Can't stomach more Bush Lies? Watch this Instead. Then let's Talk.

[Tom Rinaldo]

The Real State of the Union; a comprehensive and far ranging speech delivered yesterday by General Wesley Clark for the keynote address at the New America Foundation Conference held in Washington.

I don't care if you like Clark or not. This is a major speech and it is full of substance. From my vantage point parts of it were uplifting, parts of it were frightening as all hell. Watch it before Bush gives his State of the Union. Watch it before Kaine gives the official Democratic Response.

Clark doesn't say so directly but it is clear he is running in 2008 and this speech gives the reasons why. I don't want to cheer lead with this thread, just get your reactions if possible. Al Gore gave a great speech, an important speech, whether you like Al Gore personally or not. People needed to hear that. Clark's speech is just as central to the debates America needs to be having right now, ranging from the need for single payer heath insurance to the looming threat of war against Iran if the United States refuses to talk directly with Iran NOW. Clark speaks about the flow of Capital across borders, the future role of Labor Unions, the emergence of China on the world stage, the defense of our Constitution, the growing political culture of Corruption, the importance of International Law, and so much more.

Yes Clark attacks the Bush Administration in the harshest terms, but he offers a vision for the future also. What do you think of it?

CSPAN has Clark's speech archived and available online. It is currently link number 6 in the list on the page listed below, though new links undoubtedly will get added that will lower it later. It is called "New America Foundation on State of Foreign Policy. Clark gives his speech well into the program, at approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. A transcript of Clark's prepared comments is also available at his web site now, and an audio should be available there later.

CSPAN: http://www.c-span.org/videoarchives.asp?CatCodePairs=,&ArchiveDays=100

WesPAC: http://www.securingamerica.com/

[Greyhound]

1. Thank you so much, I was looking for this yesterday and didn't know which

program he was on. I'll watch it 2nite.

[Tom Rinaldo]

4. I fell asleep with the TV on, and woke up just in time...

As groggy as I was, I woke up fast. Clark was serious and he was passionate. Let us know what you think after you see it.

[JNelson6563]

2. Is there a transcript Tom?

My computer is messed up and I have no sound at this time. Thanks. :hi:

Juile

[Tom Rinaldo]

3. I wasn't clear enough in my post Julie. Yes...

The transcript of Clark's prepared remarks is already up at his web site which is the second link I left.

[JNelson6563]

6. Oops, sorry 'bout that!

I was doing my imitation of a dumbass, how'd I do? ;-)

Thanks Tom! :toast:

Julie

[Tom Rinaldo]

7. Nah, I reedited my post after you commented Julie...

to make it clearer. So now I accidently made YOU look foolish when actually you helped ME clear up some confusion.

Thanks Julie

[Tom Rinaldo]

5. Contrast this to what Bush will say:

A Democratic View of Government:

"And to address these and many other issues, our government will need more resources, for the great discovery of twentieth century America was not that we should get "government off our backs" but that government's could be a partner in the economy -in infrastructure, in regulation, in research and development, in education, and in health — laying the foundation for the achievements of private industry. In particular, we need resources to empower our people, with new programs comparable to the landmark contributions of the Homestead Act, the GI Bill, and the 30 year Mortgage in order to give every child in America a head start in education, business, home ownership, investment, and economic opportunity."

[Totally Committed]

8. Anyone who watches this will be emtralled, thrilled, astounded, and

heartened. I guarantee it. I have seen Wes give a speech before, and this rivals closely (maybe even surpasses) his finest moment. I was moved at how great he was, and how he could still make me feel some hope. SOTU? Not by Bush. Not by the Republicans... By Wes Clark!

TC

[Tom Rinaldo]

9. One kick before Bush opens his mouth n/t