State of the Union Address

First of all, I would like to start with saying that Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords looked abolutely wonderful tonight, and it's unbelievable that she was present for President Obama's speech. Her strength to overcome such a tragedy is truely inspirational.

While I agree with Obama on bringing our service men and women home, I did not agree with him saying that the U.S. is now safer and more respected by the world. If anything thing, I feal we are just as likely a target and a source of disrespect to many smaller countries. Having Bin Laden gone does initially give a sigh of relief, but it's not a complete sigh. There is still that fear of the men who were under Bin Laden and are likely to procede with his plans. However, Obama, like the rest of the country, would rather focus on the positive of Bin Laden no longer being present. Maybe I'm just a worry wort.

I found much of the President's address tonight to be reminiscent of his 2008 election campaign. Promises to better the economy and make changes; the montra of" "We can do this" all over again. Although this seem inevitable with it being an election year.

Obama mentioned the state of the Union growing stronger quite frequently, but I am beginning to notice a pattern in the American system. Since the start of our country it seems we have been in a continuous cycle of economic ups and downs. Every few years a low, such as the depressions of 1873 and the 1930s, and years between being economic highs, with practically no national debt (Thomas Jefferson's Presidency). Obama also followed in true form with the mentioning of banks loaning more money than they can to people which puts them in debt. (Banks play largest role in economic depressions) This time, instead of mile long bills, Obama is putting major suppport in American manufacturing. Hello! Why haven't you done this before, Mr. President? I strongly agreed with Obama's call for no tax deduction for American manufacturers for creating jobs overseas, and using tax funds to benefit the companies that stay and hire in the U.S. His overall point being to stop rewarding the overseas man and to start rewarding the men who keep their companies on home soil. I strongly agree with Obama's push for an increas for American manufacturing, and decrease for dependency on foreign manufacturing.

I think Obama couldn't be more right with his ideas to better fund community colleges to becom more vocational schools to help people get the skills, training, and job opportunities they need. However, I believe that way more than the current one percent of government funding should be spent on education. If we value education and push for everyone to be eductated more, then why do we spend so little on education? I have to disagree when Obama said we lead the world in educating people. High school drop out rates are increasing.Obama's plan to fix this: stop interests rates on student loan from doubling, and as university tuitions go up, tax funding goes down. My mother is still paying off student loans with her measely teacher's salary. Another thing- why do we pay athletes millions of dollars to throw, kick, pass, or hit a ball, but pay the people who are educating future generations less than minimum wage? Thought provoking, yes? "Families should be able to afford college." Yes, Mr. President they should, but how are we to do that when government funding doesn't help the programs that help the eager student?

I did find it rather odd when Obama talked about no more bail outs, cop outs, or handouts when he was a big supporter of the many bail outs these past years. Also a supporter of millionairs getting tax breaks. Now why should our wealthiest people be rewarded with tax cuts while our poorest have an increase in taxes? Obama promises no more tax cuts for the wealthy, but infact tax increase or at least equality. I guess this year or possible re-election will tell. Still not certain on his flip flop of this matter..

"This is not a year that will achieve nothing in D.C." I don't know if I can agree with the President on that one seeing how this year he will have to put much of his time and effort in to his re-election for another 4 years. Perhaps he will fufill his promises this year, or maybe even if he is re-elected to another term. Only time will tell. While his speech focused on plans of fixing the economy, the ever true "America will pull through" kept a constant ring, and gave it's feeling of hope that we will overcome this difficult time.