WHAT OBAMA FAILED TO SAY IN HIS STATE OF UNION

He failed to say that Social Security has a two-and-a-half trillion dollar surplus and that it is earned, not given away. What is called a "cut" would actually be theft from those who have paid into it over a lifetime. He needs to go on the offensive on Social Security, not be defensive. The same on Medicare. He failed to mention that it works and has the lowest operating cost of any form of health care by far. He failed to say that pensions are delayed earned payments for work already done, and that the conservative move to allow states and cities to declare bankruptcy is really a move to eliminate pensions for public employees and eliminate as much of public service as possible. He failed to say that "privatization" doesn't eliminate government, but institutes government by corporation for corporate profit not the benefit for citizens. He failed to say that we should have gratitude for immigrants -- with or without papers, educated or not -- who work hard at low pay to make possible the lifestyles of the middle and upper classes. He failed to defend the right to unionize as the foundation of fair working relationships. GEORGE LAKOFF 1/28/11

THE DARK SIDE OF PRESIDENTS

A fan of Obama and a friend of mine sent me a series of pictures of Obama and family. She noted that Obama had a room-lighting smile. And that apparently covers all sins he committed especially the one where he, believe or not, had more people killed with drones than even President Bush. What makes Obama different from Bush is that we expected more of him. As Commander-in-Chief he could halt all wars, bring the troops home from the 800 or so bases around the globe that are not only oppressing people but also draining our treasury. How can Americans cheer on this president or any other president who think nothing of the horrendous damage done to people in other countries with killing and maiming? I have seen pictures of children without arms caused by our bombs. This to get one person, no less, the excuse to invade Afghanistan. Would we tolerate such goings on on our soil, or would we be called insurgents for fighting the invader.

As my friend responded when I said Obama’s dark side is his escalation of the Afghan war and the darkness brought to the innocent Afghans. We have read of the hordes of people who used to roam around the world killing and destroying, they were called barbarians. Well, what are we? My friend responded to me “All of us have to accept responsibility for what we do or don’t do – not just the president.” I don’t know how that statement relieves the president of his role in pure murder but there is a kernel of truth. We are passively standing by and pretending that wars are the sole responsibility of our presidents and they can do no wrong. Otherwise, why are we not in the streets on a continual basis as in some other countries demanding no more wars?

I have a recurring dream that I killed someone. I feel my heart is going to stop from the thought of my being a murderer. I just wonder do all those presidents from our dark past ever have such frightening dreams?