State of my Union

Before anyone gets too up in arms, this isn't going to be a pure political rant. I will share some insights that I found funny, disturbing and just plain silly.

I try to watch every State of the Union address that I can and I'm proud to say that I haven't missed too many since I've started that trend. I like politics, but I know that it's the single quickest way to make a friend a foe, so I tend to keep most of my views to myself. So as I proceed, I hope you have a little snicker and find some of the same things as amusing as I did.

Why is it that the audience feels the need to rise in applause whenever the President makes a point? I know it might be a sign of respect, but couldn't we give him one huge "Attaboy" at the end of the speech?

Also, I really loved Joe Biden's wide-eyed, head shakin' smile and overzealous urge to be the first one to clap. I thought that was just me in third grade, but if it's cool for the Vice President, then it's A-OK by me. I would put money on it that he's still nodding his head. The next big rage, kids -- the Joe Biden bobblehead doll.

Did you also notice how Biden and Nancy Pelosi color coordinated? Purple seemed to be the color of the nigh...

-- Hey, there's Al Franken! Never in a million years thought I'd type that while watching the State of the Union.

Is it me, or did the State of the Union seem more like a high school pep rally instead of a speech about the state of our country? Another thing I learned was if the going gets tough, and the applause die down, crack a joke and smile as wide as humanly possible. Again, if it's cool for the President, then it's A-OK by me.

In school I gave a speech or two when I made a point and all I heard were crickets, so I know what it feels like. I love it when anyone gives a speech and you can tell where they anticipated applause -- and none come. There's that awkward eye search, looking for a friend in the crowd. It's the worst feeling in the world.

Autographs? Really? I know that all politicians don't run in the same circles, but to be on camera, holding out a piece of paper for the President's autograph is a little pathetic. I could understand it if it was Denzel Washington or Morgan Freeman portraying the President, but this is the man himself. Wait until the cameras are off and do like the politicians of old did -- offer up a timely vote in exchange for an autograph. That's not bribery; that good autograph collecting -- my grandpappy taught me that. Just kidding, folks, my grandpappy never told me that.

The crowd was a little more raucous than usual this year, but I was surprise how quiet the chamber was at the end of the President's speech. You literally could hear a pin drop. If both side could do a little more of that, maybe things could begin moving in a positive direction for us.

And in closing, I would like to state that during my viewing I saw one yawn, one semi-nose pick, heard several small eruptions of sarcastic laughter, multiple head shakes and of course Al Franken. All in all, I'd say it was an interesting night.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.