The Speech

I watched "the speech" in its full glory last night. It was like the perverse fascination that makes you look at a person with a physical deformity.

We all expected the collection of "free" goodies that every good society should provide for each of its comrades, paid for with funds extracted by the pliant IRS from others. He forgot to mention the bread and circuses but they're actually already being distributed in the modern form of food stamps and Obamaphones.

Then there were the stern warnings to avoid his displeasure to anyone foolish enough to attempt to interfere with his previous generosity.

It was a bit confusing to comprehend how the country could be so well off after his tireless efforts and at the same time be hurting so much that he needed to wake up every morning thinking of new ways that he could help us. But it's not my job as a good citizen to question him. I'm just happy I'm in the "middle class" and not one of those rich people.

The amazing part was the grand finale, the reprise of the 2004 speech that catalogued all the innumerable interest groups and how we should all work together as Americans. He really is a good teleprompter reader. Everything was there - all the pauses, the inflections, the subtle smiles, the uplifted jaw - all calculated to promote the impression of confidence and heartfelt sincerity in his desire to bring us all together under his benevolent care. It almost made me forget the exact opposite sentiments in the first 3/4's of the speech.

But it's that ability to hold 2 totally conflicting ideas in your head at the same time that is a mark of true genius.