State Of The Union 2010

President Obama moves forward into a new year, a new decade of our time. He gives yet another speech addressing the American people and the issues that run parallel with our daily lives. President Obama sat down at the table with a full plate on January 20th, 2009. As 2010 sets sail, the President still has a long way to go.

I've noticed that many people take the opportunity to criticize Obama's work ethic and policies. But I've also noticed that people aren't in the same state of panic they were once in before he became president. The country repeated over and over just how close we were coming to a depression. Throughout Obama's campaign, he instilled hope in the people that we would halt ourselves from falling into a depression and create jobs for many people. Obama has been president for a year now, and guess what? No depression. We, as a country, have so far to go but I think we've taken a hell of a first step.

Obama, in his state of the union address, spoke on the issues of debate. One issue he spoke on was the tax cuts that many say weren't implemented. "We cut taxes for 95 percent of working families", he says. This includes taxes for small businesses, first time home buyers, and most importantly for me, 8 million Americans paying for college. Another issue, just as important as any, are the lack of jobs. "Because of the steps we took, there are about 2 million Americans working right now who would otherwise be unemployed." I'm no math genius, but 2 million people is a lot of people anyway you look at it. I'm sure the majority of us can't say we know what its like to be president of the United States. However, I know creating jobs for that many people can't be an easy task. Not to mention, that was a task carried out within the first year of his presidency. The Obama administration is also on track to add another 1.5 million jobs to the total by the end of the year. This positively affects so many Americans including teachers, cops, and fire fighters who now have jobs after recently being unemployed. Over the past 2 years, there have been nearly 7 million jobs lost and this subtracted 2 million is no balanced make up. However, it is a large step in the right direction.

Another issue that is vital to the success of our future, and that is the state of our school educational system. "The success of our children cannot depend more on where they live than on their potential." Obama looks to renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and work with Congress to expand reforms to all states. In this economy however, a high school diploma is not sufficient enough to guarantee a job. This is why Obama urges the Senate to follow the House and pass a bill that will "revitalize" community colleges. As many can relate, community colleges are future pathways to children of many hardworking families. Making college more affordable is a goal of Obama's and a hope of mine. I'm a senior and will be graduating soon, but the many that follow behind me should have better opportunities than I had. If they do not, then there was no progression and that is not how it should be. "No one should go broke because they chose to go to college", says Obama. I couldn't agree with this quote more. Obama looks to change the repayment plans of student loans and change the paid interest to help ensure Americas can pay off their loans in 20 years, and to do so without suffering financially as much as we are now.

Regardless of your thoughts on Obama, or criticisms about his time as president, these are changes that need to be made for the betterment of our future. Our future lies in the hands of our youth, and if we do not support and lift our youth, then all is lost. Education is important, taxes are important, and jobs are important. Obama is implementing policies that will strengthen these issues for the good of the country. Those who think there is some evil subplot hidden within the fine print of the Obama Administration should evaluate themselves. Ask yourself, do you really care about the betterment of the country? Or is it every man and woman for themselves? Although every policy and plan will not work, Obama seems to have this country's best interest at heart, and regardless of who you are or where you're from, you can't fault him for that.

Thank you for coming to Wasoc.