State of the... Union?

This is a little late coming, but I wanted to open discussion about it. I listened to the State of the Union address and took notes of statements that were either repeated or emphasized. Below is the list:

- Wherever and whenever I can take steps to help Americans without legislation, I’m gonna do it. (Quote from our president)

- We need congress to start creating jobs  (several shots at congress)

- But I’ll work on my own (President)

- America lead the world (Mentioned about many different things)

- Global leader (consistently, never a joint effort)

- I’m gonna do everything in my power (President)

- On every issue the world turns to us (How did the world survive before us?)

I hope you notice a couple of shocking themes. The first one being the President talking about moving forward with or without and sometimes in spite of the other two branches of our three part government system. Our government was structured with a system of checks and balances on purpose, all American kids learn that in school. Suddenly our President is talking more like an authoritarian. He mentioned during the speech that he wanted bipartisanship within the government, but then took repeated shots at Congress and how it wasn't doing enough. That doesn't seem to encourage a unified government working together. It seemed more like he wanted to make his name known and leave office as a recognized successful president. Sounds a little too dictator for me.

The second shocking theme was the leadership and global power of the U.S. I kept thinking, "no wonder the rest of the world hates Americans." We're making ourselves out to be that know-it-all kid in school who nobody likes because he is sugary sweet to the teacher while spiting everyone else. The American government could learn some humility. Compared to other large countries, we're still the new kid on the block. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from other countries who have been around much longer than we have. Humility has never real been the American style, but maybe it should be. 

I was angry and sad after I listened to the speech. Granted, I'm not politically involved, but maybe I should be. Maybe more of us should be. Maybe if more of us got involved then we could see the government be "by the people and for the people" as it was originally intended to be. Instead of by the few and for the few. Something to think about.