Obama’s State of the Union Speech

There is no question that President Obama last night rose to the occasion and delivered a urgently needed inspirational speech. At times combative, self deprecating and inspirational, the speech was exactly the right tone for the moment. His focus on jobs and more jobs was what the American people desperately wanted to and needed to hear. The President’s commitment to stay with healthcare was a defining moment. Proclaiming that every day shouldn’t be election day was powerful.

However, as my mother used to say when people made wide promises, “We’ll see, the proof will be in the pudding”.

We have seen Obama rise on many occasions to deliver ‘the speech’ when needed. Whether it was the speech on Reverend Wright and race or the speech at the Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner which began his ascent to the Presidency, Obama has always delivered the words when in trouble. The problem is that the magic is starting to wear off and we are waiting for hardcore action than mere words. I believe he wants to do the right thing. The problem is that with his record over the last year we have to question if he has the leadership and understanding of power to do the right thing.

The reference to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in a State of the Union message was no doubt a powerful and historic moment for the LGBT community. The community has succeeded in pushing this rock up the hill so that at last DADT is part of the national agenda. What I don’t understand is why the President continues to resist issuing a ’stop-loss’ order and end this practice now instead of a prolong and maybe never ending Congressional battle? What a moral high ground he would have spoken from last night if he announced a ’stop-loss’ order and then challenge Congress to meet his courage. The President has the power right this moment, beyond inspiration words, to create powerful change for this community. He once again decided not to use his Presidential powers and depend totally on Congress.

The President left me hopeful last night but guarded. Clearly it has been proven over the last year that this administration does respond to pressure. So, most importantly, let’s not waste any time with moving words but do our job and keep the pressure on this President and this Congress to do the job for which they were elected. The time for words has passed and there is an urgent need for real action before the election in November.