Have we become too cynical?

[SargeUNN]

I listened to the President last night and was very grateful to hear several things. I was so proud that Obama committed to take care of the veterans, not only the current two conflicts but all of us veterans that had earned this treatment. I was glad to see Iraq put in charge of it's own security so we could work on getting more funds to address our internal problems. It was also statesmanship not to go after Bush as would have been easy but to take the high road and remember the moment was about getting Iraq to be responsible for it's own security. It was a moment for the troops who have fought and in some cases died. Personally as a veteran I am glad he chose the high road and let this be a moment of a time that we need to get out of these horrors that was given us.

[bobbolink]

1. You make a good point, and have the right to your well-expressed opinion.

To answer your question, from my vantage point, we haven't become nearly cynical enough.

[texastoast]

2. K&R for the high road n/t

[bluestateguy]

3. The praise of Bush was not needed or wise

If he wanted to do that in his private conversation with Bush, that's his business, but Bush did not deserve praise in front of a national prime time audience. He lied us into a war that was poorly executed, unnecessary, immoral and unpaid for.

[SargeUNN]

6. so tell me

what about the other points or does one point you don't like mean throw it all out? That is why I titled this thread as I did, is one thing we didn't like, that honestly was anything I would take anymore serious than when some of these right wingers tell me thanks for your service as they cut my benefits, so I think that statement was not high praise and was more just not creating a divide. I think to read more into than that is not the best idea.

[bluestateguy]

7. Other than that it was a good speech

Better than the last Oval Office speech, in fact.

[Monique1]

4. Veterans are so forgotten

They put their lives on the line and than when finished they are like worn out clothes ready to throw out because they cannot be mended anymore. Obama gave the up most respect to our vets - made me proud. He did take the high road last night, he made me proud. It was not the time to tear Bush apart, it was time to honor our vets and those serving and unite our war torn country.

[Uncle Joe]

5. I suppose it depends on what your definition of the "high road" is.

I believe the "high road" would have been holding Bush and Cheney accountable for their crimes or at the very least condemning their actions.

The last thing I would equate to the "high road" would be giving them praise, sometimes people never deserve praise and being a former occupant of the Oval office should not automatically qualify someone for it.

Thanks for the thread, Sarge.

[Monique1]

11. My definition of "high road"

this is my personal definition - just what Obama did last night. All he needed to do was attack Bush and the media and pukes would be on him today. Also, he took the high road by supporting our troops not tearing anyone apart. I think he would like to do that but that is not Presidential. My other thought for those who think Obama gave positive to Bush, why did the republicans come on the air and denounce Obama for not giving credit to Bush? Bush is gone, why are we keeping him active? Just the same as why do we focus so much on idiot Palin? We are keeping her active.

Another thing, why are we not focusing on these repukes who are crying that Obama did not give Bush credit for Iraq? You don't want to focus on them? Strange.

Where did Obama praise Bush? He loved the troops and his country? That to me is not praising, that is a President who would probably say that about any ex president. This was not about Bush, it was about our troops and allowing a country take care of their own. It was about our own country coming together and take care of each other.

If anyone wants to have Bush and Cheney held accountable, where are these people on the streets? We protest everything else, why not protest regarding Bush and Cheney. This is not the Presidents role.........

I'll repeat what I heard last night, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVE AND SERVED our country! We want to take care of you. I will give up any antipathy I have and support you.

[Uncle Joe]

12. I didn't say Obama needed to attack Bush in his speech last night.

However I believe by giving Bush praise, he strengthened the repukes' position that he didn't give Bush enough praise for Iraq.

I view the subjects of Bush and his war policies as entirely separate of any support for the troops and I see no reason to tie them together.

[asjr]

8. Excellent statement. If we, as dedicated

citizens, can't overcome the racists in this country we may be in for the fight of our lives. I live in a building of 65 and over women and a few men. I have been active in educating the ones who "don't like government in their lives." I remind them they are being subsidized by the government with their SS and Medicare. I ask them if they are ready to give it up in order to have a racist govern them and take away those things. I am met with blank expressions and silence, because they have no comeback. If I can get to at least one of them I will be happy. I am convinced all the teabaggers and people like Beck, Palin, etc are racist and are trying to hide it by doing and saying other things. Racism never died.

[TBF]

9. I don't have a problem with him taking the high road -

because I doubt any prosecution of Bush/Cheney would get off the ground. They've both got too much money protecting them. But I will insist that ALL veterans continue to be cared for. To that end I will strive to get Alan Simpson fired & the "Deficit Commission" disbanded. They are threatening veteran's benefits, and if there is anything we must protect it is the soldiers who take it on faith that we will look after them.

[texastoast]

10. +1000

[joeybee12]

13. I don't think we're cynical enough...

overall, as a country, because we're being lied to from many corners.

That said, him mentioning Bush doesn't matter much to me even though I loathe Bush...Iraq is a no-win situation at this point.

[alc]

14. too polarized.

Sometimes too cynical. Sometimes too critical. Sometimes not cynical or critical enough. Too often based on "my side is 100% right" and "the other side is 100% wrong".