In case you forgot during all the snow and general chaos of last Tuesday, the State of the Union aired for the American public. And if your minds are still a little frozen, then you should know that the State of the Union is that time when the President talks to Congress and indirectly to America about how things are going, what he plans to do, and how to do it. While it may be seen as pure politics and no actual action, the State of the Union is still a symbolic address that seeks to understand what actually has been going on in America and what still needs to happen, for the benefit of most Americans who haven’t kept up with current events. And in recent years, the State of the Union has become embroiled in the same petty mudslinging and rudeness of the current political environment; people refuse to stand or even acknowledge what is being said, some going so far as to boo. While both Republicans and Democrats do not have to agree with no another, mutual respect should be an abiding factor not just during this event, but in all political events. With that said, I will try to give an unbiased account of what President Obama talked about during his State of the Union.
Not surprisingly, the President addressed the government shutdown that occurred at the end of last year, chastising Congress on their inaction and inability to compromise, and asked for a year of action to help the American people renew their trust and belief in the government instead of a body that stops working because nobody can work together. He urged both Democrats and Republicans to work together, and to help one another to help him find solutions to America’s problems.
Next, President Obama discussed the economy and power. He stated that the economy is slowly starting to pick back up, and promised to help speed up the process by cutting down on bureaucratic red tape. He also discussed how America should research new and more environmentally friendly sources of energy to wean us off of foreign oils.
Immigration and jobs were next on Obama’s list. Promising to fix the immigration system, the President also encouraged the reformation of training for workers, providing better training for faster employment. Tied into this is education, which Obama stressed as the future for the workforce and the economy.
A big point President Obama made was wage reforms, with two specific goals. First, he proposed raising the minimum wage to $10.10, to help those struggling with minimum wage jobs to get by. Second, he supported eliminating gender-based discrepancies in wages, providing equal pay for both men and women.
Healthcare was another major item to discuss, with Obama sticking to the reforms he has already put into motion, telling Republicans that he will accept any legislation they have as long as it is better than what is already in place.
Finally, the President turned to international affairs, enforcing the withdrawal from Afghanistan completely, reducing the amount of drone and surveillance usage, close Guantanamo Bay, and to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon. The State of the Union ended with an acknowledgement of U.S. Army Ranger Cory Remsburg, his service in the armed forces, his severe wounding, and continuing fight to rehabilitate to continue serving America, stressing the need for veteran assistance.
What do you all think of the State of the Union? Do you think Obama will stick to his promises or not? Make sure to keep your eyes open in the coming months!