I know this sounds trite but: Actions speak louder than words

[Duer 157099]

I don't exactly want to keep playing the role of Charlie Brown going to kick the football that Lucy is holding.

[JVS]

1. I agree. We've always known he talks a good talk. How about some walking now.

[eleny]

2. He had to snatch back the credibility that he was losing

And this is the way they can do it. It's only a start, though. I agree that things have to happen. But this is how he gets the public back on his side. He becomes the one who frames the issues. That's how he can start to get things done. My fingers are crossed.

(Btw, I gagged when he talked about clean coal. Just like I gagged when he said it during the campaign.)

[Duer 157099]

5. I know, but there *has* to be serious follow-through now

I mean, no more delays, no more bullshitting, just pure-D action. And he publically acknowledged that he knows what an Executive Order is (or was that a Signing Statement, I forget).

My fingers are crossed too, they always have been. But you know, there's an old saying they have in Texas... fool me once, well you can't get fooled again :D

[eleny]

23. Agreed on all points!

And sorry for the massive delay in responding. Had to get some much needed shut-eye. But I didn't want your thoughts to go hanging without an "amen". :hi:

[emilyg]

3. Yes. Yes.

[sandnsea]

4. Ooh goody, a thread to update my ignore list

A Democratic President just kicked GOP ass. If you can't be happy about that, then you're probably not a Democrat to begin with.

[cutlassmama]

10. Exactly. My thinking too

[Solomon]

13. Yeah. He needs to exercise his dictatorial power

and stop being such a talker. Just kick the shit out of Congress with his magic dictator wand.

[salguine]

24. Cool. I'll put you on mine. You can put me on yours too.

[Writer]

6. Actions speak louder than words... does that include your words?

Because I don't see any action here, either.

[Duer 157099]

7. Of course it applies to my words as well

but what sort of actions do you expect to "see" on a message board? Words are all we have right here.

Although, the act of posting is an action, technically.

[Common Sense Party]

8. And the act of opening one's mouth and pushing air past the vocal

chords is also an action. So we had 80 minutes of action tonight.

[woolldog]

9. I knew Obama would give a great speech

he always does. But is he going to show the leadership he needs to to get his agenda throgh congress? He hasn't shown any so far so Im not holding my breath.

[bermudat]

11. Just what I told my husband.

No more pretty speeches. Let's see something actually get done.

[cali]

12. you're right: It is trite. And words count.

[AJD48]

14. Which is one reason I didn't tune in last night

Historically, lots of political leaders have been able to give good speeches.

Some of them led their country to ruin.
Others didn't accomplish much one way or the other.
And finally others transformed their country for the better.

I do not think that Obama will lead the country to ruin. (It's already there.)
What he actually accomplishes is now what matters.

[JNelson6563]

15. What action will you be taking?

:shrug:

[JoePhilly]

16. Do "bitch" and "moan" count as actions?

See lots of those "actions" on DU these days.

[NatBurner]

21. well they *are* technically verbs... i'll allow it

[bigwillq]

17. True

but I thought the speech was outstanding. It's the speech I've been wanting to hear for a long time. Now comes the tough part. Putting action to those words. Let's hope all involved can do it. It's what this country needs.

[sendero]

18. Obama has always .

.... given good speech. It's the followup that is the problem.

He shares many traits with Bush, but among the most annoying is taking minor accomplishments or even negative ones and spinning them into something great.

HCR is not great. It is not an accomplishment. Blathering on for hours about how much it will help won't make it actually help.

I'm done with politicians I think.

[livetohike]

19. What action do you suggest? Dictatorship maybe?

This whining without suggestions is getting tiresome. How would you go about getting action out of the Congress and Senate?

Elect people to the Congress and Senate who want to solve problems instead of sitting there smugly working on their own agendas.

[GinaMaria]

20. Yep. Add more to list of promises

I think every group was promised something last night. Except around Health Care. Deliberately vague as usual and referred to Health Insurance Reform. We'll see how long people are placated by the SOTU. We need action.

[GeorgeGist]

22. ahh ...

but words are actions too. However trite.

[wowimthere]

25. I think he said it succinctly a couple of ways...

I can't do it by myself.
Majority... don't run for hills.
Minority... "No" is not legislating.
No one said it would be easy.

People may be acting as though he is Moses. He can part the Red sea... tomorrow.

The congress is standing in the way of his agenda. Republicans. Democrats. We know what he wants. Healthcare Reform. It takes three branches to get us there. The Rs are children. The Ds don't have the courage of their convictions. Obama does have a spine and he does have the courage of his convictions even if I don't like some of his decisions.