A Call to Action

Excerpt From Obama State of the Union Address, 1/27/2010

"But what frustrates the American people is a Washington where every day is election day. We cannot wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal is to see who can get the most embarrassing headlines about their opponent -- a belief that if you lose, I win. Neither party should delay or obstruct every single bill just because they can. The confirmation of well-qualified public servants should not be held hostage to the pet projects or grudges of a few individual senators. Washington may think that saying anything about the other side, no matter how false, is just part of the game. But it is precisely such politics that has stopped either party from helping the American people. Worse yet, it is sowing further division among our citizens and further distrust in our government.

So no, I will not give up on changing the tone of our politics. I know it's an election year. And after last week, it is clear that campaign fever has come even earlier than usual. But we still need to govern. To Democrats, I would remind you that we still have the largest majority in decades, and the people expect us to solve some problems, not run for the hills. And if the Republican leadership is going to insist that 60 votes in the Senate are required to do any business at all in this town, then the responsibility to govern is now yours as well. Just saying no to everything may be good short-term politics, but it's not leadership. We were sent here to serve our citizens, not our ambitions. So let's show the American people that we can do it together. This week, I'll be addressing a meeting of the House Republicans. And I would like to begin monthly meetings with both the Democratic and Republican leadership. I know you can't wait."

Republican Leaders Invited to Bring Their Blocking Skills to the NFL

Having proven their otherworldly obstructionist abilities on Capitol Hill, Republican leaders are welcomed to the gridiron with open arms.

“I encourage all GOP leaders to work out with the team this spring,” said one top NFL coach. “Those guys can block like nobody’s business.”

Said another NFL insider, “Nobody shuts things down completely like the Republicans.” “Those guys could make time stand still in the pocket AND on the House floor.”

“If I were a quarterback, I sure would want elected Repulican leaders on my O-line,” said a player who did not wish to be identified. “I’m not going to name names, but a certain team in purple and gold could have used some of those guys to protect their three-time MVP last week.”

Will our elected GOP leaders answer their true calling? Tune in next season to find out.