Obama's State of the Union Speech and the Republican Responses

President Obama spoke in two parts: one was his view of our country and the Democratic Party's ideas for moving forward; the other was about common ground and how the American people believe in things we don't often see expressed by government (especially when it comes to the legislative process).

Some years ago the president was roundly criticized for saying what he thought should be done, things he thought could get done, and now he's saying things he thinks should be done from the Democratic perspective. Next comes the process where the Democrats and Republicans try to find common areas of agreement or at least areas where they can get something done.

The response from Senator Ernst (a freshman senator from Iowa) and from some other Republicans who were interviewed immediately after the speech was depressing. They had little good to say about the president's overall views of America or of any of his policy ideas. They seem to think America is still in crisis -- despite the facts -- and that it is Congressional Republicans who will set America's agenda. They should review history and how the president's role in legislating was set by Pres. Washington long ago. They should reconsider the practical aspect of getting legislation turned into law without a president's views being taken into account. The president is still in office and his (and the Democratic Party's) views will not be ignored. And, if they think they can just play politics for two years in hopes of getting the presidency before trying to govern, then they should be prepared to hear the Democrats remind the public repeatedly that the Republicans in Congress aren't doing their job.

Sen. Capito of West Virginia even said the president didn't say anything about working together. Wake up senator. He spoke about it more than most presidents. He's talked about it for years.

And, for the Republicans who continually say America hasn't stabilized after the economic crisis, look at the economic numbers or reread the president's speech where he talks about our successes. We've created more new jobs since the recession than all the advanced economies of the world combined.

There are many bi-partisan or non-partisan issues the president talked about which should move forward. If the Republicans can't see those they should be aware the president can remind the public over and over (in campaign mode if you like) for years, so the public will be well aware of what isn't getting done that should be if the Republicans were actually governing.

It's time to govern. Turn the page and start.