MY SOLE LIVE BLOGGING OF THE STATE OF THE UNION

Okay, not so live. I'm always mystified by the ovation protocol in speeches like this. For example, If you've got children in their 20s, as some of us do, the idea of Social Security collapsing before they retire does not seem like a small matter. And it should not be a small matter to the United States Congress. He then paused for applause. "It should not be a small matter" is not a fucking applause line. It's barely an affirmative statement.

Also, I loved this part: Because one of the deepest values of our country is compassion, we must never turn away from any citizen who feels isolated from the opportunities of America.

Unless you're gay. Or an atheist. Or whatever.