I watched the State of the Union address last night and while I believe we as a nation have come a long way the past few years, it is still very evident that we as a nation are still very divided, and to a fault. I also have an opinion regarding the SOTU itself.
First, it baffles me how we parade these folks in at the beginning of each SOTU. The announcement, at a circus performer level, introducing the President and his cabinet is absurd. We're unnecessarily putting these people on a pedestal with these grand entrances, that are beginning to equate nothing short of a WWE entrance. Yes, they are extremely high level officials but let us not forget, they're human just like you and I, and THEY work for us. Cut the grandeur and get down to brass tax.
Secondly, the total lack of respect and clear visual separation from all parties is saddening. I spoke to this a couple of years ago and I see no change. Democrats not supporting Republicans and Republicans not supporting Democrats. The total and complete lack of respect shown at these SOTU's and the smug faces seen throughout, is just down right sad. How can viewers of this nation have any faith that our government can get things done, when it is clearly expressed to the world, how uncooperative and uncaring folks are during a SOTU. Guess what, Republicans don't have all the answers. Guess what, Democrats don't have all the answers. Like all things in life, the answer/truth usually lies somewhere in the middle and compromises can be had.
Whether you agree with the President or not, he is correct about one thing he said... "change will not occur overnight". In my opinion, the real power of a nation comes from those who work together and stick together in the long term.