Homework is to listen or watch the State of the Union Address this evening. KPFA.org 94.1 FM, KQED.org 88.5 FM, probably all the television stations and on-line at 9 PM EST, which is 6 PM PT. You can watch it at www.whitehouse.gov and on CNN.com too.
This video speaks to the history of the address and why it takes place: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/25/inside-white-house-state-union-address
Specifics on homework for tonight:
Watch the video before the address, if possible, tonight as you watch the address and/listen to what is stated, notice the audience and their response to the president. How does this affect the president's delivery, or does it? What key points does the president make this evening? How is our nation or union doing?
What kind of argument is this address: claim of fact, claim of policy, claim of value? Is he making an ethical appeal, an appeal to emotions, an appeal to authority, an appeal to logic?
Focus on three points raised in the address: one a problem, one an achievement and one an issue which is larger than one term, perhaps because it was inherited from previous administrations.
Do you agree with the framing of the issues? Why or why not?
Did the president leave anything out which you feel is important, like higher education, elder care, homeless youth, the increasing prison population, which effects you directly? If so, what issue was that? Do you feel that this State of the Union Address spoke to you? If so, give examples of that recognition? How did our president acknowledge your presence in the audience?
Bring in your notes for discussion Thursday, January 27. We will post an essay response to the questions on the blog for homework. If your response is too long, post it in two-three consecutive segments.
If you do not understand some of the questions, answer or respond to what you understand. This is not a test (smile).
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Sandahl von Sydow
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 Jan 2011
I think the President touched on some key issues that have been brought up numerous times before, as well as issues that haven't received much light. America has been slipping in education for many years. Other countries are surpassing us at a phenomenal rate. President Obama rightly states that we need to reform our education in order to be more competitive in the world.
I also applaud President Obama's attempt to boost national morale during the last fifteen minutes of the speech. As Americans we need to remember that we got where we are because we dream big and we act on our dreams. Our mantra should not be "It can't be done," but rather "It can be done!"
Sandahl von Sydow
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 Jan 2011
While watching the SOTU, I noticed that House Speaker Boehner looked like he really didn't want to be there. His body language indicated that though he was physically hearing the speech, he was not actively listening to it.
It is no secret that Rep. Boehner has a very set opinion, but I find it troubling that a House Representative, let alone the House Majority Speaker, can be so set in his opinion that he refuses to listen to any other point of view.
Kate Freeman
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 January 2011
Response to 2011 State of the Union Address
President Obama is a gifted public speaker. His voice carries, he pauses when the moment of the audience require it and he uses key words that are meant to spark a sense of kinship and unity in a divided nation. However, as tall as he stands and much as he smiles reassuringly, this speech left me uneasy.
Innovation, education, and infrastructure where the key words President Obama focused on in his update of where we stand as a nation and his goals for where we are headed. Woven into these main ideas was the theme that we are a divided nation, but we need to come together in order to progress and move forward. There will, indeed, have to be compromises made in any environment with more than one inhabitant.
A specific phrase that stood out to me was that we must “shape our own destiny.”
Innovation is a core to our American lifestyle and philosophy, but in a time of government fiscal deficit, I’m not sure it is something we should be pouring money into in the ways President was suggesting. The innovators he spoke of started up their world changing innovations without the kind of government assistance that he is suggesting. I’m concerned that we are planning to put ourselves into further debt in this way.
When it comes to education, everything he said made sense to me. Education must begin in the home and mother and fathers should encourage education and love for learning, as well as be teachers in the home. Our public schools are a partner to that family base and can built and encourage the children with a strong support system and drive. Education reform should come from the educators, not mandates, and be encouraged by government, not strictly regulated by it.
In speaking on education, President Obama mentioned illegal immigrants and made a strong statement that I don’t believe he will stand by. That we need to enforce our laws.
Infrastructure is all about how our country works, and maintaining it is an important goal, but I’d like to see us focus on getting our country financially on track. Let’s live within our means and allow the economy to grow more before trying to take another leap forward. A baby that tries to run before learning to walk is going to fall down many more times that the cautious latter child, and I’d like to see our country walk before mounting a high speed rail adventure. He said we need to sacrifice to stay within our means, will we sacrifice in the right areas?
Everything President Obama discussed sounded good, but the implementation is going to be another story. Where do we stand on the goals he laid out when he came into office? Have we come far enough to trust him to take us where he says we are going now?
Cecelia Theis
ReplyDeleteEng. 5
I got a chuckle out of the smoked salmon comment!
President Obama touched me with his comments about education and our need for innovation. He said that education must begin at home. He called a lot of parents out when he said to turn off the television and help your children study so that we can compete in the future.
I loved the story about the small drilling company being so innovative and the result was the rescue of the miners in Chile. This story proves that small ideas can be big ones!
His statements about lobbyists clogging progress up and finding loopholes so the richest Americans don't pay taxes gave me hope that things will change. He stated that he won't accept earmarks ... I believe this president's intentions and ideas are strong and possible.
His statements about keeping our educated immigrants here is thought provoking.
I hope there really is a way to bring America's corporations back here to employ Americans.
I completely agree with the above post about Rep. Boehner's body language during the State of the Union address.
Melvin Pandey
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 Jan, 2011
President Obama’s delivery during the State of the Union was not waivered by any reactions of the audience. He seemed to firmly press on with his point regardless of the reaction of the crowd. With the Audience, any generally democratic idea, topic, agenda was covered they rose and clapped while the republicans stayed seated. And republicans would rise and clap when it was something that the Republican Party would favor. Generally any comment that seemed patriotic, and or about unity both sides would stand up and clap. His main key points were on the recession and how the economy has made a comeback, yet also how there is a long way to go still. His argument is a claim of facts, he points out that China is leading the world in building solar arrays, yet he also points out that U.S. still has the most prosperous economy in the world. His argument also has a mix of emotion in it. He is trying to point to what we are doing now and what we have done in the past in times of struggle, and how we recovered form that. Thus he is urging Americans citizens to stand up and not be discouraged and that there is hope for everything in terms of economic down turn to be turned around.
I think the achievement argument/point President Obama raised in today’s State of the union is that America’s economy has recovered from the dismal shape it was two years ago. He pointed out that there are more jobs and less people unemployed than compared to the past. One problem that he addressed was the issue of energy and clean energy. He talked about how U.S. is too depended on Energy and we need a better source of clean renewable energy. He also set aside guidelines for what needed to be done and certain goals for the future. And the third argument, one that is bigger than this term of his administration, is of the education. He talked about how our nation needs to put bigger priority for education and that we need to fund education more. I think this issue is far bigger than any term, it is an issue that will change over many years and the results of funding may not be seen as easily. I think it will take years for the issue to change even if we did something now about it.
The state of the union talked to me because of the things he said about the education, which directly affects me as a community college student. He also spoke to me when he talked to me about the economy because as a server in a restaurant, the economy affects how much money I make in terms of tips. Overall I believe it was a good state of the union address by the president and that the state of our union is far better than it was two years ago when he gave the address.
Dennis Foley
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 January 2011
When the two officers, that stand by the entrance of the House of Representatives, loudly state “Mr. Speaker the President of the United States”; I felt a combination of History and American traditions enter the chambers as the President made his way to the podium to make his annual speech. I find myself recalling not so much about the speech but more about the procedures of the event. It is an extravagant and serious gathering of Officials of the American government.. The speech is not so much an urgent meeting to come to majority favored conclusions. It is a speech to declare the current state of previous, ongoing and future plans for the country. The other parties of officials are allowed a response after the president is finished with his speech. The State of the Union Address is not a debate, just a point in time to state the issues.
The speech is a very important job for the president. It is not only a summary of what they have accomplished in office but what the current struggles are and what they are going to do about them. The speech exhibits the president's dedication and character to the audience. Creating a speech that will cover the issues and send a strong message is imperative. This year president Obama's speech went over well with the audience, there was continuous scattered applause and cheering (due to the republicans and democrats being in mixed seating there wasn't an obvious side with more applause). There were remarks that made only a few stand up and clap loudly, while the opposition remained seated. Also there were remarks that were met with a standing ovation. He created an emotional appeal with the phrase “Winning the future.” and focused on strategies that will help Americans move forward. To “Win the future.” president Obama declared that education is very important and an increase in mathematics and science is needed. He said “Its not just the Winner of the super bowl that needs to be celebrated but the winner of the science fair.” which was vastly praised throughout the audience.
He touched on other issues, many of which related to the creation of jobs coincidently, including technology innovation, international trade, and the Iraq war. He noted that the Iraq war is coming to an end. He mentioned our deficit and the need to cut unnecessary federal spending. Technology was a important topic to president Obama, because not only are the innovations helping the country with things such as clean energy, space, communications, and trade but also creating jobs.
The 2011 State of the Union Address given by president Obama was clear and detailed, which helped me understand and follow along. He mentioned the need for higher education which connects with me as a student. I think this higher education in specialized fields will be enough by itself to amplify the number of jobs and opportunities. After listening to president Obama's speech I feel that he will make a valiant effort to act on the topics that he talked about. After all that is what the speech is for; to communicate the State of the Union and propose restorations for the issues.
Jeff Norkunas
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
Jan 28, 2011
As the president came to the podium there was a sense of change that I have never felt in any of the other address’s that I have watched in the past. The old guard of this country seemed nervous and continued to squirm as the night went on. There were points in the speech that brought everyone together in standing ovations though; when president Obama spoke about improving education and respecting teachers, raising corporate taxes, rebuilding the infrastructure of the country, and most of all forgetting about the past two years and focusing on working together.
During the speech the president made many types of claims; there were stories based in fact, and yet he also made clear what his values and polices were going to be for the next two to six years. Our lack in caring about the education of our youth has already started showing its ugly head in our society. It is a problem that needs immediate attention. Yet we are a country of survivors and innovators that will keep us competitive in a world economy. By letting the lobbyist and oil companies know that the days of caring about their small groups are coming to an end, it will hopefully bring a new and fresh approach for the coming generations. Along with the possibilities of restructuring immigration so that America can become the most desired place on earth to live again.
Yet there was one aspect of our country that was not discussed at all; the people that are on the fringe, marginalized people. It could be the underlying sign of the new times to come, if you can’t hold your own in a world of competition maybe America is not the place for you anymore. What will happen to welfare and other programs in the future? Will it be that our poor and marginalized will disappear to other parts of the world?
Overall the speech inspired me to think about my own role in future of a new America, and gave me hope that finally the mistakes of the past 30 years will be rectified.
Cesar Chairez
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 January 2011
One problem that Obama brings up in his address is the education. The education of our children does not meet the expectations of the future. In the future there will be jobs that require more than just a high school diploma. The boom for newer technology expects for children to be better educated in the fields of math and science. I believe this to be true. The education for most children is now minimal. Many kids grow up thinking that high school is their last step and because of that there is no effort. If Obama wants better results, he will have to come up with a way to boost the morale of students.
Obama mentions that the US is aiming to use cleaner energy. We see this progress already being done. As we know it, China is already mounting solar shingles on top of houses. By using clean types of energy, there is a guarantee for less pollution we inhale. In the near future Obama hopes that we can power automobiles with better sources of bio fuels. This is realistic in that this change will have to take place.
A great issue that is mentioned is the debt that had been carried over since Bush had been in office. As a solution, Obama has proposed to make “deep cuts.” These cuts will be taken from the Army and the oil industry. The national deficit, as we have seen it grow, is outstanding. I hope that these cuts have a positive outcome.
Sandahl von Sydow
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
Jan 28 2011
President Obama's speech was a metaphorical call to arms addressed to all Americans. For decades, our education system was the envy of the modern world. People from all over the world would come to the United States for a top notch education. For the last ten to twenty years, we have been skimping on quality by supporting an inefficient school system. Instead of teaching valuable life skills, we are teaching students on how to pass meaningless tests. Though our education is still sought by many outside of the United States, our lead is slipping. China and India are fast catching up to us. Soon they will surpass us. President Obama stated in his address that America must out educate and out innovate in order to remain competitive in the world.
America dreams big. That is what President Obama told the nation during the last fifteen minutes of his speech. Throughout its history, America has been the nation of innovation. We produced brilliant and ambitious individuals such as Edison, Tesla, Susan B. Anthony, Dr. Salk, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. When Russia became the first nation to reach space, America did not take the news lightly. In 1958 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was created. Eleven years later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would take their first steps on the Moon. President Obama has called for America to once again outshine the rest of the world in innovation and ambition like we did over forty years ago.
Sandahl von Sydow
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
Jan 28 2011
In order for America to out educate and out innovate, we must invest in research. President Obama outlined that research must focus on clean renewable energy, high speed infrastructure, bio-tech, and other sciences. Our education needs to be reformed to better prepare students in math and science. President Obama mentioned that he is preparing a budget that he will pass onto congress within the next few months, which will include proposed investments in the mentioned fields.
The deficit is an issue. Many Americans are unwilling to see the Federal Government spend any more money than it already has. In order to help fund some of his investments, President Obama has suggested redirecting tax cuts given to oil companies and placing the savings into research for clean energy. He has also suggested making permanent a ten thousand dollar tax cut for students attending four years of college.
Sandahl von Sydow
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
Jan 28 2011
Redirecting funds is not the only solution to our education woes. President Obama has called upon parents to be more involved with their children's education. He also mentioned that we need to rethink what equals success. Success should not be based on fame, but on hard work. He has also noted that No Child Left Behind needs to go. The legislation does not help struggling schools. It merely punishes them if they don't meet standards. He also emphasized that teachers deserve more respect. Good and effective teachers need to be rewarded. However, he states that we also need to stop making excuses for bad teachers.
The President outlined several goals in regards to education and innovation. He seeks to have America once again be number one in education. By 2035, he seeks to have eighty percent of our energy derive from clean energy sources. By 2015, he seeks to see one million electric cars on the road. These goals would be beneficial to society. America has the ability to achieve these goals. What stands in our way is a complacency that has set in since the Space Age. We have become the nation of “It can't be done.” We must once again become the nation of “It can be done!” Our President believes in us, so should we.
Brian Santos
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 29, 2010
The State of the Union address was like all other presidential speeches. President Obama touched on some key issues, like education, clean energy and of course jobs. While these are all important issues, it is still just more of the same speech-worthy political rhetoric. Presidents in times past have talked about the same issues. How is this speech different from all the others? The only difference was the audience's seating arrangement. It called for democrats to sit next to republicans. While this played perfectly alongside the president's quote, "What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow?
President Obama articulates his words very precisely and is definitely a change from the past two presidential terms. This does not change the fact that all presidents say the same things over and over again. The facts remain the same as they did 100 years ago or 20 years ago. We, the people and contributors of this so-called most powerful nation, still do not have free education and free medical, something that a poor nation like Cuba has for its people. Why do some countries in Europe offer these basic services for their population? The answer might be because the US government allocates almost all taxes to military operations and weapons. There are many poor and wealthy nations that give back more to their people than the US does. These are the issues that need to be addressed.
The President made a good point about needing to glorify education as we do organized sports. But this has to be enforced. Just talking about it has no meaning attached to it if the media, controlled by the FCC (gov. entity), does nothing to back up those words. Actions will always speak louder than words.
Paris Middleton
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 January 2011
The audience does not affect President Obama delivery at all. He speaks with a confidence that he knows what he is saying by using his hands and looking directly into the audience. You can tell that he has years of communications skills as he remembers his whole speech and say it without mistakes effortlessly. He has this way of interacting with his audience. Which make his speech more enjoyable to watch.
The president makes major key points about innovation and building the economy. He wants the U.S to grow as a whole and beat other countries economic growth in technology as well as education. He wants the government to stop excess spending and also improve in our building of America. Our nation is doing well in some point but in others we are struggling to stay on top he noted that 1 out of 4 students in the U.S. graduate for high school. This affects the U.S because more jobs are being made in the united states that require more advance education, college degrees and training. He wants the congress to make more educated choice on how they spend our tax money and said he will veto any unnecessary bills that have access spending. America’s economy is 14.6 trillion or its Gross Domestic product is bigger than any other country which is good. Our infrastructure investment is only 2% which is lower that most countries. He talks about building our nation up in investing in projects like fast trains that would get us to different cities and states faster than a car ride and plane.
The type of argument that this address focus on is the claim of fact and the claim of policy. He states fact while providing a point. Saying that we should act on certain points of his and tell us the calculations of what will happened if we do. He just wants the U.S. to want to better our economy. He is making an appeal to all, By wanting people who hears his address to feel for him, and feel as they can relate by relating his speech to people in the audience who is just like us, and also understand what he is trying to do.
Quan Lin
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
26 January 2011
State of the Union
In the 112th congress, president Obama stated many topics. The president started off the State of the Union with a tribute to the empty seat, who belonged to democratic representative Gabrielle Giffords who was shot earlier this month. With every speech and points he addressed, the president received applauds and standing ovations emphasizing their support towards president Obama. One of the primary problems that he addressed was energy, safe, clean, renewable energy. President Obama wants by 2035 that 80% of Americans get their energy from clean, renewable energy. By setting up a time frame, it helps Americans have more faith and is more confident that the plan might actually have a chance of completion with in the allotted time. The president might not have acknowledge all the necessary points and problems, however with the certain ones that he has, it was covered comprehensively allowing us, the audience, to have considerate thoughts and complete faith.
Henry Wu
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
29 January 2011
In the State of the Union Address, the resident addressed a nation that is in a recession and morale is low. Overall, the President tried to encourage the audience and framed the Address such that it will boost overall morale in the nation.
President Obama started the speech by addressing the economic recession. He admits that the recession has affected us all in negative ways. However, he was sure to frame it in a positive framework. He uses emotional appeal and claim of facts such as the Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Omaha Beach to remind Americans that such times of strife are not to be met with submission but with a fighting spirit. Obama claims that “the worst of the storm has passed, but the devastation remains” and points to the fact that ten percent of Americans still cannot find work, home values have declined, and businesses have shut down. Obama claims that he is hopeful of America’s future because of the American people’s great resilience in the face of adversity. In his words, “We do not give up, we do not quit.”
The President begins to address the problem of the economy. Perhaps the most controversial topic of the recession was the bank bailout. This is one of the many examples of corruption that existed and still prevails in Wall Street. Obama strongly expressed his disgust of the bailout and to this he was met with strong applause from the audience. Obama then listed what his administration did to help the economy, especially his tax cuts for millions of Americans. There is also the Recovery Act and lists examples of how the Act has benefitted teachers, small business owners, and small families. Obama makes it his point to say that jobs will be the focus of the economy and will dedicate most of his efforts on the small business owners.
The second part the of the speech addresses the different reforms Obama wants to enact. Specifically, Obama stresses investment in clean energy and sustainable fuel. Obama believes that the nation that leads clean energy will lead energy development globally, and America needs to be that nation. Another topic Obama discusses at length is the current state of the education system in America. He believes too many schools are failing and believes the best anti poverty measurement is a world class education.
Overall, the tone of the State of the Union was positive. The audience was composed mostly of Democrats and Republicans and their reaction to the speech was very contrast. The Democrats were much more eager to give the President applause while the Republicans were much more conservative in their support. The fact that bipartisan cooperation is not working well in the Senate and House is no secret and Republicans like John McCain rarely applauded if at all. However, the President was not affected by the negative response from the Republicans and looked poised and confident whenever he was delivering his next point.
I feel that Obama did not address cooperation between the United States and the rest of the world. I feel that Obama only touched on the subject when mentioning trade agreements such as NATO. Obama mainly used examples of China and the European countries as warnings. He listed the achievements of China and warned that America will be left behind if it doesn’t start innovating and implementing new ideas and projects. Overall, I believe the State of the Union sent a positive message to Americans. It encouraged Americans to keep on working hard and put faith into their government.
Sophia De Claro
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
29 January 2011
During the State of the Union while President Obama was speaking the audience's response was very postive. Many people stood up and clapped each time they thought Obama made a good point. But there were others who did not agree with some of Obama's points and were obvious about it. Some of Obama's key points he made during that evening were about school, education, illegal immigration, jobs, and etc. President Obama believes that out nation is not doing so well. Might I say, many others probably think the same way.
The President wants to have America to be number one in education. By 2015, he hopes to see one million electric cars on the road. These goals would be great for our society and would make our world a better place. By 2035, he hopes to have eighty percent of our energy come from clean energy sources.
Mercedes Rawlyk
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
27 January 2011
English 5
After watching the State of Union Address, I noticed many things about what was said. The audience throughout this discussion changed several times. A lot of the congress had very different emotions. I noticed that both sides stood up and clapped throughout the time. Sometimes as others were standing and clapping, the rest were sitting down either looking annoyed and shaking their heads laughing. It was almost as if some didn't want to be there and then some were delighted to be there. The audience did not affect Obama at all. He is such a motivational and powerful speaker, that i feel an audience will ever affect his speeches. He made a lot of key points about the economy, of course. His main point was about the fact that the Republicans and Democrats need to tart working together and pass laws through both parties. As of right now, he basically stated that the union is doing alright and things are starting to pick up, but this union still needs lots of work and lots of cutting back on unnecessary things.
I feel that Obama's argument is a claim of fact and value. Many things he spoke upon had evidence supported behind it that was mainly about the value of our economy, our union. I strongly agree with his framing issues. I agree with them because i feel that a lot of the things he mentioned are right on point. When he spoke about technology and improving the energy, his ideas for them were good ideas. He spoke of a few different ways to begin fixing these problems. Also, he mentioned by a certain year that technology would be so great that there would be no cars that needed gas.
Obama mentioned that our nation's problem is that we are overdoing spending and we need to cut back to get out of our deficit. One achievement is that our nation is slowly coming back and creating more jobs. A problem that larger than one term is trying to get all the troops home and end the war.
I don't feel like Obama left anything out in my eyes. The only thing that really affects me is education. Obama spoke on that as well and what needs to happen as far as higher education is parents need to step up and push for their children to succeed. With all the cuts happening many are suffering and kids can not be lazy.
This State of Union Address spoke to me in the way of speaking upon education and the economy rising. Education is very important to me. A rising economy is important to me as well because many people around me are suffering from it and have still not been able to get back on their feet. He acknowledged many people who care of all the things he said. He emphasized his ideas and made the audience want to listen. Well, at least for me.
What really had me upset was all the comments made against Obama underneath the video. Many people called him names and spoke about how what he promised is not true and he lied to the nation. I strongly feel that these are all ignorant statements. I feel Obama is doing the best he can to change what had already began before his presidency.
Dylan Young
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
30 January 2010
The president starts his speech with a strong sense of improvement,stating the economy is coming back strong after our worst recession in years.As the crowd settles during his speech you can notice the audience seems to affect the presidents confidence in his delivery . I did enjoy hearing his lighthearted delivery as he even made a few jokes throughout the speech although i am sure some others didn't. He talked about some of our most relevant problems as a nation such as education, stating that 1 in 4 American children will not finish high school. He continued his speech in a claim of fact style, stating a fact and following it with a point. An achievement the president talked about during his speech was how our economy is beginning to rise and how much it has improved since the recession in previous years.
Obama's main direction with his speech was about "winning the future". Something that will take more than a term to happen. He talked about how we are falling behind in technology as a nation and followed with talking about plans to build a trans continental railway. I agree with his framing of the issues discussed because spoke of them stating both positives and negatives of each topic. I also feel that the president left many key issues out like the prison population and i feel he avoided speaking about the health care reform as much as possible.I really enjoyed his speech and as a student i feel he spoke to me. He talked about the American Dream and education, both things that are very relevant in my life right now. I feel that it is asking to much of any president to turn around a nation in one term but i like the direction we are going with president Obama.
Andrea Giang
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
29 January 2011
President Obama’s State of the Union Address had a positive tone because of the way he focused on what the country could do to move forward in his speech. He spoke of the future and doing big things to prosper and become more advance. The President wanted to encourage innovation and the creativity of the American people, which could lead to the creation of millions of new jobs and new technology. He wanted the United States to invest in info technology, biomedical, clean energy, protection of the planet, creation of new jobs, and renewable energy. President Obama wanted to put more money into education so that the children would have a chance to succeed. He spent most of his speech addressing the growth that he expected from the country in the future.
The President felt that we, as a country, are behind other countries in education and technology. He thought that we are behind in math and science. President Obama mentioned that the country needed to be rebuilt so that people can be transported faster such as through high speed rail and high speed internet. A few problems that he also addressed were the health care plans and immigration. However, the one that seemed to make many people in Congress unhappy was the issue of tax cuts for the wealthiest two percent being revoked. These are issues that will require time to address. It will not be an easy task to get everyone to agree to the same solution even if they all want the same end result. For instance, even though everyone wants to improve education and technology, they might not agree to cut spending in a particular area to use that money for education.
I think one of the important issues the President had not addressed were the costs of higher education. He spoke about how the children of America needed to pursue higher education, how there ought to be more teachers, how there should be advancement in math and science, and how we should use tax subsidies to make college affordable. However, he did not address the time frame that it would take. Many students are taking out more than one loan to pay for their college education. While the idea that eventually college would be affordable is appealing, I feel that the issue should be addressed soon especially since the universities are raising tuition right now.
Overall, I felt that the President’s State of the Union Address had a positive feel to it. Although the Democrats and the Republicans disagree on certain issues, it seemed that during the speech, everyone sat together and were pretty much united. According to the reporters, they believed that the reason that there were not as much disagreement is because of the Arizona shootings, that incident was at the front of everyone’s minds. The President’s speech gave people something to be optimistic about and to look forward to by talking about the things that we can do to be better than we already are.
In response to Melvin Pandey, I agree that higher education is a big issue that will take many years to address and fix. Many people want the same thing overall, a better and affordable higher education. Although there is talk about giving more funding to college education, it is not that simple. In order to have more money for education, something else has to be cut for that to happen. While many people agree that there should be more funding for education, the difficulty would be in deciding where spending should be cut.
In response to Sandahl von Sydow, I agree that President Obama’s speech was very inspiring. He set out certain goals for our country to achieve by a certain time. After listening to his speech, I felt that what he set out for us could be accomplished. The President does seem to make children’s education and technological advancements as main goals for the country, something we all can strive towards through hard work and creativity.
Hang Lu
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5/211
The Union Address of President Obama did at last week involved a lot of aspects, such like economy, politics, national defense, medical treatment, and education. I want to talk about my opinion of education.
I really agree with President Obama advocates that we need pay more attention on our citizens’ education. In my opinion, the education is the basis of a country, a basis of a nation. The truth is how much education that the people can get, how far the country can be developed.
I do know now the whole of the world has economic depression, a lot of companies closed down and a lot of people lost their jobs. The government of California cuts their finance budget also because this reason. But I do not think they cut the budget of education is a good idea. Kids need to learn knowledge; adult need get more new knowledge to make better lives. The human can not stop the step of progress. How can we do it? Let’s go to school! The government not only won’t put more money to our public schools but also cut the money from schools’ budget.
Two years ago, when I first time took classes in the college of Alameda, it was much easier than now. At that time, you could take classes after school start few weeks because there were many classes, and you not need pay the tuition fee first. But look at now, I feel much hurry of taking classes and I should pay all of my tuition two weeks before the new semester start. If I am late even only one minute of paying, they will cancel all of my classes. Schools have the difficulties. The government won’t give them enough money that they need. I do not think this is the attitude of government that they encourage the citizens have more education.
I hope the government could do some change of the public education, could give people who want to have better education the chance to go to school.
Sarah Speck
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 January 2011
Response to the State of the Union Address 2011 by President Obama
The problem facing our immediate society in America is our country’s economy and finical situation. Without a stable functioning economy, people do not eat and life hardens. President Obama hopes to respond to the deficit in the fashion of the common American family by working everyday to live within their means. If we, as a people, must balance, we deserve a government who too lives within these rules. In politics, this will mean suspending Annual Domestic Spending for five years (12% of the budget). He gives examples of sacrifice all over the federal government while employees and the military experience a freeze on their income. But, of course, President Obama is mindful to emphasize that though frugal is the name, it will not be the game. We cannot cut back on the backs of the country’s most vulnerable, says the President, nor from the great investments we’ve made for our future.
The larger issue inherited from times and progress before today’s, which has both bettered and complicated civilized life, comes to the fierce job competition. President Obama glorifies the American legacy of innovation, and stresses the need to “win the future” in the technological race against those who are also our competitor in the economic world markets, China. Both the generations of the past, and the young of today are faced with a great challenge. (This was embarrassingly referred to as our “Sputnik moment” in the speech, and ran over several times in the papers). Thus, education is paramount. No, there no longer exist paying work-labor jobs with a promising future as the past had provided. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are our focus, if our focus is to “win the future”.
But, the back of the recession has broken and we are seeing incentives and opportunity for new small business, and a federal focus, if only in word alone, on caring for that growth. Our union has hope in the ‘Mom and Pop shop’, in the community schooling single mother, in the students who are extendedly protected by their parents’ health insurance plans. Trade talks all around the globe will make it possible for our exports to continue to create more revenue for the American people. An American people, Obama states, that needs to solve its internal issue of Illegal Immigration once and for all. If we retain the immigrants we educated, our nation could be that much better.
Obama, though a sweet toned gentlemen, did not speak to an audience existing in this country. To his peers, he either coaxed their already-held beliefs, or politely infuriated those opposed him. His nice and eloquent way of plainly stating that his opinions were firm and reforms immortal seemed hostile. The invitation for suggestion, exclusively for tweaks, to improvement on already in-place movements were readily heard struck odd as well, no doubt intention was earnest. He seemed to be addressing the outcome of the 112th Congress, and indirectly standing firm to the new change and asserting his voice, thought, and power. As an American person, the emotional appeals President Obama used to make the public feel connected, cared for, and unique poured through the name dropped stories of situational struggles through these past couple years.
Overall, the State of the Union is hopeful. Through logical deduction of the value of the internet and computer age, we as Americans can, as we naturally should, “out innovate, out educate and our build the world” -once again!
Wayne Chen
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
31 January 2011
Comments on Obama's State of the Union:
The audience at the speech of the president had very positive feedback for what the president’s addressing his State of the Union. In my opinion, I thought that the president might have handpicked some of the audience members for the press so that when he talked about their stories, they could be there to hear what he had to say about them to evoke more emotion towards the nation watching the speech on television. The president’s delivery seemed very calm and well versed, so nothing seemed to obstruct him from delivering his message at all. His audience always applauded his proposals for the future of the country, but he seemed indifferent to their cheers. Obama addresses that our country is improving than that of what it was before, but that there are a lot of things that need even more of an advance towards success.
The kind of argument in this State of the Union is a claim of policy, because President Obama starts stating how he will try to amend some of the problems still facing America, such as the deficit and the recession. He promises new jobs in the near future for alternative fuels, construction, education, etc. He may be stating a claim of policy, but Obama made an appeal to emotions, because he related those new jobs and innovations to real people in real situations, having the camera zoom in on the people who he referred to in his audience.
One of the things Obama addresses is that America’s transportation network has dwindled on an international level. He plans to fix that by funding construction projects for high-speed rail, faster Internet for more Americans, and a few other possibilities. Another thing he addresses is that our troops are finally out of Iraq with their heads held high. He said that the government and war in Iraq has finally stabilized, and that the Al Qaeda may still be plotting to attack America once more with other methods. One other issue is that Obama proposed that 80% of America’s power would be coming from alternative fuels by 2035. He says that he will fund the research as soon as possible to make it a reachable feat.
In my honest opinion, the framing of the issues are ridiculous. These just seem like the same empty promises that Obama made when he was running for president in the election. Nothing seems within reach at all, since the funding will never get into his hands so that he can actually try to make it happen. In my eyes, I can’t find how our own president can’t see that he’s thinking totally unrealistically.
The president left out very crucial points in his speech. The most important thing he left out was how he would find the funding for these crazy, out-of-pocket projects he will concoct. I find everything to be unreachable, just not within anyone’s grasp, especially not Obama’s. He left out how we would fare as a society for schools to be cheaper again, since it is still dramatically overpriced and having budget cuts almost every year if not less time in our state. He needs to pinpoint where needs the most help in this kind of economy and how he can realistically think of a way to achieve that task. I strongly disagree of what Obama preached in that State of the Union because it just gave America another place to look and see nothing in due time; it’s ridiculous how Obama can repeat the mistakes of George W. Bush and give everyone false hope for the time being almost every time he opens his mouth to speak to the public.
Wayne Chen
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
31 January 2011
In response to:
In response to Andrea Giang: Yes, President Obama did give his words of wisdom addressed in a form of optimism, but in my honest opinion, those were just empty words of comfort to the people of America. He addressed those proposals for the future with much confidence, but taking a realistic feel for what is currently going on with our economy and funds, we can’t really do much with such a debt in our nation’s hands. In essence, we are just increasing the debt to an even larger amount, which quite frankly is something I would not want for my country at all.
In response to Dylan Young: President Obama has promising ideas for the future, but are they really feasible in this sort of recession? Look at Jerry Brown, who already cut $400 million in government funds for education; who’s to say Obama won’t do the same? He’s part of the same corporate party, and they both have barely any experience with making large decisions in a statewide/national scale. I strongly believe that both elections for the governor of California and the presidential election were horrible choices for our country. We are just stalling away at the problem at hand, not making swift enough progress at all. Americans love seeing dramatic and successful results within a short amount of time, and neither have managed to do so within this time frame.
Ebonee Chambers
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
31 January, 2011
In today's society, Presidents are under huge amounts of stress. Huge amounts. The progress he has made is significant, and mostly for the better. Could he possibly do better? Maybe, i dunno. I understand how social networking could help you voice an opinion, by perhaps making a group on facebook or a fan page. Yes, we are losing contact with the government in the meaning that we can't voice our opinions as much, but we must be creative, and find new ways to convey our ideas.
Ricarda Sawatzki
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
31 January 2011
The State of the Union address is an annual speech the President of the United States presents in front of the United States congress. This annual address is an important speech for the President and his audience. The President addresses the condition of the country and he talks about the improvements that have to be made during the upcoming legislation. The United State Congress is normally divided into Democrats and Republicans, seated apart from each other. This year the President proposed for the first time to rearrange the seating and have each member of the left party (Democrat) sit next to a member of the right party (Republican). This seating was due to the tragedy in Tucson early January where congresswoman Gifford got shot and was unable to attend the address. In this years address President elect Barack Obama discusses his ideas about education, innovation, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Obama introduces his speech with some emotional appeal towards the Tucson shooting. He mentions the empty chair in the congress where the wounded senator would normally attend the speech.
Obama continues with his thoughts on education. He acknowledges that the United States has to change the way it treats the education system. The United States cannot keep on making budget cuts within the education sector and at the same time expect improving results. Education is the key for progress. Without education improvements the country will not be competitive in the world’s economy. It seems like a logical conclusion that the quality of the student’s education is the building block for this nation’s progress. Obama refers in his speech to an example from Korea, where the society symbolizes their teacher’s as nation builders.
With education comes innovation. The President points out that there needs to be a dedication to research and technology. Supporting financially the oil industry is not an answer but investing into clean and green energy will help the country and create thousands of new jobs. Jobs this country needs. In terms of healthcare the President makes clear that he is willing to add changes to his healthcare reform but he is certainly not going back to the circumstance’s where people got denied from an insurance due to preexisting conditions. He presented his point with a strong and confident voice and in return received applause from the congress. In a study I watched on CNN the applause was significantly louder on the democratic side during these two topics. But due to the rearranging of the seats it made it harder to see or hear where the applause was coming from.
ReplyDelete“Winning the Future” is one of the expressions Obama used multiple times during his speech. “Winning the Future” is part of being competitive with other nations. But looking at the infrastructure of this country the United States can still progress. Progress such as high-speed trains should be built and information via high-speed Internet should be available for the majority.
President Obama presented his address of the Union with confidence and a variety of issues that everybody can relate to. I think that President Obama is very gifted in terms of how to use the language. I personally like to listen to his speeches. He mentions examples from common American’s that makes his speech resonate and feel more heartfelt. Even though the political parties do not normally agree with each other and applaud during different presentations of ideas, I think it seemed that the rearranged seating united the two parties more. With almost every single thought the President gets applause or a standing ovation from his audience, which shows support for his speech.
Personally, I enjoyed watching the state of the union address. I agreed with his thoughts on the improvements the country has to make. Being from Germany but living in the United States I was excited to hear about the education plans. In Germany education is for free and higher education is affordable for everyone. Personally, I felt he should have spoken more about the higher education sector. This is something that affects me in my everyday life. The costs for a secondary education are so high that not everybody has the chance to attend college. I can just hope that the government will not cut more money out of the educational system otherwise education is going to be a luxury for most people.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I feel like President Obama gave a very uplifting and optimistic speech. I can identify my thoughts with his words. His attempt to improve this country in different ways and getting it out of its economical crisis seems to be honest. He is a strong speaker that knows how to empower people. I hope that this optimism can last and things will change as promised.
Darin Lago
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
31 January 2011
State of the Union Assignment
I believe the president's speech was a success in how he delivered his speech, brought emotion to the audience, and created a strategic structure of how to get America back on its feet. He covered many important issues and possible solutions in his speech about the American struggles. He states that the worst of the recession is over and now it is time to rebuild.
He offered four ways on how to rebuild America
such as creating more jobs in America and increase trading exports with more foreign countries. One issue he mentioned which is very important to me is the investment in our education system. He proposed new plans for our college and community college system which could greatly effect me and fellow students. I just hope he will follow through in the near future.
I also liked how the president was able to throw in some jokes to lighten the mood and bring smiles even though we are still living in tough times. Especially when talking about breaking free from the dependency on oil companies and stating, "Last time I checked, I think they're doing fine." I couldn't agree more and I'm proud that he brought up the investment of clean energy, because we need to utilize it.
Our nation still has a tremendous deficit, but now we can start working our way to remove the deficit. It seems like we are getting back on track because the stock market is going up, but with everything it takes time.
I believe the presidents' argument is a claim of policy because he's being strategic about how best to bring America out of this debt. He provided solutions and some are already being followed through. An example is a cut on the Military on what America can do without. The president is also making an appeal to authority by strongly encouraging others to take charge and make a difference.
Three points raised in the address:
1)Problem: We need to decrease the deficit without spending more by carefully cutting back without effecting the American people
2)Achievement: “We are a nation of big things” A small company that did a great big thing.
3)Issue larger than one term: Investing in clean energy and free on the dependency of foreign oil.
I feel the State of the Union Address spoke to me because he talked about the education system and community colleges. He also mentioned that if I’m contemplating on who I want to be that I should be a teacher because teachers will be needed. I like to teach people and it’s something I wouldn’t mind doing, because I always enjoy teaching and helping others.
Sana waheed
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
01-31-11
In State of Union Obama faced all kind of Audience. Some of them were giving him good feed back and some of them were little cold. But he was satisfactorily bear with his point despite the reaction of his listeners. Obama had many new points that we need to do work on it. For example students need more improvement in math and science skills and engineers. He didn’t just talk about large-scale he also mentioned about every little aspect of education and energy saving problems. which was actually very affective to me. America is well developed country but we are falling behind in new technology or lets say we are not producing enough scientists and engineers such as china and others.
I like the fact that he has made education in math, science and engineering a priority. He talked about our responsibility globally when it comes to fighting terrorism. That's something as a law enforcement person I'm glad to hear. He wants to put millions of electric cars on the roads.
There were few things that should be more specifically explained such as “wining the future”. What and how should it be or at what angel he is using this phrase. And another thing that he mentioned in his speech was that army has all kind of support and love from man woman and the third lovers (bio-sexual). What was his point by high lighting that particular part? Is he trying to get his audience's attention.
Madeleine Hess
ReplyDeletePr. Sabir
English 5
2/1/2011
I'm not very dedicated to following politics, but in my opinion, the State of the Union Address was a let-down on the president's part. I think Obama is a fine president, better than he led me to believe when we stepped up to the podium and became all smiles and cheers and empty partiotic words: all things that make me not want to trust a politician, even if they are a saint. The crowd only made it easier for him to continue on in such a way, consistently giving standing ovations and cheers at every opportunity. No doubt Obama fed off of this positive emotional support. Nevertheless, I attempted to remain as open as possible, while still stubbornly avoiding the emotional appeal of his words in attempts to filter through to relevant information.
The president mentioned many topics concerning our country today, without going into much detail. He discussed both new policies and new values that will be enforced in the White House that seemed fair to me, such as non-favoratism (a ban from the sneaking around in Congress in order to have bills passed unfairly) and anti-homophobia in the military. I admire these values greatly, because they are also mine, but once again, the how's, when's, and to-what-degree's were hardly mentioned. Obama did also manage to mention the situation in Iran: there is progress being made by the US. He also touched on energy efficieny and educational funding, two things which I was personally interested in. Unemployment was addressed as an issue that will be difficult to get out of and will take patience on everyone's part.
The president's main focus seemed to be reform. Reform in areas of equality, community, economics/employment, education, and the use of technology. Although I agreed with Obama's ideas and beliefs, I disagreed with the framing of the speech. It was too saturated in emotional draw, noticibly designed to pluck at the nation's heart-strings.
Response to Kate Freeman
ReplyDelete“A specific phrase that stood out to me was that we must “shape our own destiny.”
Innovation is a core to our American lifestyle and philosophy, but in a time of government fiscal deficit, I’m not sure it is something we should be pouring money into in the ways President was suggesting. The innovators he spoke of started up their world changing innovations without the kind of government assistance that he is suggesting. I’m concerned that we are planning to put ourselves into further debt in this way.”
I think it is important to remember that many of the innovators that the president spoke of lived if a different time and in the age we live in, for any new innovation to be made in any industry or sector requires massive amount of capital to succeed. While I believe that it is important to cut our deficit, now is still not the time. The government must fund programs or watch it wither and die. I believe it would be a mistake to assume that the economy is in a better shape and that people/programs do not need government funding and assistance.
Response to Cecelia Theis
“His statements about lobbyists clogging progress up and finding loopholes so the richest Americans don't pay taxes gave me hope that things will change.”
While I also hope that this will change, I highly doubt this will for the next few years. The democrats had the change to do this when they controlled the house and they lost that. The current tax plan will stay in place for two more years and when it is time to do anything about it, it will be election season again. I highly doubt that the Democratic Party will be willing to take any drastic action in election season. In my opinion this issue will not really change for at least another 4 years.
Melvin Pandey
ReplyDeleteProf. Sabir
English 5
2/1/2011
Response to Kate Freeman
“A specific phrase that stood out to me was that we must “shape our own destiny.”
Innovation is a core to our American lifestyle and philosophy, but in a time of government fiscal deficit, I’m not sure it is something we should be pouring money into in the ways President was suggesting. The innovators he spoke of started up their world changing innovations without the kind of government assistance that he is suggesting. I’m concerned that we are planning to put ourselves into further debt in this way.”
I think it is important to remember that many of the innovators that the president spoke of lived if a different time and in the age we live in, for any new innovation to be made in any industry or sector requires massive amount of capital to succeed. While I believe that it is important to cut our deficit, now is still not the time. The government must fund programs or watch it wither and die. I believe it would be a mistake to assume that the economy is in a better shape and that people/programs do not need government funding and assistance.
Response to Cecelia Theis
“His statements about lobbyists clogging progress up and finding loopholes so the richest Americans don't pay taxes gave me hope that things will change.”
While I also hope that this will change, I highly doubt this will for the next few years. The democrats had the change to do this when they controlled the house and they lost that. The current tax plan will stay in place for two more years and when it is time to do anything about it, it will be election season again. I highly doubt that the Democratic Party will be willing to take any drastic action in election season. In my opinion this issue will not really change for at least another 4 years.
Javier Chavez
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
First of all, I must say President Obama is one excellent speaker. As I was watching the State of the Union address I noticed his perfectly executed speech, which coincided with the audiences applause and silence, as if they were in symphony. I heard the announcer say that this year was different due to both parties sitting mixed in with each other, which affected the way the audience applause's, and I did notice it.
Some of the points I noticed President Obama make was to encourage American innovation, which include new jobs, new ways to produce clean energy and so on, which is nothing new, I’ve heard this one before, lets see how it turns out.
"Race to the Top" is replacing No Child Left Behind, which I approve one hundred percent since NCLB seems to be making education in America even worse.
Overall, this was an excellent "speech", for a moment, he gave America hope.
Dennis Foley
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
February 2nd 2011
Response to Kate Freeman:
First I agree with Kate's opinion that President Obama is a gifted public speaker. Simply because to be a public speaker you have to be gifted not to blow it. Secondly I disagree with Kate's views on innovation. Kate said " but in a time of government fiscal deficit, I’m not sure it is something we should be pouring money into in the ways President was suggesting." I believe we cant put a price on innovation. Obviously there are limits, however I believe that new innovations are very important and should be one of the last things that we cut from our budget. For instance in Cecelia Theis's essay it mentions the small drilling company that rescued the trapped miners in Chile. She said that "This story proves that small ideas can be big ones!"
In response to Paris Middleton:
I agree that having only one out of four students graduate from high school affects the US. Although I don't think its really the graduating from high school specifically. Its more a lack of educational motivation. Young adults stop their education in high school and ignore education for the rest of their lives. Paris said "more jobs are being made in the united states that require more advance education, college degrees and training." This is true after a proper education more jobs will be available. Not only that but after a proper education employees will be much more adequate for any position. Society will prosper and the individual will prosper.
Hang Lu
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
February 2nd 2011
Response to Ebonee Chambers
I think this is a good idea that put the people’s opinion of the government on the facebook or a fan page. But how can we make sure that government will know the people’s voice? Or if people have different opinion, will they fight on facebook? Maybe we need really plan it and build a huge group. Holding slogans in front of city hall is a pretty good straight way.
Frena Zamudio
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
02 February 2011
RESPONSE TO THE 2011 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
President Obama is a great speaker, just by the way he says his plans, the word choice, his facial expressions, you can just tell, as an audience how he took time to practice the whole speech and made sure there would be errors as much as possible. Having a great, straight forward, based on facts speech is very important because it helps the audience see that you know what you are talking about. During his speech, people were quiet if not giving him a round of applause which indicate how they pay much attention and believe on everything he says.
Some key points that stood out for me are the freeze on domestic spending, deepcuts to excessive spending, call out for help to Millionaires, and innovation, he says it is the first step in winning the future, encouraging innovation , proving everyone that we are the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices. He also says that here in America, innovation does not just change our lives but it is how we make our living, which is pretty much true, we rely a lot on the new things, new technologies, new laws, new ideas and those new things will help us, this country move forward, that things are going to get better in the future.
Frena Zamudio
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
02 February 2011
RESPONSE TO CESAR CHAIREZ
I agree about the education part, its true that sometimes, or most of the time teenagers think that they can be the best that they could possibly be once they graduate HS,it is possible(maybe)but it will take a long time to achieve whatever dreams they might have.It is good that we have alot of good technologies here in the United States compared to other countries around the world,especially the third world ones,they do not get as many opportunities like we do.So we should be thankful of how blessed we are,and should grab opportunities once they are offered. I think it is great that we have a president who gives attention to the future generation's lives.
RESPONSE TO SANDAHL VON SYDOW
Also, a little part about education, i also agree that we should invest, or put our money in making research to have a better country. So that we know which kind of energy to use, like the benefits of each one.Our education needs to be reformed, we needs things or people to motivate our students to try harder, to be better, to grab every opportunities that come on their ways. We will see how our President will do that, and what kind of arguments he is going to show us in order to back up his ideas.
Dawit Girma
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
Obama, in his state of the Union address, speaks with enthusiasm to the audience and to the public with his charming personality addressing important issues the same way he did before and after his inauguration.
The president stresses, that innovation is an inheritance of the past generation and must continue in a greater mass to bring USA in the leading roll of the world.
He also emphasizes the need of education in different fields, in order to keep America in the leading roll of the world. He indicates the down trend of the number of educated youngsters and clearly appeals for all involved in and around education like Schools, teachers, students, and states more over family members to recognize their responsibility and to play a leading role to their children’s success of higher education.
Obama indicates also the immigrant issue, that immigrants who feel like home here and especially who are educated have greater value to the contribution of the country’s growth. He finds it better to have educated people around.
Obama explains the painful recession time to the audience and he explains the need of sacrifice to the richest ones in the country in order to bring the country to higher level of standard of living.
Obama pleads again and again to the audience to use the country’s democracy for the best advantage of the country, without being imprisoned by party politics. “Let us fix what to fix and move forward.” Is the main clear message to the politicians.
The audience seems to be touched by his honest messages and I think everyone there have got home work to do; how far he could go for the sake of the country’s growth in every area needed.
Obama indicates the breakthrough of the worst time and lightens the light of hope for the whole people and demands to work together and to dream the American dream.