President Trump gave his “State of the Union Address” Tuesday night to a joint session of Congress. It wasn’t technically billed as that since he was recently sworn in, but the point is the same, especially since he’s gotten so much accomplished in his first few weeks.
By now, if you didn’t watch it, you’ve probably heard how the democrats sat in their seats like zombies, holding up little auction-type paddle signs with pre-printed protests, snarling openly while the president listed his wins. The grim faced dems, especially the loony ladies, looked like the entire cast of “Thriller” ushered into the room and forced to take a seat while Trump Vincent-Priced his way good naturedly (with huzzahs from republicans) through the first half and all his wins.
The president noted aloud they’ll never give him a clap, but it was stunning they couldn’t muster a human emotion at all. Not even a nod for D.J. Daniels, a young teen with brain cancer who was given an honorary Secret Service commission. Nor could they stand for the family of Laken Riley, the Georgia nursing student murdered last year in Athens by one of Joe’s illegal gang members.
They sat stone faced as a young scholar-athlete – orphan of a cop killed in the line of duty — found out from the President he’s been accepted to West Point. And even worse, the democrats could not honor the bereaved wife and beautiful daughters of Corey Comperadore, the firefighter killed by the bullet meant for Trump last July. They refused to glance at the high school volleyball student, a pretty teen girl who suffered catastrophic injuries from an opposing player, a male, who injured her so badly she’s lucky to be alive.
The democrats in the gallery, Georgia’s own Warnock, Ossoff, Scott, Johnson and Bishop… and the ladies, McBath and Williams, clearly lacked the courage or the decency to stand up for what’s right. Was it evil, many of us wondered, or are they just unable to break from that rot permeating their party’s leadership? Last night put them almost beyond redemption, as their hatred of MAGA caused a doubling down on their INhumanity, if you will.
A reminder: Supermom Lucy McBath would likely not be in Congress without the compassion of Georgians after her son was killed, yet where is HER compassion now, after seven years in D.C.? Where was her courage to stand up last night and do the right thing by simply CLAPPING HER HANDS? What deals have these democrats made to lose their way in such a manner? And yet, this woman just announced she might want to run for governor? Talk about tone deaf. Not great timing, Ms. McBath.
But back to the speech.
Even if you aren’t usually a fan of this annual “real people in the gallery” feature of the SOTU, these moments of real people intertwined with a presidential speech infuse it with a humanity often missing in Washington. These slices of life originally were designed to bring us together and were a chance for the “leaders” to show appreciation for real Americans. Some administrations politicize them more than others. The fact that today’s democrats cannot even fake some compassion reveals so much.
Here are some things I’ve heard, with a bit of background on me:
My take is always influenced by my family. We are all about Making America Great Again, whether under Trump or ANY leader who embraces the ideals of our Founders and walks the walk of freedom. We’re patriotic Americans and have known sacrifice for our country, like so many of you have.
There are five kids here, aged 18-36 (three are homeowners, one at UGA, one still home) and one grandson. Through them we’re lucky to know dozens of productive, intelligent young people, and every one of them engages politically on some level.
Their takeaway from the spectacle from Washington last night was how embarrassed they are for the country, because “half of it has been invaded by a malignant, deeper level of evil” (I’m quoting my 18-year-old daughter) that allows them to sit stone-faced rather than “have some humanity” for people who need our prayers. “I can’t imagine democrats being parents,” I keep hearing.
This is their takeaway, this is what they’re saying to each other in group texts and on social media. They are talking about it non-stop. And they mention how much fun the conservatives are having with DOGE and other accomplishments, which is appealing to them in contrast.
They’re also talking about the way the president ended, crediting God for saving him to save America. As mostly young Christians (of various denominations) they believe the same thing.
“It was JUST the right way to end the speech”, they told me. “He called out the evil, he showed us truth, like he always does.” And they note that bad people don’t want truth and good people do.
Their clearcut take is so crucial, it must be passed along, especially in the context of the last few years. Young people have NOT all been fooled into joining antifa or turning trans, they GET what’s happening. They recognize those who’ve lost their humanity.
With their own formative years affected by covid, the weaponization of government and the cancelling of our Constitution during a puppet administration, many American youth haven’t seen the “normal” that we old people experienced at their age. But they’re getting some of it now.
Trump, above many things, is a teacher. We should emulate him and affirm our young people’s critical thinking.
Part of that is acknowledging this speech, calling out what evil looks like. And then moving forward with the understanding evil cannot withstand the white hot spotlight of truth. What we saw last night was that spotlight.
Laura Monica is a 36-year resident of Cobb County and holds an ABJ from the Grady School of Journalism at UGA. She loves freedom and her family. Contact her here
