Update (9:55 p.m.): Welcome to the blog, first-timers. If you’re as bored as I am with politics, check out my hobby blog, Fantasy Fiction for Christians.
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I used to invite blog-less readers (although bloggers were free to participate) to “live-comment” events. The first such post (first presidential debate) generated 166 comments. The third debate post generated 544 comments. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched the thread grow. But the Election Day post holds the record with 623 comments. Those were heady times.
Unless he says something particularly inspiring, the only portion of Bush’s speech I’ll live-blog tonight is illegal immigration. I’ve heard rumors that he won’t even mention it, so this post may not be updated. 
If you plan to watch the State of the Union address tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST and want to comment on it, the thread will be open. I prefer listening to these things on the radio. I’m usually not in the mood to watch Big Teddy and Maxine Waters scowl and politicians preen.
Related: Blacks, Illegal Aliens, and the Preening President
Live-bloggers: Blogs for Bush, Captain Ed, MM, Sister Toldjah (live-commenting but no live-blogging), Arch Radish, California Conservative…
Unrelated Addendum: I made The Nation. I’m “honored.” This pro-life blogger is here to stay, baby!
9:00 p.m.: I heard right here and read on another blog that SOTU invitee Cindy Sheehan has been arrested by Capitol Police. Lucianne.com is also reporting. [Update: a link]
The 16-word SOTU speech:
“Economy up. Wiretaps work. Adios terrorists. Here comes the veto. Borders will be closed. Thank you.”
Funny. 
I’ll wait patiently for the president’s immigration remarks. In the meantime, I’ll swing by Randy Thomas’s blog for live updates.
9:18: I have to note this. Bush called Islam a “noble faith.”
9:30: Waiting, waiting. Bush still pronounces nuclear nu-cu-ler.
9:39: Here we go. He says our economy can’t function without immigrants. Perhaps it’s true, but no one is suggesting we keep out immigrants. ILLEGAL ALIENS are the issue, Mr. Bush! That better not be all he has to say…
Corny joke about Bill Clinton. How do I make a gagging “smilie?”
9:44: You know what? I think that’s all Bush is going to say on “immigration.” So far he’s made no distinction between border jumpers and people who go through the proper channels to immigrate to this great country. At my age, I’m still hopelessly naïve. 
OK. I spoke too soon. Now he says we must have stronger borders and protection and welcomes guest worker programs (OK with me), but REJECTS AMNESTY! Is Bush pulling my leg, choking my chain?
You know what? The guest worker program, as proposed by Bush, is nothing more than amnesty under the table. I guess Bush and his pals just don’t want to give up their low-wage, illegal alien domestic help. It must be like crack.
10:01: He said “African Americans.” Crrrrriiiinnnnnge…
OK. The speech is over. I’m bitterly disappointed with George Bush for vague and empty platitudes about illegal immigration. He didn’t address the social costs and national security issues surrounding the illegal scourge, nor did he mention anything about the incident that happened at the border last week or offer anything concrete to his pro-enforcement base. Just fluff, slogans, and hot air.
Text of the speech, AP reaction and downloadable MP3s at MSNBC.
Well, despite our fallible leaders and all of America’s problems, this is still the greatest country in the world, and I am blessed to have been born here. And in this country is where I’ll die, God willing. Thanks, live-commenters!
(Especially Agent Tim, Renee, and Patrick Lascon)
Nighty-night, kids.
Update II (2/1): I’m no fan of Cindy Sheehan, but I’m a big fan of the First Amendment. I read a misleading post on a blog that implied Sheehan was thrown out of the Capitol because of an “anti-war” t-shirt. She was thrown out for that? I thought. I, right-winger and war supporter, was prepared to defend the woman’s right to wear the shirt.
Well, there’s more to it. She was being “vocal” and wouldn’t pipe down. Demonstrating is not allowed in the gallery for obvious reasons.
Another Update: It happened under Clinton’s watch, too. A man was kicked out of the gallery because he wore an anti-Clinton t-shirt. Here’s the difference: the man, unlike Cindy Sheehan, wasn’t making a fuss. If Sheehan was running her mouth when she was supposed to be quiet, she deserved to get bounced.
Another Update II: OK. Now I don’t know what to believe: Sheehan’s version or journalists’. Why do I care? Although Sheehan has milked her 15 minutes of fame to death and has pretty much become a tacky caricature, hugging up Communists and whatnot, she has a right to express her views. We also have a right to criticize her views, but in my opinion, conservatives have given the woman too much press.
Last year I wrote a post called Lay Off Cindy Sheehan because I was appalled by what I considered nastiness in the conservative blogosphere. I riled up many a conservative blogger with that one. Fortunately, I’m not here to please liberals, conservatives, or other Christians.
I couldn’t understand the ravenous blog swarm against Sheehan then, and I still don’t.
Later: Capitol Police apologize to Sheehan and drop charges.
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Cindy Sheehan was given a pass to attend the State of the Union by a member of Congress. I just heard that she was just arrested by Capitol Police. Poor Cindy.
Seriously? Arrested?
I heard it on the radio. I haven’t seen it online anywhere, yet.
Mrs. King, WMD, terrorists — no surprises so far.
“We will never surrender to evil” – can’t argue with that.
Oh yeah! Maybe my dad had the honor of arresting her.
1 Option: “We must keep our word.”
Exactly.
“Never falter, never hesitate to honor those of us who are protecting those who are worth protecting.â€
–Dan Clay.
Awesome.
Iran isn’t going to get nukes. Thank goodness. Sounds like they’re next on the list after Iraq. Bush speaks to Iranian citizens–citizens of a future democratic nation.
Follow my name for comments on the immigration part of the speech.
RE-AUTHORIZE THE PATRIOT ACT. Hmm…good idea. MIGHT just save us from another attack, wouldn’t it? And here comes the defense of wire-tapping. Good job, Bush. Defend it! Defend it! It’s constitutional, congress knew about it, and it’s a life-saver!
Waiting with La Shawn on immigration…
Noticed the word “long” in referring to the war. I think we forget that sometimes. It may not be complete in our lifetime, and in fact will never been totally wiped out. We cannot remove evil from our world completely. It will always been there as it has been since Adam and Eve.
He said immigrants…LOL
“..some say immigrants are bad for the country, even though this country could not function without them..”
“economic retreat is preventing immigrants.. ”
please make the distinction between immigrants and illegal immigrants!
Don’t tell me that’s it!
He tapped dance that one pretty good LB. He said immigrants and left out the illegals (as a civil war is brewing under his nose in regards to it). Iguess they’ll believe it when legal citizens (in large numbers )take matters into their own hands.
Permananent tax cuts. Hey, can’t whine about that, right? How about cutting government spending too?
OH, what do you know…cut the deficit in half by 2009?
Hmm..
maybe make families TAKE CARE of their own and social security wouldn’t be in such bad shape
what a concept
“My dad’s 2 favorite people: Me and Clinton.”
*groans*
Sheehan’s arrest is here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060201/ap_on_go_pr_wh/state_of_the_union_sheehan
What a clown!
“Congress did not act, last year, on their plan to cut social security.” — take that.
“Buy American.” That’s what I’m talking about.
They say Woolsey (sp?) from CA invited her…
Clowns is right
More info on the congresswoman from a michell Malkin piece
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/michellemalkin/2004/02/18/10789.html
Ooops he said something about the border
THERE IT IS!! BORDER PATROL!!!
Harder on illegal immigration…
9:46PM PST: Keeping America competitive requires an immigration system that upholds our laws, reflects our values and serves the interests of our economy. Our nation needs orderly and secure borders. To meet this goal, we must have stronger immigration enforcement and border protection. And we must have a rational, humane guest worker program that rejects amnesty, allows temporary jobs for people who seek them legally and reduces smuggling and crime at the border.
That’s as tough as he’s going to get…
Ho hum.
I heard Sheehan got arrested for trying to unfurl a banner…
“Addicted to oil.”
We’re going to fix it with technology. Change our power, etc.
1) change how we power our home and offices (coal, solar, and clean safe nuclear energy that won’t make you glow in the dark, promise)
2) automobiles – hydrogen cars, hybrid cars
“in 6 years we can do this.”
My dad is a Capitol Police officer. He said they arrested a large number of people in front of the Capitol prior to the speech. He went to check it out. Cindy was a guest of a member of Congress. Go figure.
“in 6 years we can do this.â€
Cool. That’s when I’ll buy my first car ;-D
Do they just stand up and clap to silence the dems?
Homeschool your kids…Homeschool your kids…Homeschool your kids…Homeschool your kids…
Or fix the NEA.
Patrick,
It must be. Did I hear some boos? Seemed to make Bush a better speaker!
Tim,
By that time your car will get mileage in or around… 150mpg!
*thinks more on Illegal Immigration…*
Cal. Conservative is pretty much right: *yawn.* There’s always next year, right?
“fewer abortions in the last 3 decades?” — what? check out abort73.com
That’s awesome. Too awesome. Now if it will only happen…
Wo..
he said redefine marriage..
America in decline (someone notices)
What? I totally missed that.
Yes!
“..Activists who tear apart and redefine marriage ..” – between a MAN and WOMAN! — hit this subject again, please.
followed by.. “welcome justice alito and chief justice roberts”
hint, hint.
WOW…
A gift from our Creator…
does he mean the one and only Creator?
Good point. Very, very cool. VERY VERY COOL.
Human life is a gift from our creator. He means One and Only.
I’m disappointed.
But hopeful.
Human life is a gift from our Creator!
Bush used to, now he plays the PC role and leaves out the Lord and Savior..
he has to please the muslims and everyone else.
As am I, Lashawn, as am I.
You know, when this is over, I’d love to discuss whether or not you must compromise your belief’s if you are in politics. It’s a great discussion.
using the word Creator was his bone to the Christian base (or so he thought)
(it works for him)
Would be a good discussion Tim indeed..
I tend to lead toward the rich ruler …
you have to evewntually make a choice and they normally choose to keep to much of the world
A bone is right, Renee!
Great history lesson…will we turn back or finish well?
I wish they would make them sit all mixed up (you know maybe by state or in alphabetical order)…
the ones who want to sit and pout look like a bunch of spoiled brats (one side of the room up, the other down)…
how childish
You know, Renee, it’s something I wonder as I look towards the future. I think of people such as myself and other teens who are interested in politics, yet have a great desire to follow God. And to get into a place of power, would it include compromising my beliefs? Can we not compromise?
Good job Mr. President.
Probably because they’re mad Cindy didn’t get to yell during the speech. Or because they are brats.
Well Tim…
I’m not saying it can not be done…
but as a Christian, Christ told us, to follow him will be rough…
so if you do not compromise you have to be prepared for the ridicule and being different, maybe even alone most times
that’s something we Americans are not used to because we are so spoiled, we have so much
Here comes the Democratic response…*yawn*
Well not alone…
you will always have your brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s just the numbers will be small at times
If it’s Pelosi I am outta here (I know there is a Law and Order rerun on somewhere
)
Absolutely Renee. I believe God can give us the strength to endure that, but many fall under the pressure to be all things to all people, and compromise what they believe to political gain. It’s sad indeed. It really encourages us to pray for our leaders though…especially those who are Christians.
guest worker = legal crossing for illegal residents
Illegal labor will always be cheaper than legal labor. All a guest worker program will do is allow people who are now called illegal immigrants to be free of the crime of entering the country illegally. They will go AWOL from the program where they and their employer can keep more of the money.
Back to the same situation with what is now happening just deemed legal (or at least more legal). This will give the government the excuse not to do anything about it.
Tim,
Compromising your beliefs?
Do you want to do it God’s way or man’s way? Man’s way says: yes compromise, play the middle-man and dance to both crowds.
God’s way for the man of god is: come to Me and die to your self.
Tim, our Lord never intended to change the world through its “powerful” political leaders, rather through nobodies, through normal and unassuming people, through the church His bride.
It’s Tim Kaine, of VA.
Amen Tim, Amen
I think we forget that sometimes (I know I do and I have to remind myself to pray for them all because the Lord put them there, and they are accountable to Him …. even the non-believer)
gotta go — nice live-blogging w/ yall..
Amen Patrick. I believe that with all my heart. I just wanted to bring up the question: can you NOT compromise as a politcal leader? I find that discussion quite interesting.
Very true Patrick (in regards to changing the world politically and by man’s take on God’s laws)
Tim,
write a blog entry and i’ll comment — i’m sure you already planned on it
– really i gotta go this time.
Here is something Tim…
We were diuscussion the Roamn soldier that Peter shared the Gosepl with in Acts…
No where did he say, now you must leave that job…
however…
since we know history, if he believed, he eventually came to a crossroads and had to make a choice
Will go to your blog to comment more on this (make an entry like Patrick said)
I probably will write a post!
Great point Renee. I believe we can be a Christian and a Politician. It’s just one of the hardest things to be. I think I’ll write a post on it (though I have a post planned on “why I am a Baptist” before that. I’ll aim for Thursday)
Thanks for keeping me company, y’all!
Scratch that..I’m posting an open thread now
I hope the US can quickly replace the use of oil with the use of ethanol, solar power, and wind power. We need to be independent of any other country for energy. The Arab countries have used very little of their profits to educate, provide health care, or bring freedom to their own people.
I wonder why the President or anyone concerned with illegal immigration invariably fails to mention the far more serious threat to our borders from the North.
http://jonswift.blogspot.com/2006/01/canadians-other-illegal-immigrants.html
La Shawn, I love your blog!
Thanks for the link…my little blog is working a little harder to serve up the pages to your other faithful readers. This comment thread is great.
After reading thru some of the posts I get the feeling that the U.S. just wants to be left alone. It’s a scary world out there and closing the borders and being totally self sufficient is the way to go. A large reason for Americas problems is the outside world trying to get in and in the process destroying the place. Am I reading this the wrong way?
So how is it that Bush’s willingness to speak in a language Muslims will agree with is immoral if Paul did the same sort of thing in Acts 17 when he said that the god that the Athenians were worshiping as an unknown god is the God who created the universe? Paul did go on to say more things about God, but Paul was giving an evangelistic speech as a representative of God to that city. Bush was giving a political speech as a represenative of the people (not all of whom are Christians) speaking to other representatives of the people. If he in that role sought to do evangelism, it would corrupt the very attempt, turning Christianity into a civil religion. So he speaks in more wide open terms, not uttering anything false but not specifying every detail he would otherwise believe.
As for your making fun of his regional accent, are you expecting him to change his regional accent simply because he lives in D.C. for a few years? A large swathe of the country pronounces that word that way. You can’t criticize John Kerry’s elitism if you’re going to exhibit the same kinds of tendencies yourself.
Jeremy, your comment came right out of left field. I’m clueless as to why you continue reading this blog. I really am.
It is my view that in the age of terrorism where the overwhelming majority of terrorists are followers of Allah, something is wrong with Islam. It is not, as Bush says, a “noble faith.” Being a Christian doesn’t prohibit me from saying that. Good reference to Paul, but that still doesn’t mean I can’t criticize the religion of the world’s terrorists.
As for your other remarks…as if I have time to waste these days…commenting on Bush’s mispronunciation of the word is not “making fun” of him. And even if it were, my blog, my prerogative. You must be really bored this morning.
Re: Sheehan, note that it was 1/2 hour before the SOTU, so she wasn’t disrupting anything, though I tend to agree that she should have shut her mouth when the nice policeman asked her to.
The difference, I think, between the Clinton t-shirt guy and this, is that Bush’s security people have yanked people out of campaign events pretty regularly for political t-shirt-wearing alone, whereas the Clinton incident seems to have been a one-off, the bright idea of that particular goon, who possibly thought he was responding to a threat against the President (”he sucks” is a rather more personal attack than “how many more”)
I was very pleased with the speech overall. Of course, we should get the borders under control, and it sounded like he was going for that. I felt like he was strong and on the offensive, and conservatives need that from him right now.
Re: Your 9:44 comment. I didn’t even watch the SOU, but my son TIVO’d it for a class, and called me out to see Hillary’s little facial gesture. I’m surprised you didn’t mention it. Can you believe they dropped charges and apologized to Sheehan?
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I am faced with illegal aliens fairly often. From different points of view as well. The great majority of them are valued assets to our country. Yes we need to control our borders and yet we need those individuals with the spark and the drive to come here to make a living. The fact that they take from their meager pay to send money home to their families only puts more emphasis to how much we need those such as this. Yes our northern borders are worse in several ways. Get rid of the few and realize how lucky we are to have the great majority. Break the companies that take advantage of our brothers, figure out how to give them enough opportunity that we can keep them on proper terms, and woe to those enterprises who pass the true costs on the public without acknowledging it. We need enough slop in the system that those of our own who are willing can take jobs that teach the lessons needed to learn to improve job skills.
The scariest part of the necessary securing of our borders is that I am not sure freedom can work in conditions of absolute control. Lots here where I know not of where the limits need to be set. But of this I am sure . . . the great majority of these illegals are in reality a blessing.
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