State of the Union

I have two thoughts about the President's speech. I'll articulate the first and then allow you to read an excellent column by Tom Friedman of the NYT regarding the speech. It may be his best writing yet.

My thought is this, the President ought to pledge to cure cancer in 15 years. I think if we put the resources into doing it we could probably come close -- if not get the job done. To do so would take an extraordinary effort in both prevention and research for a cure -- but it is doable. The fact is that cancer and the things that cause it are a major drain on our economy and a cure would have huge benefits both in terms of lives saved and dollars created.

Now for Tom Friedman. Below are just two paragraphs from an excellent column he wrote regarding his views on what Bush ought to say. To read the entire column, click on the title. I've linked to the syndicated version on the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's website.


THE SPEECH BUSH OUGHT TO GIVE
Thomas l. Friedman, New York Times

Transportation accounts for most of our oil consumption. And many Americans have purchased big cars and SUVs, expecting gasoline to remain cheap. That is no longer the case. Therefore, I propose creating a government agency that will buy up any gas-guzzling car or truck in America at the original new or used price, and crush it. This national buy-back program will be financed by a $2-a-gallon gasoline tax that will be phased in by 10 cents a month beginning in 2008 -- so people know what is coming and start buying fuel-efficient cars right now.

By removing so many gas guzzlers, we will quickly reduce our oil consumption and create a huge demand for new energy-efficient cars from Detroit, which will rescue our auto industry. We have to do something drastic. The Harley-Davidson motorcycle company is worth more today than General Motors! But by sharply raising the gasoline tax, we'll also make sure that Detroit shifts its fleet to energy-saving plug-in hybrids and hydrogen- and ethanol-fueled vehicles, which will force Detroit to out-innovate Toyota. And by generating so much income from a gasoline tax, we will be able to give gas-tax rebates to lower-income folks and have plenty left over to pay for new investment in education and scientific research.