In a much-anticipated public address, President Barack Obama took the stand on Jan. 27 in front of a joint session of Congress to deliver his first State of the Union Address, which aired on all major networks and channels.
As Americans nationwide tuned in to the dissertation, standing ovations were seen in spurts throughout the entire address, as he covered topics from proposals for job developments to federal deficit reduction.
While some might think politics is nothing more than the art of postponing decisions until they are no longer relative, President Obama differs and insists on tackling the issues head on, expediting the bill-passing process as well.
President Obama noted how the unification we once felt during the 9-11 attacks is not as prominent today, and how politics over the years has only enhanced that disconnection.
Aware of his oppositions, critics and doubters, he said, “When I ran for president, I promised I wouldn’t just do what was popular – I would do what was necessary.”
I feel like necessity and priority are without a doubt two underlying themes of the crisis that is our economy.
One thing I truly admire and respect about our president is his empathy and understanding for lower and middle-class citizens. Tax cuts have been made for 95 percent of working families, all of which include small businesses, first-time homeowners and most importantly, the 8 million Americans paying for college.
Not only is he increasing the Pell Grants, but he will bring forth a $10,000 tax credit for families in four years of college.
In this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a job; so more and more young adults are investing the money to ensure a manageable (but not necessarily comfortable) lifestyle to live. Which leads to his proposal of student loan debt forgiveness after 20 years, or 10 if in a career of public service.
Needless to say, for every positive, there is a negative. And while some might argue the ineffectiveness of his term thus far, or the lack of impact they’ve personally felt in their lives, ask yourselves this—what change do you know that has ever happened overnight … and succeeded?
So, whether you agree with President Obama or not, you can’t deny this man’s courage, enthused attitude for change, willingness to fight for the people of America and his strive toward the excellence and decency this country deserves.
Most importantly, let’s not wait for another tragedy to strike to trigger the displaying of the American flag on the bumpers of our cars, or random patriotic acts of kindness.
Unification of a nation starts with one. God bless our President, God bless the people and God bless America.