“I’m a Democrat but I believe in what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed…a government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves and more.”-President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama gave his State of the Union Address this past Tuesday. There were many speculations of what he was going to say. The hot button issue was the economy, job creation, and President Obama handled himself with poise and confidence.
President Obama’s stance was clear: Congress needs to get its act together for the betterment of the American people. He made many examples of how this economy could survive from the use of natural resources to creating jobs right here in America.
The most pressing issues for HBCUs in the State of the Union address was the emphasis on education. There were more than enough lines that could be recited, and many things targeted to those students receiving education. President Obama insisted that education must be enforced early in a child’s life. He mentioned how many teachers work non-stop for modest pay, sometimes digging into their own pockets for school supplies. President Obama wants to keep the hard working teachers on the job and reward them for their work, while replacing the teachers who aren’t helping kids learn.
President Obama continued to stress the importance of receiving education. He charged educational systems to require every student to stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18. If this was to happen, I wonder how much crime rates would go down?
Every student dealing with student loans cringes everytime they see Sallie Mae in their mailbox. President Obama wants to lower those high interest rates and give more young people a chance to earn their way through college by doubling work study opportunities. There are many students struggling in college where there is help needed right on their campus.
“Higher education shouldn’t be a luxary every family in America should be able to afford.”
Despite the rhetoric, there is doubt that anything the President says will actually come to light. After all, he must still deal with the Congress that has fought him every step of the way. “All Americans watching tonight have their different views,” said President Obama. “All Americans are thinking nothing in Washington will get done, because Washington is so broken, but do you blame them?
Can you really blame those who have doubt? Congress argues so much on who is right rather than what benefits the people.
So as the 2012 presidential elections are coming up and Obama’s first term comes to an end, what would you like to actually see happen? More jobs in America, lower interest rates on loans, or better teachers? Take all these points into consideration and register to vote.
Make your voice heard!
