Some brief thoughts about George Bush's State of the Union address last night.

First off, by far the best line of the entire speech:

"Hindsight alone is not wisdom, and second-guessing is not a strategy."

Whoohoo!  An awesome line and so very true.  Those that would have us cut and run should pay heed and reflect on those words. 

Second, the most poignant moment was when he acknowledge the family of a soldier that was killed in Falluja last month.  President Bush's comments:

"Marine Staff Sergeant Dan Clay was killed last month fighting the enemy in Falluja. He left behind a letter to his family, but his words could just as well be addressed to every American.

"Here is what Dan wrote: "I know what honor is. It has been an honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to … Never falter! Don't hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting."

"Staff Sergeant Dan Clay's wife, Lisa, and his mom and dad, Sara Jo and Bud, are with us this evening. Our nation is grateful to the fallen, who live in the memory of our country. We are grateful to all who volunteer to wear our nation's uniform — and as we honor our brave troops, let us never forget the sacrifices of America's military families."

This of course is in stark contrast to that of another parent of a fallen soldier; one who was arrested and removed from the Capitol gallery just before the speech. 

You can read more about Staff Sergeant Dan Clay in this article from the Pensacola News Journal.  I would also highly encourage you to read the complete letter from him which I have available here. 

Third, the most amusing moment came when President Bush was discussing Social Security.  Much has been made of the surprising relationship (friendship!) his father and President Clinton have forged in recent years.  Acknowledging that he said:

"This year, the first of about 78 million baby boomers turn 60, including two of my dad's favorite people — me and President Bill Clinton."

All in all the speech tried to strike a balance – standing firm on some issues, conciliatory in others. 

It does bring to mind perhaps the one thing I am disappointed in with President Bush – his inability to work across the aisle.  When he was first elected he was viewed as a Washington outsider; a governer from Texas who had done some pretty great things in his home state and worked with Democrats in the state legislature.  Heck, the Democratic leader in that state legislature heartily endorsed President Bush at the time.

Unfortunately, that same ability to work with the opposing party has not been evident in his first five years in office.  Saying Washington is more divided than ever like some pundits claim is a complete overstatement – you only have to look back to the days of Slick Willy to find similar times.  However, the rancor is evident and an ongoing issue. 

Neither party is right 100% of the time and a balance must be struck.  I hope that balance can be found in his final three years in office – agree to disagree and move on.  Find things that we can work on together, some of which President Bush outlined last night.  Ultimately that may be the determining factor in his legacy. 

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