President Biden has given a State of the Union address to a joint session of congress. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) gave the official Republican Response. Please allow me to point out a few things about the state of affairs we find ourselves in:
The United States of America is in a State of Anxiety. Americans are worried about a very uncertain future for ourselves and for the generations to come.
Our nation is in a State of Indebtedness to the tune of nearly $35 trillion.[1] If the USA could reduce our national debt by $1 billion a year, it would take over 35,000 years to pay it off. Eventually, the United States will be forced to default on its debts, which will wreak the world economy.
Our economy is in a State of Inflation. The government is spending more money than it takes in to fund unnecessary programs that accomplish nothing. When the government floods the economy with funny money, people spend it. The demand for goods and services increases, which results in higher prices. Money is worth less (no pun intended) because there is too much in circulation. When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to slow down an economy that is overstimulated by government spending, it results in increased total costs for housing, cars and other “big ticket” items. When we go to the grocery store we pay six dollars for what used to cost five, three years ago. We pay more interest on credit card debt, and we use credit cards more because the growth of inflation exceeds the growth in real wages. The restrictive regulation of energy production raises the price we pay to fuel our cars, transport goods to market, and heat our homes.
Internationally, our friends and adversaries alike think America is in a State of Decline. We are a muscle-bound giant that has more military and economic power than any other nation, but we are too afraid to use it … and too stupid to use it effectively when we do. Consequently, our enemies regard us with contempt.
The USA is in a State of Nearsightedness. Nations like China plan ahead 20 years. We cannot seem to agree on a plan for the next budget year.
The United States is in a State of Being Invaded. Millions of people are entering our country illegally, and we cannot agree about how to control our borders. Some are saying “come on down.” Others are out stringing razor wire.
America is in a State of Self-centeredness. People are trying to get everything they can for themselves, without regard for what is best for the country. For this very reason the congress is deadlocked over funding for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other friendly countries that are trying to defend themselves - versus providing funding to secure our borders. The Democrats want what will benefit them politically, and the Republicans want it all their way. It is for that same reason that our manufacturing capacity has been shipped out of the country.
Our government is in a State of Corruption. Our elected leaders often use their high office to enrich themselves rather than serve the people. Special interests exacerbate the situation by encouraging people in elected or appointed governmental positions to accept favors, lucrative investment opportunities, and promises of high-paying jobs after they leave office.
The USA is in a State of Lawlessness. The criminals are seen as victims of a racist, capitalist society. Victims are cast aside like unwanted trash.
America is in a State of Class Warfare. Our differences are exploited by those who want to create societal unrest by provoking conflict between people groups. Rather than working together to solve problems, we are being manipulated into tearing each other apart.
America is in a State of Lacking Moral Clarity. What was right is now seen by many to be wrong. What used to be wrong is now being promoted as the right thing to do. For generations, the educational system has taught that ethics are situational; what is right in one instance may be wrong in another. As a people we have rejected the notion that there is an absolute truth, a pure right, and a complete wrong. Our elected leaders spout moral platitudes, but just to garner votes. Then they do what they want. To paraphrase Nikki Haley, ‘We need leaders who know right from wrong.’
“Woe to those who
call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and
light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and
sweet for bitter!
Woe to those
who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!" (Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV)[2]
The United States is in a State of Division. Difference of opinion is a natural consequence of freedom of expression. We have, however, lost the British notion of a “loyal opposition.” Instead, we regard each other as antagonists. We impugn motives and portray opponents to be disloyal. Vigorous debate should be encouraged. Once a course of action is decided, however, we need to help, or stand aside until folly becomes apparent and our course can be changed. If we appear to be divided, our adversaries will be encouraged to try to seek their own advantage. Jesus said:
“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand … No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.” (Mark 3:24-25, 27 NKJV)[3]
I am sure you can think of things I have left out. The point is that the State of the Union is a Mess, and in November we need to vote into office leaders who are committed to setting the ship of state aright by fixing the many things that are broken.
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