Welcome to our latest Monthly Topic! Remember, you don’t have to write an eloquent treatise – just a couple of simple sentences will do!
It’s a great time for our NEW MEMBERS to jump in and let their voices be heard!
George Washiington and John Adams verbally addressed Congress about the state of the union. Thomas Jefferson, wanting to de-emphasize the magnitude of the presidency, began a tradition of submitting the State of the Union report to Congress in writing. That lasted until Woodrow Wilson resumed the verbal address, which continues to this day.
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Which way do you think is better, in writing or in person?
The SOTU is one of the more important speaking events in the President’s time in office. It’s an opportunity for them to speak not only to accomplishments, but goals and plans for the future. The nation needs to hear this directly from the lips of the President. If not, then it is too easy for one to think it was simply someone else’s words and any real impact is lost. Not only is it an opportunity to hear from the President on the state of the country but it’s an opportunity for the entire government to come together. One would like for this to be an opportunity to show unity as a nation and a people, but too often in recent years it is far less than that or even the opposite. However, it is still a prime example of government in action, live, in real time, and in person. In an era where reality tv seems to be the hot thing why should reality government be anything less.
I also think it should be a speech, not written material. Sure, a lot of it is show, but it’s still important and those among the American people interested in the content should have easy access to it.