Prof. Nesmith Truth-Checks the State of the Union for You (2010)

 Originally published as a Facebook Note February 4, 2010.


OK, it was over a week ago, but I'm a busy person, OK?


(Quotations are from Pres. Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-state-union-address and a million other sites too)

#1
"[F]amilies across the country are tightening their belts and making tough decisions. The federal government should do the same. (Applause.)"
BN RATING: HUH?
Of course there was applause. Everybody knows this basic fact about life. Except me. There must have been some memo I didn't get. Is the premise that everyone should do the same thing all at once? Or that economic recession calls for no spending by anyone? That sort of thinking made 1931 a hoot and a holler, I've read. If that's where this train is heading, I'd like to get off.

#2
"As we take the fight to al Qaeda, we are responsibly leaving Iraq to its people. As a candidate, I promised that I would end this war, and that is what I am doing as President. We will have all of our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August. (Applause.)"
BN RATING: WHAT. EVER.
More applause! Isn't that nice. Previous truth-checkers have pointed out that the truth of this statement depends on your definition of "combat troops." Other claims depend on the definitions of "earmarks," "jobs," and probably even "dime." Definitional hair-splitting makes me break out, so I'm going to leave it to others.

#3
"To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest majority in decades, and the people expect us to solve some problems, not run for the hills."
BN RATING: YEAH, RIGHT.
I fundamentally believe that running for the hills is always an option. If you disagree, sue me. You'll find me in the hills.

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