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Earlier this past week, the American people and the world were once again subjected to the Kabuki theatre known as the “State of the Union Address.” Yes, Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution states that “[the President] shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient;.”
While the first two presidents did so in a joint session of Congress, Thomas Jefferson started the tradition of simply delivering a letter with the State of the union to Congress. This tradition was followed until, I believe, Woodrow Wilson helped turn this simple constitutional duty into a political circus. Over my lifetime, I watched as the address, which was a political event, has been used to more and more as a political weapon.
Today, I want to give some thoughts on the political speech we call the State of the Union address, but also to the actual State of our Union. And just as the President can commend items of the consideration of Congress, I want to provide some items I think you, the American people, should consider.
The Constitution Study with Paul Engel on America Out Loud Talk Radio can be heard on weekdays at 4 pm ET. Listen on iHeart Radio, our world-class media player, or our free apps on Apple, Android, or Alexa. Listen to other episodes of The Constitution Study, available on podcast.
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