There was a great deal done well in the President’s address last night. To wit, national security, tax and tort reform as well as a strong peroration that called forth the words of a small child as a tie to bind the American character.
But really, when did abstinence, steriods in major league sports or mentoring programs become the purview of the national government? For that matter, did any member of the assembled notables shift uncomfortably when health care or retirement savings were lauded as “successful” programs of the national government?
President Bush noted that “We are living in a time of great change — in our world, in our economy, and in science and medicine. Yet some things endure — courage and compassion, reverence and integrity, respect for differences of faith and race.” Let’s hope that the principles of limited government can also endure.