On Tuesday January 27, 2011, President Obama delivered his second “State of the Union” address, where he established his strategic economic and political plan for 2011 and beyond. His focus as everyone expected was on the resurgence of the recovering economy and the need for bipartisan cooperation in the 112th Congress.
With the backdrop of the massacre at Tucson and attempted assassination of Representative Gifford, intense emotions and reflection was on the minds of all the politicians and other guest who attended the “State of the Union” address. The question that all Americans continue to ask themselves is: “How could this happen in the greatest country on the planet?”
As a result of the massacre, there was an unprecedented seating arrangement between the two parties where they sat together and responded to the speech as a united body. Many in the media wrote this activity off as symbolic act, but to me it was the beginning of civility, communication, and respect for each other.
For too long the Democrats and the Republicans act as if they are enemies and their goal is to create an environment of confrontation and anger. Instead of making laws to help all Americans, they are busy repealing laws that can improve the lives of all the residents.
President Obama begins his speech with a teachable moment, where he explains that intense debate is a positive aspect of a robust and informative democracy. “It’s no secret that those of us here tonight have had our differences over the last two years. The debates have been contentious; we have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that’s a good thing. That what a robust democracy demands. That what sets us apart.”
President Obama makes it clear that freedom is what makes America great and there is a place for differences in opinions. But we are all part of the American family and the challenges that we face as a nation are larger than anyone party. He believes that as a country we have overcome one of the worst recessions and innovation and America’s competitive spirit will move our country forward.
As an insightful leader and a visionary articulate teacher, President Obama in his speech continues to emphasize that our country must position itself to lead now, and in the future. “We measure progress by the success of our people, by the jobs they can find and the quality of life those jobs offer. But we have more work to do.”
In this speech as in all of the president’s speeches, he takes time to inspire us and encourages us to be great. During this speech, he talks about change and how there is a revolution in technology, transportation, and communication. As leaders we have a responsibility to transform the world, which is our rightful place in the world.
President Obama believes for two hundred years, Americans continue to re-invent themselves through innovation and our story is focused on success. Education is the key to our success as a country and the president and both parties have implemented the program “Race to the Top.” There are already success stories where entire schools were failing and now they are succeeding.
The president realizes that we must rebuild the American infrastructure by developing a high speed rail system and a high speed internet. He wants to simplify the tax system, enhance his new Health Care Law, and make sure our children are not buried under a “mountain of debt. Our government must live within its means; therefore he is putting a freeze on annual domestic spending.
In this presidential State of the Union address there were many promises and very aggressive plans. But as Americans, if we can visualize our president’s imagination, there is no reason our country can’t be prosperous and great.
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