"February 2 in North America brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year. Led by a rodent, Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, annually attracts thousands of visitors, who eagerly await the appearance of Phil the groundhog, and his foretelling abilities; by the way, the groundhog, come oracle, is always male. Legend has it that on this morning, if a groundhog can see its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter..... This national media event in the United States was coupled this year with the re-emergence of another rodent’s divinations, and an arrogant pageantry and pomposity that pales in comparison to any groundhog ceremony. George Walker Bush’s first State of the Union address, since his inauguration, was replete with the expected rhetoric of an administration that sees itself as a benevolent proselytizer...."

This is an excerpt from Samira Mohyeddin's article about Bush's State of Union Address. Read the rest here.

Posted by Sima.