In my nearly 70 years I have never listened to a President of the United States who made a more patriotic speech than President Barrack Obama gave on Tuesday evening. Of course the Republicans hated it as they sat on their hands. Mr. Obama’s message contained truth and hope, two things the right side of the aisle opposes. Without lies and fear tactics they have nothing to offer.

The President touted the principles of our founding fathers. He rightfully expressed his pride of accomplishment as he led our nation out of financial ruin caused by a Republican president. Mr. Obama talked about useless wars; and he revealed the wage gap while one party supports special interests over the majority. He mentioned science and the fact that climate change is the greatest danger to the future of the world.

None of this impressed Republicans because they don’t care. If the issues don’t support the one-percent, they have no concern.

I have listened or watched State of the Union speeches by every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower. Before last evening the most impressive was from John F. Kennedy. President Obama spoke of the future greatness of our nation and its people. He offered hope based on our government working together for the good of the people, although the TEA Party has been a force of obstruction throughout his tenure.

The Republican response was, of course, negative. They claimed that it lacked ‘substance.’ If that isn’t the pot calling the kettle black, I have never witnessed the axiom. All of the GOP candidates talk a lot but say nothing. They have no solutions for our nation’s problems.

I believe that the GOP is embarrassed. For eight long years it gave us the worst president in our nation’s 240-year history. President Obama’s courage and intellect made him a great president who repaired our nation while conservatives continued their divisive efforts.

Those of you who blindly support the right wing surely scoffed at the President’s words, but the truth is there. Denial will no longer be a successful tactic.

If the Republican Party existed in its true form, President Obama would have been praised for his speech. Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush would have stood and cheered the president for his patriotism and words of hope. Unfortunately, they were not in the audience. Republican seats were empty.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Johan Viirok

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