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Speech draws concern at Salem event

Dan De Carbonel
Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon) 2-01-2006

A group of Christian progressives and others from the Salem area listened to President Bush's State of the Union speech Tuesday, and many said they came away confused and concerned about the direction of the country.

About 30 people attended the "State of Our Union" event at the South Central Neighborhood home of Rita Thomas. It was part of a nationwide effort organized by the progressive Christian group Sojourners. Its goal was to encourage people to judge how the speech reflected the nation's values and morals.

Sojourners executive director Jim Wallis has said the federal budget should be viewed as a moral document, in that it reflects what the country deems most important.

Arturo and Irene Fernandez said the faith community does not unanimously support the president.

"I believe in the separation of church and state," Arturo Fernandez said. "I resent so much that (President Bush) is seen as speaking for the faith community. This is beyond Democrats and Republicans. It's about how are we going to deal with it."

Many in the group expressed frustration with the Democrats as well, saying they didn't feel like they were being represented in Washington, D.C.

"Last time it got this bad, we dressed up as Indians," said Chuck Fisher, referring to the Boston Tea Party. "Five years ago, we didn't have these meetings. We need to stay engaged because not enough people are stepping up and wanting to pay attention."

Andy Harris, one of the organizers of the Salem event, said he wished that the president had spoken more about fighting poverty, improving the environment and providing a better example in limiting nuclear weapons.

"I've got to take issue with those three areas," he said. "There are billions being cut from housing aid and food stamps, and Exxon just announced a $36 billion profit."

Listening to the speech, the crowd groaned in disapproval when Bush mentioned the USA Patriot Act, the No Child Left Behind Act and the state of the economy. Cheers and nods were evident when Bush acknowledged the death of Coretta Scott King and promised funding to fight AIDS in the U.S. and abroad.

Joan Williamson said she thought Bush's argument against isolationism was pointless. She said she didn't know anyone who has advocated a policy of isolationism.

"I got tired of the false dichotomy," she said. "I don't think that if you don't agree with the administration, you support isolationism."

Catherine Pederson agreed with Williamson.

"Everything (Bush) said was couched in words like defeat, win, opposition," Peterson said. "I think power lies in recognition and respect of others."

Sue-Del McCulloch said the fight against terrorism has changed the United States for the worse.

"In the speech, he said that Middle East democracies won't look like ours," she said. "Our democracy doesn't look like ours anymore. I feel like we have abandoned morality."

Other criticisms were aimed at proposals for additional tax cuts, Social Security reform and health care.

Mostly, the Salem audience reacted to the speech with skepticism and frustration.

"It is hard work not to be totally cynical about it," John McCulloch said. "What point is there of listening? I came here to be with some good folks."


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