before and after he stole the election in 2000? Well, the bubble was bursting, but taking a dump on the economy didn't help. While happy talk won't make our problems go away, talking about everyone working together to address the problem and move forward is the better tact to take. Certainly better than W's "be afraid" mantra. Eight years was more than enough of that bullshit.

Comments

[JDM]

Yes, but I'm afraid Obama is going to fuck with Social Security. We didn't fuck this up, at least not the half of us who always vote against republicans. WTF should we "sacrifice" shit on SS? Fuck that noise.

[gmb]

JDM: I'm listening to his speech and when he mentioned addressing social security, the applause was tepid. Congressional democrats won't let him touch it. Hell, those spineless assholes kept W away from social security, so I think they will try to stymie any attempt to fuck with the benefits. According to the little form the SSA sends every year, I have sent well over $100k to them (not counting my employers' contributions). I've paid my fair share already, and will pay more. And there are a lot of people like me who have paid from day one and will not be happy with a 70 year old retirement date or reduced benefits. SS is solvent and will remain solvent for at least 40 years. Hands off. GMB

[Lisa]

A positive message will be nice for a change. So will coherency.

[gmb]

Lisa: Except for the social security line--that the dems didn't like either--the speech was good. Exactly what needed to be said. It recognized the problems, but talked about a shared response to make the country stronger for the long term. The man can speak, no denying that. GMB