Hi!
State of the Union extra credit!
Pick a portion of the State of the Union - an issue, an example, etc. Write about the example, and say whether it was effective or not.
Rule: if more than two people have commented on the issue, you have to pick a new issue.
"By 2085 80% of America's energy will come from clean energy sources" -Obama. This quote really took my breath away. It something that really baffles me because it is NOT a good fact. It is shocking to think that it will take 74 more years to be at an acceptable status of clean energy! How is it that we talk about clean energy or environmentally friendly way to do this and that... yet we are extremely far away. Getting on the right track is the hardest part but I was under the impression that our clean energy was at approximately 30-40% yet we are nowhere near it. I believe that he brushed over this quickly and did not explain where we are now. I am glad to hear that it is something we are focusing on and have a plan set, but more attention needs to be on the needed urgency of clean energy.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama's discussion of education was successful because he was able to adequately outline his plan to not only improve the quality of education in the United States, but also make this better education more affordable to the American public, especially in regards to higher education. He engaged audience interest in the matter because we as the audience know just how important education is in order to succeed. He made a call to action of the youth of today to take what they've learned as a product of their own education and pass it on to others by becoming teachers. He was able to give a face to education, not with a young adult, but by an older woman who used to work in a furniture factory who went back to school, not so much because she no longer had a job, but so that she could serve as a source of inspiration for her own children. He gave examples of schools he's seen turned around as a result of education-related legislation, thus strengthening his credibility and reliability. He was also able to intertwine education with other issues in America, such as the economy and immigration, and what education can do to help improve those areas. Overall, his plans for education fit in with the general theme for his speech, which was "winning the future."
ReplyDeleteOne of the portions of the President's State of the Union Address that stuck out to me was his proposal that, "we freeze annual domestic spending for the next five years. This would reduce the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade, and will bring discretionary spending to the lowest share of our economy since Dwight Eisenhower was president." While in theory this sounds like a fantastic solution to the dire budget issues that the government is facing I am not really sure that this is a practical, or viable solution. I felt that many portions of the speech sounded excellent in theory, but a lot of it seemed a bit unrealistic. A lot of it was looking to the big picture of the country in a few decades. While this is important I think that most average citizens are more concerned with what is happening right now, and the prospect of creating more cuts in order to freeze spending may make things worse, before they can become better, which may not please a lot of people who are looking for short-term relief.
ReplyDeleteThe most memorable part of Obama's speech was his small tribute to Gifford and his statement on national unity. During the speech, Obama recognized Gifford's empty seat and said to pray for the health of his colleague. Obama said that the incidents in Tucson reminded us that no matter who we are, we are all a part of the American family. I thought this particular statement was strong because it brought about a strong sense of national unity amongst the democrats and republicans. Obama continued to say they everyone has different beliefs that we fight for, but those different beliefs lead to democracy. Even though people may have different ideas and opinions, this portion of Obama's speech brought about unity amongst the nation. The United States will have a united front. I thought this was the most moving part of the speech.
ReplyDeletePer usual, I thought that Obama presented himself in a very professional and well-spoken manner. However, the way I thought that he brought up important topics and then dismissed them, moving onto another topic, was a little bit unsettling. He would talk about a big breakthrough with cancer, how America made the largest research investment in finding how to kill cancerous cells but keep the good ones alive, and then he moved onto discussing about solar energy and clean energy jobs. While these topics are all important, I would have liked to have each one focused on a little more. I understand that in the State of the Union Speech, Obama is giving a summary of what the nation has done and what the nation needs to do and look forward to in the future, but I felt that some things were randomly placed and not given enough focus. I commend Michelle Obama for working towards preventing childhood obesity, and thought it was nice he called her out for it although it was somewhat out of place as well. I thought it was interesting when he talked about how “tonight America will set a new goal” to double our exports over the next five years, which would ultimately help 2 million jobs in America. Although I thought this was a great goal to be set, it seemed a little informal and impersonal, and was sort of brushed under the rug. It was great that Obama paid tribute to Gifford though, and made sure to emphasize how America works together as a family. Overall I thought the speech was concise and well done as usual, even though it seemed random and times are strayed off topic a little bit.
ReplyDeleteWhile President Obama approached his address in his usual organized and well delivered speech, I think the most memorable part was his conclusion in which he emphasized the idea of the "American dream". Obama asserted that one's background does not matter, and that everyone "believes in the same dream that this is a country where anything is possible, no matter who you are, where you come from". I think that Obama connects with the audience and strengthens his conclusion when he exemplified the "American dream" through Biden and Boehner and their humble beginnings. In addition, Obama's story of Brandon Fisher as the chilean mine hero once again connects with the audience and helps prove his point that anything can be accomplished in America. I believe that Obama's conclusion did amazingly welll at leaving the audience inspired and encouraged.
ReplyDeleteLike Jennifer said, Obama’s use of the “American Dream” theme tied his whole speech together and was very fitting for the occasion. When proposing ways to improve the economy, Obama repeatedly brought up the idea of innovation, claiming we “make our living” and pursue the ideal of free enterprise through creative technologies. He therefore plans to send a new budget to Congress to spur innovative research. At first, I was a little skeptical because the idea of “innovation” and the American dream has always been around. So, how is it going to create new jobs this time? But, I thought he gave good examples of how technology really can transform the economy. He pulled out key highlights in history, and I think his historical recollections helped make his point about innovation much stronger. For instance, he recalled the inventors Edison and the Wright brothers, the inventions of cars, computers, internet, and now Google and Facebook, and event of Sputnik and its space technology arms race. So, he’s right in that innovation has helped this economy prosper. I also particularly liked his story of the two brothers’ small solar company, how it was financed through a government loan, and is now responsible for the solar roofing on the Pentagon and “making the world a better place.” While I felt his solution of “innovation” as the key to restoring the economy was a little cliché, he effectively backed up his point with historical examples and a humble, but memorable American Dream success story.
ReplyDelete"We must always remember that the Americans who have born the greatest burden in this struggle are the men and women who serve our country...starting this year no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love." I thought these two moments were both very powerful moments in President Obama's State of the Union address. It was a very meaningful transition from the discussion of foreign affairs, terrorism, and Al-Queda into honoring the men and women who are still fighting to protect our country. I really liked that Obama put this towards the end of the speech because I think it allowed the audience to draw their attention back to a meaningful and highly important issue in this country. So often, we get wrapped up in our own needs and issues, that we forget about those who are sacrificing their lives daily so that we can continue to live positive, peaceful lives in this country. We get so wrapped up that we often neglect our soldiers, who are then subjugated and judged because of their own lifestyles and personal beliefs. I think this part of the speech was very effective because it invoked feelings of patriotism and pride for our country, while also highlighting the fact that we were all created equal; thus we must accept all of this country's citizens, especially those who risk their lives for us, despite who they choose to love. I think this part of the speech was a great way to wrap up the State of Union and I am glad that Obama did not leave such a taboo topic for this country out of his speech.
ReplyDelete@ noreen I think maybe he meant 2015? I listened to that line over again.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are all picking out really interesting parts of the speech. I liked the coal miner story too, but I also can't help but liking the "everyone should be a teacher" and teachers are called "nation builders" part. I thought that was pretty memorable and inspirational. Just saying. My friends are teachers for LAUSD and they definitely don't get enough credit for the hard work they do.
For sure Ms. Usher,
ReplyDeleteI too was a big fan of his Education segment, I even posted the following on Facebook:
"To every young person listening tonight who's contemplating their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child -- become a teacher. Your country needs you".
I thought the POTUS did a good job at touching on diferent aspects about education.
1. How a students success does not begin in the class, but rather at home.
2. His "Race to the Top" initiatitive
3. And as we mentioned before, the powerful role of teachers carry in shaping our nations future yet how weak we reagard them.
I also believe Prez Obama did a great job of folding in his position on the Dream Act in a subtle yet effective way. He did it by not mentioning the Act itself or placing blame fr those who voted against it, rather he attempted to appeal to the better nature of his audience by mentioning that the children of undocumented immigrants are free from fault and should not be penalized for the actions their parents took. In addition, he managed to connect to the larger theme of his speech which was innovation; he stated these children can prove to be future doctors, lawyers, scientists, innovators that will help us "win the future".