After watching the speech, reading and re-reading transcripts of it, Obama’s State of the Union certainly offers a strong plan for a more balanced, more stable economy. Of course it’s only a speech and, as a liberal democrat, I would love to see many of his hopes come into fruition. However, despite his enumeration of inspiring anecdotes and encouraging words, I remain skeptical. (Surprising, I know--call it the David Hume fan in me.) Because, let’s face it, our economy’s in the shitter and we need more than just a couple of “we can’s” and “we will’s” to convince me that change will come. But, since I love him, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt because any president, or human being for that matter, willing to clean up Bush’s stale crap in the oval office will always be a hero in my eyes. (Oh, how I deviate, back to the State of the Union...)
After a longwinded introduction, characteristic of any address such as this, Obama begins to dig into the meat of his proposal explaining that his “blueprint begins with American manufacturing.” He discusses the imbalanced tax code and his hope to remove the tax deduction for overseas business ventures and provide such deductions for national ones, since they aren’t getting anything. This really stood out to me since the unemployment rate in the United States is so deplorably low; why wouldn’t we want to provide more jobs for our citizens? He explains that “It is time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America.” I completely and wholeheartedly agree. So far, so good?
If more job opportunities arise in the states, we’ll need citizens with the skills to successfully perform the tasks associated with these jobs. Obama tenaciously requests businesses to fund schooling for talented, prospective employees, which, as someone who is paying for further schooling herself, I really appreciated. I really don’t know where I’m headed after college, but I am grateful that we have a president who is truly concerned for the future of his citizens. He continues to suggest that we make it a little easier for people to go to college by encouraging Congress “to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July” and attempting to inspire states and national universities to be a little $$nicer$$$ to $tudent$. This is where I get a little bored. Where’s the plan, Stan? Of course, it’s nice to say this will happen, but I’m not convinced that it actually will. Give states more incentive to help students out instead of just threatening that “the funding you get from taxpayers will go down.” Everyone from New York to California is shaking in their boots, I’m sure...
Then he begins to confront what seems like the age old question of illegal immigration with a side of his signature inspirational mumbo-jumbo, which, I must guiltily admit, I absolutely adore. (Gets me every time.) He assures that we are in dire need of “comprehensive immigration reform” but promises to sign any law “right away” that will allow “responsible young people” to acquire citizenship. How sweet.
He then begins to tackle the question of energy and our dwindling supply of oil. To me, on the surface, he is actually offering a fairly concrete plan, explaining that “we have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly 100 years.” He continues to describe his hope that the transition of this gas into usable energy will result in more jobs and a healthier, safer environment, proving that “we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy.” This is a plausible, realistic hope, but, like any dream or wish in a State of the Union Address, it’s easier said than done.
(I’m not gonna lie, I actually got pretty bored when he kept talking about energy for 57 hours, but, since I have the attention span of a dinosaur, I won’t let that get in the way of the fact that I think he has decent ideas regarding the subject...)
Anyway, moving on to his titillating talk of taxes, he plans to charge million dollar Americans a 30% tax rate. Personally, I really don’t understand anyone who supports the notion that wealthier people should avoid providing for their fellow, debt-stricken citizens, most of whom are hardworking Americans struggling in this unfortunate economic climate. How do we plan to get through this tough, financial time if the weight of the crisis rests upon the shoulders of those who do not have the tools to repair the overwhelming damage? Of this I am certain, we will only get through this fiercely distressing predicament if we are willing to take care of one another, ultimately preventing the recurrence of such plaguing circumstances.
Obama concludes that, “This nation is great because we built it together. This nation is great because we worked as a team.” These expressions couldn’t be more accurate and it’s time for everyone, democrats and republicans alike, to embrace that. Verdict on 2012 State of the Union Address: A total and definite hit.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Transcript: President Obama delivers State of the Union speech." CNN n.d., n. pag. Web. 26 Jan. 2012.
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