State of the Union

President Bush provided the expected monologue, one without surprise or alteration of Course. The elimination or curtailment of 150 federal programs may present the only unpleasant regime change, as it is bound to cut strands of the Welfare net--something which only impacts the Poor. His reference to Our military volunteers means there will be no push for a legitimate Draft, but the continued Servitude of Our current military by mandated Service extensions. Bush continued to parrot the advantages of Social Security Privatization, though almost all purported Advantages to the program have been discredited. He also did not address the Federal Deficit, Trade Deficit, or the Current Accounts Deficit directly--the three chief problems of the American people, even greater than the dread aspect of Terrorism. His is an Administration who sets the agenda, and refuses to discuss or debate any other Topic; a tendency attuned to the appelation of 'Sticking their Head in the Sand'.

George W. Bush entered the White House in a Period where the Government enjoyed a Federal Surplus. 9/11 cost Us $30 billion, Homeland Security cost Us $125 billion, Iraq and Afghanistan cost Us $200 billion. Defense Spending has been unrestrained for three years, but Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan cannot get adequate equipage or Pay, while being extended in Service without choice. Personal Income Taxes have possibly been reduced by $300 billion through Y2005, while Deficits will average greater than that amount per year for the Period Y2003-Y2005 inclusive. Revised Employment estimates suggest the American economy has still not regained the Labor Roll conponent existent with Bush's entrance into office in 2001. He suggested heavy expenditure federal programs which assured long-term heavy expenditures and deficits, and advocates additional such programs, coincident with cutting the Welfare safety net. This Author contends the Bush record has been abysmal, but he is not one of the Faithful; he might need a Faith-based initiative. lgl