So the alternative to reacting and causing this speech to be improved makes the Republicans look bad?

I hate to break it to you, but the Republicans could cure cancer, walk on water and achieve world peace and the liberal media will still paint them as villains.

The alternative was to say nothing and let the President spew whatever Leftist crap he really wanted to say to tens of millions of children? OK, so he is shown to want to indoctrinate children and the damage is already done. My kids, fortunately, won't be exposed to anything this empty suit has to say, but I can also say that they would not be adversely affected by it. In fact, my biggest fear would be for them to react to some stupid comment in a manner...

While there's no doubt masculinity has become devalued, if not outright demonized, it hasn't infected everyone, or even most people, from what I've seen.

I always make it a point to allow women to go first, hold the door, offer to carry things and other "gentlemanly" behaviors that my parents taught me and that I choose to make a point of doing. I can tell you from experience that I have never heard a negative comment nor was given any indication that what I did was not perceived as a courtesy if not an honor (however small).

In fact, very often I receive a sincere thanks and a warm smile, which makes me feel great because I know my courtesy was appreciated, and more than once, for instance when offering a woman my seat...

I don't begrudge the President a night out with his wife to celebrate their 17th. I'll be celebrating my 17th with my wife in about 6 months too and despite his many other flaws, he does seem to be a good family man. It's good to see a politician, whatever his other faults, be faithful and loving to his wife and caring and protective of his children.

What I resent, though, is that all we seem to hear about is the President jetting all over to world to campaign for himself and his friends while the country continues to flounder. He can't blame President Bush when he is doing every bad thing Bush did, only faster and harder.

If the President had some real accomplishments to show for his 9 months in office, other than...

Mr. Obama's entire life has seen him having every reward and perk heaped upon him just for showing up. It's not unreasonable for him to expect the same with the IOC when he's never known anything different.

Chuck, as always you write clearly and concisely and cut to the core of what's going on.

I would, however, consider a "tea-stained" flag, however appropriately symbolic to not be an appropriate use of our Flag. While certainly within the realm of Free Speech, I don't think it is consistent with the respect for our Flag.

Nevertheless, you have once again captured the core of the American spirit. Keep up the good work!