Community | January 24, 2012 | 141 comments

State Of The Union: President Obama Blames Congress For Inaction On Climate Change, Calling For More Fossil Fuel Production

source: http://thinkprogress.org/green/2012/01/24/411021/state-of-the-union-president-obama-blames-c...

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coolplanet
President Barack Obama delivered a State of the Union address that aggressively defended his successful work to save the American auto industry, the centerpoint of American manufacturing, and directly addressed the unfairness of our economic system that has led to rapidly growing economic inequality. However, the president avoided a direct admission of the greatest threat to the future of the American economy: rapidly increasing climate change from unlimited fossil fuel pollution. Instead, Obama promoted an “all-of-the-above” energy future:

“This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs.”

Praising the boom in domestic oil and gas drilling, Obama announced that he is “directing my Administration to open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas resources.” He called for “every possible action” to develop “a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly one hundred years.”

The “one hundred years” supply of gas is questionable. More importantly, burning that supply would emit about 100 billion tons of carbon dioxide.
Unlike the tepid applause he received when he called for an expansion of offshore drilling, Obama received roars of applause when he said:

“We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.”

Obama flubbed his only mention of the fundamental threat of climate change, saying:

“The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to flight, uh, climate change.”

The President of the United States is supposed to address the state of the union in his annual address — but Obama sadly ignored the costliest year of climate disasters in American history, with over a dozen billion-dollar-disasters caused by our poisoned weather and our nation’s lack of preparedness. His work to build a clean energy future deserves the standing ovation it received in the Capitol tonight, but that future will be smashed by the destructive power of a polluted climate if much greater effort is not made.

Read the president’s remarks on energy, the environment, and his single mention of the existence of climate change:

“Nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy. Over the last three years, we’ve opened millions of new acres for oil and gas exploration, and tonight, I’m directing my Administration to open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas resources. Right now, American oil production is the highest that it’s been in eight years. That’s right – eight years. Not only that – last year, we relied less on foreign oil than in any of the past sixteen years.

“But with only 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves, oil isn’t enough. This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs.
We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly one hundred years, and my Administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade. And I’m requiring all companies that drill for gas on public lands to disclose the chemicals they use. America will develop this resource without putting the health and safety of our citizens at risk.

“The development of natural gas will create jobs and power trucks and factories that are cleaner and cheaper, proving that we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy. And by the way, it was public research dollars, over the course of thirty years, that helped develop the technologies to extract all this natural gas out of shale rock – reminding us that Government support is critical in helping businesses get new energy ideas off the ground.

“What’s true for natural gas is true for clean energy. In three years, our partnership with the private sector has already positioned America to be the world’s leading manufacturer of high-tech batteries. Because of federal investments, renewable energy use has nearly doubled. And thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.

“When Bryan Ritterby was laid off from his job making furniture, he said he worried that at 55, no one would give him a second chance. But he found work at Energetx, a wind turbine manufacturer in Michigan. Before the recession, the factory only made luxury yachts. Today, it’s hiring workers like Bryan, who said, ‘I’m proud to be working in the industry of the future.’

“Our experience with shale gas shows us that the payoffs on these public investments don’t always come right away. Some technologies don’t pan out; some companies fail. But I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy. I will not walk away from workers like Bryan. I will not cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment here. We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.

“We can also spur energy innovation with new incentives. The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change. But there’s no reason why Congress shouldn’t at least set a clean energy standard that creates a market for innovation. So far, you haven’t acted. Well tonight, I will. I’m directing my Administration to allow the development of clean energy on enough public land to power three million homes. And I’m proud to announce that the Department of Defense, the world’s largest consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history – with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a quarter of a million homes a year.

"Of course, the easiest way to save money is to waste less energy. So here’s another proposal: Help manufacturers eliminate energy waste in their factories and give businesses incentives to upgrade their buildings. Their energy bills will be $100 billion lower over the next decade, and America will have less pollution, more manufacturing, and more jobs for construction workers who need them. Send me a bill that creates these jobs.
…

“I’m confident a farmer can contain a milk spill without a federal agency looking over his shoulder. But I will not back down from making sure an oil company can contain the kind of oil spill we saw in the Gulf two years ago. I will not back down from protecting our kids from mercury pollution, or making sure that our food is safe and our water is clean.”

By Brad Johnson on Jan 24, 2012 at 9:50 pm
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    Community,   News and Politics,   Politics,   Green,   3 more
  2. tags:
    Obama,  President Obama,  Barrack Obama,  State of the Union Address,  1 more
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141 comments // State Of The Union: President Obama Blames Congress For Inaction On Climate Change, Calling For More Fossil Fuel Production

  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  

    • Cancer was solved in 2006. Haven't heard? Hmm. I reckon the News Media can't say a JW solved cancer so they have to stand on the microphone cables til "real scientists" solve it WHILE YOU ALL DIE, or get pumped up with radiation and chemotherapy. All being done to protect you from me........... Hey, anyone up for a game of Tiddly Winks today? Down at the Old Age table as usual?

      A few months ago also => http://forums.utsandiego.com/showpost.php?p=4605945&postcount=2502

      You mean the most important speech in the World failed to tell you all that CANCER IS SOLVED YEARS EARLIER => 5+ years ago? Hmm. And George W. Bush too yep, he hid it under a basket also. Hmm. I guess that means Dems and Repubs are both fighting me, and you too if they are throwing you to the dogs of war (cancer deaths).

      I have solved several of the most incredibly VICIOUS ATTACK DOG CANCERS A MAN OR WOMAN COULD EVER BE HIT WITH.

      AND YOU DON'T KNOW.

      5 YEARS LATER.

      DON'T KNOW. Well, have a nice cancer death then. Or your kid.

    • 4 months ago
  • JanforGore
    • +4
      JanforGore  

    • Perhaps Carl Sagan can bring some clarity to this as well. And I and others are not responding here because we are enviro freaks who just do not like this or have some deep seated hatred for Obama. He is the president NOW and has not been leading as we need to see leadership on the most urgent crisis humanity faces. And sure, we all know Congress on all sides has failed on this, but I am talking about a president like FDR who uses the bully pulpit to inform and inspire people to action and to light a fire under their butts. You don't need Congress to do that. And I also would have the same response to anyone standing at that podium at this juncture in time living in these same circumstances. Was asking for real accountability from the carbon polluters so hard to ask for, even though you may think it would not happen? How do you know however unless you put the full weight of the White House behind it? Do it because YOU care. We better get our act together and soon. We are running out of time for these political games.

    • 4 months ago
  • unimatrix0
    • +1
      unimatrix0  
    • JanforGore:

      Great video Jan, I love Carl Sagan, and his words still ring true. I think you are right about Obama. He should do more for the environment. He should use the Bully pulpit and force the issue of climate change.

      The Keystone protests are very instructive here. Those protests gave Obama the political will and/or cover to do the right thing. Obama can't or won't do it alone, so progressives need to keep pushing him to the left. Look at OWS, and the changing attitude on gay marriage, both have forced Obama and the national dialogue to move to the left.

    • 4 months ago
  • Mishima
    • -1
      Mishima  
    • JanforGore:

      What people need to be aware of is not so much pollution per se - everyone knows about that - but the AGENDA of many environmentalists. Basically, if these people can get their way, they will be able to micromanage every aspect of our lives in the name of "saving us."

      For example, these environmentalists want to regulate the temperature we keep our homes - heating and air conditioning - and even what colors we paint our cars!

      These whacked-out environmentalists want to control our diets: Methane (or some) gas is produced more by cattle, so they want to reduce (ultimately eliminate) our consumption of meat.

      But let's look at the "green czar" that Lord Obama appointed over two years ago: Van Jones.

      Van Jones is a self-proclaimed COMMUNIST. He said it, that is not an interpretation. And he participates in anti-capitalist movements throughout the world. I can show you a link to a book that actually ADVOCATES THE OVERTHROW OF CAPITALISM and the setting up of world-wide socialism; Van Jones - OBAMA'S APPOINTEE - wrote a chapter for the book!

    • 4 months ago
  • Conniepae
    • +2
      Conniepae  

    • http://www.jackherer.com/thebook/chapter-nine/

      If we are 'really' going to pursue alternative energy, we 'really' must consider hemp. We could have a renewable resource utilizing hemp. There is no 'real' reason, not to discuss the viability of hemp for energy.

      Energy & the Economy

      The book Solar Gas, Science Digest, Omni magazine, the Alliance for Survival, the Green Party of Germany, the United States and others put the total figure of our energy costs at 80% of the total dollar expense of living for each human being.

      In validation, 82% of the total value of all issues traded on the New York Stock Exchange and other world stock exchanges, etc., are tied directly to:

      •Energy producers such as Exxon, Shell Oil, Conoco, Con-Edison, and so forth

      •Energy transporters such as pipeline companies, oil shipping and delivery companies

      •Refineries and retail sales of Exxon, Mobil, Shell, So. California Edison, Con-Edison, etc.

      Eighty-two percent of all your money means that roughly 33 of every 40 hours you work goes to pay for the ultimate energy cost in the goods and services you purchase, including transportation, heating, cooking, and lighting. Americans (5% of world population) in our insatiable drive for greater “net worth” and “productivity,” use 25-40% of the world’s energy. The hidden cost to the environment cannot be measured.

      Our current fossil energy sources also supply about 80% of the solid and airborne pollution which is quickly poisoning the environment of the planet. (See U.S. EPA reports 1983-2006 on the coming world catastrophe from carbon dioxide imbalance caused by burning fossil fuels. The best and cheapest substitute for these expensive and wasteful energy methods is not wind or solar panels, nuclear, geothermal and the like, but the evenly distributed light of the sun for growing biomass.

      On a global scale, the plant that produces the most net biomass is hemp. It’s the only annually renewable plant on Earth able to replace all fossil fuels.

      In the 1920s, the early oil barons such as Rockefeller of Standard Oil, Rothschild of Shell, etc., became paranoically aware of the possibilities of Henry Ford’s vision of cheap methanol fuel, * and they kept oil prices incredibly low – between $1 and $4 per barrel (there are 42 gallons in an oil barrel) until 1970 – almost 50 years! Then, once they were finally sure of the lack of competition, the price of oil jumped to almost $60+ per barrel over the next 30 years.

      * Henry Ford grew cannabis/hemp/marijuana on his estate after 1937, possibly to prove the cheapness of methanol production at Iron Mountain. He made plastic cars with wheat straw, hemp and sisal. (Popular Mechanics, Dec. 1941, “Pinch Hitters for Defense.”) In 1892, Rudolph Diesel invented the diesel engine, which he intended to fuel “by a variety of fuels, especially vegetable and seed oils.”

      By the year 2047, the world will have burned all of its proven petroleum reserves,* while world coal reserves may last 100-300 years longer. But the decision to continue burning coal has serious drawbacks. This high-sulfur coal is responsible for our acid raid which already kills 50,000 Americans and 5,000-10,000 Canadians annually. In addition, the acid destroy the forests, rivers and animals. (Brookhaven National Laboratory, 1986)

      *The Independent, UK June 14, 2007

      Conversion to biomass fuels should begin immediately to stop both planetary pollution and lemming-like genocide, and to make us naturally energy independent.

      Follow the link ... It's an interesting read. Facts matter. The truth matters more. Hemp should be part of the discussion.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kybQTtnJjQA

    • 4 months ago
  • Conniepae
    • +1
      Conniepae  
    • Conniepae:

      Didn't Richard Nixon change the classification of cannabis in the early 70's? Yes!

      Take a look at this paragraph:

      In the 1920s, the early oil barons such as Rockefeller of Standard Oil, Rothschild of Shell, etc., became paranoically aware of the possibilities of Henry Ford’s vision of cheap methanol fuel, * and they kept oil prices incredibly low – between $1 and $4 per barrel (there are 42 gallons in an oil barrel) until 1970 – almost 50 years! Then, once they were finally sure of the lack of competition, the price of oil jumped to almost $60+ per barrel over the next 30 years.

      Are we being hoodwinked? Or, have we been hoodwinked? Our energy prices are through the roof and who is raking in the profits from it? Can we keep going like this? No! Don't move along. We need new industry and another option as alternative energy. There's room for all forms of renewable energy.

      Educate, Innovate, Build, utilizing hemp as one of the arrows in our quiver to a better tomorrow. :)

    • 4 months ago
  • Ambill94
    • +1
      Ambill94  

    • Too long; too full of false bravado; too all-encompasing; too full of heated air; and too much of the same thing from the same guy we were suckered into voting for three years ago...BO is and has been long on rhetoric but short on delivery...perhaps the words of Confucius are appropriate: "The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions."

    • 4 months ago
  • JangoFetish
    • 0
      JangoFetish  

    • Never been a Obama fan but between the GOP primaries and after the amazing speech last night, I'm damn near sold. I just hope he can make it happen.

    • 4 months ago
  • letsliveinpeace
  • coolplanet
  • unimatrix0
    • 0
      unimatrix0  
    • Image

    • Obama gave a great speech last night. Ending oil subsidies and promoting clean energy is far more than anything the GOP is willing to do.

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
  • JanforGore
    • +3
      JanforGore  
    • coolplanet:

      .Especially since ending subsidies for them is a drop in the proverbial bucket considering they will make up for that handily with all the new profits they will make by being allowed to suck the Earth dry. That and of course the slap on the wrist they all get when they spill it. Look how BP got off unscathed... oh yes, and Shell.... and Chevron...and Exxon... Actions speak louder than words. You expect this from Republicans, not those who claim to be better than this. And having fracking companies disclose what chemicals they use as the only requirement necessary to ensure safety is a farce. There was no penalty announced for them refusing to do so ( their refusal to drink the water where they drilled should be a big indication it isn't a good thing) and it does nothing to change the reality of the pollution and toxification it causes as well as now being linked to earthquakes. Oh well, I suppose we just have to accept our country's water supply being able to be lit like a torch from our faucets, our climate balance tipped and our Earth an open dumping ground. Just minor inconveniences. I'm sure the world any grandchildren I may one day be blessed to see will live in will be of no bother for them once I explain it was all sacrificed to the highest bidder to make sure those poor little old oil and gas millionaires didn't STARVE and Obama got the votes of the republicans disillusioned with the buffoons on their side. Afterall, it's just politics...The disconnect truly boggles my mind.

    • 4 months ago
  • Arizona_Huey
    • -1
      Arizona_Huey  
    • coolplanet:

      I'm sorry folks - I'm aboard the green/alternative train as well but you CANNOT continue to ignore the fact that this country is not remotely close to being weened off of oil and it will take a very long struggle to pull this country in that direction. I get what Obama had to do - do we like it, hell no, but is it part of reality right now - hell yes. Just be very hopeful that we get 4 more years of Obama so he can rip subsides from oil and throw them to green energy!

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
    • -1
      Gravity_Man  
    • Arizona_Huey:

      Ever hear of TESLA? Cosmic Energy? How about Floyd Sweet, 1987 YouTube? V.T.A.? Vacuum Triode Amplifier? Gravity? Ocean Energy? Imitation Energy??? PHYSICS FUEL?!?!

      Hmm. I guess you're right. It's gonna be a long cold day in hell til we have alternative energy. WAIT! HOW ABOUT ENHANCED SOLAR COOKERS? Whew. VAWT'S? Solar Steam Ginny? Combination Air~Steam Explosions without Combustion?

      Yep. Mankind's wasted alright. Idealess scum. The poor wretches are done for.

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
    • +1
      coolplanet  
    • JanforGore:

      Case in point: Dimock, PA. After all the water wells were contaminated by gas fracking the EPA finally steps in to supply thousands of families with clean drinking water. Meanwhile how will these people be able to take a shower or wash their dishes and clothes?
      Is this the EPA's answer???
      Or how about all the earthquakes gas fracking is proven to have caused in Ohio?
      And what about the enormous supply of geothermal energy recently discovered below these communities? Not a word spoken or a dollar invested in tapping it!

    • 4 months ago
  • JanforGore
    • 0
      JanforGore  
    • Arizona_Huey:

      At the rate of business as usual especially burning tarsands we don't have four more years. Which is the point, also made by James Hansen and a slew of scientists. This isn't just about "not liking it." This is about a moral imperative for our future survival.

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • -1
      Gravity_Man  
    • JanforGore:

      Obama could be collecting lots of votes by doing what the churches want of him (pushing hard on the Big A button by opening up offshore drilling and so on MORE DESTRUCTION PLEEZ). And since Al Gore doesn't seem to be having any influence it kind of looks like he's been absorbed also.

      Just being objective.

    • 4 months ago
  • Mishima
    • 0
      Mishima  
    • JanforGore:

      Thomas Sowell wrote a book that should be required reading in every high school or college across the nation, "Vision of the Anointed."

      It covers how the "anointed ones" (Left-wingers) fabricate the existence of a "crisis." These Liberals then have their "solutions," of course, and they declare that IMMEDIATE action is necessary to avert the "crisis" otherwise we are doomed and there will be some kind of catastrophe.

      I know that LIBERALS will never read the book but perhaps some who read these posts will be interested in the TRUTHS about the Left-wingers that Sowell articulates:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1OOSKBR9O8

    • 4 months ago
  • JanforGore
  • Truthitswhatsfordinner
  • Peloquin
    • -1
      Peloquin  
    • JanforGore:

      Shell, Exxon, and Chevron didn't have eight violations, BP did. The others had like two. That was MMS letting oil flow for cocaine parties. So, you think they should turn off all the oil today, right? It won't be long before we do come up with something to solve all of our problems, but we're not planning to remove the pollution from the air, and it's not even being researched. We aren't even offering money to find a solution. Hydrogen's a good idea, but it's expensive. Why isn't Al Gore lobbying for subsidizing that? It doesn't sell DVDs. Only keeping you angry does.

      It's fantasy to turn off the oil without a solution. No matter what you or I say, it won't happen until we light that candle. So curse the dark, but don't go to the library, don't return to school, and don't figure it out yourself. Cry about it.

      You don't have the money, the education, the time? Why? Who fixes things for you? Where's Superman or Superwoman? The ball is in OUR court. At least go out and protest products made by pollutors, raise a stink in public, do you mail your congressman? Fight or die trying.

    • 4 months ago
  • Mishima
  • Mishima
    • +1
      Mishima  
    • Truthitswhatsfordinner:

      I believe that Sowell's book refers mostly to social policy, and that is where the Left really has its focus. When the Left is on shaky ground or in retreat, the Left-wingers will claim that they are for the "average Joe" and try to turn people against the "evil" rich with their lies, distortions, and propaganda.

      When the Left dominates, however, they then attack the culture, the institutions.

    • 4 months ago
  • Truthitswhatsfordinner
  • WagonMaster
    • -3
      WagonMaster  

    • It was an excellent speech and as usual both the "Wrong- Right" and "Enviro- Progressives" knocked what they didn't like. Reality is : THE WORLD WILL NEVER GIVE UP IT'S RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS AND NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE IT. Blaming Obama is a real good start, I sarcastically submit.

    • 4 months ago
  • Truthitswhatsfordinner
  • MotherForTruth
    • -1
      MotherForTruth  

    • It was a good show and that is all it was. American public was fed a wide variety of bs to appeal to every taste, sprinkled with interesting messages such as a new agency to oversee “Internet intermediaries such as online advertising networks, payment processors, or search engines must be transparent and designed to prevent overly broad private rights of action that could encourage unjustified litigation “. This is obviously SOPA reincarnation but as whole new agency.
      So much hugging, kissing, smiling… I kept on thinking there will be a party after the state of the union performance for these political clowns from both side of an isle to celebrate f-ing (fooling) Americans.

    • 4 months ago
  • nikonwilly
    • +1
      nikonwilly  

    • Just another ,screw the people, corporate puppet mouth piece for the wealthy elite.
      How far will we let this go before it corrupts all?
      Brainwash, enslave then steal and destroy....this agenda is reaching it's climax.

    • 4 months ago
  • BroadwayDannyRose
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
    • -6
      Gravity_Man  
    • BroadwayDannyRose:

      Remember the Japanese ambassador who claimed right up to the very last that Japan wasn't going to attack Pearl Harbor? Well, America is Pearl Harbor.

      The Japs' man just gave a speech last night. To all Americans.

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • BroadwayDannyRose
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
  • BroadwayDannyRose
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
  • circlesquared
  • IraqiBALB0A
  • IraqiBALB0A
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
  • circlesquared
    • 0
      circlesquared  
    • IraqiBALB0A:

      I just think it needs to be on our terms and not theirs any more...the systems have been corrupted beyond measure to maintain themselves if nothing else. We can do better in everything with a fresh perspective, everyone's, and way less judgement and entitlement. We are being duped into participating in a direction they know they can control and it leaves us feeling as if all these bad ideas are our doing. Not only are both parties interested in, if nothing more, their own continued existence...not humanity's needs, but we are made to feel it is our own fault that all these horrendous issues we see exist. Maybe a great deal of it has been as part of our growing and understanding, but we have to realize control has been taken from us and though there are many who still think they have freedom and choice, we all must wake to realize we are nothing more than slaves from birth. Time for a new dawn.

    • 4 months ago
  • EmperorThan
  • Gravity_Man
    • -5
      Gravity_Man  
    • EmperorThan:

      You're right! There can be no gridlock with only one at the top => everyone else reduced to a lesser level. WOW! It's so obvious the way you said it!

      President Obama needs to be granted the Lion's Share, more than 33% rule. 49% perhaps. Gee. It's all falling together now, The Obama Plan rocks.

      Just like the Canadian posted earlier in fact. United States combines Royalty with Chancellor, so Obama is taking an extra share as sitting Chancellor in addition to being President.

      Dang! Obama is one smart college graduate!!!

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
    • -1
      coolplanet  
    • EmperorThan:

      I give the teabaggers in Congress a lot of blame for this mess. But many of us were hoping Obama would address blatant threat of climate change and respond to the warnings of our top scientists that if we don't take drastic action now to curb greenhouse gas emissions then it is "game over for the climate."
      Instead what we got was basically "drill baby drill." Obama couldn't even say the words "climate change" without stumbling, promising more offshore oil wells and more gas fracking.
      I was a big Obama supporter until I saw that speech last night. Now I see that he is as out of touch as the rest of Americans on this most important problem of our time.

    • 4 months ago
  • WakeUpPeople
  • Truthitswhatsfordinner
  • Mishima
  • Gravity_Man
  • JangoFetish
  • Mishima
    • +3
      Mishima  

    • I heard a critique of it in Japan - in Japanese. What struck the Japanese was the use of the word "byodo" so many times.　平等

      Byodo means "fair," as in "fairness." It astonished the Japanese that it was said so many times.

      But the meaning is obvious: It is part of Obama's vision for our country. Interestingly, the Japanese put it in context. That is because they have to translate news from many languages around the world.

      They noticed an interesting similarity with something...

      It was used in this way in the past, they remarked.... In the USSR....

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
  • circlesquared
  • Mishima
    • +2
      Mishima  
    • circlesquared:

      Yes, what was interesting was that the Japanese commentator did not mean it in any kind of disparaging sense at all. It was just stated "matter-of-factly." There is a Communist Party in Japan, and it barely gets a seat or two in the Diet. It does not have the connotations that it does in America, so I thought it was especially interesting that the commentator would say that Obama's speech sounded like those that came out of the SOVIET UNION UNDER COMMUNISM.

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
    • +2
      coolplanet  

    • It is interesting to witness the trolls swoop in and vote everyone down.
      I would really like to understand their agenda and motivation.

    • 4 months ago
  • Conniepae
    • +2
      Conniepae  
    • coolplanet:

      In current's earlier days, they showed the up and down votes. Today they just cancel each other out. I sure did like the old days. Those were the days. I proudly use my current ... umbrella. It was part of their goody bag. Showing the up and down votes would be nice.

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
    • 0
      coolplanet  

    • “The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to flight, uh, climate change.”

      Duh?
      Obama is as clueless as the rest of Americans.

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • 0
      Gravity_Man  

    • A good Re-Election Me speech. Stay the Course speech.

      Keeping people working their lives away ~mostly to pay for fuel~ must be a form of Birth Control. Keep people on the clock where they can't be laying about at home having sex all hours of the day.

      Let the forced rat race continue! Everybody together now PULL, PAUSE, PULL, PAUSE, PULL, PAUSE. Working in the coal mines was a great song.

      Sunflowers don't have to work no stinkin' jobs.

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
  • circlesquared
  • Gravity_Man
    • -3
      Gravity_Man  
    • circlesquared:

      Well, a while back some months ago I told you the writing was on the wall. It would take me a long time to tell you how much more writing is on it now. Let's just say there isn't much white space left. Last night was a step through the portal's front edge, everybody's feet committed; so the rest of the body doesn't have much choice but to follow through.

      I would have to say the marking is about complete, but not the marking you probably think, the marking of those to die. In Ezekiel he saw a different vision of people being marked who would survive.

      Uses lots less ink that way.

    • 4 months ago
  • notonmywatch59
    • -8
      notonmywatch59  

    • Maybe one of the republicans candidates if elected will send the federal reserve on its way, make the rich pay their far share, stop all of the subsidies the oil companies receive, and the Tar Sands will become a dream. Newt has the potential, Romny has the sense, Sanatorium has the ability, Paul has the power. these guys are for the people:-)

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
  • JanforGore
  • The_Wanderer_Kansas
  • Mishima
  • Mishima
    • -4
      Mishima  
    • coolplanet:

      Bernie Sanders is a SOCIALIST. He now does not officially go by that title, of course, for political reasons. But Sanders is a down-and-out SOCIALIST. In fact, he attends the Socialist Internationale Party meetings in Europe, no less.

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
    • -1
      Gravity_Man  
    • Mishima:

      What percentage of the Rich' paycheck goes per week for Food bro? How about %%% to car repairs hmm? That's where they make their Gold up. PERCENTAGES AT THE BOTTOM WHERE EVERYBODY ELSE TAKES A ROYAL BEATING.

      Demons Inc. Gov't For the Demons, By the Demons, Of the Demons.

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • Gravity_Man
  • Mishima
  • Gravity_Man
    • -1
      Gravity_Man  
    • Mishima:

      Percentages always matter in this world. Go build another world and pass a law percentages never matter, see how far that takes ya.

      Thanks for showing me your true self btw.

    • 4 months ago
  • Mishima
    • 0
      Mishima  
    • Gravity_Man:

      You sound like Humpty Dumpty: "Word mean what I choose them to mean."

      A rich guy spends 1% of his income to buy a new car, and an average guy spends 15% to buy the same car.

      So what?

    • 4 months ago
  • Gravity_Man
  • Mishima
  • Gravity_Man
  • Mishima
    • 0
      Mishima  
    • Gravity_Man:

      "did not deem you worthy of more of my time"

      Translation:

      "I, gravityMan, am unable to write a cogent rebuttal, so I will save face and insult you and make an excuse for not answering."

    • 4 months ago
  • LivingPong
    • +1
      LivingPong  

    • You can't claim the oil and gas beneath the Artic without first melting it. Flood the poor in the process, plunder and possess the spoils of power! Yee-haw cowboys, last one there is UV fried chicken.

      Hey Santa, get the flock out of there! Don't forget the elves either. Sorry kiddies, no presents this year, maybe not next year as well, old Father Christmas is facing homelessness.

    • 4 months ago
  • Anonmaly
  • coolplanet
  • Mishima
    • -1
      Mishima  
    • Anonmaly:

      Oliver Stone is about as anti-American as a liar and distorter and hate-monger can get. His movies are complete fabrications and propaganda. The USSR would love him!

    • 4 months ago
  • KB723
  • coolplanet
  • JanforGore
    • +2
      JanforGore  
    • coolplanet:

      Watch out- a brokered Republican convention is a possibility here. It's setting up with all of their buffoons taking a primary each almost. The nominee could be someone nominated from the floor that isn't even running now.That's why this is all such a BS circus. And they all agree with Obama on the environment.

    • 4 months ago
  • Peloquin
  • Peloquin
    • +1
      Peloquin  
    • JanforGore:

      Newt being shot out of a cannon, Santorum on the high-wire, Ron Paul and all his supportors coming out of a clown car, and Romney as the Ringmaster. I can hear the fanfare.

    • 4 months ago
  • Conniepae
    • -1
      Conniepae  
    • KB723:

      I'm sorry, I disagree. If you look at the alternatives, he is the only choice. Gingrich and Romney and the people who boo the golden rule, would be bad for America. Let them throw stones, but don't give them the bombs. No more wars for the military industrial complex and other countries. It's time to take care of Americans! I like what he said last night! It's the things I would like to see happen.

      We need to hold people accountable! This isn't a campaign! This is our government, being run as a campaign, by corporate cash. This whole campaign rhetoric is interferring with running the government. The party of NO, has got to GO!

    • 4 months ago
  • Peloquin
    • -1
      Peloquin  
    • Conniepae:

      Of course they say "No", they are on the opposing party. The same thing happens when the Repubs are in power from the Demo side. I loved Obama's speech. I liked the part when he said unemployment would go down. Wait, that was the speech he used when unemployment was still low.

      Sure, it was that Nazi, Child, Mother, and Father raping, gargoyle, aardvark, zebra, likes long walks, listens to smooth jazz, blaspheming, traitorous, cantankerous, line dancing, dog faced, bubble butt, tennis shoe toothed, George Bush that messed up the economy for him, but why would BO say that unemployment would go down in that earlier speech - why? And what he said the other night, he qualified with "if congress will work with us".

      Is your congressman unreasonable? Is congress unreasonable? If it's congress they aren't reasonable, if it's your congressman, they are reasonable. That's how we work. Wouldn't have it any other way :).

      We don't read the bills, we really don't know what Obama is proposing, but the results will be for you liberals - you can have faith in that.

    • 4 months ago
  • Conniepae
    • +1
      Conniepae  
    • Peloquin:

      They said yes to George W. far more times than I wanted them too. They did not stop him from starting 'Shock and Awe' against the Iraqi people. They didn't stop him from bombing a country, which had not killed one American and was not openly threatening us. They let it happen! I think the Democrats were wrong, to go along.

      My Congressman is Dennis Kucinich. I am proud, he stood up, using facts that the other Democrat's ignored. They were all to willing to 'move along' to the wrongs. Many times, shame on them!

    • 4 months ago
  • JanforGore
    • +8
      JanforGore  

    • I'll post this here as well as I did in the thread regarding Bernie Sanders. Thanks coolplanet. Next to us pushing the button on our nukes and blowing ourselves to hell, global warming IS the defining crisis of our species NOW, and NO ONE FUC___CARES.
      ~~~
      No surprises with this SOTU address. Fracking, drilling, more apathy about climate and its effects. 14 billion dollar disasters here last year alone, and not ONE WORD about them. The same soaring election year campaign speech heard time after time after time. I would vote for Bernie Sanders in a heartbeat because he is the real deal, not just some egocentric party prop in a suit! I am in tears right now because I don't see my country leading on the most crucial issue OUR CHILDREN AND HIS will have to face. Perhaps I am just too into this.... too caring....and I need to get away from it. I don't know... I can no longer tolerate the political divide on this, the lies, the cronyism, the blatant apathy. Frack and drill your damned way to oblivion for a few votes instead of standing up to truly relay this planetary emergency that scientists have been BEGGING you to address. Call environmentalists extremists and call our love for this planet and our REALISM regarding the truth of the state of this planet a "pet project." But don't any of you DARE to say a damn word about the destruction you support as if you are on the side of right...because you aren't. I know damn well Republicans are my enemies on this, and tonight I saw a few more who clapped for his BS environmental rhetoric. His brand of "renewable energy " is giving DOW millions to make batteries which will do NOTHING to address the tipping point we face. He supports the same CORPORATE POLLUTERS to now control the renewables market! And big whoop, the military will be helping with solar for a few homes. We need much more than that now. We need to reduce our emissions by six percent every year starting NOW and that isn't going to happen so yes, we are more than likely screwed. Sorry for going on. It is beyond total disgust for me now. When the XL gets reapplied for and approved next year after the election with a different route as well and we burn evey last filthy drop of it to really seal our fate, I won't say I told you so.

    • 4 months ago
  • coolplanet
    • +1
      coolplanet  
    • JanforGore:

      I have been shaking ever since I heard him begin his slight mention of climate change with promises to expand offshore oil drilling and 'natural gas' fracking. It was like a bubble burst.
      Obama is an ass kisser!
      We need to convince Sanders to run.

    • 4 months ago
  • JanforGore
  • The_Wanderer_Kansas
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