President Biden gave an emotional campaign speech Thursday night, marketed as the “State of the Union.” It was a strong speech, demonstrating that he still has stamina and a loud voice. His focus was to appeal to the many diverse components of the Democrat Party. His only reference to Republicans was to note how well off they are because of Bidenomics. He chided them and rich Democrats for not wanting to pay more income taxes, a “fair share,” except for the Biden family.

Senator Katie Britt of Alabama gave the rebuttal speech. She was also emotional. Her speech, like every “rebuttal” to a State of the Union speech, was prepared and rehearsed. Her main appeal was to young women and families. She defended sports for girls and women. Unlike some, she can define “woman.”

So, what is the real “state of the union?” What does the average American face each day, each week, each month?

As Will Rogers wrote in 1930, “the rest of the country know the condition of the country, for they live in it and are a part of it.”

Most Americans feel the effects of rapid inflation, up about 18% since January 2021. Wages have not kept up.

A trip to the grocery store for eggs, hamburger, bread, cereal, fruit, tomatoes and ice cream shows how the dollar has shrunk. You can’t blame the farmer or the food processor for “shrinkflation.” A pound of hamburger is still a pound. A dozen eggs is still 12.

Now, when it comes to ice cream, most of us can remember when the most common package was a half-gallon. About 20 years ago that package shrunk to 1.75 quarts, and then to 1.5. We can’t blame that on Biden.

Gasoline is about $3.50 a gallon. Mortgage rates are up almost 60% since 2019 making it harder for young families to buy a house. And rent is higher, making it harder to save for a down payment. No wonder more young adults are still living at home with their parents.

The huge surge in illegal immigration has increased crime and added billions to the cost of social programs, including education. We welcome about a million immigrants a year who arrive legally, mostly based on merit. Starting with his campaign for President in 2019, Biden has encouraged illegal immigration, totaling over 8 million since he took office. Biden got flak Thursday night from liberals, not for mispronouncing Laken Riley’s name, but for calling her apparent killer an “illegal.” They prefer “undocumented.” Or, even crazier, a “newcomer.” Based on evidence, the Venezuelan who had already committed other crimes, should have been called a “murderer.”

This week I’ll be helping with a big 2-day agriculture event, the annual Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference, in Ada, Ohio. The emphasis will be on helping farmers increase crop yields while reducing costs of inputs and improving water quality and soil health. Farmers plant in the Spring without knowing how much their Fall harvest per acre will be worth. Ag economists expect this to be a rough year with lower prices expected for corn and soybeans. As one wise farmer said for 2024, “The most efficient Farmers are the ones who will lose the least.”

Historic quotes by Will Rogers:

“A liberal is a man who wants to use his own ideas on things in preference to generations who, he knows, know more than he does.” WA #8, Feb. 4, 1923

“A conservative [Republican] is a man who has plenty of money and doesn’t see any reason why he shouldn’t always have plenty of money. A Democrat is a fellow who never had any, but doesn’t see any reason why he shouldn’t have some.” WA #326, March 26, 1933