I didn’t stay up to listen to the State of the Union Address. I’m quite certain I will hear all about it in the coming days. One hour and forty eight minutes is what I’ve learned so far. The big thing I’ve heard about is the refusal of the democrats to stand when asked if they felt the first duty was to protect American citizens , not illegal aliens. I get it, they were put on the spot, and in my estimation reacted badly. But, I don’t believe it will change anything either, and that’s why I didn’t stay up to listen.

Every State of the Union address is going to be basically the same thing. The current president will tout his administrations accomplishments and make big promises for the future. It’s just a big pep rally. The state of the union. It is a constitutional requirement that the address is given. The constitution simply says it should be given from time to time. The purpose was to inform congress about things and give congress his idea ( the president) about what to do about them. Over the years it became an annual thing and morphed into what we hear today. It’s aways just a public airing of grievances the current administration is having with the other party.

I didn’t listen and haven’t really listened to those speeches in a long time. I do hold with the old adage, actions speak louder than words. I’ll judge on that, and cast my ballot based on that as well. I’m well aware there is much I do not know concerning politics on the national level, nor do I have a need to know that. I’m already well aware of the problems in this country, I don’t need the president to tell me about that. I don’t even want to hear what he plans to do about any of that, just do it and I’ll judge the result. We can all talk a big game but can we deliver?

As far as the state of the union goes today, I’d say the union is sharply divided, perhaps as much as it has ever been. The rumblings of civil unrest can not be disputed or ignored. These are troubling times indeed. The attack is on the constitution. All the other issues are more distractions than anything else. What I’m seeing is an attack on the constitution and the precepts that formed this nation in the first place. That begins with “one nation” You can talk about migration and immigration all day long. The goal should be AMERICA. That’s where you want to be.

When one political party refuses to acknowledge that can we really say we have “one nation?” Setting aside everything else, how do you justify not standing when asked if your job is to protect American citizens over illegal aliens. As I said, I get it, they were put on the spot. I’ve been there, on that spot, and know exactly how that feels. Man, it sure can make you mad! It has made me mad enough at times to do and say some pretty stupid things.

Will any of that cost those democrats votes? I highly doubt that. It’s just the normal thing these days. We have reached a level of immaturity in politics that I would never have thought possible. I say that as it relates to both sides of the aisle. I am weary of those politicians acting like spoiled little brats. The name calling and snide remarks. Growing up I was told not to air your dirty laundry. That was usually in regard to family issues. The same should hold true for our national politics but it certainly isn’t that way today. Congress should not be airing our dirty laundry for the world to see.

There was a time in America where the halls of congress were considered hallowed. You certainly can’t say that today. It’s more like an unruly schoolhouse than anything else. There was a time when holding the office of Congressman or Senator was truly considered a privilege and a duty. A precious few may remain but the majority surely aren’t displaying that behavior.

I didn’t listen to that address for a very simple reason. I already know the state of the union. It isn’t a good one, it isn’t likely to improve in the near future either. Until we can all get back on the same page it will continue in this fashion. Will there be a civil war? There already is is the truth of the matter. Same combatants really, same basic issues, history does have a way of repeating itself.

Benjamin Franklin said it plainly enough. ” A republic, if you can but keep it.” What he was saying was it requires all the citizens of the nation to uphold the constitution and exercise democratic principles in doing so. The importance lies in it being a Republic! We the people elect our representatives to exercise power. It is not a direct democracy as many would lead you to believe. In order to keep the republic you must elect the person that honestly represents you, not just the ones that make the most promises that you like. Yes, voting for a representative should put you on the spot! Does this person represent me? Or does this person just promise me more than the others?