Belfast Blogs.com

I'm a contrary so-and-so at the best of times. So forgive me for not joining in the Obamania currently sweeping Germany and other parts of the world (like Ireland) that don't have a say in the US Presidential election.Much has been made of Obama's electric speechifying since his campaign commenced. And certainly, his oratory has proved inspirational enough to get him into pole position in a two horse race for the biggest job on the planet.In fact, desperate Republicans have been trying to smear Obama for exactly that: they claim that he's all mouth and no trousers, making pretty speeches with little or no experience of governance to back up his change agenda.So what substance might there be to Obama if it were demonstrated that his inspirational public speaking was in fact as shallow as...

Why am I up so late? Good question. Blame the damn birds.Actually, I'm watching Bush's final State of the Union address. (Link to full text.)This is a depressing experience I wouldn't recommend to all but the hardiest of souls.So to spare the more delicate among you, let me bring you some relevant excerpts, complete with translations into English:"In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that growth is slowing."- Oh. You noticed the recession, huh?"Members of Congress should know: If any bill raising taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it."- I need all the money I can get for my exceedingly expensive war and to stave off the worst of the forthcoming economic collapse. "Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships you...