Watch and then read President Obama’s State of the Union Address.
Watch the commentaries and evaluations afterward as well. Bring in a typed response to the address. What was his argument? How in keeping was it re: policies and comments to that of prior addresses?
How was it different? What was most memorable? Why?
What if anything was left out? Why? (If you have theories.)
What moved you the most in the speech and touched on an issue close to your heart?
Evaluate the evidence. Was it strong? Did you in any way feel manipulated? Did you miss anything in the oral presentation, you were more aware of once you saw the speech in print? What was this?
Write your response in the form of a letter to President Obama. One page responses are fine for homework assignments. If you want to write more, you can. Make the letter personal. Mail it to him and keep us posted as to whether or not he responds.
I listened to KPFA 94.1 FM pre-speech analysis and speculation. There I learned of a preview of his speech on the President's campaign website on YouTube. For KPFA coverage, visit: http://www.kpfa.org
I also watched the NewsHour on PBS. They will have pre-and post talk and more on their website: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/01/excerpts-of-the-presidents-state-of-the-union-address.html
On channel 7, ABC, I watched their pre-speech coverage and news. The president will be on Diane Sawyer's show Thursday, January 26, his first interview of his campaign. Send her your questions: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/mailform?id=15430363
After class post your letter. Respond to one classmate's letter. If you want to post anonymously, you can. Send anonymous posts to me with your names via email, so you can have credit for the assignment.
Be respectful when commenting. We do not have to agree with one another. I think this makes discourse a lot more interesting. Remember when responding to the President to clearly articulate what "he says."
Be respectful when commenting. We do not have to agree with one another. I think this makes discourse a lot more interesting. Remember when responding to the President to clearly articulate what "he says."
Jesse Pinkney
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5 TTH 11AM- 12:15PM
25 January 2012
Dear President Obama,
The State of The Union speech was passionate and well spoken. I commend you on all the success you and your administration has had in the last 3 years. In your speech heard by millions around the country you spoke about fairness and giving people from all backgrounds a fair chance at education, employment, ownership, and opportunities that can create unknown possibilities for the advancement in this country. Fairness is something this land has been fighting for since the Spanish invaded it, and not to long ago the civil rights movement was protesting for fairness. Overtime fairness in this country has progressed with you becoming the first black president in office of The United States..
In your speech you stated “No one has done anything by themselves”, which many critics disagree with you. It is incredible the amount of narcissism, and super ego we allow in our political ideologies in both political parties. To think people in this country have been raised in good homes, well-funded schools, and well to do communities don’t think they benefited from the results of their elders accomplishments is astonishing. Some say you are creating class warfare, I believe our system is already structured to help the wealthy and not the poor. Opportunity for all is one of the principles everyone says our forefathers build this country on. The speech I heard and read didn’t speak on making the rich poor but rather helping those in need. You also talked about eliminating tax loopholes for the rich that caused hoopla on some media outlets. You also called on colleges and universities to decrease admission cost so that students can afford to get an education.
Thanks for touching on these important issues because they need to be addressed immediately. The fairness speech sounded great but the last 3 years Mr. Obama you bailed out many corporations that has not benefited the 99% you have chosen to campaign to. You begun the 2012 campaign with high hopes of reaching the under represented 99% that are still hoping for change. I hope you will do what you say and not say these powerful claims to get elected again. I still believe in you even though at times I doubted you. You are blessed to be in the position you are in and I hope you will do your best to establish a fair society in this country.
Best Regards,
Jesse Pinkney
Daniela Debergue
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 26, 2012
Dear Mr. President Obama,
Let me just start off by saying your State of the Union speech was absolutely amazing. Your very presence behind the podium demands attention and respect, while your words are captivating and convincing. You make listening to a speech seem like watching an actor’s monologue. Not that I think what you were saying was fictitious, but your ability to command a large audience is extremely impressive.
The idea of clean energy was especially complimented by your ability to speak with conviction. A transition to clean energy would be a huge change for America, and many people would have to make many sacrifices in order to implement such a change and actually see results. Regardless, your speech put into perspective how harnessing renewable energy will ensure a brighter, more prosperous, and free America.
First, there is the issue of America’s current dependence on oil. In your speech, you stressed the necessity of the development of American-made energy in order to solve this country’s energy crisis. You were right when you said oil is not enough. The mere two percent of the world’s oil reserves in the U.S. can’t provide nearly enough oil for this country to support itself, but since America has insisted on running on oil, we have had to find ways to make up for that lack of energy elsewhere. Up until now, that has meant taking advantage of foreign oil. That has also meant creating an unnecessary dependence on foreign nations for just as much energy as we could produce in our own country by using renewable resources such as sunlight, wind, and natural gas. Heeding your words and taking advantage of these alternative resources would bring America’s energy production back home, creating new companies and jobs, thereby boosting the economy.
Our environment would also cease to be jeopardized, were the United States to make the transition to clean energy. Using renewable energy such as solar power, wind power, and natural gas can cut dangerous carbon emissions radically, if not completely. People’s lives are at stake. Taking advantage of renewable energy will mean a cleaner, safer America for future generations.
When you brought up the topic of transitioning to clean energy, I liked how you approached it from a realistic point of view by pointing out some of the current realities concerning the switch to clean energy: “Our experience with shale gas…shows us that the payoffs on these public investments don’t always come right away. Some technologies don’t pan out; some companies fail. But I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy.”
This automatically made me think of Solyndra, because I live in California. Although the solar panel manufacturing company went bankrupt, I know you wouldn’t have changed a thing about your administration’s financial involvement in their company’s proceedings. You admitted to failure, but you also called out this country’s dependence on oil and how necessary it is that America breaks this dependence, especially on foreign oil. I completely agree with you, Mr. President, when you say how much clean energy and natural gas have the potential to really bring America together by creating tons of jobs and getting this country’s energy production back within our own borders.
This potential is all around us. Our nation must harness this potential and use it to our advantage. There are no downfalls if we really approach this country’s challenges as the United States of America. As you said in your speech: “This nation is great because we get each other’s backs. And if we hold fast to that truth, in this moment of trial, there is no challenge too great; no mission too hard.”
Thank you for reminding me. Thank you for reminding the people. Your words are a breath of fresh air, as always.
Sincerely,
Daniela Debergue
Liliulachelle Finley
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
26 January 2012
Dear the Honorable President Barack Obama,
The State of the Union address you presented focused on many problems surrounding the middle class socially and economically. Through your attitude of great pride and much devotion, one can tell that you care very much for the nation’s educational system, the troops, the unemployed and the great, hardworking employees of this county. As you centered on the ways we can fix problems that have existed for decades and throughout many administrations of other presidents, the argument you present of creating policies to benefit the middle class should run through clearly in the minds of the representatives of the States and Congress.
I understand that we as a nation must work together in order to create more jobs and make education our number one priority, but we have to work together with our representatives and senators. We cannot do it only because we, as citizens, are only limited to so much until the voting time climbs by. I agree that someone in Congress should take the different proposals you set forth into great consideration and make bills, but don’t they need to set something up that others will agree with? For example, the high school drop-out ban you proposed, to me, was a fantastic idea. But what about those who are teen mothers and cannot take on the burden of spending hours at school? Or those who are a threat to others physically? Will these things be considered by the one who creates this bill? This is something I care for but I cannot let it become a burden on the minority of teens in California who do have children. However, I do believe that this proposal should definitely be considered because it is throughout one’s high school career that they set up their long term goals, build a better work ethic and set sights on a career they shall try to achieve in the long run.
Liliulachelle Finley cont.:
ReplyDeleteAnother topic that touched my heart was your worry about college professors in community colleges who are laid off or fired due to budget cuts. I worry that colleges are cutting off the wrong teachers who actually want to and help students on the road to success. I also feel that colleges should fire teachers who have a bad reputation of leaving kids in the dark and sending them on their way to failure. Being in college for only one semester, I’ve noticed teachers with such a problem: the ones who pretend to lecture and talk about things that class as a whole doesn’t understand and where it doesn’t pertain to the class subject whatsoever. They feel that they need to be the student’s friend and not their teacher but this is only an unrewarding fallacy. I see how in high school as a teacher, being a student’s friend was a cool thing and youth usually appreciate that a teacher wants to be their friend. However, in college, it is much different. As students, we are actually paying to go to school this time and I don’t pay a teacher to be my friend or talk about Kim Kardashian’s fairytale wedding for a whole hour. Teachers with such a problem should be fired. I feel that the administration of community colleges and schools, in general, should work harder to review teachers in order to make sure that they are doing their jobs into helping their students achieve their goals.
President Obama, what I appreciated about this address that was different from others was that you actually had some things to back you up as a President in what you were saying. For example, you spent time talking about the troops, their success and your efforts into putting them back into the work force. Your decision in pulling the troops out of Iraq was a boost for our country. However, we still have much to worry about economically. Through the work force, there are many jobs that need to be filled but people don’t meet the requirements because of their education level. This worries me because I feel that everyone should strive hard to meet their goals and think about the future they have ahead of them. I know that you feel the same as well.
There is much to be done for the middle class Americans that build this country. We must all work hard together. Senators should meet with citizens in city halls to gather opinions. Our opinions matter because we are the primary voters of this country. Your example has inspired me to work harder for those of authority to recognize the problems we have at hand. Thank you for your devotion, pride and countless hours of hard work to make our country, the United States of America, number one.
Sincerely,
Liliulachelle Finley
Aaron Villanueva
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda
English 5
January 25, 2012
Dear President Obama,
I am a fulltime student and worker located in the Bay Area. I would like to say I agree with your proposal. Your speech made me relief. If these bills pass, I highly appreciate all the work that you are willing to do to better our country and I look forward for the future of the next generation.
After you gave your State of the Union speech on January 24, 2012, I am willing to vote for you on your next reelection. The argument you made about creating more jobs, stopping tax raise, helping students have a better education, helping immigrants better their future, and helping homeowners save money gave me a greater understanding that there is hope in our country for a better economy.
One of the problems that you are willing solve is for homeowners to save money. This was an issue that moved me because right now my family is in the crisis of losing a home. So far, many of my neighbors have lost their homes due to failure to pay mortgage. I know eventually my family will have to face the same obstacle. The worst part is going to school and working isn’t enough to live a decent life. Because of your speech, I see more homeowners being able to afford homes for their family as well.
Something that you said that struck me the most is about the planning of creating more jobs in our country. Through the businesses, you plan to help entrepreneurs with their small business to expand creating more jobs. This actually is a benefit for millions of people without jobs to finally have one. The great thing that you’ve said is about this woman who was trained to have a great career. She was laid off as a technician or engineer and now she has a job through the training that you offered her.
This reminds me of a program that I was involved with. It was called Year Up. What this program or organization did is to take young adults to have the proper training as a computer technician and then help them find a great career. This is one of the milestones of my life and it could be the same for others.
Your speech over all is strong. I was amazed because all I heard was great news. The only problem that I always keep hearing from others is that it might not actually happen. If you promise our nation a great deal to better our economy I believe you. Because of the evidence you gave about the car company Chrysler rising and saying that American manufacturers are hiring again, that is enough evidence for me to see that you are willing to take action. Little by little I see this country rebuilding. The great thing is that it also rebuilt me.
Thank you for all your hard work and God bless you as well.
Aaron Villanueva
Anonymous 39
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 26, 2012
Assignment #3: State of the Union Response
Dear President Barack Obama,
You gave a well informed speech in your State of the Union address. I must say that I am impressed by your manipulative figure of speech and how you refer the United States of America as the only nation that should lead the world in every aspect of international affairs. That remark alone states that our government should be authorized to make choices for other governments that only benefit our country so the world looks up at us. This is yet another imperialist idea that the rest of the world knows us as. To lead and control the goods and services of the world isn’t what I believe to be the key to our country’s success. It shouldn’t be about the business that steers us toward the rebuilding of our country; it should be the morals of what we can do to serve the world collectively. I’m also disgusted by some of the recent bills that have been passed and are about to be passed. Say all you want about change, but you’re making things worse.
As compared to your other speeches, I believe that the same promises you made in reform to taxes, health care, and education, have barely or never been met. Yes you may have made some changes concerning the topic around health care that it is no longer a government-backed program, but a private market plan. I assume the citizens of America want to hear that, but I believe that one isn’t true. You continue to manipulate the masses with persuasive points that redirect us to believing the right actions are taken.
You are well aware of the protests and demonstrations that have occurred all over the country, yet you allow our state and local governments to silence us. You even avoided the mentioning of the bill you allowed to pass called the Homeland Security National Defense Authorization Act. This bill alone contradicts the rights of Americans, and because of this, our rights to a fair trial are taken away, and anyone can be arrested, being a possible threat to the country. I might be a possible threat to the country because I disagree with the direction our government has taken us and want an alternative solution.
Only do well informed citizens of this country know the facts around how our government is being run. Run by corporate owners and bank institution who continue to put corrupt politicians in power to control the masses. Yes you have mentioned so many things that concern the middle-class and the least fortunate. You bribe us with plans that make us believe you can accomplish by merely putting those who are held accountable for the mishaps that have happened the past several years on the hot seat as you did tonight. That isn’t enough.
I believe in the power of the people, and it’s the people that will bring change one day. The right to revolt in opposition of the government’s special interest lies within the Bill of Rights and our Constitution. The government alone cannot make the changes we want to see. You have to begin to see that this is a world problem, and the citizen’s of earth demand the changes needed for the success and survival of our people. I’ll believe in your administration if you give what the people need and you hold yourself accountable for what it is to be right and just. God bless your soul, and God bless the United States of America.
Sincerely,
Anonymous 39
Thanhhuong Nguyen
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
Eng 5
January 26, 2012
Dear President Obama,
I thought your speech was really organized and strong. I noticed that you tackled almost every detail to our problems here in America, and it’s because of those topics you sited that caught the audience’s attention. They may favor you, but I do not. The change that you promised American's up until now still hasn't been fulfilled since you've taken office. There is so much evidence that I can provide my argument with in simple detail.
You would talk about the same issues that make most citizens believe they will be saved by the changed policies you promised. These policies you talked about deals with taxes, education, health care, jobs, mortgage, dept, American businesses (marketing), bringing troops back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and basically the things that benefits us like clean energy. Those running in office would want to say the things that American’s want to hear, but they don’t fulfill it when they are elected into office. Like how you talk about changes four years ago before you came into office. American’s believed in you, they thought you would solve their problems like being in dept or giving them more opportunity to find jobs, but until now, everything seems to be the same. I believe most of the issues that you promise us were not fulfilled. I’ve seen a lot of people that had no jobs, people owe so much money to the banks, school budget-cuts, students are dropping out of school, more crimes in the community, and low class have to pay more tax than the upper class (rich are being rich, poor are being poor). If you keep your words, then most people like me will believe in you and your actions.
Some people would feel manipulated by your speech, but I don’t. What you promise us before did not make a difference in today’s society. There are many alternatives to fixing the country’s problem by simply listening to what citizens outside of capital hills have to say. The government can’t do it alone, everyone needs to be involved. God bless you and guide you through the rights and wrong.
Sincerely,
Thanhhuong Nguyen
10822617
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 26,2012
Dear Mr. Obama,
Iam writing concerning your State of the Union Address, given on January 24th,2012. I will be touching on the positives and negatives of what you said inyour speech about education, taxes breaks for companies, insider trading, oil,renewable energy, illegal immigration, the deficit, and allowing responsiblehomeowners to take advantage of the low mortgage rates that currently exist.
I would first like tocommend you on your acknowledgment of the U.S. armed forces. As a member of amilitary family, I often feel like our military members are not given therespect that they deserve. Therefore, it gives me hope and pride to see you,our president, give respect and recognition to them.
OverallI thought that your speech was a good one and would like to begin with theaspects of the address that I agree with and support. Too often our government,much like our military, is underappreciated. We live in a nation with manyproblems, this is undeniable, but we also live in an incredible country withmany amazing things that are taken for granted, especially our judicial,legislative, and executive members.
WhileI am not often for an overabundance of government regulation, I did agree withyour proposal to make it illegal for people below the age of 18 to drop out ofschool. We are facing a period in time where an unacceptable number of youngpeople are dropping out of high school every day. According to the self-proclaimededucation group Choices, every school day 7,000 students drop out of highschool. I do not believe that a 16 year old has the right to decide to leaveschool. Until a person is 18 they have only very basic rights. Education is aright that we cannot allow to be taken away from young people due to theirself-destructive decisions.
Asa college student your statement to state colleges that if their tuitioncontinues to increase, the federal funding they receive will begin to decrease,really resonated with me. I am forced to attend a community college, notbecause of my academic capabilities, but for financial reasons. I also refuseto attend my state’s universities because I will not be a part of an industrythat raises my tuition twice a year. Education should not be an industry andunless we remedy unnecessary tuition increases that is exactly what it willturn into.
Weas a nation have begun to drift away from nationalism and must bring back theunity and faith in our nation that existed during World War II. The movetowards giving tax breaks to companies that keep jobs in America is a step inthis direction. There is no reason why I as a United States consumer shouldcall up American Airlines only to have a conversation with someone in India.
Wemust ban insider trading. I completely agree with your push for a bill to bansuch trading. We cannot allow our government to become anymore corrupt by moneythan it already is. There is no reason why congress members should have theability to trade stock within industries that they have a hand in regulating.I, as an American, refuse to sit by silently and merely watch as our governmentfalls deeper and deeper into corruption and do not doubt, Mr. President, thatyou will not hear my voice if this promise is not fulfilled.
Therewere some points that you made during your address that I do not agree with.The following are not completely negative, but I will present some of the flawsin several statements you made.
Iunderstand that there must be a bridge between our dependence on foreign oiland our transition to domestic renewable energy and natural gas is most likelythat bridge. However, if natural gas is our bridge than we need to be spendingjust as much money, if not more, on the development of renewable resources aswe are on natural gas. Everyone in Congress and the media seems to think thatone hundred years of energy is an expansive amount of time, but it truly isnot. A lot can happen in one hundred years and one hundred years can also go byvery quickly. The civil rights movement took well over one hundred years toaccomplish, and the women’s revolution has taken thousands of years; this isthe clean energy revolution and we are approaching a very critical point. Wehave a very finite amount of time to develop the energy that we need to propelour grandchildren through their lives.
ReplyDeleteItis also very hypocritical to state in one breath, Mr. President, that you arein favor of the expansion of clean energy and in the next condone offshoredrilling. We live in a time where we must be extremely vigilant of thepotential dangers that we are putting our environment in and off shore drillingcreates a multitude of potential problems. We cannot jeopardize our oceansanymore with another spill like the BP spill. I understand we have to be lessoil dependent on other countries, but the bottom line is we need to be less oildependent overall, other nations aside.
Inregards to foreign affairs, I was very happy to hear you say that you wouldlike to put a stop to illegal immigration. This is a very controversial, but apressing problem for many American citizens, including myself. However, I wasquite distraught when you began to speak of education and illegal immigrantswho were brought here as infants. It sounded to me as if you were tip toeingaround possibly implementing California’s Dream Act nationwide. I do not haveany problems with illegal immigrants who were brought here as infants possiblygetting citizenship easier than some others. What I do have an issue with isthe possibility of them getting specific scholarships to college simply forbeing an illegal immigrant in the past. My understanding of the implementationof the Dream Act was that such scholarships would be awarded. This is wrong.They, just as anyone else, should earn any scholarship they are awarded. Theyshould not merely be handed money for formerly being an illegal immigrant.While I suspect I will not win any sympathy from you for this I will proceedwith my point nonetheless; as a white female who is not planning to studymedicine or math I have found it extremely difficult to come across anyscholarships that I qualify for purely because I am white and not studying anyof the above disciplines. It would greatly upset me if the Dream Act were to gointo effect nationwide as it is currently written, because there are aspects ofit that are reversely discriminating against me and forcing me and people likeme to pay for college completely out of our pockets.
Onthe topic of federal spending, you mentioned in your speech that you andCongress have cut the deficit by two billion dollars. This statement wascomical to me. Federal spending is well over two trillion. We have to put partylines aside and make much bigger cuts. I do not know if you have ever heard ofor been to this site, but I suggest you take a look at it in your spare time.It is called www.usdebtclock.org.It is the U.S.’s debt in real time. I hope that you and every member ofCongress go to this site and feel just as depressed as I do when I look at thosenumbers steadily climbing, despite your two billion dollar cut.
Finally,in your speech you proposed the idea of allowing homeowners who had paid theirmortgage on time every month since purchasing their home to refinance attoday’s record low mortgage rates. I completely support this, but with oneadjustment. In the beginning of your speech you expressed your respect for ourmilitary. As I explained in the beginning of this letter I am a member of amilitary family. My mother is currently living in California on orders from theU.S. Coast Guard, away from her home in Florida. She has tried to refinance atthese low rates and has been unable to do so due to the fact that she does notlive in her home. If this measure is to pass, I ask that you create a provisionfor military members stationed away from their homes to take advantage of theselow rates. You say that you are the advocate of the middle class; we are themiddle class and are asking this small favor of you.
ReplyDeleteYouare a phenomenal speaker. You made some very good points and some other pointsI am not completely comfortable with. I wish you the best of luck in the nextelection, as I’m sure you can already tell, the Republicans aren’t putting upmuch of a fight.
Sincerely,
Kelsey Johnson
Kelsey.F.Johnson@gmail.com
(510)-205-0409
Tiffanya Richardson
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 26, 2012
Assignment 3 letter to Mr. President
Dear Mr. President,
Greeting, my name is Tiffanya Richardson and I am a college student studying at the college of Alameda, located in Alameda, Ca. Recently, my English professor gave our class the assignment to watch and read your state of the union speech. I fully support your argument regarding “An America built to last”. I thought that your speech was cleverly titled, seeing the state our country and economy has recently been in over these past years. I agree with your speeches platform, that fair policies and pulling together as a country will help rebuild our economy. Maybe, if we had a “blueprint” so to speak in place from the beginning, the country would not be in the devastating state we are in now. Your vision “built to last” greatly supports policies from your previous addresses. Your 2011 State of the union address for example, admitted the extreme differences between the parties, but how in spite of the issues, the tragedy in Tuscan helped us as a country realize that we are an American “family”, and that it is up to congress to decide to pull together to get the job done so to speak. When you fast forward to this years speech, you touched on the fact that congresses inability to come together has slowed down a lot of the progress that could be in place. In 2011’s address, jobs and rebuilding the economy were also huge factors. I appreciate the consistency in your policies. I think by comparing the previous year’s speech it’s obvious that you have a clear focus and plan that you are fighting to have enforced. I support and appreciate that fact as well. It is clear that you’re focused on working together as a country, in order to achieve success in education, higher paying jobs, as well as creating our own jobs as a country.
Tiffanya Richardson
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 26, 2012
Assignment 3 letter to Mr. President
continued...
You’re for the people, the majority, not just a small sector of the elite. I don’t view your argument as creating division, or showing favoritism between the rich and the poor. You’re simply expecting us to work together, for everyone to pull their own weight, work hard, and to be on one even playing field. I appreciate your optimism. Not only do you show how we are on a road to recovery, but you remind us how we got in this position before the recession. You touched on how a lot of jobs began being outsourced to other countries, and how technology, although a huge help, demolished a lot of jobs as well. While reading the speech on whitehouse.gov, I thought the slides and charts were a great addition, although I couldn’t help but think that with so much opposition against your policies, I would have liked to see a lot more evidence for some of your claims. For example, the claim that when jobs left our shores it drastically affected our economy, what jobs? Where, what companies, what positions? At any rate I’m sure most of that research can be done by the individual, but I do believe that addition would only strengthen your arguments. I enjoyed the example of assisting in getting General Motors back on top as the world’s number one auto maker, which painted this picture of bringing manufacturing back to American that you’re trying to paint for the country. It again, shows you’re focus on building a better stronger economy. One of the many issues that really stuck out for me was your focus on education. I love your vision of community colleges and business working together, in order to train and then employ students. I also was captivated by your proposal to support research in the budget for projects like energy innovation. Overall I believe you have a very solid structured plan. I can clearly see your vision and at the same time understand the progress will take time. I am in full support of your goals Mr. President. To sum it up I think you said it best “we can settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barley get by, or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot…” seems like common sense to me.
Regards,
Tiffanya Richardson
Tiffanya Richardson
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
January 26, 2012
English 5
Response to classmate’s letter to Mr. President
Jesse Pinkey:
I totally agree with your observation that Mr. President’s speech was focused on fairness in arenas such as education, employment, and ownership. I liked how you elaborated on the fact that as a country we have been fighting for fairness, and you using the examples of the civil rights movement. I also thought you made a great point regarding his critics that say he is creating social warfare, by pointing out the fact that this country is already biased in its structure to help the wealthy prosper, and the poverty stricken stay poor. It was important that you express that although you support his policies, you still are expecting him to implement them and make good on these great promises. Great letter, I enjoyed reading, you should send it to him!
Ricardo Arvizu
ReplyDeleteEnglish 5
Professor Sabir
1/25/12
State of Union Response
Dear President Obama,
Your speech was very powerful and moving it motivated me to still have hope for this country. Your argument of keeping America strong, and resurfacing old ideas like hard work paying off and that government should only help people in what they cannot do was very motivating. The goal of your speech seemed to have been to convince people that times are better and more benefits such as increased jobs and programs for middle and lower classes are being placed for them to ensure they find a job. You also covered interesting ideas that could great this country greatly and that is taking down ridiculous policies like the illegal immigration policies in place today. The speech was powerful and moving and it was about restoring the US to what it was by increasing jobs and getting rid of old ridiculous policies.
The outsourcing problem that was mentioned during the speech was very interesting because my family was affected by outsourcing. My fathers furniture processing plant was outsourced and he was left without a job he worked there for about twenty years, but unlike Bryan Ritterby the man who lost his job and was employed by another company, my father still cannot find another job because he has just turned fifty. The idea to tax companies that were outsourcing was great, that might help to keep businesses in the United States. The speech also reminded citizens of our accomplishments like keeping the car auto industry safe and building even more jobs from it.
A subject that you talked about really touched my heart, when you talked about illegal immigration and some of its benefits, it reminded me of why my parents came to this country in the first place. My parents came to this country searching for a better life for their children, my brother and sister who were illegal immigrants were afraid to go to school because they were afraid of being deported, you mentioned a bill that would allow illegal immigrants who want to stay in the United States to study and live a better life if that bill passed than thousands of people would be thankful including myself.
Another bill that you proposed was great the one that did not allow high school students under the age of eighteen to drop out was great. Personally I have seen most of the male students of my high school drop out I graduated in a class of only four males because the rest dropped out. If that bill were to pass then it would allow more students under the age of eighteen to have a higher chance of graduating.
Every major issue seemed to have been tackled in this speech but then again actions speak louder than words. The speech seemed to have not only mentioned new policies that could better the country, but it also mentioned taking down existing policies that harm the country. If these promises you made were actually put into affect then it would not only create a smarter government but also rebuild a trust between the people of the United States and its government.
With Anticipation of the future,
Ricardo Arvizu
Ricardo Arvizu
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
1/26/12
English 5
Response to student letter:
To:Thanhhuong Nguyen
I agree with you on some of your points, when president Obama came into office he did promise to bring back the troops from the middle east instead he is just barely pulling them out little by little. I also agree with the the part you said about budget cuts, Oakland's budget was cut greatly currently they only have half a police department and the parks and recreation department had layoff notices sent to every employee including myself. But when it comes down to high crime rates I do not believe the government should be involved I have lived in Oakland my whole life in an area with high crime rates, we learn to solve problems as a community having the government there would seem like they are trying to control and monitor us.
Vincent Corral
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 26, 2012
Response to classmate's letter to President Obama
Tiffanya Richardson:
I enjoyed reading your letter and you did a very good job in presenting examples of President Obama's vision of rebuilding our nation. You took note on his explanation of congress's inability to come up with the plans stated from last year's address, and I agree that it shouldn't be about the indifferences between the republicans and democrats that caused the slowing down in getting legislation done, but more about values. That's what I believe Obama was trying to stress. The value of morals and fairness. One thing I noticed in your letter was about what he meant when "our jobs left our shores." Major corporations have found tax loop-holes by sending their manufacturing production abroad. I understand he wasn't clear about his claims, but it should have already been obvious to the public to why there aren't so many manufacturing jobs available and why a majority of our products sold in stores are made outside the united states. I have high hopes for this year, and high hopes that Obama sticks to his plans, if not a full reform of the system.
Thanhhuong Nguyen
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
Eng 5
January 26, 2012
Response to classmate's letter to President Obama
Ricardo Arvizu:
Hi Ricardo, I agree with you about his speech. It is really powerful and it makes people want to believe him, including you. It seems to me that you really have hope in Obama. Do you really think whatever he’s promising us will be true? I doubt it. If he is to be elected president again, he’s probably going to do some part to make us happy temporarily, but I don’t think he will finish his mission or whatever he said he would do like the immigration policies you mentioned. Also, I agree with you about “actions speak louder than words”. The reason why I felt this way towards him is because he said these promises four years ago when he was running for president. Today, I don’t see much coming out from him. We still live in the same position or maybe worst for some people.
Amber Robbins
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
01/25/2012
Letter to the President
Dear Mr. President,
Uplifting and full of passion, your State of the Union touched on key issues and dilemmas in American society, and went a step further to offer solutions to those problems. With the zeal and energy that you presented the solutions, I myself, a working student in California, felt as if I should leap out of my bed and start working on a better America immediately. Covering topics such as jobs, taxes, environmental, and educational problems, you covered many of the concerns that American's carry around today about the current state of our society. However, my concern is that while your solutions seem perfectly logical, and practically obvious, they are surely going to be more difficult to achieve then they seem. Whether or not a "fair" America can be achieved or not will depend on the cooperation of the political parties, and only time will tell if differences can truly be set aside to build up a prosperous and proper America that people around the globe truly should dream of living in.
First and foremost you spoke of manufacturing, the "blueprint" of creating a better Nation. I strongly support your ideas on how to fix the tax situation in correspondence with companies manufacturing inside versus outside of the United States. Your evidence of successful actions taken in the past, such as the car industry, helped to especially boost the reliability of your proposals. I agree that the counterproductive reality of open job availability yet citizens that are not equipped with the skills to work such jobs is absolutely ridiculous, and a training program would greatly help in changing that backwards system.
One solution that you presented in response to sustaining that ability to acquire jobs is to have it be required that students stay in school until they graduate, or reach the age of 18. While sound in theory, this is one proposal that I must disagree with. This proposal seems very unrealistic, as there are a multitude of reasons why I student would not be able to stay in school; accidents in the family, teen pregnancy, the list goes on. While this proposal is out of good intentions, it simply feels too unobtainable to really be considered.
As an American that greatly values our resources, I am in full agreement with the environmental proposals that your brought to the table. I feel that our planet is first and foremost, the main concern, for without our planet sustained and plentiful in resources, there would be no life at all.
Overall I valued and enjoyed your State of the Union Address, and felt that the points, problems, and solutions brought forth throughout the speech were all notable and important. I feel that you showed a clear understanding of what the hard working citizen wishes their country to be and you seem to have a rather solid plan on how to get it there. Whether or not we can achieve said goals will depend on the American population, the government institutions, and you the President of the United States.
Amber Robbins continued,
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Amber Robbins.
Amber Robbins
ReplyDeleteProffessor Sabir
English 5
January 26, 2012
Response to student letter: Liliulachelle Finley
I thought that your letter was very well written and I agreed with many of the points that you made, particularly in response to the plan on banning high-school drop outs. While i believe that education is and should be of the up most importance, I do not think that the proposition to prevent students from being able to drop out should go into effect. My step mother was a teen mother and I know that she could not have handled the burden of classwork and school hours during and after her pregnancy. Overall I feel that your letter was a very strong response to the State of the Union speech.
Amber Robbins
ReplyDeleteProffessor Sabir
English 5
January 26, 2012
response to student letter: Thanhhuong Nguyen
I felt that your response to the State of the Union speech was very interesting. I thought it was refreshing to read a response that was so strongly against the President's words. Honestly, I do sway to agree that one of the key strong-suits of Obama is that he can sweep an audience up into his words with his enthusiasm and the strong delivery of his speeches. This tends to make the audience come away from the speech or televised version of the address with a false sense of security in how the future is going to be cured with the simple effort of the American people and government. I admire how you were unafraid to strongly disagree and I think that your letter was interesting and well written.
Daniela Debergue
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 27, 2012
Response to student letter to President Obama
Amber Robbins,
I agree with you one hundred percent about the law President Obama wants to pass to make students stay in school until they're 18. It's completely unreasonable. It was one of the few points in his speech that I disagreed with. Especially with the economy in its current state, I'm really not sure why Obama actually thinks he can implement such a law. Although there is tons of potential for the future of this country, the fact is that things aren't going to be back on track for a while. Yes, young people are expected to go to school, but the fact is that many young people today also have families to look out for and jobs to maintain. Sometimes school can't be a priority. The youth don't need any more restrictions, boundaries, or burdens on their futures than already exist right now. Things are screwed up, and until they improve, people are going to get by any way they can.
Aldo Cardenas
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 27, 2012
Dear President Obama
My name is Aldo Cardenas. I am a four-year US Army Infantry combat veteran working on transferring into CAL Berkeley. I am a political science major with an interest in politics and hope to one day either defend or obtain veteran rights as a lawyer, or do something in politics. I am writing to you sir as a response to your amazing delivery of the State of the Union Address, the energy you emitted really gave me a strong sense of trust towards your campaign.
When I joined the US ARMY I didn’t know exactly who I was. I figured that fighting to defend our country was my responsibility as a capable adult. I didn’t have money to go to college straight out of high school and the GI Bill seemed very appealing. While I was in the Army, President Bush promised citizenship to all permanent residents that served a certain amount of time in the military, but due to clerical error, I have been left behind. On your Address you promised to give citizenship to those who have lived here there whole lives, I have lived all but four months out of my twenty four years in this country. I fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom from September 2008 to September 2009. I applaud your performance as Commander in Chief in ending the nearly decade war and serving justice to Osama Bin Laden and all other of Al Qaida’s most wanted.
Another issue you mentioned that moved me was that to offer veterans better opportunities to succeed in our crippled economy. As a full time student I am taking on sixteen credits spread out throughout three different campuses working to achieve a higher education. As a veteran of an Infantry Brigade, I understand that higher education is a luxury our country should be able to proudly embrace, but with higher tuition rates, cuts in budget, etc. It makes it very hard to compete with those more able to afford those said rates. As a disabled veteran I would appreciate better VA facilities, and a little more help on the transitioning from soldier to veteran.
I understand our country needs to work together because I have been in the ranks where it didn’t matter if you where black or white, brown or green. If you were a Democrat or Republican or if you cared either way. Although it wasn’t as open while I served as it is now, I know what it takes to achieve a goal. If only our country would move together to achieve your goals, perhaps then progression will stomp out those who embrace tradition, and our country will once again flourish.
Again I write you Mr. President as a response to your State of the Union Address. I write to you regarding the issues you advocated for and how they affect my everyday life. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Aldo Cardenas
Student, Berkeley City College
10825772
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 27,2011
Dear Mr. President,
Because of the bad economical state and crisis of the recent recession, it is safe to say that the citizens of United State are terrified for America’s future. People all over the country are deeply concerned and seem troubled by the impact of this recession and by the debt that our nation is currently drowning in. Your recent 2012 State of the Union speech was a little helpful however, for it has delivered its message properly and shown us that there still is some light at the end of the tunnel. Now with the war in Iraq finally over and GM back on the top again, your promises seem more feasible and we Americans find ourselves just as hopeful again as we were four years ago. Your plans and strategies for the future seem very assuring, although we are sure those tasks are easier said than done.
One of your idea that I personally like very much is your alternative to having kids not dropping out of school. I myself am witnessing more and more high school and college dropouts these days. When one finds an easy paying job, they decide to settle for less and choose the easy way to life rather than getting the degree and education. Nevertheless now more than ever with school being so expensive and job market going down so low. The last thing we want for this nation is for the dropout rate to increase and having to worry about uneducated citizens rate going high.
Another battle that you have been fighting for a long time that I really support is the battle of immigration. Since all our forefathers were once immigrants themselves, I think we should legalize immigrants. As an eighteen year-old democrat, living in the Bay Area, your plans and goals for coming years sound very practical to me. However, there are tons of people out there that oppose to your ideas and solutions, which may be the only reason that is stopping you from fulfilling your promises. I understand that we as a nation need to work on these problems and all the other problems that this nation is facing together. Regardless, I would still like to wish you and all the people in your administration a good luck for you coming election. We are eagerly waiting for things to change around here and to show the people that are against you how wrong they are.
Sincerely,
10825772
Monsoon Pandey
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 27, 2011
Response to Tiffanya Richardson
I like your suggestion of having a blueprint. I also think that the fact that the congress can never make up their mind is slowing down the president, if not maybe even stopping him from doing a lot of things. The way I see it, president Obama is always willing to compromise and set an alternative to things that him and congress disagree on. Whereas the congress never seems to want to compromise, let alone agree with anything that they oppose.
Joseph Paez
ReplyDeleteProfessor Saabir
English 5
January 27, 2012
Dear, President Obama
I was glad to hear our fellow Americans are no longer fighting a war and losing their lives. I do want to honor their bravery for keeping this country safe and allowing us to continue to have our freedom. I look forward to seeing an economy in peril continue to progress and get better. If the economy gets better then it could benefit the unemployment situation. In addition, bring hope to the citizens of America to overcome the harsh realities we encounter every day. I strongly believe we as a nation have the strength and capability to grow strong when times get rough. I was touched when I heard personal debt kept piling up; mortgages were sold to people who were not able to understand them. I do agree with you Mr. President. It was wrong and irresponsible. I did not know that this occurred in 2008, but I am glad the problem was fixed. The issue at hand is our economy and it makes me proud to have a determined and responsible President that would not allow the economy to continue to plunder. The State of the Union address motivated me and made me more aware of the situation America is in as of now. If I could in any way possible I would be more than proud to help this economy get better. Unemployment has split many families apart and it is unfair for them because daily I am with my family that is able to hold jobs. In other words, everyone should have the right to have a job and to be able to hold their job. These people are hardworking individuals who sacrifice themselves to be able to provide to their family. Mr. President this has been my first speech that I have listened and watched. I got to admit, you brought hope upon me that better times are awaiting this country. I now believe that under your leadership America will be a wonderful country to live in. Also, that there is nothing to fear because if any problem comes up you will be right on it as soon as it shows up in our horizons.
I would like to say Thank You so much for continuing to be resilient on fixing America to the way she should be strong, independent and free. I wish you the best of luck on reelection and hope to hear from you again as it is an honor to be writing to you.
Sincerely,
Joseph Paez
Joseph Paez
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 27, 2012
In response to 10825772, I agree the economy is not at its best now. Many Americans have been affected by this and it has driven panic into the citizens of America. The State of The Union Address did help to motivate me that better times are awaiting this country. I strongly believe and agree with you that citizens of America are on the right path to recover from a recession that has plagued us for a long time.
Saba Ghanem
ReplyDeleteprofessor Sabir
English 5
January 25, 2012
Assignment 3: State of the Union Letter response
Dear President Obama,
Of the many million Americans who watched your speech, I thank you for your hard efforts in trying to fill in the gap between the rich and poor classes of America. Your speech focused primarily on improving the economy and bringing back the America that the world once knew to be a powerful country. There were several proposals that covered outsourcing by giving bonuses to U.S. run business, creating tax cuts to U.S. manufacturers, for education you proposed tuition tax credits, decreased tax dollars to greedy colleges, gave hope to small businesses for caring about the community and hiring locally, helped homeowners keep their homes by refinancing at low rates, and put in laws to crack down on financial fraud. This speech shows some proposals that if you can truly put into work would win you a second term; because we are looking for a president that knows our concerns and puts effort into change and progress we can see and live. You should focus your campaign on winning the election based on merit, and progress done, rather than comparing between previous presidency or what new candidates may or may not do.
As a student I especially agreed with your education proposals; which show your support of a stronger America via a stronger education system. I also agreed with you on trying to keep intellectual immigrants that deserve to live and work in America because they are a helping hand to this country, however you did not address how previous reforms as the DREAM Act and the Immigration Act can be more lenient. As for the U.S. citizens, tax incentives are good, however there should be more efforts to build the infrastructure in this country. I also think that there should be stronger laws that protect the common citizen from bank crooks. A “living will” doesn’t address our current struggles with banks but rather any future ones. Perhaps your administration should give more attention to the Occupy Wall Street Movement because it voices what 99% of the people have to say, and if they take part in building these proposals we may get somewhere.
On U.S. foreign policies, I was hoping to hear more about the Arab revolution, especially concerning U.S. involvement in countries like Syria and Yemen. Removing the U.S. military out of Iraq was a productive move and I especially liked your proposal to use that military aid to help bring down U.S. debt and help build America; because that’s where U.S. dollars should go. I also think that there should be more initiatives to remove U.S. foreign military efforts, which have hurt the U.S. and the countries it has occupied. There should have also been more efforts to punish men in uniform who have abused human rights in these countries. I also think that the U.S. is looking into its best interest out of the Arab Spring and not really addressing the democratic voices in the change squares of the Arab world. For instance U.S. support of Yemeni ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh. As for Syria, I agree with you, human dignity can’t be denied; however the U.S. should stand by the Syrian people and not resort to military efforts as it did in Libya. If the U.S. government is able to take firm positions on issues concerning foreign countries, then the world may begin to see America as a powerful country again. The U.S. administration says it’s against regimes, but their actions differ.
In closing, indeed God bless America, and as a U.S. citizen I agree with you, that we should all be responsible citizens in making this a better country, and those who do not abide by the laws should not be awarded. Thank you for your efforts.
-Saba Ghanem
Kevin Ruma
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
25 January 2012
President Obama:
Your State of the Union address was very moving. You immediately drew me in when mentioning that there are no more soldiers in Iraq and that “for the first time in two decades, Osama Bin Laden is not a threat to the United Stated.” Solutions to these two issues has allowed us to move on to more pressing ones like the economy and unemployment. Unemployment and the low economy can be helped by implementing new statutes to create job tracks and change tax plans that will benefit the greater good.
One way that you highlighted as a help to the economy was to lower income taxes for the middle class and eliminate tax breaks for the upper class. The only thing that I don't understand is the talk of reducing taxes, and then insisting on paying off the deficit. Wouldn't the reduction of taxes increase the deficit? I do agree with the Buffet Rule which would eliminate tax breaks for people who make over one million dollars a year and force them to pay 30% on their income. Those who make that much money do not need a break on their income taxes. As you stated, it increases the deficit or requires other tax payers to fill that void.
Another way that was brought up was the specification of job tracks to where a person can go through an educational plan and then straight into a job with a certain company that supports that program. The story of Jackie Bray held weight because it was a specific example. After she was laid off her tuition was paid for by Siemens and then she was immediately hired. The idea of having educational and training programs that are clear-cut and lead directly to jobs will help with the problems of lay-offs and unemployment.
The issues of our economy and unemployment go hand in hand. By solving one, we can certainly be on the right track to solve the other. New educational plans leading to jobs and evening out taxes are just the beginning to bringing this country back into the prosperity we experienced when coming out of WWII.
Sincerely,
Kevin Ruma
Maya Dobjensky
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 25, 2012
Dear President Obama,
Thank you for your inspirational state of the union address. I found your argument that America needs to unify in order to create progress a classically motivationally approach, yet simultaneously appropriate
for our modern day crises. From the very beginning of the speech to the last few paragraphs, you emphasized bipartisanship and unity of class, race, gender, orientation, and religion. Modern America is a melting pot of many colors and cultures; therefore I believe this argument to be extremely touching to most Americans listening to the
speech. I agree with your main argument, that Americans need to remain united at this difficult time in order to allow everyone equal opportunities in mending economic damages.
One of the most important themes of your speech was the hope of a sustainable America – that is, a future in which our economy is steady and does not rely on other nations. This statement excited me, particularly when you spoke of insider trading. However, I soon became disappointed when you discussed your plan for off shore oil drilling. This does not seem like a more sustainable American to me; we should be focusing our money and energy on cleaner energy.
As a young college student, I was particularly excited by your eagerness to reform education and make college more affordable to everyone. Obviously if one is talking about the future it is of absolute necessity to incorporate education into one’s vision, and that is just what you did. Education is now a privilege but I believe
it should be a right. Our country cannot progress if its citizens are not educated, functioning members of society.
I did notice that you began and ended with the triumph of Osama Bin Laden’s murder as well as the recession of the troops from Iraq. You found ways to incorporate the troops into various parts of your speech
as examples of unity and progress. While I am excited to be out of Iraq, I will reserve all celebration until we are out of Afghanistan
as well. I found the repetition of this theme to be a slightly annoying way of getting the American people on your good side, like a
cat who parades a dead mouse to their owner.
As always your speech was tactful and graceful; it moved from point to point smoothly and with effortless transitions. Your diction was simple and approachable, free of political jargon meant to confuse and
distract the public. You came off more as a neighbor than a politician. You have my vote.
Thank you,
Maya
Maya Dobjensky
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
28 January 2012
In response to Ricardo Arvizu:
Hi Ricardo,
I agree with you that President Obama's speech was very inspirational. I also agree with you about his hope to help people who have lived in the United States their entire lives gain citizenship. If someone was born in another country but raised here, it seems extremely unfair to kick them out simply because they do not have the correct paper work, when in reality the US is their home. I also agree with you about Obama's plan to make it illegal for people under 18 to not be in school. I believe that if young people are forced to stay in school they are more likely to succeed throughout their adult lives. Overall, great letter.
Melvin Herring
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5 TTH 11AM- 12:15PM
29 January 2012
Dear President Obama
I would first like to say that your speech was amazing, it was the first speech I have ever heard from you. I go to school and work almost every day: I rarely watch television. For a class assignment I was forced to watch and read a copy of the speech you gave; I have to admit you’re a smooth talker, because when I read the speech on paper it seemed completely different. To me it seemed too preached about fairness, but all is not fair.
But however you did touch some important topics that needed to be addressed, switching to clean energy seems like an idea we needed to have in effect soon as possible. Another one of your ideas that think was important was your alternative to having kids not dropping out of school. Rewarding this kids is something we must do, school is a must “ the high school diploma doesn’t mean much”. I have seen several kids drop out of school, know multiple kids who think about dropping out, and work with a couple who has dropped out. This can be a harsh world we live in, Kids like a young boy named Yummy is the perfect example, a young boy who pretty much dropped out and turned to gang violence.
But if it one thing I do agree with him fully, The present said something I couldn’t say better myself “we must not wait, Chinas not waiting”. We have to get this right(Claps).
Melvin Herring
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5 TTH 11AM- 12:15PM
29 January 2012
In response to Maya Dobjensky
Maya your points are pretty interesting, I too believe that Americans need to remain united at this difficult time; these are hard times we need to stick together. Now I know Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it all begins with a thought. But to me the highlight was the talk about making school more affordable, let just hope it’s not just talk.
Abigail Boggs-Moura
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
25 January 2012
Dear Mr. President,
After watching your passionate State of the Union Address, I was left confident yet with many questions about our collective future in America and as humans. Beginning by covering the troops withdraw from Afghanistan and Iraq, you drew in both republicans and democrats to emphasize your main point of unification from the start. As the main theme of the speech “building a unified American built to last”, it became apparent that the focus was to connect republicans and democrats, those with different economic statuses, those with different citizen statuses and the country for a balanced and stable future. Meanwhile, your position on issues around public and higher education, natural and renewable energy and immigration were solid yet by the end contradicted with previous stances on the same issues you held before office thereby excluding many voices from partaking in the unified America you spoke about.
Some of the positions that you spoke about that I directly connected to were changes to public and higher education, teaching, immigration reform on a federal level and supporting the use of alternative energy sources. As an after school teacher myself, the proposal you made of putting more resources and support behind public education was very important measure especially to bring is to congresses attention in the manner that you did. Also, you addressed the growing costs of higher education in a way that put pressure on colleges to stop the exorbitant rise in costs was very much needed. While I agreed and supported some of your points on immigration and alternative energy, the attempt to unify the country and particularly the congress overpowered views you held on these same issues before your presidency.
After suggesting congress should write a bill that allows immigrants who are pursing education allowed to gain citizenship along with a bill to peruse alternative avenues for energy, those stances were coupled with contradictory statements in order to please everyone. After boasting about putting “more boots” on the Mexican border than your predecessor did along with opening 75 percent more of our oil reserves, the determination to unify and please both republicans and democrats in congress overpowered your ideology that got you to office which I deeply disagreed with.
While it was a determined and passionate speech that brought collective attention to many pertinent issues and demanded action by congress, it also showed the change in your stance on many important issues thereby leaving many Americans voices out of the conversation and unified future you spoke to. I am looking forward to the coming months and actions of the congress on these issues you addressed during your speech.
Sincerely,
Abigail Boggs-Moura
Abigail Boggs-Moura
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir,
English 5
29 January 2012
In Response to Saba,
I really appreciated how you spoke about Obama addressing the 99% movement and if the movement and peoples positions on different issues were incorporated into the development of bills, a much larger amount of Americans needs would be addressed. I also appreciated you discussing the Dream Act which, through an executive order or simply talking about it in his address, could have been a big step forward for immigration in this country.
-Abigail Boggs-Moura
Shayne Keator
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
29 January 2012
Dear President Obama,
I enjoyed your State of the Union Address. I found it to be informative and at times inspiring. I agreed with most of your statements, but in regards to bringing our troops back from Iraq, I disagreed with your comment that the United States is “safer and more respected around the world.” The Second Gulf War was precipitated on misinformation. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction. Are we safer now because we decimated an already defenseless country? In the process of “liberating” Iraq, nearly a million Iraqi civilians have been killed, including children and the parents of children. It is likely that some of these children will grow up hating the United States and in will join terrorist organizations. I respect the fact that you acknowledged our fallen troops, but it seems to me that their presence was not needed in Iraq to begin with. Is it a coincidence that at a time when America needs oil the most, we start a war with a country that has the largest oil reserve in the world? But all things considered, President Bush is to blame for the Second Gulf War, not you. I was also disappointed in your plans of allowing more offshore drilling, as this will inevitably harm the environment.
Increasing employment and domestic manufacturing was an important topic in your speech. It was good to hear the news that General Motors was “back on top”. It frequently saddens me that very few items are made in America. It frustrates me when I call a company (such as AT&T) for tech support and have my call redirected to someone who lives in another country. I agree that the government should increase taxes for companies that outsource jobs to other countries. I also agree that this tax money should be given to companies that want to manufacture goods here, and possibly to companies that already manufacture goods here that are struggling to survive.
Your comments on education struck a chord with me. I am currently a student at Peralta Colleges in Alameda and Oakland, California, where over 100 classes have been cut. The cutting of classes has been so bad that it is nearly impossible for people to add a class after the first day. It would be nice if our state increased student aid and funding for our schools. It would also be nice if my school streamlined its classes and student services. Just two days ago I stood in a line for two hours, guarded by 3 police officers, to receive my financial aid check. Luckily, our next financial aid check will arrive in the form of a debit card.
There was so much optimism and positivity in your speech that it was sometimes overwhelming. I can only hope that some of your ideas reach your desk in the form of a bill, something you requested over and over again throughout your speech. You get a big thumbs up for your declaration that “women should get equal pay for equal work.” I felt aligned with many of your ideas throughout your speech. Some of these ideas included the expanding of tax relief to small businesses, more funding for the development of clean energy, more incentives for companies that waste less energy, and “nation building” with the money we are no longer spending for war. I even enjoyed your spilled milk joke.
I don’t care what the cynics say, you’re a good guy, and a half decent president. You’re not perfect, no politician is. You have a good sense of humor and a good spirit. Thank you for addressing some of the important issues, for keeping the average American in your thoughts, and for taking time out of your busy day to read this letter.
Sincerely Yours,
Shayne Keator
Latisha K.Mabullu
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
29 January 2012
Dear Mr. President,
Today I watched your speech, and was intrigued. A lot of what you are saying sounds good but I feel like a lot of it was what we wanted to hear…there was no real plan to being the blueprint. No real laid out steps to take to begin our journey build a nation that’s “built to last”
First off, you made a statement and implied that the US is now safer because of troops fighting and risking their lives. How? I myself never really did understand the whole point of them being away from home in the first place. What did we really gain or accomplish in all of it.
The speech sounded like a much needed pep talk. A boost if you will, but it was all about things we know we needed and everyone is ecstatic because you said them. Big whoop what’s the first step in making all these things come to pass. Oh right a bill. There are virtually ten steps before a bill can even become a law. There is a long process before a bill can even get to your desk and it has to be approved by a lot of people who don’t even have the same views as you do, so please don’t make it seem like all of this is going to be easy.
Latisha K.Mabullu
ReplyDeleteProfesor Sabir
English 5
29 January 2012
You also said everyone should have a fair chance, a fair shot at a job. Not everyone has the qualifications for certain jobs and hardly anyone is given the same chance at even achieving those qualifications. What about the ones whose parents couldn’t send them to college. Again you’re saying a lot of good, positive things, it may sound good but a lot of it just isn’t possible.
“Send me these tax reforms and I will sign them right away” Those reforms will never see your desk and you know it. There’s to many people, that will deny it before it will even get to you. Of course the rich do not want to pay higher taxes so us poor people can pay lower taxes…The rich are the ones working UNDER YOU! We can demand all we want. You can demand all you want, but lowering taxes will become a dead bill before it becomes active.
Another issue, you said you wanted to improve the education system but weeding out the good teachers from the bad teachers. How do you plan on doing that? You would have to have special test for every teacher , and every student will have to fill out a survey on that teacher to see if she/he is even meeting the school goals. Then you’ll have to review all the results?!?! IT seems like a good plan but to broad. Also how did you plan on improving anything with education when you are constantly closing down schools in rural areas, yet the prison system is not suffering one bit. I just don’t understand it. I know a lot of people will bash me for this letter but these are my issues I have with your outlook. It doesn’t make sense. You said students are not allowed to drop out of school and must remain in school until the age of 18. And what actions are you going to take to make sure the rules are being obeyed. Allowed? It used to be that if your child was under 16 and stopped attending school the parents had to pay the price with jail time. I don’t know what happened to that nor if it was even working. I just want to know the game plan of keeping students in school. With the dropout rate increasing so does the pregnancy rate, the welfare and gov. assistance rate. The crime rate, all of this increases. A lot of these people feel like they can’t go to school because they have to work. But they can’t find jobs so they are subjected to crime to earn money. It’s a complete cycle. So to stop one thing you have put a halt to all. Lower unemployment rate, but to do that you have to create jobs. Good luck. Lower pregnancy rate amongst teens, the list goes on.
Thank you for sending troops home. They need to be back into civilization. Will you be providing the therapy they need after suffering from PTSD? In order to keep a steady job and a happy family, a lot of our troops are going to need it. Or are you going to let the ones that fought for us slip the cracks and become homeless begging for change like the ones I drive pass daily in Oakland,CA?
Like I said Mr. President A lot of your ideas are great, amazing even, but please don’t act like pursuing these goals are going to be a walk in the park. I just don’t see the blueprint I only hear the ideas. Make a plan from start to finish and then follow through with the plan so people can see things happening and the change is tangible. Until then we are going to be stuck in this vicious cycle of where we are and God knows where that is.
Ana Cristina Muro
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
25 January 2012
Dear President Obama,
My name is Ana Muro. I am a student at the Peralta Community Colleges. I watched your speech and I thought it was impressive. I believe that your argument was that America needs to come together and not be separated by the two sides of democrats and republicans. You kept mentioning all of the improvements that have been made regarding jobs. As well as the things that you would like to see done regarding the taxes on the middle class people. I noticed that you kept mentioning that if bills were brought to your desk you would sign them right away regarding taxes reform and a law that allows immigrants to become citizens. In some way I thought that these words were just something that it’s easily said, therefore I hope that you actually come forward with them.
The way that your speech was different was that you addressed what had improved in the economy but also what needs to be done. However, you also explained the importance of these issues. For example you mentioned that teachers are important to our education because they dedicate themselves to us, the students, which encourages many students to continue going to school. You also mentioned that taxes need to change and that the middle class shouldn’t continue paying higher taxes since they receive less money in their paycheck and prices keep going up which makes it unfair for higher class to continue getting wealthier and the middle class continue to get poorer.
What was most memorable part of your speech was that you acknowledged how even you can put your political differences to the side in order to work together to make a decision, as you did with Hillary Clinton and Bob Gates when you guys were in the Situation Room. That shows that there is commitment coming from your part and that you are setting an example of how it can be if the whole republicans and democrats can put to a side their differences when it comes to helping out their country and being able to reconstruct its economy.
The issue that touched me the most was the immigration issue. It moved me the most because it is true many times immigrants come and pursue a degree that is beneficial to this country but at the end she is sent back to their original country. This not only causes the immigrant to lose but also for the country because they are losing someone that can help the economy with new ideas of how to improve it. As coming from your part to give these people the opportunity to become citizens is a big step because that would benefit both the immigrant and the country since they would be able to include this person in their tactic to tackle down the economic crisis. As well as having these people as part of their team for improvements to technology and medicine. I was also touched by this because I find myself in this situation. I feel I have so much to offer yet many doors are closed on my face due to not being able to contribute to this country as a citizen when I have grown up here for most part of my life.
The evidence was strong because there was a numerical demonstration of what is really happening which gives a good sense of where this country is at. I did not feel manipulated but I felt convinced that this economy can be reestablished and that there can be an environment where everyone benefits from it. I felt that this would only be accomplished if bills are made and come to your office as you mentioned that you would sign on them. Therefore actions need to be made.
Sincerely,
Ana Cristina Muro
Ana Cristina Muro
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
30 January 2012
In response to Kevin Ruma:
Hi Kevin,
I as well got drawn in when Obama mentioned that there were no more soldiers in Iraq at war. I as well agree that now that for the most part the war issue is over now there is a better focus on the unemployment rates and how it can be fixed. I also agree with the confusion on the taxes issues because it doesn’t really make sense to decrease taxes and yet still pay for their deficit because we wont really know then where is the money coming from. I also agree with the educational programs because as of right now it seems that many people are giving up on education since it is very expensive therefore something needs to be done about it. Over all great letter and great points by using evidence from the speech, it really helped to know what you were talking about.
10819418
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 25, 2012
Assignment #3
Dear Mr. President Barack Obama,
My name is Xinia Sanchez. I am currently a student at the College Of Alameda and also at Berkeley City College. I am writing this letter to you in regards to your State Of the Union Address. In your address it seems that your argument was mostly about how the government is not working together as a whole and that since everyone is not working together this is the reason that the government is not doing their job properly. You give the example that in order to succeed as a whole we need to stop thinking about our differences and come together as a whole. Mr. President Obama in your address you also say that the state of our Union is getting stronger but how come everywhere we turn it seems that we are not. A lot of Americans have lost their faith that the economy will get better. It is good that you mention that you have a plan in order to correct the economy.
This 2012 State of the Union Address was different because he mentions a lot of the problems that people of America are most concern about. What was most memorable in these address was his story about the flag that the seals carried when they went to get Osama Bin Laden. That story really touched my heart because it gives hope that maybe we can come together like the seals did. They completed their mission because their only concern was to complete the mission and get out alive together. They didn’t think of their differences only the mission at hand. I like when you said that if we all would put our minds together into completing the mission of working together to make America once again the country that was strong. I also like what you mention about the economy after the war world two. You say that back than we have been able to overcome a poor economy.
Something that I felt was left out was the concern of education. You touched the subject a little bit, but students want to know more. As a student I am concern that even if I am able to transfer soon that I will be able to afford to continue my education in a 4 year university. This is a subject to discuss that I believe is also important. I understand that there are some issues that deserve priority but education is also a priority. In order to also get more jobs we have to have people who have an education to bring new jobs and ideas. Education is important.
I feel that the evidence in your speech was good. You brought stories to back up your arguments. I believe that these stories made your speech strong. I did feel a little manipulated to the fact that when mentioning education you bring poverty into your argument. It seems that you care but are not really doing anything about it. I think that by giving teachers the resources its great. But how are you going to know which teachers are the ones actually teaching and are the best. We should try to consider a way to have a program that teaches the bad teachers to become good teachers in that way we have more teachers. I say this because for some reason teachers are not that common anymore and the best teachers have seen retirement instead of keep struggling to teach in a system that is being so poorly.
i love obama.
ReplyDeleteLiliulachelle Finley
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
30 January 2012
Response to Aldo Cardenas
Dear Aldo,
I admire your strong feelings upon the subject of war veterans who should receive the great benefits rendered by the G.I. bill decades ago. Your letter to Obama moved me and helped my appreciation for our troops greatly increase. I apologize that you were left behind from the benefits and I pray that one day, President Obama fulfills the dreams he has for war veterans.
Sincerely,
Liliulachelle Finley
Xinia Sanchez
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 30, 2012
In response to Saba
Hello Saba,
First of all, very good letter. I like when you tell the president that he should win his campaign based on merit instead of bringing up the failure of past presidents. It also interested me when you mention to him that the proposals that he is mentioning to us are good because it shows that he is concern, but mostly you let him know the type of president we are looking for which is great because he needs to know that we are looking for a president that shows interest into what the american people think. Overall great letter.
Adalie Villalobos
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5 (11-12:15pm)
25 January 2012
Obama Speech
Dear President Barack Obama,
My name is Adalie Villalobos. I am currently a student at the College Of Alameda. As I watched your speech I thought to myself, “I hope that he covers the issues that my family and I are going through to see if we get any answers to why we are still struggling today?” There was a lot to like and a lot not like about your State of the Union address. First the good: your proposal to pay outstanding teachers more and replace poor teachers is long overdue. Teachers are key in this world and should be commended for their outstanding work by providing the tools for students to become well-educated adults. However, whether your allies in the teachers’ unions allow you to accomplish this worthy goal will remain to be seen.
Staying with the education theme, the idea of binding support for community colleges with job specific training programs certainly makes sense. More near term, the call for extending the payroll tax cut for all of 2012 would certainly improve the economic outlook. I like your ideas about increasing infrastructure spending, especially in this time of very low interest rates. Now for the bad: To be sure it is a good idea to encourage manufacturing, but to bringing more complexity to the tax code hardly seems the right way to do it. The government does a very poor job in picking winners over losers and this has been especially true in the energy field. The strategy of delaying the pain hasn’t really worked. As to the ugly, your proposal for a new 30 percent minimum tax on millionaires is hardly an incentive for economic growth and reads like recipe for a stock market crash. To be sure there are many loopholes in the tax code; most notably the capital gains treatment allowed for certain carried interest income Of course the ugliest part of the speech was in what was left out. There was no mention of fixing the long term debt problem our nation faces, a problem that has affected my family and me for quite some time now.
The topic of the immigration battle was only slightly touched upon. I am not saying to legalize all immigrants, but to legalize those who have at least been here in the United States of America for more than a year. I have many family members in the U.S who have fought for their rights and deserve to live like any average U.S citizen. Your ideas and solutions to the matter are only words and thoughts and I myself have yet to see any change. I hope to not lose faith in your decisions and to see progress in our nation. Thank you for your time and hope all goes well.
Sincerely,
Adalie Villalobos
Edwin Peabody
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 29 2012
Dear President Obama, I really enjoyed your speech on Tuesday. I feel as though you addressed many past issues and showed the United States of America how they have improved in many different areas. You mentioned how the economy has improved, regarding to jobs. Education was also a big subject in your speech. You mentioned how the United States needed to take education more seriously. Your speech was very optimistic and gave me a sense of hope.
When you spoke about the importance of teachers and the budget cuts on education it grabbed my attention. This was a very memorable subject because I am a student at Alameda Peralta College and I have witnessed great teaching and also have seen poor teaching. Budget cuts have affected me a lot. I have realized that because of the budget cuts, classes have been tremendously hard to enroll into. Shortly after you finished discussing budget cuts, you spoke on tuition loans and the cost of them. I like the fact that you were very optimistic on Americans being able to receive an education without having to spend a fortune on tuition. Education was a big issue in your speech. You said that keeping education expenses down is very possible with a little work but I feel like you could have discussed more clearly on how you plan to do this.
Another subject you addressed was on immigrants and how they face the challenge of not being American citizens everyday. After them receiving a education in America and graduating, we still send them back home, which is crazy. You spoke about the oil situation and how it has improved. You said that it has gotten better but it still isn’t enough. I agree with you on this topic. America does need more resources to oil. I am tired of spending 4 dollars for a gallon on oil. That is ridiculous. I remember when oil use to be 2 dollars a galloon.
Your speech was different because you spoke on all of the issues that are affecting America and you then compared how they have improved or if they still need improvement. I like that you were very optimistic and confident in America. You believed that America could help fix all these issues if we all worked together as one. You discussed the situation of taxing the wealthy. I agree that the wealthy should pay more taxes than the middle class because it is only fair. You concluded your speech with saying that if the United States works together, there is nothing we cannot achieve. This speech was very informative to listen to.
Sincerely,
Edwin Peabody
Aaron Villanueva
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir,
English 5
30 January 2012
In Response to Kevin Ruma,
I like the fact that you mentioned about the war in Iraq. I almost forgot about this. I know people who actually were in it. The sad thing about it is that some did not return. I agree with your statement about the unemployment. One thing that stumped me would be what you said about the tax reduction. It’s a great letter overall.
Edwin Peabody
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 January 2012
Hey Adalie,
I agree with what you said about Obama very briefly talking about the issue of immigrants. I feel as though he could have gone a little deeper on this situation and gave America a few simple plans for the resolution of this troubling problem. Many of these people have lived in America for years in search of a better life in for themselves and their family. After living here, they have already gotten use to the American culture. I feel as that it is wrong to send them back to where they came from just because they do not have their citizenship. I also agreed with you about the Obama proposal to pay great teachers more money and to get rid of the poor teachers. I feel as though that would really help the education system. These teachers are suppose to be preparing these children for the future but very few students seem to be ready for the world after high school. America must have great teachers present in the school system in order for these kids to be better prepared for life.
Ronald Parker
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 29 2012
Obama Speech
Dear President Obama,
I wasnt able to watch your speech live, but youtube allowed me to see the full thing and grasp the concepts you pointed out in your speech to address to the world. The most important topic that stood out to me was your words on education. How you said the United States should take education more seriously got me fully focused, but I am not sure I can say the same for others.Alot of people i know who watch the news saw this and still feel they can and will do whatever they please. With attitudes like that it will get you nowhere but left in a corner by yourself looking for someone to help you. This subject had an impact on two types of people in the world. They impacted teachers and also students. The reason this subject grabbed my attention is because i am a student also. with the oppurtunities given by my parents and the schools provide I want to take every oppurtunity I can at hand and make the best of them. Also we should not be satisfied with kids only getting their high school diploma. That simply isnt enough, the more education is better in life. we all see if you want to be better employed we need a lot of skills and brain knowledge. We should challenge ourselves, fight for more and strive for excellence.
Consisting of more than one race, your speaking on immigration could only have me attentive also. Alot of immigrants go through a lot in order to be a U.S. citizen. Talking to a few co-workers of mine they feel once people serve in the war for our country they should have a right to be a citizen, but yet we still have people sent back to their country after doing a good thing.
All i could really say is that your speech was amazing. you showed me and the world by having a little bit of team work it sure can go a long way and that is what we really need in the world. To many people are only looking for their personal satisfaction instead of happiness with others and their own self. I have noticed I feel a lot better when i do a good thing and afterwards not only I but many other people benefit from it. That is why I truly admire your ending words saying "if the United States works together, there is nothing we cannot achieve". That is why I really follow the motto "United we stand and together we fall". Please people stick together and you will get the outcome you really want and deserve.
Ronald Parker
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 29 2012
Response to Edwin Peabody,
Wow, after reading those amazing words of Edwin Peabody I am truly amazed that you grasped that good of information from the speech. I mean I felt as if you were President Obama himself and I was having a one on one conversation with you about your own speech. i feel you could have went a little deeper in what you discussed, imagining as if you were talking to someone completely blind on the topic. But other than that great work.
Kevin Ruma
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
30 January 2012
In response to Joseph Paez
I couldn't agree more with your opening statement. As someone who lost a friend in Iraq, I was moved when Obama opened his speech with that statement. I like your passion for the issue of unemployment in stating that people should have jobs and be able to hold onto their jobs. The fact that people are laid off with such regularity disgusts me. I too was motivated by the Presidents speech and will use that motivation to better myself. Great letter.
Saba Ghanem
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
30 January 2012
In response to Kevin Ruma,
I liked how your essay-letter was structured, right on point, you focused on creation of jobs and taxes as two means of improving the economy and you carried that through well. I also agree with the Buffet Rule at least it relieves some of the tax burden on the middle class. However the argument against this rule is that it doesn’t help the federal deficit much, and hurts U.S. investments. Having prepared taxes, I’ve found it easy for the rich to get away with owing less taxes by taking advantage of loopholes and tax tricks, this rule basically enforces the greedy rich to pay their due share.
Kelsey Johnson
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 30, 2012
In response to Jesse Pinkey,
In my letter to Mr. Obama I started with the positives and will therefore begin with the positives when addressing you. I agree that this country has been fighting for fairness since its creation and is still fighting for this principle. This is definitely something that we need to keep in mind as we, the young people of this nation, move forward into potential positions of power.
I commend you on your second paragraph in which you opened with the idea that no one has done anything on their own due to the fact that we all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. This is crucial for everyone, not just the youth, to understand fully and completely. It was nice to see one of my peers not only acknowledge this fact, but understand just what it means.
I completely stand behind you and support your statement that President Obama’s bailout plan greatly assisted the wealthy as opposed to helping the average American. I know that some people would greatly disagree with you and me, but I have never supported the use of government money to aid private organizations.
I will now move on to the aspects of your letter that I had a problem with. At the end of your first paragraph you stated that fairness in this country has progressed by Barack Obama becoming president, I greatly disagree with this. Is it a great feat that we as a nation have finally elected a black man as president? Yes, it is. However, I am not entirely comfortable with the notion that we have come a great distance concerning fairness and equality because of this event considering the circumstances that it occurred under. I feel as if many people voted for Mr. Obama merely because he is black, just as an equal number of people refused to vote for him for the same exact reason. That to me is not fairness or equality. Until this is remedied we have not even taken a half of a step forward.
I also have an issue with the ending of your second paragraph. Too often recently we have begun to speak only about the wealthy and the poor when the true problem at hand is not concerning the wealthy or the poor, but the quickly disappearing middle class. This is a serious problem. Without a middle class, America will socially become more and more like countries such as India where there is no middle class to speak of. It is time we stop speaking about the rich and the poor and start talking about how to preserve the middle class.
Finally, throughout your letter you transition abruptly from a formal writing style to a casual writing style. First and foremost I think you should consider your audience. Perhaps you are comfortable with writing to your president as if he is a childhood friend, but I personally feel that he deserves a little more respect and formality. Therefore, I don’t think that words like, “hoopla” and “super ego” should be used in a letter addressed to such a person. However, this is a stylistic decision and up to you.
Sincerely,
Kelsey Johnson
Jules MIsiluti
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January 31, 2012
Dear President Obama,
I would like to take the time to tell you how much of an inspiration you are. The delivery of your speech was just amazing! I understand that when you first became president America was in such bad shape, but you have made such progress on getting us back on our feet. I have full faith in you and the ideas you have that were addressed in the speech. What stood out the most to me,
was education. It has gotten to the point now where education is a luxury and something that not everyone is able to experience. I love the fact that you said that it all comes down to the teacher and not just any teacher but a "GOOD" teacher that helps and doesn't let you fall through the cracks of the system. Being a student I have come across so many teachers that love to teach and love to help others succeed in life, they are not just there because that's what pays the bills. On the other hand I have had a few bad seeds, these are the ones that we need to get rid of and replace! I fully support you 100%! Change has to come within and if people are not peforming well in the classrooms we need to take a step back access the issue. Every American is entitled to an education! Education is so important and this issue needs to be stressed as much as possible. We all need to come together as a whole and fight to make this one of the top priorities in America. Without it we wouldn't have enough skills to create new jobs to help the economy!!!
Sincerely,
Jules MIsiluti
Jules MIsiluti
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
January31,2012
In response to Maya,
You did a really good job on your letter and I like how you pointed out how America needs to be more united. I strongly agree with this, over the years you have seen a nation crumble.. Times like this is when everybody needs to stick together.
Jamie McNair
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda
English 5
26 January 2012
Dear President Barack Obama,
Since you have become president, I believe that America has gotten better. Many people criticize you and blame you for the problems in America, but how could that possibly be your fault? It is not your fault that the country was in a shambles when you were elected causing you to have to take on the weight of having to be Commander in Chief of a country that has been fighting a bloody war that has killed millions of people and an economy that has lost so many jobs. I believe that America's state of the Union has progressed since you have been in office.
First of all , the war on Iraq is ending. When you said that you were going to bring home our troops, I never doubted you. As of 2012, you have started to being home our troops. We have lost so much money on the war and now we can save some since troops are coming home.
You mentioned some things that you are trying achieve in 2012 and when you get reelected. Notice I said "when" you get reelected. You said that you plan to raise taxes to 30% for people that make more than $250,000 per year. You also said that you plan to lower taxes for people who make less than $250,000. I am looking forward to that working out. The achievement that I want you to fulfill is the affordable tuition for college. You said in your speech that college education should be a necessity and affordable for the average family. Although you talked about all these things in your speech that have been achieved and that you plan to achieve, there is still much to be done.
Overall , Mr. President, I give your state of the Union Speech an a for effort. There have been good things that have happened like bringing home some of the troops. Your plans and aspirations are great ideas. I hope that you can lower taxes for the poor and raise taxes for the rich. Good luck, and I will always support you no matter what.
Jamie McNair
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
01 February 2012
In response to Melvin :
I really liked your essay. It was nice to hear that you finally watched the President speak. You should continue to watch his speeches because even if you didn't care about what he was talking about, you can at least agree that he is a great speaker and he is very entertaining; more entertaining than any other president since Bill Clinton has been. I agree with the encouraging kids not to drop out of school, especially in Oakland. He should definately come speak at one of our Oakland Public schools. One improvement I can suggest for your essay is that you should have like given a clear thesis statement but overall your essay made me happy and I hope when you send it to Barack Obama, he replies with great appreciation .
Adalie Villalobos
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5 11-12:15pm
February 2, 2011
RESPONSE TO:Ronald Parker
I feel that your essay has a lot of personal experiences and you speak about the education topic that Obama spoke about and how it has affected you as a student. I have to agree with your thoughts on the topic. I enojoyed reading your essay and reading your point of views on his speech. Other than the great material that I read, there a few gramatical errors.
Fatima Oliver
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
27 January 2012
Dear President Obama,
Your State of the Union Address was compelling in its ability to call for change in the way our American democracy has been recently operating. You made a very persuasive argument in keeping with your previous speeches towards America’s need to recover from its current economic crisis by pulling together as a nation. You seem to use a more aggressive approach in demonstrating the discrepancies between members of congress, the Executive Branch, and our diminishing American values that keep us from meeting our economic needs. Exposing these discrepancies helped to signify how we are moving away from the core American values of unity this country was founded on and into a more corrupt capitalistic society. Your State of the Union Address was extremely appealing because it highlighted what is wrong with our government and our declining American values as a nation, and demands some accountability on the part of our government officials.
One of the most memorable points you made was how “Washington is broken,” asserting that “there is a deficit of trust between main street and Wall Street but the divide between this city and the rest of the country is at least as bad.” This helps to illustrate how challenging it is to get bills passed and also crucial policies implemented by elite government officials for the common average American. It addresses another one of the key problems, which is the loss of faith in the government’s ability to lead with integrity and make the best decisions for the entire American population.
However, it was your discussion of what American values should be that moved me the most because it touched on a real moral issue in America. You declared “what’s at stake is American values.” I agree that America has moved away from are ideas of uniting together for the common good of all and towards the ideas of profit for a few. Our society has begun to care less about the people living in it and more about our material gain. In your address, you stated “some people do really well and the rest barely get by.” Before, America stood for a dream that anyone could obtain success no matter what economic class they came from. This was because the government would help facilitate the playing ground would be fair for all, but now that seems to be a thing of the past. Your speech engages Americans through the sense of duty to put aside their “philosophical differences,” and allows Americans to return to traditional American values of fairness, shared responsibility, and unity.
Although equality is a fundamental issue in America, it was unclear precisely the steps you intend to take to achieve this goal. You stated many catch phrases like “send you a bill” and “America will win” but just how will this happen as you illustrated that the “simple majority vote is not enough to get anything done”? Overall, President Obama, your speech was strong in enthusiasm, but brushed over detailed evidence and supporting information to restore trust in America’s government officials. What I look forward to as part of this nation is the promise of real progress with documented proof. I hope as a country we can revitalize our current conditions with policies that work. I look forward to seeing you accomplish this goal once reelected.
Sincerely,
Fatima Oliver