COMMON SENSE: The state of the union

From time to time the president shall report to the Congress onthe State of the Union. These few dry words were the basis forPresident Obama first major re-election speech last week. Thespeech was a mix of a few international accomplishments against abackdrop of continued economic distress at home.

And, of course, there was the continued blame game that hasbecome a common theme of President Obama since the Republican Partytook control of the House a year ago. And, frankly, the presidentwho stresses the need for bipartisan cooperation is often the leastwilling to listen to what the public is saying though their electedrepresentatives.

The State of the Union is not so good. And there is nothing thatthe president can say to convince the average American differently.Every piece of good economic news seems to be followed by severalpieces of bad news.

The massive cuts that may need to go into place as part of thebudget agreements are conversations that still need to becompleted. And the federal health care legislation remains squarelya target of Republicans and Conservatives who believe that it takesaway personal choice, overall reduces quality of care and costs afortune.

And, of course, the normal international problems remain frontand center. The Middle East remains a tinder box waiting for itsnext implosion. North Korea, always unstable, has progressed onestep further down the trail of dysfunction. Russia is essentiallyunder the control of a dictator. Europe, in managing to link itseconomies together, may now find itself falling into an economicabyss.

The president is going to need a better economy – actually abetter world – if he wants his re-election rhetoric to beeffective. Frankly, he has had three years with little overallsuccess. I am not saying a Republican would necessarily do better.But I think more and more Americans believe one should be given achance

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The first draft of the new state legislative lines has beenpublished, with no real surprises in the State Senate. Bay Ridgeand Dyker Heights are still primarily contained in Marty Golden’sSenate seat.

There were changes in the Assembly. Although Bay Ridge is stillmade up of the 60th AD (number changing to 64) held by NicoleMalliotakis, the 46th AD held by Alec Brook-Krasny and the 51st ADheld by Felix Ortiz, Dyker Heights’s legislative team, is nowdifferent. The 48th AD held by Dov Hikind is no longer part ofDyker Heights. The community will be part of the 49th ADrepresented by Peter Abbate and the 46th AD held by Alec.

All this is subject to hearings, a vote of the legislature, asignature by the governor and Justice Department approval.

The Congressional lines will not be released for another two orthree weeks.

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The Brooklyn Conservative Party will be honoring communityactivist Ilene Sacco at its annual brunch to be held at noon onSunday, March 11 at the Bay Ridge Manor.

Ilene, who presently serves as president of the 68th PrecinctCommunity Council, has been involved in countless communityendeavors over the years. Tickets are priced at $55 per person.Anyone wishing more information may contact the Conservative Partyat 718-921-2158 or visit our websiteBROOKLYNCONSERVATIVEPARTY.COM.