PAYING ATTENTION
As the western sky in California offered a dramatic scene, the American political drama of the State of Union address took center stage back east. It is a special evening in the nation's capitol, full of ceremony, ritual and a signal of the tone of the ensuing congressional session. There is no shortage of pundits or experts to "help" you evaluate the evening. But I was struck by another thought.
How important do most Americans regard the event to be? The question was sparked by a comment made by an anchor team. In reacting to President Obama's statement about our Sputnik moment, Jeff Greenfield said 75% of today's Americans were not alive when the Soviets led the way into space orbit with the little satellite. Katie Couric added that she was born the year the Sputnik was launched. So the President's point may have been lost on most. But then I wondered how many in this time of tweets, social networks, games, multiple viewing options and other distractions took the time to watch. It is a key moment in the governing and political life of America, but how many Americans cared enough to see it. We'll know soon enough, thanks to the ratings, though I imagine the volume of debate will include those who shape their opinions not by primary knowledge but from here say, informed or otherwise.
Celebrate the turkey
they grow wild out here
and so does sculpture.
Now,for your viewing pleasure, a gentle look at our village-
enjoy
My dad used to say that he always watched (or listened to, in earlier times)the President's State of the Union address because regardless of party, it was the President of the United States. I've been much the same most of my life.
ReplyDeleteAnd nice to see the video on Cambria (not Came-bria!)