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President Barack Obama State of the Union Address Critique The leader of the free world, President Barack Obama, addressed Congress and the fellow citizens of the United States of America on the current State of the Union. The President enlightened America on multiple issues concerning the economy, education, jobs, foreign affairs and more. The speech given on the night of January 27th 2010 attracted over 48 million television viewers. Strong attitudes and opinions were exemplified immediately following the completion of his address.
A poll administered by CBS News illustrates that 65% of the (3,968) respondents feel as if the President has accomplished far less than what they expected within his first year in office. Another poll taken by CBS suggests that 47% of (3,571) respondents feel that the biggest blunder under the Obama administration is the lack of focus on creating jobs and unemployment. These statistics are of severe importance to the American people and it is for this very reason that I address this particular issue within this assignment.
As a current senior at the collegiate level, career opportunities and job security becomes more of a significant issue as graduation approaches at a rapid pace. Currently, the traditional thought of going to college and attaining a degree and doing well in school does not guarantee a safe-secure career. The direction that this country has been headed for the last decade has frightened many college students into thinking that, “If a college degree does not solidify a good job what will? ” This issue increases the growth of concern for our nation.
It did not take very long for the President to address the job dilemma that the country is facing. Within 15 minutes of his lecture, he noted that creating jobs is the focus for 2010. In concordance with the President, I also believe that jobs should be at the top of the agenda because in order to revamp the economy it is very essential to get the unemployment rate down. If the unemployment rate stays where it is or gets worse by increasing, Americans will continue to look for ways to cut back spending.
Due to the lack of jobs being created and fear of job loss, we, the people, are currently on edge and have trouble deciding whether to invest or save. With the addition of new jobs, our faith will strengthen and confidence will grow within us to do both and that is what has to happen in order for the economy to regain legs and get the country running as it should. Later in his speech the President goes on to note that the engine of the American economy has been and will always be that of small businesses.
In a valiant attempt to spur hiring, the president called for the elimination of capital gains taxes on small business investment and tax credits for new hiring and investments in new equipment. He also states that, “It’s time to finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas, and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United States of America. ” With this plan, the President has called for an end for tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas but to help fund tax cuts that reward companies for investing and creating jobs in the United States.
Moreover, the President future supported his notion to create new jobs in America by mentioning that the government will invest $8 billion into a rapid train system which will start construction in Florida later this year. He states that this attempt to have the fastest most-reliable train system will format over 2 million additional jobs for Americans. In another attempt to decrease the unemployment rate he mentions that the United States will increase our exportation of goods to other countries around the world by doubling our number of exports now over the next five years.
He continues by saying that to meet this goal, Congress will launch a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports and expand their markets. This will allow other countries to opt for our homeland goods which mean that increasing the production of goods within the United States will create increases in revenue and job opportunities. The President also called on the Senate to pass a jobs bill that he can sign.
Stating that”The House has passed a jobs bill…. As the first order of business this year, I urge the Senate to do the same, and I know they will. People are out of work. They are hurting. They need our help. And I want a jobs bill on my desk without delay. ” The bold and difficult steps the President took to stabilize the financial system have reduced the cost of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) by over $200 billion, providing additional resources for job creation and for deficit reduction.
Within the ladder portion of 2009, the President outlined a package of targeted measures to help further stimulate private sector hiring, including measures to facilitate small business growth, green jobs and infrastructure. Urging for support of the Republicans, the President mandates that it is time for strong legislation to be passed on behalf of the Senate. Out of the major initiatives presented by President Barack Obama I think that there is not a major need for a rapid train system as of right now, I do believe that the ultimate good would be the creation of 2 million jobs because of it.
Other than this minor rebuttal, I wholeheartedly agree with majority of the different ideas and concepts that the President proposed in reference to jobs during his the State of the Union Address. In addition, I also have full belief in the fact that this country will arise from economic corruption and return to being the nation of superior power and financial stability. Marcques D. Aghedo February 09, 2010 History & Theories of Leadership 201 Dr. Savage Morehouse College