War and economy top litany of complaints (SOTU Heartland reaction)

[sabra]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0602020178feb02,1,6120068.story

REACTION IN THE HEARTLAND

War and economy top litany of complaints
Some Iowans challenge President Bush's assessment of the state of the union, pointing to health care, Social Security, deficit, immigration

<snip>

"He talks about the economy getting better, but all the jobs here are just service jobs--7 or 8 bucks an hour," said Kenneth "Chief" Thomas, challenging President Bush's assessment of a stronger economy.

"And they oughta get the oil companies for price-gouging. Exxon doesn't need to be making $100 million a day while we have to pay $2.30 for a gallon of gas," said Norm Bickford, who, like Thomas, is one of about a dozen regulars who meet at McDonald's on Interstate Highway 80 every day, often to prick the pomp of politicians the Cavemen think are creating intolerable circumstances.

...

The president's speech took the combined audience share of the four broadcast networks to surpass ratings for Fox's "American Idol," which aired in the hour before the State of the Union speech, according to Nielsen Media Research.

But in Iowa, many people didn't need to watch the speech to know what they think.

"I think the economy's in horrible trouble," said Mary Thomas, who works in a bakery in Tipton and didn't listen to the speech. "Part of me just wants to grab Bush and shake his brains out."

[kurth]

1. "Grab Bush and shake his brains out"?

[grytpype]

4. Talk about an exercise in futility!

[leQ]

5. i think she speaks for the whole state..... i know she speaks for me (eom)

[tanyev]

7. She'd better get ready for a visit from the Secret Service.

[SledDriver]

2. You'd think they were actually starting to wake up...

but they will probably continue to vote Repuglican.

[Auntie Bush]

3. If she could...she'd better be careful because she might get the

tip of her shoe dirty. I hope she has a Q-Tip to clean it off.

[kurth]

6. Don't forget to use Lysol