1) In preparation for the debate, please post one major issue that you hope the President addresses and why you think this is an important issue for him to address.
287 Comments
Ariel Avshalumov
1/27/2014 07:41:38 am
I believe that a major issue that the president should address is the debt that this country is in! All that is heard about this topic is how to keep on increasing it and hoping that other nations will keep on buying on treasury notes and not ask for their money back! This the first time ever that we had to face such a debt, and I believe the first time that our debt reached over a trillion dollars! It is a major fear because if we ever want to tell some other country (because we are the peacekeepers of the world, however unfortunate that may be be) to change some legislation or to back off, most can just claim that we owe them money and unless we pay them back we have no control over what they can possibly do! Also, as soon as some nation comes a calling for their money we will be hit by a major depression, possibly worse than the great depression, because face it, if we divide how much we owe between citizens, we owe over 50,000$ each!!!! So answering this problem rather than ignoring it, adding more money to the debt, and allowing other nations' interest rates to rise would be the right and just path to go along on!
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 09:51:23 am
Great point Ariel, also this constant attitude towards economic debt contradicts the freedom and independence America stands for. With the 17 trillion we owe other nations in a way they own us; we can no longer stand for independence, and this lend of money is only temporary. Not only will our generation have to pay the government thousands but our children, and grandchildren. This is an on going problem and if President Obama doesn't begin to look for a way to change the situation, who knows if the next president of America will? On another note, with the prolonged situation I begin to question if this problem is simply too much for the government and the president to handle.
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 11:14:36 am
If the government and the most powerful man in the world (or so I assume) can't handle this issue, than what can possibly save America?...
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 11:34:59 am
Great question! I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Melisa Cen Xie
1/27/2014 12:23:12 pm
I think that a major issue that the President should address is the minimum wages. It is being proposed that minimum wage should be increased from $7.25 to $9 which is a huge boost into paying the workers. I believe that it is an important issue on being addressed because although it could improve the economy, at the same time, it could hinder it and cause economic failures. Increasing economic wages would benefit those who only live by working on minimum wages due to unsuccessfully able to graduate from college or problems that may have occurred, so the increase of minimum wages greatly benefit them. In addition, raising minimum wage would allow workers to be able to meet their payment every month and in addition, able to spend their money on their desires which could help increase the economy. However, increasing wages could possibly allow increase of unemployment due to small or unsuccessful business not able to pay for their workers and would lead them to increase the price of products/services. In addition, (from seeing a comment online while reading through some articles on debates about wages) a teacher, who worked hard and graduated from college, does not get their salary increase yet for someone who works in a fast food restaurant would get their salary increase which is unfavorable for some people. The debate between minimum wages causes variety of opinions for many types of people yet it is a topic that could be inevitable when it involves with the economy in the nation.
Sarah Gratz
1/28/2014 10:11:46 am
I think this is a really good point! It's important to look at the downsides and unfairness that come with certain wage increases - like the disparities between teachers' minimum wages and other workers' minimum wages. However, i think overall this is a very important issue for the President to address, especially because it increases circulation of money within the US economy. FDR had the same idea during the Great Depression, and followed through with it, which ended up bringing the American economy back on its feet. It would be pricey, but it would definitely be a worthwhile investment.
Fatima Sahin
1/27/2014 08:25:15 pm
One major issue I believe the President Obama should address is gun violence. I think this is important issue to address because gun violence has become widespread throughout the nation. It has impacted many Americans. Many lives have been taken and new incidents occur occasionally. For example, gun violence has caused many deaths in recent incidents such the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, recent mall shootings, shootings in local neighborhoods, with the police, in theaters, and many more. This is a serious issue because many lives are at risk and many don’t feel safe. Guns should not be used as a weapon of destruction on the innocent. Tighter laws and restrictions should be addressed and carried out.
Gabrielle Drew
2/3/2014 09:55:54 am
Thats a Good point Fatima. Seeing that Barack Obama was an Illinois Senator and Chicago has one of the highest gang Violence rates in the United States. I was watching the new recently and it was saying the chicago went 48 hours without a homicide, which was something to celebrate. But Even in other states such as Connecticut with the newton shootings. There has been an increase in school shootings most of the people who fired the shots were mentally unwell. Maybe making a law that says in order for you to have a gun you must list how many children you have in their house and make sure no one has a mental disablity?
rebeca lafond
1/27/2014 09:58:02 pm
I also believe that the president should address the need for gun control. We need stricter gun law's, many people are dying due to gun violence and the government needs to do something to stop it. People can't even enjoy a movie at the movie theatre's without being afraid.It's been a year after the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting and the government still hasn't done anything to prevent other shootings. So many people are dying due to heartless people who have access to guns and congress is doing little to help the president pass the bill. We can't keep holding back on this law any longer. We need to address the topic of gun control, even little children are being introduced to guns which is unacceptable. Guns are suppose to protect people, not harm innocent civilians! If people can't use guns the right way then they shouldn't have one!
Nafeesa Clarke
1/28/2014 10:12:18 am
I agree with you Rebecca, I think the issue of gun violence needs to be addressed. Although it is in our constitutional right to bear arms, it does not mean we have the right to abuse this right. Guns are being used to kill/injure innocent people. It seems as though the issue of the use of guns is determined by different state an not by a nation. I believe that this is a pressing matter.
Linda Sucuzhagnay
1/27/2014 11:29:38 pm
Audrey Yee
1/28/2014 02:12:54 pm
I agree with you Linda that there should be an immigration reform. Like what Obama said earlier that most of the businesses were started by immigrants. I think if Obama is able to push for immigration reforms, immigrants might get the chance to come to America to earn money and have a better life. I also think that if immigrants were able to stay in the US they can help us build more advanced technologies in which makes things quicker and easier for many people.
Isabelle Fernandez
1/28/2014 12:22:41 am
I think one major issue President Obama should address is affordable education, especially since this topic affects us students the most. Tuition costs for schools are now higher than ever. At a public two-year college, average tuition increased by just 4%, from $2,425 in 2003-04 to $2,530 in 2008-09. But in 2013-2014, the average tuition drastically increased by 29%!! From $2,530 to $3,264 in 2013-14. This is crazy. If tuition rates continue to climb at this rate, how are children in the future supposed to be able to afford going to college? Cooper Union is a good example of tuition inflation. The school was made so that everyone could get a great education, no matter one's financial background. Thus it was a tuition-free school until last year when they started charging $20,000 per semester. Education should be affordable, and I'm curious to see if Obama will address this matter.
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 09:12:29 am
I agree and think that Obama should address the tuition in schools because not everyone can afford that. The unemployment rate is higher than ever and not many can afford a semester of college, let alone 4 years of college to graduate. Also, a college degree counts just as much as a high school degree and doesn't guarantee you a job once you get out. So is it really worth it to pay this much for college with a hope that you'll be able to get a job? great point!
Emily Ma
1/28/2014 12:16:57 pm
This is definitely an issue that he should address to (and he did for a short amount of time)! Education is not only the present, but it is also the concrete of our future. If everyone gets an affordable education, there would be fewer drop-out rates, and possibly even more students reaching a higher degree of learning! With a more affordable education, each American youngster and adult will have a chance at gaining knowledge, and learning vocational skills that will aid them in finding a job or even creating more stable jobs for us, or even our future generations. This is definitely an issue that needs to be dealt with, and I hope that the problem at hand will be resolved (at least half-way) when we're seniors in HS or perhaps even a freshman in college!
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 02:46:23 pm
I agree! Obama spoke about making higher education possible for everyone but the price makes it impossible. The alternative is student loans but it takes years to pay them back. And they wonder why Americans are in debt?
Sally Ni
1/28/2014 12:34:05 am
I believe that a major issue that President Obama should address is internet privacy. Under President Obama, the National Security Agency is leading one of the largest and most comprehensive attacks on the 4th Amendment rights of the American people in our history. We now know the NSA has seized the telephone, Internet and Facebook records of hundreds of millions of innocent, law-abiding Americans. The NSA is tracking who we are talking to on our telephones and what websites we are searching on the Internet. The NSA is seizing and storing our e-mails and our live chats on Facebook and on Skype. Not to mention how such acts are illegal in the United States and our president is comiting the biggest crime of all. However, while America is outraged over the domestic surveillance by the NSA, another federal branch, the Drug Enforcement Agency has been accessing our private medical records. Since September, three bills have been introduced in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania designed to expand the commonwealth’s own prescription monitoring system by establishing a database listing all prescriptions of controlled medications and the identities of the citizens who receive them. I understand that such acts need to implemented to decrease substance abuse, but it is also sacrificing the privacy of the child who breaks his arm on a bike or needs treatment for ADHD. Research shows that burdensome restrictions on pain management have an effect that leads doctors to withhold medication from people who needs it out of fear of prosecution. Imagine the millions of Americans suffering from pain because their doctors are too scared of the DEA to prescribe them any medications. How are we suppose to feel safe and healthy when we know the government is personally incorporating themselves a part of our lives and when our doctors are too afraid to treat us?
Melissa Huang
1/28/2014 01:24:07 pm
I totally agree with you because privacy is like an individual right for each human beings and it should be shared only upon that person's will. However, it is not right for the government/NSA to invade anyone's privacy by seizing telephones, internet and facebook records of the vast majority. Privacy is something that people use to distinguish who they truly are as an individual in the society and it aides each individual to maintain their sense of identity when they are in the public. So invading anyone's privacy may interrupt people in maintaining their sense of identity, violates the rights each individual deserves and breaks off the trust each individual holds towards the government that may bring the country a sense of hatred from the people.
Nafeesa Clarke
1/28/2014 02:08:05 am
I think the president should address the issue of health care. Around last October/November, the government was spilt on a decision of health care. As a result, the government was shut down. In America, there are 44 million without health care coverage. Health care is expensive and as of January 1,2014, it was said that every American will need health insurance or they will be charged a penalty. This was a part of Obamacare. The controversy of this plan is that paying a penalty for health care goes against what America stands for which is the him of the free and brave. Obamacare is designed for lower class people but it is unclear about the health care options for immigrants or permanent residents. The president should address when gis health care plan is so controversial and what he's going to do to fix these problems.
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 03:06:02 pm
Republicans believe health-care choices should be yours and not the governments. Obama is trying to convince them not to appeal by using the average woman to prove that she wasn't denied coverage for her surgery because of Obama care. Otherwise, she would have been without insurance and bankrupt.Basically, he doesn't care that it is controversial because he urged more people to sign up anyway.
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 03:14:00 am
I believe a major issue President Obama during his State Of Union Address should consult is public health; specifically the amounts of carbon monoxide that is exposed to American civilians within their environments. Annually thousands of American workers are killed due to the amount of carbon monoxide exposure they experience. Workers exposed to low-levels of carbon monoxide suffer with prolonged headaches’, dizziness, disorientation, and chest pains; known to force workers into hospital settings, costing them personal money due to the corporate lack of insuring a safe environment. Exposure to high-levels of CO results in prolonged pains amongst thousands of employees that at times development different sorts of cancers, in some cases taking lives. Carbon monoxide has become known as a major toxic agent with high mortality rates. A specific case from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that annually over 20,000 Americans search for help regarding daily exposure to CO poisoning, and another 4,000 are hospitalized without governmental acknowledgment. Primarily, public knowledge regarding the offenses of CO is greatly limited and corporations are willing to expose their employees in search of profit. In result millions are subject to low-levels of long-term exposure to CO within homes, and work places, since effects are not well defined. In conclusion, for the safety of Americas public it would be greatly important for President Obama to consult the problem occurring in thousands of factories, vehicles, households, etc. throughout the nation. Throughout American History public conditions were seen with the eye, CO being colorless and odorless does not differ in importance and should be dealt with as a crucial component to public health.
Anita Tendler
1/28/2014 10:05:26 am
I completely agree. There are so many hazardous environmental factors that many fail to acknowledge, for they deem it irrelevant to them. American citizens are forced to work in unsafe conditions where they are exposed to chemicals such as carbon monoxide. I feel as though the Obama administration is forced to focus much more on the big picture-concepts such as income equality and healthcare-even though I believe that your point is incredibly valid and important.
Johanna Aguilera
1/28/2014 10:06:38 am
I agree, Jacqueline! Public health is such an important issue for Americans, and frankly, I believe that it is sometimes overlooked by government officials. The health of Americans should be of the utmost importance to the American government. Also, I believe that educating the American people of certain health risks that come with various occupations is important so that people will not unknowingly get into conditions hazardous for his or her health.
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 10:11:56 am
This has become a major issue. The government forgets that individuals make up society; the same individuals that are being exposed to such horrors. The small issues matter. The working class matters and their health is what contributes to health care, and their children's development.
Patty Mei
1/28/2014 03:18:38 am
A major issue I feel that President Obama should address is the growing gap between the rich and the poor. The issue of income inequality is becoming more and more of a threat; the richest 1% of U.S. households makes about $394,000 a year with the help of stocks and a recovering housing market. Meanwhile, the rest of the country has trouble finding stable jobs that can sustain the household and family. The problem with this is that the middle class has to deal with stagnant wages and things like student debt without a reliable source of income that could pay it off in a short amount of time. With such a large amount of people unable to pay their loans and debts, people would just keep accumulating a larger load on their backs. This could eventually lead to lower levels of consumer spending, which then hurts the economy directly. Solving this would definitely be a long process, but something that could be done to address this problem could be to refrain from taxing the poor and middle class more than the rich. This way it could slowly even out the gap and the less wealthy would be able to keep more of their income in their pockets.
Joyce Huang
1/28/2014 03:33:47 am
Before worrying about foreign affairs, President Obama should take care of the issues at home. An important problem that needs to be addressed is poverty in the United States. Yes, poverty is "normal" for any nation but it becomes a big problem when statistics show that the matter is only getting worse. This heavily deals with the issue of wealth inequality. It has been common in history for wealthy parties to find loopholes in the law to avoid paying taxes. Some even go as far as gaining dual citizenship to avoid taxes altogether. This is one of the reasons why even though the U.S. is home to many popular figures, we are still in debt. More specifically, I am worried about how this will affect programs such as public education. According to a report from the Southern Education Foundation, 48% of all public-school students qualified for free or reduced-price meals. If these students cannot even afford full-price meals, imagine their living conditions currently or how they would pay for college in the future. The problem is that these schools do not get sufficient amounts of money for resources. Talking to former students of Edward R. Murrow, I am well aware that slowly but surely more classes are being cut. It is not a surprise that less and less people would want to even work as a teacher in a public school. President Obama needs to address these problems because the younger generation will eventually be responsible for the U.S.'s future. This means providing them with adequate education to understand what is happening in their government as well as possible vocational skills. Also, stricter laws for the wealthy to pay their duties would benefit everyone (except those that have to pay unfortunately). With more money, programs to help the people can continue on and expand.
Emily Ma
1/28/2014 06:40:18 am
Stepping into this new year, I hope that President Obama can address the formal issue of the environment and as well as educational fees. Fracking has become an issue since the 2000s but there has been no resolution to the problem of clean water in some parts of our country. There has been reports of residents living in the Dakotas where they can set the faucet water on fire, which personally is frightening. Protests and petitions are often made regarding fracking and environmental issues, but President Obama never acknowledges these issues to and by the public. As for education, I strongly believe that knowledge is power. Education plays such an important role in our lives as well as the promises of our futures. However, educational fees have sky-rocketed in the past decades, and now -- people often become dropouts (because of the high loans and tuition in college). If we can just provide a stable education without putting the fees so high, perhaps everyone can have a firm education until the end of college and not carry such a huge burden of student loans until they're 90.
Hoiyee
1/29/2014 10:54:30 am
I agree with Emily's statement about education. With the amount of people lacking the money for college they cannot set their goals into the future and be independent. Since America is a striving nation of industry and marketing, we need more educated people to continue on the economy, with education as its first basis.
Ms Albu
1/28/2014 06:46:23 am
Wow. Everyone. So articulate and thoughtful and well researched. 'm so inspired that you guys are the future.
Ms Albu
1/28/2014 06:47:19 am
I'm*
Emma Hopkins
1/28/2014 07:44:30 am
I think one major issue the president should address is the increasing cost of college. As students realizing the very near reality of going off to and having to pay for college, this is a subject that should be very important to all of us. Most jobs nowadays require a college degree, and tuition has risen 1,120% in the past 30 years. It is only a few that are able to pay fully for college, while middle class wages have seemed to stagnate over the past decade, and students have to pay for it themselves. While the possibility of scholarships is there, it is certainly not granted, and often very hard to obtain. Even with them, students are forced into debt to pay off what's left, through the all-too-common means of student loans. Student loans take up about 60% of a recently graduated student's income, and unless you have an amazing job, it'd be pretty difficult to get by. Most private schools I have looked at are $40,000-$50,000 dollars a year. To be in $200,000 debt for four years of schooling, put on the shoulders of an adult just getting on their feet? The prospect is ridiculous. Obama should definitely address this issue for the nation's college-bound youth.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 08:06:13 am
I think something Obama should talk about in his State of the Union Address is higher education. This is an issue that i think more attention should be put on because everyone is always pushing for college, but for a lot of people it isn't plausible. Now more than ever it is imperative for people to go to college because most (high paying and stand up) jobs require postsecondary education. A lot of jobs also require a masters degree to even be considered for a position. With public schools costing upwards of $10,000 dollars and some private schools costing as much as $70,000 per year how are the middle and lower classes supposed to be able to afford a college education when the average household income is roughly $50,000. Free education is carried out through elementary, middle and high schools so why shouldn't it be free in college? College is so expensive that people go into extreme debt just to get an education. The high cost of college is an issue that really should not be put on the back burner, when it factors into so many things like employment rates, debt, and even crime rates.
Dor Rondel
1/28/2014 08:11:26 am
Perhaps not the most important issue at hand, but still undoubtedly important on both a domestic and international sphere is the remaining US and NATO presence in Afghanistan. Earlier this month CNN reported that there are still 38,000 US military troops (not including US NATO personnel) remaining in Afghanistan. Although future plans for reducing this number have been reported, none have been officially confirmed by the federal government. The longest American war, spanning from 2001 until present time requires military and economic expenditure, which in my opinion should be halted. I think most people would agree that the western allies involved accomplished their goal of ending the civil war and allaying the Taliban. Another international issue that should be addressed, are the modifications with US-Iranian relations. Since Iran has agreed to allow IAEA inspectors into their nuclear core, the United States wouldn't want to jeopardize the new negotiation process, as it can have bad ramifications on a local level, and can present a threat to US allies in the Middle East and Europe.
Renzhentaxi Baerde
1/28/2014 08:11:26 am
An issue that I think president Obama should definitely address in his speech is the Obama care crisis. Obama care, officially known as the patient protection and affordable care act, allows everyone to have a health plan. However I think it is not the Obama Care that needs to be addressed but the hostilities between Republicans and Democrats. Yes, I know the Republicans and Democrats are two opposing parties and they are supposed to be hostile to each other. But I still think that shutting down the government is just too much and if the hostility is not dealt with soon then there will probably be more and more Obama care like crises that will happen in the future.
Dor Rondel
1/28/2014 12:08:45 pm
I definitely there should be ample governmental cooperation, at the end of the day, the government should want the best for its citizens. What's best is apparent, though there might be different ways in achieving that goal, totally uncooperative to the point of a shut down accomplishes the exact opposite. And as for Obama Care, it goes without saying that cheap if not free health care should be granted to every citizen as it is essential.
Anita Tendler
1/28/2014 08:14:09 am
Though Obama has certainly taken action against various environmental-related issued such as his fight against the illegal ivory trade, I believe he should address how he plans to further his impact on similar causes. The illegal ivory trade is a worldwide misfortune, causing a drastic decrease in the elephant population; in only 2012, poachers killed about 35,000 African Elephants for their tusks, bringing them to the brink of extinction. The Obama administration destroyed six tons of raw and carved ivory, made from over 1,000 elephants; this was done as a symbolic condemnation of the illegal trade, which is suspected to fund crime and terrorism. Although this action is truly admirable, I believe he should address what further steps he intends to take. The illegal trade is still ongoing and poaching has grown increasingly brutal. Furthermore, Obama advocates animals rights, however, he is yet to implement any specific regulations to support that. There are a multitude of organizations that the Obama administration can collaborate (i.e. WCS), which are already successfully taking action against such causes. In short, these issues are detrimental to the Earth's ecosystem as a whole, and are worth addressing in the upcoming State of the Union Address.
Jonathan Sperling
1/28/2014 10:00:39 am
The illegal ivory trade is unfortunate, and definitely something worth looking into. As someone who isn't president, I could definitely say I'd do something to stop the trade if I could. However in the grand scheme of things, it seems minuscule compared some of the other issues the president faces. It is true that the U.S is indirectly impacted by the trade through it's funding of terrorism, but I would be surprised if President Obama even mentions animal rights, let alone the ivory trade specifically.
Anita Tendler
1/28/2014 10:12:19 am
Unfortunately, I think you're right. One could hope.
Johanna Aguilera
1/28/2014 08:18:44 am
I think that one major issue that the President should address in the State of the Union Address is income inequality in the United States. As many people are aware of, the wealthiest one percent (1%) of Americans are in control of the nation's wealth. This creates a social battle in America of the "haves" and the "have nots". This forces Americans to be divided and not unified, rather than focusing on creating a unified, national force that is not divided by economic inequality. By addressing income inequality and what the leaders of the country can do to decrease things like unemployment rates, it will hopefully let unemployed citizens and people struggling to make ends meet know that their struggles are heard by the leader of the free world, and one of the only people able to help the economic hardships that individual people and the country, as a whole, are experiencing. For example, one of the ways that the President can help citizens economically, is by raising the federal minimum wage.
Zachary Rosalinsky
1/28/2014 08:33:40 am
I agree completely! I think the increasing economic gap is a terrible thing that has historically been extremely debilitating. I agree that the President should push raising the minimum wage. People are currently trying to live on amounts of money that are truly unlivable, especially when raising a family! However, I would go one step further in leveling the playing field. I would increase the top marginal rate on income taxes (yay 16th Amendment!) and would hope that income was taxed at the same rate, regardless of where that income came from. Ok that's about it bye!
Johanna Aguilera
1/28/2014 10:01:10 am
Thank you for your input, Zachary!
Johanna Aguilera
1/28/2014 10:57:03 am
Point # 1: Women getting equal pay for equal work as men.
Johanna Aguilera
1/28/2014 11:12:57 am
Point # 2: Gun control
Johanna Aguilera
1/28/2014 11:16:54 am
Oh, also it was very important that Obama shared the fact that women are making 77 cents to $1 that a man makes. This gives people a clear view of gender inequality in the workplace.
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 03:21:59 pm
I agree and the price of living keeps increasing! How are Americans supposed to save for retirement? A lot of workers don't even have pensions and social security checks aren't enough.
Zachary Rosalinsky
1/28/2014 08:19:40 am
One issue I think President Obama needs to address for the following year is Immigration. Last year (I think) Senate approved a plan to approve legalization for illegal immigrants but when it got to the House, it was rejected by Republicans, who did not want to push reform in one giant effort, but in smaller efforts (seemingly to prolong the ordeal for those who just want to become citizens). It appears that the Republicans do not want to introduce these potential voters (hmm... potential Democrats?). Thousands of people came to America seeking a better life, work hard, and have children who are raised American. The only difference is, they aren't American citizens and do not get the same benefits that Americans do. Indeed, it would benefit America in the long run! Citizens pay taxes!!!!! Additionally, they as people can get better work and have better benefits like social security so they can live better, safer lives as Americans. I believe President Obama needs to address the stagnation in the government on this crucial and important issue. Obviously there are many important issues that must be discussed, but I feel this one should be discussed tonight as it affects a large population in America.
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 08:25:30 am
I think one major issue President Barack Obama should address is the issue of the increasing tuition fees. Personally being a part of the generation of teenagers that are currently searching for colleges and universities, it is essential that this issue addressed. Over the decade from 2002-03 to 2012-13, published tuition and fees at public four-year institutions rose at an average rate of 5.2% per year beyond inflation. Students shouldn't be limited to certain amount of schools because of their financial situation. With the lack of jobs available for post-grad students, it's outrageous to pay more than 40 thousand dollars for a admirable education while jobs aren't guaranteed in the end. Unfortunately, the gap between someone who can pay for college easily and someone who can get a full ride via financial aid/scholarships, is a wide gap. Student usually work 2-3 jobs to pay off the rest of their tuition. While secondary education should be an experience in itself, the issue with money is cataclysmic. President Obama should create jobs for the mid-20 year olds that have just graduated so that the money spent is worth it.
Stacy Krokha
1/28/2014 08:46:19 am
One thing that I hope the president will address is gun violence/control. So many American lives have been lost due to the fact that there are people running around with guns that are either poorly trained with the gun or mentally unstable. Take the Treyvon case for example. The child was killed because a neighborhood security guard had a gun. A job as simple as that shouldn't really require having a loaded gun, maybe a stun gun instead. Also he was proved not guilty... That just shows that the gun laws can be bent and twisted. If people get the wrong idea about the fact that they could go and kill somebody and then claim that it was self defense... Well then I fear for our lives because everybody would be able to kill everybody and get away with it. Obama should either enforce stricter gun control laws or make the a series of tests and background searches for the person to be able to obtain a gun.
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 09:19:43 am
Also, Sandy Hook. That shooting in Newton, Connecticut really made the gun control law important. People have found ways to sneak around and avoid following the laws of all citizens. That is such an important issue because it applies to each persons life. It is a matter of safety. I can't even imagine having a shooting happen in Murrow. The strength of gun violence is vital to our lives and our well beings. I agree and I hope Obama addresses that issue.
Nicole Bressi
1/28/2014 10:16:28 am
I agree with both Emma and Stacy and would like to add the recent occurrence of Avontea Oquendo. Although it doesn't have much to do with gun control, it does involve ensuring the security of citizens. It's currently a big lawsuit because people are blaming the security guards and the paraprofessional for the child going missing, which isn't wrong because their jobs are too protect and help the children of the school. However, it should be known that security needs to be well enforced and reliable.
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 10:21:06 am
That is a really good point Nicole, security for all is very important and gun control is only one small aspect of that.
Akjemal Toshieva
1/28/2014 11:30:16 am
I agree with Stacy, gun control/violence should definitely be addressed. I strongly agree with the idea of replacing the gun with a stun gun, but only to some extent. The stun gun won't harm people as much as a loaded gun, but guns should be available for mentally stable and sound people so they can truly protect their homes from criminals who seem to be everywhere in our country. I think Stacy came up with a great point when she mentioned how gun laws can be twisted to a different perspective and help people who had intentions to actually kill go free.
Chloe
2/2/2014 05:05:06 am
Although I agree with the idea that there should be gun reforms, it's easier said than done. First of all, one of our constitutional rights as American citizens is the right to bear arms. One might argue that, "my constitutional rights should not be compromised because of the stupidity of others", which is a pretty legitimate point. It's kind of like the whole class getting punished because of one person's practical joke. Secondly, people think there should be some sort of test to decide whether or not someone deserves a gun. Okay... what would be accurate testing? A background check? A test of someone's mental stability? You don't have to be insane or an ex criminal to kill or injure someone with a gun. There are too many discrepancies with gun control to ever do something effectively about it :/
Emily Ma
1/28/2014 01:00:11 pm
Definitely definitely agreed! There has been many shootings the past years, and it's super scary! People walk out the streets, and fear for their lives. I'm even scared to walk into a movie theater now to be honest, because of that movie theater shooting on the west coast. He definitely should regard this issue 100%, and put a rest to the guns.
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 08:47:38 am
One major issue that I hope President Obama will address is the growing gap between the rich and the poor. There are millions of Americans who are struggling to obtain basic necessities and live without government aid. With the gap growing wider and wider each year, the “American Dream” of working hard to get ahead and being on top is slowly fading. This past decade alone, the incomes of the rich have grown by at least 86% and the incomes of the poor have gone up just over 6%. The working class, middle class and the poor make up the majority of the country, but have only a small percentage of the country’s wealth, while the rich minority harbors a high concentration of the country’s wealth. The social mobility that America was essentially based on will barely even exist in the future at this rate. With the growing economic inequality in this country comes the growing gap in education. It’s plainly obvious that children from wealthier families (tend to) go to better colleges and universities and are open to more and better opportunities. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States has the highest inequality and poverty in the OECD after Mexico and Turkey. With the poverty rate climbing to 15% from its 11% in 1973, economic inequality is getting to become an extremely important issue. With the gap continuing to grow, there is less and less of a middle class. The middle class in essential to our economy- it is basically the foundation of our economy. President Obama most definitely needs to address this because the growing economic inequality in the United States will without a doubt leave the country in an unbalanced state and its obvious the citizens of the country will not accept that.
Erica Germain
1/28/2014 01:17:59 pm
THANK YOU !! It's like with colleges. Well-known expensive colleges like Harvard or Yale is associated with rich people and community colleges are associated with poor people. Therefore, it becomes a cycle in which the children of the person that went to harvard go there too , and the children of the person that went to community college are less fortunate. The crazy thing about it is, is that two people can have the same grades, the same personality and behavior, but the only difference that would determine their future careers is that one can afford more than the other.
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 03:32:28 pm
Opportunity for all because we all have the ability to apply to the top universities! Obviously, for the top 1% affording a prestigious college like Yale wouldn't be a problem but for a low-income family they might think twice because of the tuition fee. Although, both could have been impressive applicants.
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 09:02:47 am
I think a major point that the president shoould adress is health care, and more specifically ObamaCare(Affordable Care Act). The goal of this health care is to give more Americans access to affordable and quality health insurance, and also to reduce the growth in health care spending in the United States. However, as great as it sounds, people are still upset with it. Despite having opted out of the health insurance, a person will still have to pay for it through taxes if not enough people enroll. It’s one of the major reasons that Americans have had a negative outlook on it. Also, if that person can barely scrape by the month supporting themselves how can they also pay for insurance that they do not even use? Another point he should adress is what happens the 500,000 Americans who now have no health insurance as a result from one year delay from the ObamaCare provision? Adding to this, the delay also requires that a buisness with more than 50 full time employeesto provide health insurance or pay a fine. Many owners are firing workers to avoid the fine, so what does Obama plan to do with these now jobless people? Many of them may have families that they can not support now, so how is ObamaCare really helping them? Lastly, this Act is supposed to reduce the growth in health care spending, but the government shuttdown contradicted that in October. The Act would require funding from the Federal Budget, so which other programs would the money be taken out from in order to fund it? Obama should definetly adress this situation fully so the people know what to expect from ObamaCare and how it may affect other aspects of their lives.
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 09:16:38 am
I am hoping that President Obama addresses the issue of homelessness and overall poverty. I think it is so unfair how some people struggle each day just to find a simple meal while others parade their wealth around. I feel it would be a smart choice to speak about the division between the rich and poor. Also, recently the weather has been absolutely horrible and I can't imagine living on the streets at this time. The weather is life threatening for people who do not have a home; living in a park is insufficient and extremely dangerous. I hope in this New Year, I see less people begging for money in the trains and less people on the city streets with cardboard signs. The wealthy should use their money wisely. They have money and they should spend it well (Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth) As the President. Obama knows of the mass amount of poverty in the nation and that is an issue that needs to be solved for the good of the people and it is so beneficial. In general, two major issues need to be addressed; rich vs. poor and urban homelessness.
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1/28/2014 09:18:14 am
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David Tonkonogi
1/28/2014 09:31:53 am
I think that a major issue that the president should address is the currency and financial state that America is in today. Our debt for example has been increasing $2.48 billion since September 30th, 2012. Another issue, that isn't major in dollars, but in my perspective is the way taxpayers money has been used by Michelle Obama. A lot of trips, and other luxuries that she has been enjoying was received from the struggles of many hard working Americans. This contradicts a lot of what he was planing on doing. An even bigger question can be, if $2,000 dollars means a lot to us,as the middle class workers, then how come we can just allow that money that we work hard for the the tax to collect go to waste. At this point, Obama should be considering the best way to get our economy back into place, not another vacation for his wife or his family.
Jonathan Sperling
1/28/2014 09:53:37 am
College tuition affordability for the middle class has been an issue in the U.S for decades. Other first world countries such as Canada have found a way to cut college tuition costs to less than five thousand for Canadian students. Meanwhile, American students are shelling out tens of thousands in tuition costs, not including the expensive college textbook market.
Chaz Blackwood
1/28/2014 09:56:49 am
One major issue that I hope President Obama should address tonight is standardized testing. A standardized test is any test in which the same test is given in the same manner to all test takers. For me, the issue with these tests, an example being the SAT, is that the test is set at a level where the College Board assume the nations youth as a whole are capable of mastering. People have different learning styles, and kids in different states learn different things at different times at different paces. In result to this, many kids may be unable to answer questions given on standardized test. What makes this situation worse is that these tests are crucial to a kids advancement in the educational ladder of this country. If a kids fails, they do not get promoted. This would be acceptable if these tests actually tested for intelligence, but they do not. Because someone may be unable to memorize a few facts, or equations, they're subjected to repeat a grade or enroll in a bad college despite the fact that they may after all be as intelligent as someone who passed the test with a hundred. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed because a persons future in this country shouldn't be largely influenced by standardized tests that test a persons ability to memorize. By failing these tests, the youth of America will have no opportunity to make it in this country because they will be deemed as unfit to enter a great college, or unfit to take on a specific job. Overall, the issue of standardized tests should be addressed by the President.
Erica Germain
1/28/2014 01:06:38 pm
I agree with you 100% Every individual is different. Some people don't need to study at all and others have to study all night. And the thing about is is that this one test can determine the future of our lives. But I don't think this is realistic. Without testing, there would be no way to rank individuals or determine who is better qualified to get a job (like a lawyer or doctor).
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 03:43:37 pm
Obama stated for himself that they raise expectations and performance for a more challenging curriculum. Students are being taught problem solving, critical thinking, science, technology, engineering, math, etc. He emphasized the need to think and not bubble in on a test..... how funny because that's exactly what we are doing so I agree with you Chaz! There is more to higher education than tests a lone.
Chloe
2/2/2014 04:53:48 am
I cannot even begin to explain how much I agree with this. Standardized testing proves NOTHING. On one hand, I'm sure it eliminates (or at least lessens) hassle that may come with placing people in certain classes or schools but they are completely inaccurate. Anything with a brain can learn to memorize and regurgitate information and color in a bubble, but am I really learning? My education should be based on giving me skills that I can actually use in the real world, not how to make me look good for a board of directors. I'd be better off teaching myself.
Gabrielle Drew
2/3/2014 10:10:39 am
That is so true! There are many children out there that are extremely smart but miss out on so many opportunities because they are bad test takers. Americas school system is soley based on memorization and not learning and understand. One example i could use is myself. I have a good memory therefore I am a better test taker but do I understand the material. Absolutely NOT! My dad was also complaining earlier about the common core standards. He that teaching is not what it used to be. With all these rules it makes it so difficult for him to actually teach. If teachers dont love their job how do they expect us to love to learn in order to succeed?
Nicole Bressi
1/28/2014 09:58:51 am
I think one issue that President Obama should address tonight is marriage equality. Although it might not be as big as an issue as poverty or economic issues, it's still a problem that involves everyone in the country. Without all 50 states being united on this, it is harder to create a sense of nationalism in the country. http://www.marriageequality.org/sites/default/files/National%20Map%20%2320%20%2806-Jan-2014%29.pdf
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 10:07:54 am
Agreed, during President Obama's inaugural address he specifically stated “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, For if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal, as well.” I believe it's about time he greatly emphasis the equality that isn't being granted to couples who have the right to express their love. For someone who made history by regarding gay marriage in his inaugural address, he hasn't done enough to emphasis and grant change for this issue.
Nicole Bressi
1/28/2014 10:32:33 am
Great point! I think its time to address this issue; it's 2014, we should be so far from tradition that this shouldn't be a problem to Americans.
Stacy Krokha
1/28/2014 10:54:00 am
I agree with you guys completely! Even though some states have passed gay marriage laws, the amount of states that haven't outweighs the amount that did. If Obama was all for it then he should make it one of his top priority because that's what he promised our nation.
Audrey Yee
1/28/2014 09:59:26 am
One major issue that I believe that President Obama should address is affordable education. Education is what determines our future. Parents, nowadays, are worrying about the whether they are able to pay the high tuition fees especially families with low income. In the past few decades, the tuition fees have been soaring and average annual cost of tuition, fees and room and board at the public and private level have risen from 101% and 137%. With tuition fees that high, how can people pay for that? Not everyone is rich and able to afford that amount. Even high-achieving students, who are from low income family, would have slim chance in enrolling into top universities. In 2010, the cost of the fees took up almost 11% of the family income. Even if students are getting loans from the government, they will have a hard time paying it off when they graduate. Based on this website, 35% of 25 years-old with student debt were late on their payment. In 2012, students debt was higher than credit card. Education is something that would succeed into a better future. How would the future generation be able to pay for the fees if they keep increasing it?
Linda Sucuzhagnay
1/28/2014 11:48:22 am
I completely agree with you, i mean this issue has been going on for some time now. Students are increasingly dropping out of school due to this issue. This is an issue that should be important to all of us since the students are America's future. Only a few amount of students are about to pay fully for college such as the rich since its no problem for them. I think that Obama should increase the possibilities to gain the scholarships more lenient so then low income families that have high achieving students could have a greater chance in getting into the college that they want.
Jasmine Ng
2/3/2014 12:59:38 pm
I think your point is very agreeable. One person who I deem admirable, would agree with your issue stands by the name Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was one of the early American historical figures that believed in educational reform. His points were very firm in the processes that education should be an equal opportunity for everyone. Whether they take the opportunity or not, it should be given to them as an option to pursue their future. One major issue, discussed in your argument is "affordable" education and that's the main reason most people have trouble completing higher education. College loans and debts; financial aid is good for helping with monetary problems but it's not enough to pay off for your education. I love that you spoke about this very problematic issue. Thank you for sharing, Audrey!
Gianna Kroening
1/28/2014 10:00:13 am
I really hope that President Obama addresses gun control. It's an issue that many Americans are severely divided on. Many believe that it is within a person's rights to own a firearm for protection, while others see it as purely aggressive. I think it's important for our nation's leader to comment on this, especially regarding the amount of harm they have done this past year. There have been 6 mass shootings during the last 9 months, and approximately 20 during Obama's presidency (Huffington Post). There was the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the Navy Yard shooting, Too many people have had their lives ended by people who should never have owned a gun in the first place, especially if background checks were made more thorough. The issue is far too serious to only be addressed at a state level; there needs to be some federal action taken, that way someone with a sketch background can't go to another state to obtain a gun easier.
Marina Wondrich-Rush
1/28/2014 10:00:44 am
I know that this is very, very unlikely, but I hope that the President addresses the problematic aspects of drone warfare. The civilian deaths caused are unacceptable, and even if the people who are killed are involved in alleged terrorism, there have been instances where they could have just as easily been arrested and the use of a drone could have been avoided. These attacks lead to a huge amount of anti-American feelings, which could potentially fuel more terrorism. For example, the Boston bombings last year were portrayed by the news media as an act of religious extremism, but they were actually a protest against America's actions-- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev wrote a message on the walls of the boat that he was trapped in justifying his actions by saying that "the U.S. Government is killing our innocent civilians," "I can't stand to see such evil go unpunished," and "stop killing our innocent people and we will stop." Obviously I'm not supporting what they did, but I think that America needs to take a look at the repercussions of our actions overseas.
Sarah Gratz
1/28/2014 10:01:04 am
One major issue I believe Obama should definitely address is the state of the environment. As of now, half of the word’s tropical and temperate forests are now gone. Although in the past years there have been many measures to spread awareness for global warming, there hasn’t been much done on a national, federal level. In the past few years, there have been countless budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which isn’t helping the case. This year will be the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, so many believe Obama might renew some sort of commitment to protect public lands. A big sub-issue that needs to be addressed is fracking. Hydraulic fracking causes many problems – anywhere from water contamination to earthquakes. Chemicals used during fracking leach out of the system and can contaminate groundwater and harm the air quality. Problems such as these – that are blatantly ignored or put on hold by those with power – are the ones that Obama needs to face and give answers to. In the past (like in World War I!), the federal government has highly encouraged people to not use coal for a few days a week; even raising awareness on a national level can help if we do this today! To give just an idea of how much of an impact this would have nowadays – in the past 50 years, humans have consumed more resources than in all previous history. If we could cut down just a little of this energy and resource consumption, it would make a big difference.
Alisha Yu
1/28/2014 10:03:54 am
I think a major issue that should be addressed by the President is the increasing gap between the rich, and the poor and middle class since it has become increasingly difficult for the latter to find stable jobs. As a result of that, no income is gained in families. This leads to many families being unable to fund for their children's expensive higher education colleges. These colleges lead to higher up jobs but since many people are unable to afford these colleges, they are restricted and robbed of such opportunities despite America being the land of opportunities.
Sheri Sarnoff former apush star
1/28/2014 10:16:46 am
According to the chart shown on NBC, the state of the union is not strong. ( and yes Mr. Redito if you are reading this I understood the numbers)
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 10:19:14 am
LEAVE SHERI this is no longer your website
Rory Schall
1/28/2014 10:44:04 am
Public saftey and internet privacy should be adressed. Overall, If Obama had a better relationship with congress more would be accomplished. This is common sense. However, Sheri, you state changes need to be made. Which ones exactly?
Rory Schall
1/28/2014 10:48:15 am
safety*
Ariel Avshalumova
1/28/2014 10:18:32 am
Its interesting how it takes about 15 minutes to get to the actual speech part! It shows our inefficiency!
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:22:20 am
sorry sent two by accident
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 10:25:35 am
I feel as if this isn't being taken as seriously as it should be taken.
Imogene Link-Harrington (Grell Sutcliff)
1/28/2014 10:34:32 am
The presidency is about public opinion and how the federal government is represented. If the president was not gracious to his colleagues he would represent a government that was rude and that would leave an impression that the president doesn't care for the elected officials that represent the people and that would lead to the public not trusting the president. And the rhetoric used is meant to outline the high points of the presidency and establish what Obama is going to be addressing
Chaz Blackwood
1/28/2014 11:16:08 am
I completely agree with Imogene's point. Elaborate on your statement of " inefficiency ". How exactly does our Presidents attempt to be humble and friendly reflects out countries "inefficiency". I personally see no correlation between the two.
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 11:38:43 am
The fact that the president starts of his speech with the topics in a simplistic non-articulate manner depicts with what importance such topics should be seen as. I think that's what Ariel meant to say.
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:18:44 am
Its interesting how it takes about 15 minutes to get to the actual speech part! It shows our inefficiency!
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:19:00 am
Its interesting how it takes about 15 minutes to get to the actual speech part! It shows our inefficiency!
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:19:24 am
Its interesting how it takes about 15 minutes to get to the actual speech part! It shows our inefficiency! 1/28/2014 10:20:28 am
Its interesting how it takes about 15 minutes to get to the actual speech part! It shows our inefficiency!
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:20:36 am
Its interesting how it takes about 15 minutes to get to the actual speech part! It shows our inefficiency! Also the rhetoric at the beginning of the speech is interesting...
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:26:46 am
again sorry that it was sent so many times. I thought that it did not go through.
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 10:29:28 am
I agree that the minimum wage is not something we can survive off and that we need to strengthen the middle class. I think it is realistic to bring the middle class into a stronger stance. Raising the minimum wage can make a very drastic difference to individuals and struggling families. They can feed their kids better and afford to give them an education. There has to be a balance between poor and rich , and not a sharp difference between the two. People who try but cannot make it shouldn't become poor, but land in the comfortable middle. But how does he plan to make the middle class stronger?
Marina Wondrich-Rush
1/28/2014 10:32:00 am
I'm glad that he is acknowledging that upward mobility isn't as simple as many upper classed people make it out to be. Ideally, income inequality could be lessened if the minimum wage was raised, which is seems like Obama is hinting at, but, as he said, that would require congressional action, and, considering that we have the actual least productive Congress ever, it'll be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. He says that he would take steps without legislation to increase opportunity, which is definitely the most efficient way to help those in need, but the changes that can be made in that manner can only go so far.
Gianna Kroening
1/28/2014 10:33:30 am
I really liked Obama's proposal to undo spending cuts for research. I think that research is an incredibly important aspect of our country; we want to be known for our innovation and ability to be ahead of the curve. I believe that he really wants to do this. However, it seems a bit unrealistic. As much as his words give me hope, the seeming constant willingness of Congress to fight back against spending cuts is quite disheartening. But I'm glad that he acknowledges how important this is.
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:41:11 am
I completely agree with you Gianna! However, I also hold your doubts. If he is serious (which can't be true anyway in a bipartisan government) than the US government will have to continue to borrow more from other countries (which is still going on). If these other countries happen to want their money back it would not be a pleasant time for the US... Also if he plans to slash any cuts, there must be some negative effect somewhere even if it does not have to do with the debt.
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:34:53 am
High class jobs gravitate towards high class infrastructure. (Paraphrased from pres)
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 10:35:02 am
I commend Obama on his ability to transition from issue to issue. He began discussing work and spoke of minimum wage and opportunity which was very realistic. He smoothly moved into the issue of energy. He seems to give off the impression that he has a great relationship with everyone. Obama seems relatively passionate about the environmental issues. He is recommending solar energy and explaining how they will use the issues with funding and taxing. Obama is realistically approaching this issue. I agree with what he is saying and I believe that it is valid. The changing climate is effecting all of us and I think that is important. He mentions "our children's children" aka our grandchildren (right?). He is effectively speaking about this issues and applying them to our generation. I agree with his environmental claims.
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:46:49 am
I kind of agree with you Emma, but I also have a negative feeling about all of these transitions.
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 10:59:13 am
I understand totally. I read the book as well and it relates back to that. But I can tell that his address was thought and planned out well, I think he figured out how to connect ideas and make them fluid. I mean even his Vice President and the Speaker of the House don't look very entertained (LOL)
Emma Hopkins
1/28/2014 10:35:04 am
Obama's addressing his intention to reverse the constant outsourcing of jobs. He says that businesses plan to insource jobs rather than outsource, and to reverse the concentration of wealth outside of the country, as well as bring jobs to our American people. I agree with this point, it is truly a failure on our part that we continue to use the labor of other countries for our own production, meanwhile depriving our own people of jobs when we are in such dire need after the recession. Additionally, the workers in other countries that we use to make our products are not working under the same standards that we hold our working conditions to. If we would not stand for sweatshops in our own country, why would we stand to buy products made in sweatshops? the logic does not carry. This desire may be realistic, as it seems that the number of jobs in America is increasing. However, it will be a slow process.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 10:44:11 am
I love your point about the sweatshops, it's unrealistic to say that americans are going to go work 20 hour days in gross factories to make iPhones. No one wants to work for 2 dollars a day (probably an inaccurate number)
Emma Hopkins
1/28/2014 10:56:10 am
exactly! we would never stand for it ourselves, yet we can stand for people just like any American to work for probably even less than 2 dollars a day, in terrible conditions, to make products that we buy just as we would an American-made product. It's a shame.
Anita Tendler
1/28/2014 10:35:05 am
I am conflicted with Obama's claim that work ethic will be the key to solving the issue of unemployment; the hardworking students will be able to succeed in their school careers. He is correct, and reasonable, to a certain extent. In many cases, such dedicated students are not able to attend prestigious universities due to their unfortunate financial state; they simply cannot afford it. Although work ethic is obviously a necessity, the government cannot simply rely on that to solve the employment and general education issues.
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 10:37:13 am
Natural gas is a great idea, but where does he expect to find the money to change it into this? Wouldn't we have to dip in a little deeper into our national debt because currently we are either trying to raise money for schools or for acts trying to be passed, so how will the change first affect our lives is a question needed to be asked. Also, if we try to change the climate than we need actions more than words to make us believe. Build trees, preserve the wild life, promote more hybrid cars... but its a very technological world wear we depend on electricity, fuel and such to sustain us
Gianna Kroening
1/28/2014 11:01:09 am
I agree with your point in that natural gas is quite an expensive undertaking. However, it is possible that he's looking towards the long term goals, and that they will help people to save money and to give the economy a boost. Though it is important to look at the methods of accomplishing this, which may be slightly less practical. However, I do agree with you that actions speak louder than words, and that maybe we should (as a nation) begin to switch over to this more environmentally reliable source of gas and hope that the people will be led by this example.
Jonathan Sperling
1/28/2014 10:37:41 am
Comment separately on two points that the president makes and react to them. Do you agree or disagree with his claims? Are they realistic or not?
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 10:40:06 am
I feel like he is just riling the audience up. He is just making them excited and that is the way that he makes all of his speeches. It is his strategy to get support.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 10:41:20 am
I think Obama starting with the issue of jobs and outsourcing was a good kick off. He talked about how in order to create more jobs and a more stable economy, we need to focus on bringing the work back into america, instead of outsourcing and sending our work to foreign countries. I agree with his idea that to make us stronger, we need to bring things back into America, however it's definitely not as simple as he put it. Bringing investors back into a country that is in billions of dollars of debt is not an easy task. Like Emma Hopkins said up there, Americans are not willing to work under the terrible conditions used in other countries factories, and non sweatshop made stuff is more expensive in turn. Take American Apparel for example, we all love the idea that everything is American made and sweatshop free, but do we love the fact that a t-shirt costs 40 dollars? Bringing our businesses back into America is a great idea, but its going to take a lot more then just saying that people want to do it to get it done.
Isabelle Fernandez
1/28/2014 11:07:33 am
Great point! I think that his reasoning for putting an emphasis on the "made in america" label is to promote a sense of optimism and patriotism. Considering his low approval rates, he is gaining more approval by appealing to americans by saying he will give americans more jobs by promoting small businesses WHO employ more and more americans each day. He promised to create a patent reform which would allow businesses to cut red tape and focus on innovating. His whole entire speech seems to be appealing to small businesses and seems to be creating a very patriotic tone.
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 11:27:40 am
A nice point to make is that most of the employed are employed to small businesses. Big businesses like Google or Apple or all of the big businesses together don't make as large a percent of job positions as small businesses do.
Nafeesa Clarke
1/28/2014 10:42:17 am
I also like the fact that Obama is focusing on jobs but there are more problems to fix than just jobs. Everything seems to be going back to the work force. I like the fact that the president sort of addressed immigration. Before, immigrants would come to America for a better living but when they come it would be filled with false hope. I felt as though he could've touched on the subject a little bit more of how he would make the immigration laws possible and what he would do to strengthen it. Immigrants aren't here just to make "America prettier", they're here for a better life and the opportunities for education or jobs that they could not afford back home.
Rebeca Lafond
1/28/2014 10:42:36 am
I agree with President Obama on immigration reforms. America is a place based on new opportunities and people come from all around the world to America for a new beginning. Immigration brings population growth and it creates new jobs. As president obama said before, the unemployment rate has decreased. We need to be able to give training to our new coming immigrants so they could have the skills and be equipped to work in America's jobs. I believe this step is realistic. Congress just needs to allow funding for immigrants so they could learn new skills. If a human being works hard and puts their effort in something, they could achieve what ever they put their mind to.
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 10:42:47 am
I feel like Obama's finally taking a more determined stand to get things done in the country. throughout the speech so far, he basically asserts himself as President and that he's the one in the big chair so he'll do what he MUST in order to move the country forward
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 10:44:22 am
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 10:46:41 am
He brings up education! "A race to the top for our youngest children." Will Pre-K kids benefit from higher education? Maybe. Is it smart to invest a lot of money in Pre-K rather than high school or an effort to lower the prices of college tuition. Of course it would be nice for Pre-School student to begin their education at an elite level but should we focus on the youngest. Maybe starting young will improve their education for years and years. But is it necessary to put money and our tax dollars into reforming Pre-School rather than other aspects of education. I understand his point but I am not sure how realistic and necessary it is to focus attention on the reformation of 4/5 year olds rather than students age 15-18 who are trying to begin planning the rest of their lives and wondering how they will be able to succeed in college when they don't know if they can afford to go somewhere decent.
Imogene Link-Harrington (Grell Sutcliff)
1/28/2014 10:58:18 am
I agree. I think that Obama has the right idea, but is focusing federal funds in the wrong place. Its is between the ages of 14-18 that children really need help figuring out what is is they need. it is in those years that they need to figure out where they need to go to college, if they even want to go to college, and how they are going to pay for it. I really agree with what you have said here.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 11:02:36 am
lol because we wrote like the same things, but this is so true. you shouldnt be putting the majority of the focus on 4 years olds when the people who really need help are the older kids. tons of kids have been saving for college since they were born and it still isnt nearly enough. not everyone is given equal opportunity no matter what obama says.
Imogene Link-Harrington (Grell Sutcliff)
1/28/2014 10:47:03 am
An issue that President Obama should address is the affect of climate change on our country. The north eastern parts of the country are plagued by storms like Sandy and floods are ruining suburban communities while in the southern parts of the country are suffering from droughts. Obama should address the different way hat the public can conserve energy and stop being so reliant on oil. How can we become more environmentally conscious? How can we switch to solar and wind energy and move away from fossil fuels? These are the questions that Obama should be asking and addressing. The U.S. is the country with second highest carbon footprint. This issue must be addressed.
Sarah Gratz
1/28/2014 10:48:37 am
I'm glad that Obama is acknowledging that the start to a more equal, and employed nation is high quality early education. The pursuit of widespread pre-k or other early education is a really good investment, because it will lead to better educated young people who are better equipped to deal with real life situations and achieve high standards. (Bill DeBlasio is trying to do this in NYC, too!)
Marina Wondrich-Rush
1/28/2014 10:48:56 am
I appreciate that Obama is drawing attention to unemployment and the necessity for unemployment benefits. It's good that he is challenging the common stereotype that everybody who is unemployed is lazy. Also, I'm glad that he directly called out Congress and asked them to take action.
Emma Hopkins
1/28/2014 10:49:25 am
I totally agree with Obama's point on educating our workers for skilled jobs! It has been a long era, ever since the beginning of the Industrial Age, of a large concentration of unskilled labor. To make a movement towards the specialization of workers to give people more opportunities for a better job and a better life under a new and better job is a wonderful move to help increase our economy and our outlook, if it would be possible. Connecting colleges with jobs and offering more apprenticeship opportunities both sound like good means of doing this. However, I do wish he would address the extremely high cost of the college education required to become an expert in a field, like he's saying. It's a very real problem to all of us.
Patty Mei
1/28/2014 10:49:44 am
President Obama mentions the pressing issue of economic inequality fairly early in the speech. He proposed that in time, those who work hard will get ahead and be able to get by without working too hard, which is what is happening in the country now. He mentions how solving the problem of the rich getting richer and the middle class staying the same will take a long time and it won't work right away, which is definitely true and I agree with him on this point. When he says things he will try to strengthen the middle class and try to provide more opportunities for them, it really gives his words a positive feel which I think definitely wins the support of many people who are facing the issue of an average wage. Although he addresses the problems directly and states the truth about it, he says little about what steps he will take to solve the issue which makes it a little unrealistic and maybe even a little hard to believe that he will bring the gap between the middle and upper class together.
Renzhentaxi Baerde
1/28/2014 11:46:30 am
i like the way you think :)
Imogene Link-Harrington (Grell Sutcliff)
1/28/2014 10:50:03 am
Notice that John Boehner is still sitting down after Obama talks about gender equality...
Rebeca Lafond
1/28/2014 10:50:49 am
I agree with President Obama, women do deserve equal pay. We're in 2014, this is no longer the 1800's. Women deserve 100 percent equality. Women shouldn't be afraid of losing their jobs because there pregnant or in labor. I also agree with president Obama on minimum wage reform. Time's is hard and with our economy increasing the middle and lower classes are having a hard time keeping up. We need to increase the minimum wage amount. I believe this step is realistic and is necessary because we have to many families living in poverty and the government needs to do something about it!
Marina Wondrich-Rush
1/28/2014 10:51:30 am
It's January and Boehner's tan is still just as intense as ever!!
It Runs In The Family
1/28/2014 10:53:19 am
http://theswash.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/boehner-oompa-loompa.jpeg
Anita Tendler
1/28/2014 11:06:23 am
The resemblance is uncanny!!!
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 09:12:52 pm
lol
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 10:52:25 am
I love the raising wages part... My boss will definitely be hearing about John hahaha. But raising wages definitely helps, especially to $10! I could save up for college or even possibly get a car. And also other families could survive comfortably on that and not have to worry about not having enough to pay bills. #ProRaise
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 11:05:30 am
Working for a grocery store this year is a huge eye opener. we are teens, so making $7.30 an hour (ctown problems) doesnt seem too bad, but for all the people i worked with who had to raise kids and pay rent, thats a ridiculous amount to get payed. Minimum wage is supposed to be a "living wage" but i really dont know who could live off of that for even a month.
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 11:11:07 am
I totally see your point, and thats why i dont have a problem making $8 an hour -metfood gang- and for those who are independent it honestly seems impossible to make a living with that kind of money and have bills to pay and btw they raised the minimum wage to $8 so your boss got some explaininnnn to do hahah
Sally Ni
1/28/2014 11:12:18 am
I totally agree with you! It sounds really good especially after raising minimum wage to just $8. $10.10 will definitely make a difference in the lives of families who are trying to support college students. It will also help families in poverty who are working 2 to 3 jobs a day. The raise could improve the flow of economy and become one step closer in dealing with the increase of poverty in our nation.
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:52:33 am
MYRA sounds too good...
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 10:52:38 am
Anita Tendler
1/28/2014 10:55:52 am
It is clear that they all support income equality, so why hasn't the legislation been passed yet?
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 11:00:16 am
Exactly my point... This isn't an issue that has just been realized... As he stated "it's humiliating", with this in mind why hasn't something been done? Where are these policies? The reforms? The change?
Nicole Bressi
1/28/2014 10:52:38 am
I am glad that Obama is addressing the problem of equal rights for men and women and he right, it is 2014 and it is embarrassing that this is still an issue. From watching Iron Jawed Angels and learning about the struggle it was for women's suffrage it is disgraceful that women are still treated differently then men are.
Sheri Sarnoff former apush star
1/28/2014 11:05:47 am
IRON JAWED ANGELS IS THE BEST MOVIE EVER
Gianna Kroening
1/28/2014 10:52:57 am
I love Obama's insistence on a higher federally funded minimum wage. I agree that, though a job like an army dishwasher might seem unnecessary and inferior, it is important to recognize that these people are serving our country. I especially like his idea in that he does not have to go through Congress (which could take months), but instead can take effect immediately.
Anita Tendler
1/28/2014 10:54:15 am
I think it is crazy that he acknowledges how much technology is funding and supporting our education. Apparently, large-scale corporations such as Apple, Miscrosoft, and Verizon are funding schools "without leaving a dent in our budget". I can't help but be reminded of how much monopolies, like Carnegie's steel company, contributed to the economy during their day. Although I believe that having this sort of funding is great, I think it draws away from the true purpose of the education system: learning. Technology is rapidly becoming a part of our education, and I'm not too sure how much I like that. It has it's many benefits, but it becomes quite the distracting factor. Many schools like Staten Island Tech continue to have more funding, and this is very obvious; students in SIT are provided iPads to work with, while in Murrow, we struggle to even schedule a class. He claims that hardwork will allow every student to succeed, but doesn't that mean each student should be provided with the same opportunities?
Emma Hopkins
1/28/2014 11:08:08 am
I totally agree! Some schools are completely provided for, yet other schools are left with insane budget cuts and leaving kids without adequate opportunities to compete with other kids. However, we aren't even the worst example, there are other schools that are given even less money and staffing needed to help their kids.
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 11:09:35 am
Completely agree. I feel as if the issue is only seen from one perspective. I think on some terms the connection schools "might" eventually have with corporation such as Apple, Microsoft etc. can be great, but then again isn't this being used as a source of advertisement. Does bringing in advertisement into schools seem like a great idea, especially when it's initiated by the government? Won't such advertisement take away from the learning that should be primary in schools. Won't iPad's and new fancy computers be exposed to viruses and malfunctions that can get in the way of student studies. There is another side to these new developments.
Wei Zheng
1/28/2014 10:55:21 am
One issue that I believe President Obama should address and hopefully has a plan to resolve is the national debt crisis. This $17 trillion debt has caused the greatest unemployment rate in the working class ever since the Great Depression. College graduates are having a tough time finding a job, much less paying back their school loans. Other countries such as China and Japan have loaned money to the U.S., which only solves the debt temporarily and with the high interest rates from the borrowed money, it adds to the debt and makes it harder and harder to pay back. I fear that the debt will be carried onto our generation and possibly our children’s generation as well if this debt is not cleared soon.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 10:55:29 am
Obamas education reforms are in my opinion not focused in the right place. Putting 4 year olds in pre-k should not be the main concern of our country. Like i said before, college degrees are a huge necessity in todays world. One point he made that i liked however, was the partnering with public high schools, that matched mentors to students, because this is a reasonable plan for the right age group. By putting teens in programs that interest them, they are able to focus on what they want in life, which could help get teenagers scholarships to college or internships in the workforce they want to be in.
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 11:01:38 am
YES! I argued the same point. I appreciate his effort towards improving education but Pre-k im not sure. College is reaaallly important and reeealllly stressful, #junioryearproblems. I think it is important to put attention on high schools.
Marina Wondrich-Rush
1/28/2014 11:04:21 am
Hi Sammi!!!! I know that pre-K can seem sort of insignificant, when you think about it, it saves a ton of much-needed money for the parents of the kids, both by allowing them to work more hours and by saving them the money that they would have spent on pre-K services. Also, when the kids get to Kindergarten, it allows them to all be on the same page. I agree with you on everything else, though.
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 11:06:49 am
I mean a study can be done on kids who had a really high level and elite pre-k education vs. average or underfunded pre-k and see how it effected them in the future. like does pre-k really effect our lives that much? someone should do a study on that.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 11:10:28 am
dont get me wrong mana, i think that pre-k is important, and every kid should have access to it, but i dont think it needs to be the MAIN concern when it comes to education
Melisa Cen Xie
1/28/2014 12:15:47 pm
I agreee! If budgets must be spent on education, then it definitely should be for highschoolers who are the ones that are preparing to go to college. Pre-K still has a long way and they are able to gain the educational ability as they grow up yet for high schoolers, many still struggle to figure out what they want to do and struggle on being able to get to college. They are definitely the future of America...or should I say we?
David Tonkonogi
1/28/2014 10:55:36 am
I find it ironic that women receive less pay then men. Especially because when college campuses are checked, there are 3 women for every 2 men. Meaning there are more women then men learning, but still receive less when it comes to work. This might have something to do with women having troubles or difficulties such as pregnancy, or anything else that might result in them having to give up jobs. It isn't necessarily the fact that women are being mistreated. However, having said that I do agree with Obama that it is 2014, and that women must have the same rights as men. Especially since its been almost a century since women were given rights equal to mens.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 10:59:03 am
I think it makes sense, because our country was started with sexist ideas (women cant vote, don't work, and the men are the head of the house and make all the decisions), and its almost impossible to get the idea that women should be treated as equals into some thick headed people's minds.
Isabelle Fernandez
1/28/2014 10:57:13 am
I don't think Obama's promise to put less importance on "bubbling" on tests (less emphasis on test taking skills and more on learning for learnings sake) is realistic at all. Of course I don't like taking tests and I think they infact reward students who do badly in school, because great standardized test scores are almost more important than actual grades. A student can learn to do badly in school but show up on a test day and succeed, this punishes the student who has trouble with one of these "bubbling" standardized tests BUT goes above and beyond everyday in class. I agree with his claim but it seems very far fetched
Isabelle Fernandez
1/28/2014 10:59:33 am
PS THEN WHY DO WE HAVE STANDARDIZED TESTS IF HE DOESNT APPROVE OF THEM? he promises to make them fewer but then it would become too expensive to weigh possible college applicants to eachother when you cant compare their sat scores and have to interview each student
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 11:45:00 am
The idea that fuels public schooling these days is all about getting the child through the meat grinder, through standardized testing and into college, where in most cases people pay for it themselves, as quickly as possible! The entire idea of standardized testtaking is all about getting as many people out as fast as possible, and while efficiency is good, it isn't the best thing for students!
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 10:57:13 am
About the healthcare
Stacy Krokha
1/28/2014 10:58:13 am
Ooh shots fired at the Republicans! But I totally agree with President Obama and how everybody deserves equal Medicare rights, because certain people aren't filthy rich and aren't able to afford their inhalers or braces. Also, the idea that woman have to pay more for the same thing men get disgusts me. I hate how that's still a controversial thing in 2014. We should be moving to a brighter future with gender equality!!
David Tonkonogi
1/28/2014 11:05:54 am
Agreed, but still there is a problem that some cannot achieve health care without completely torturing themselves. Health care should be given to those that need it, but it being a necessity is ridiculous.
Stacy Krokha
1/28/2014 11:17:18 am
I mean i totally agree with you, but even though i think that it shouldnt be a necessity. It should be there! Because as of now there isnt really any free medicare out there. I dont know, i agree with the idea that it shouldnt be a necessity though!
Marina Wondrich-Rush
1/28/2014 10:58:44 am
Man, am I glad that he is taking such a strong stance on women's rights in the workforce. I hope that he actually takes action on this by pushing legislation for wage equality. Also, the 77 cents to the dollar statistic is a lot lower for women of color and women with disabilities, which he could have mentioned.
Johanna Aguilera
1/28/2014 11:24:20 am
Awesome point, Marina. I agree completely!
Megi Bejleri
1/28/2014 10:59:42 am
Our comments didn't look like this last year, we commented on his choice of tie color & mannerisms. You guys are awesome & I read some comments on your opinions on women's equal pay and rights & I love it and completely agree.
Samantha Horowitz
1/28/2014 11:06:11 am
the shade of blue he's wearing really makes his eyes pop
Emma Rothstein
1/28/2014 11:09:00 am
grey hair on point
Rory Schall
1/28/2014 11:11:00 am
^What she said^
Sarah Gratz
1/28/2014 11:01:58 am
I think it's important that Obama is mentioning the fact that African Americans are STILL having their voting right chipped away at. This really reminds me of the Grandfathers clauses and other acts and laws passed in the 19th century that were used to limit voting rights, and it is kind of insane that this is still an issue that has to be brought up in such a setting - it should be a issue that has long been solved and put away.
Rory Schall
1/28/2014 11:06:25 am
Less test taking sounds great in theory. How will it work though?
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 11:06:30 am
Ok i dont think that not all of our troops are out of iraq, drones still count as us being there... and about syria the only way they got any other countries to help them was by recording and starting protests themselves, we didn't help right away but yet we claim to be an international police
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 12:21:23 pm
Great point with the Syria part !
Ariel Avshalumov
1/28/2014 11:07:37 am
GASP! Is Obama possibly trying to end peacekeeper America on the global level! WOW considering that was a Wilsonian idea.
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 11:13:45 am
I agree with Obama's main point of strengthening the middle class. The efforts to create an equal opportunity for all children to have education is immensely important to fill the jobs that he's creating. I agree that capability is what moves America forward. Another point that can help strengthen the middle class is the action of increasing minimum wage in all of America, Unemployment also shouldn't be eliminated either.
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 11:13:51 am
lol ok Obama is somebody failing to mention that we killed innocents out there.... oh wait riggght we're protecting ourselves
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 11:16:23 am
Does anyone else notice that Obama's implying that he will do anything for the nation regardless of Congress? "without legislation" "...i will veto it" It's cool and all that it's priority but are my kids going to write essays about how Obama expanded the Executive Branch?
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 11:21:06 am
Sometimes power clouds the judgement, but not everyone agrees with the plans he thinks they do
rebeca lafond
1/28/2014 11:30:49 am
Lol I agree! I think the president by now is growing impatient and I think the people is also. When he ran for office he promised many changes and many of the changes he promised are being delayed due to congress. This leaves him with no choice and if I was in his position I would have the same mindset as him. It's either congress is with me or I expand my power and do things on my own.
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 11:42:51 am
i understand where he's coming from but its kinda scary that he doesn't care and will do whatever he wants... What's the point of the checks and balances system then? He's preaching about how great democracy is but is willing to take full charge? Then again he has the elastic clause on his side if the supreme court questions anything.
David Tonkonogi
1/28/2014 11:17:55 am
I find it interesting that Obama decided to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. It is an understandable want to raise the amount of money that minimum wage represents. However, this could not be as good as he is portraying it. At this point, our prices are still moving up. This has led us to our recession. However, raising minimum wage is only going raise prices even more, making the worth of the dollar decline once more. The problem that Obama chooses to avoid is that it's not the amount of paper currency that we have. It's the amount that we have to back it up. It's really upsetting that Obama doesn't understand that this will only increase inflation. This is a very debatable statement that I stated, but it's something that I feel is contradictory to what he is saying. Even if America is getting a raise, the amount needed to obtain items is raising as well.
Patty Mei
1/28/2014 11:25:33 am
I definitely agree with you on this. Of course raising minimum wage sounds like a great idea to many people but I feel like a lot of people fail to realize the effects of it. During the speech it seems like Obama just kept mentioning solutions to things but a lot of these "solutions" lead to more problems, like inflation or recession.
Aminata DIarra
1/28/2014 11:18:14 am
the part with Cory though. omg the sadness i feel for him
Nafeesa Clarke
1/28/2014 11:19:41 am
Right!! Tears were almost shed
Chaz Blackwood
1/28/2014 11:22:16 am
:'(
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 09:05:51 pm
yes, tears were shed:( president Obama did a good job in honoring him.
Patrick Yuen
1/28/2014 11:18:29 am
One problem I feel Obama should address is ObamaCare. Although ObamaCare allows millions of uninsured Americans to get affordable health insurance, it causes high-earners to pay high taxes. Laws such as the employer mandate forces business owners with 50 or more full time employees to provide health coverage. Thus some business owners decide to cut the hours of their workers instead of paying for their health insurance. This simple problem can cause more harm than good. Many Americans would have health insurance but in exchange, make less and less money. Another law that is a problem is the individual mandate. This law basically forces all Americans to get health coverage or pay a fee. I don't think it is right for people to be forced to pay for insurance they don't feel they need. Many young men and women are healthy and chances are they won't need health insurance. It isn't fair to have them pay for something they won't end up using. Although this isn't the biggest issue of Obamacare, it is definitely something that should be addressed.
Fatima Ibraimovska
1/28/2014 11:19:18 am
Dont get me wrong, i think that its amazing Obama helped Cory through this process, but you have to realize there are millions of other people like Cory who sometimes cannot even get that chance. I feel like he's pinpointing people out that he's helped to stand for the others who haven't gotten that same respect
Sarah Gratz
1/28/2014 11:19:37 am
I'm glad Obama mentioned healthcare for veterans coming back home, especially the mental care. We talked a little it about the PTSD from WWI in class, and although i definitely don't agree with everything that happened out there, this care is definitely needed.
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 09:10:05 pm
i agree healthcare for veterans especially mental care is needed. after all they go through it should be mandatory for veterans. they serve our country risking their lives, now it's their time to be served and taken care of!
Imogene Link-Harrington (Grell Sutcliff)
1/28/2014 11:19:50 am
Comment separately on two points that the president makes and react to them. Do you agree or disagree with his claims? Are they realistic or not?
Erica Germain
1/28/2014 01:00:06 pm
THANK YOU !! OH MY GOSH. I already knew about the inequality of the wages between the genders. So I was also curious to know what he was going to do to equalize men and women. Maybe he'll pass a law? But he gets bonus points for acknowledging this situation :) I also agree with you about the federal funds. Too many adolescents are restricted from college because they don't know if they'll be able to afford it or if they qualify. And financial aid is getting harder to obtain these days.
Wei Zheng
1/28/2014 11:20:56 am
Obama says that he will withdrawn all troops from Afghanistan, but now he wants to sign an agreement that will leave some of the soldiers to "support and train" the Afghan soldiers. I think that the Afghan government won't allow Obama to leave a few American soldiers after he said that he will withdraw them. Plus, the soldiers are probably more likely there with the main objective of watching the Afghan government, instead of helping them. Sort of like big brother and with the debt the U.S. is facing, I doubt that it will be very realistic to use their funding overseas when they could put it to better use in settling the debt.
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 11:33:58 am
I agree with you. I feel as if Obama is being inconsistent to his approach to have soldiers back home. He explains that he doesn't want to be associated with Afghanistan but still wants to leave troops there. Its hypocritical.
Patty Mei
1/28/2014 11:22:59 am
Now that Obama is talking about the country's involvement in foreign affairs/issues, of course he mentions some of the things the U.S. has done for other countries that were in need these past few years. He says things that are really patriotic such as, "no other country in the world does what we do" and "other countries look to us for help." President Obama then mentions that he disregards race and sexual orientation when it comes to helping people--which wins a lot of support for him. He also mentioned the disasters that struck in the Asia-pacific area like in the Philippines recently. It really brings to light what the country has done in terms of foreign affairs and definitely makes viewers feel that the country has done a lot to aid others.
Akjemal Toshieva
1/28/2014 11:23:16 am
One major issue I hope the President addresses is the issue of gun control. This is an important issue that has to be addressed because it involves so many lives and there have been too many horrific events taking over our headlines. For example, the tragedy that was Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Lanza had access to guns and used them to kill 28 people (including his own mother) and injure 2. We need stricter gun control laws so shootings like this won't happen again. It's the matter of a human life. People need guns to protect their families and homes, but I always read news about guns being used for evil, being used to kill innocents and cause crippling injuries. Instead of letting any person off the street purchase a gun, we should take different factors into account. We should test these gun buyers to see if they understand how the gun they're purchasing works, if they are mentally fit to have a gun, and go over their background. If they have a lot of criminal activity in their past, they should not be given a gun. If there is moderate criminal activity or only one stain on their background, a stun gun should be granted.
Alfiya
2/22/2014 11:50:15 am
It is very hard to provoke an "outside the box" perspective in the bias individual minds of some Americans. Clinging on to one solution or proof is no way to resolve a problem as big as gun control in America. This gun control argument is invoked by those who think we should keep assault weapons freely available in this country, because that is what the Constitution says, we have a right to purchase and possess them. But the constitution doesn't day that. All it states is to "bear arms." And that "right to bear arms" is meant to support the well-regulated militia which is a vital clause in the Second Amendment that those in favor of free access to assault weapons usually ignore. EVEN IF we put aside the "well-regulated militia" the Second Amendment states nothing of what kinds of arms we're allowed to bear. And we have long established the limits of what types of arms were allowed to own; presenting itself as a subject to change. For example, we're not even allowed to own fully automatic machine guns, aircrafts, submarines despite them still being classified as "arms". And yet we have established that, despite the Second Amendment, we're not individually allowed to bear them. So if we compromised and decided that we are not individually allowed to bear semi-automatic assault rifles and pistols while still being allowed to own single-shot hunting guns, this would be perfectly in keeping with how we have interpreted our Second Amendment rights under the Constitution. But it will still make lots of people scream that we have trampled all over the Constitution, even if we haven't. SO how about we limit access to something that has been a devastating factor in all massacres: ammunition. Seems silly but what if we leave alone the semi-automatic weapons but strictly control the sales and manufacture of ammo?
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 11:27:45 am
Overall, Obama's "year of action" proposal is troubleshooting all of the issues that were questioned prior to the speech. However, some are far far fetched. For example, the natural gas proposal is a fantastic idea but taking money from the large fossil fuel corporations and given them to smaller solar ones? I disagree that it's possible within the year. These big corporations are what makes America go 'round. So many businesses are dependent on these corporations which will make it harder for him to achieve his plan to decrease less carbon in the air. In 2012, the 5 largest oil companies made $118 Billion in profits, and received $4 Billion in taxpayer subsides. That's a lot of money to give up to a system that isn't very convenient in places like Washington state that doesn't experience enough sunlight to use for power.
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 11:28:24 am
Ok from the beginning, he says something along the lines of "If you work hard and take responsibility... you can make it in America." (Not exactly, but you know) and that isn’t true for all American citizens. But then he moved on to talk about the growing inequality and how it has "...deepened and upward mobility has stalled". I wish he would’ve spoken more about the growing gap and how he plans to close it. He does, however, talk about how we must strengthen the middle class but he didn’t really dwell on it. He sort of just grazed by it. it seemed as if it wasn’t of great importance, but it is because it literally affects the ENTIRE country.
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 11:38:30 am
I feel like he gave specific points on how to strengthen the middle class like improving education, a minimum wage increase, secured unemployment payments, and more job opportunities. I think he addressed the problem as best he could.
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 11:43:51 am
You're right Emily, he does. My fault. he could've went on more about the growing inequality, however (in my opinion)
May Khin
1/28/2014 11:28:49 am
A major issue that I really hope the President should address is the minimum wages. According to an article from Washington Post, it is being proposed that President Obama would use his executive power to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $10.10 per hour by 2015 which would be very beneficial to the working class. It has been seven years since the Congress increased the minimum wage. Raising minimum wage is a controversial topic because it has a huge impact on the economy and especially on both employers and employees. For example, if the minimum wage is increased, it would have a negative effect on employers while it would be very advantageous to the employees. "It's not going to have the same impact that Congress increasing the federal minimum wage for all workers would have,” said David Cooper, an economic analyst at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) in Washington. “And because it only applies to new contracts or contracts that are renegotiated, it may take a little while before current employees of federal contractors see the increase in their pay." It could really help the people who gets less than $10.10 per hour but it could also creates problems such as growth in unemployment rate because if businesses aren't successful anymore, it would just hurt the workers in the end. We should be proud of the President who will stand up for a living wage because the workers themselves decided to take a stand.
Isabelle Fernandez
1/28/2014 11:30:35 am
President Obama makes references to the U.N. encouraging the spread of democracy to other countries. For example, the U.S. supports ukrane rebellions for attaining freedom of speech. Meanwhile the Patriot Act is only one of the many examples in the United States of the federal government taking away democracy and freedom of speech from citizens. This is in hypocritical, how can we encourage and spread healthy democracy in other countries if we cannot have a healthy democracy within America. Another example of failure of government to execute democracy is the government shut down that occurred last year. When the government shut down, government officials failed to work together thus failing as a government. Obama mentioned this in his speech with a blaming tone towards to the republicans.
Jacqueline Lantsman
1/28/2014 11:30:44 am
Comment separately on two points that the president makes and react to them. Do you agree or disagree with his claims? Are they realistic or not?
Grisselle Romero
1/28/2014 11:33:00 am
The increase in minimum wage will allow those dependent to have ample opportunities towards their lifestyle .However ,this promises increase isn't even $3 ,since it originally is $7.25 gradually $10.10 . This is a good change that will positively influence wage, but will be limited .As these people will still have to struggle with their low-paying job or jobs and support themselves or family members. A raise of a little more than two dollars won 't do much ,but it is a good start ,yet needs more change .
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 12:18:06 pm
I agree, but he has to start small. Staring off with a large increase wont get a unanimous vote in congress. throughout his speech, President Obama stressed the importance of congress and him working together to give the American people what they want, need and deserve. So, although it isn't much, its something that isn't too drastic and is agreeable.
Sally Ni
1/28/2014 11:44:23 am
It is very fortunate for Cory to have a supporting father who is there every step of the way during his recovery. However, there are thousands of veterans who are suffering PTSD and broken family who doesn't have the ability to handle the trauma of post war vets and not to mention the long waiting list just to see a therapist. I don't think Obama actually touched on how he will improve the care of all veterans instead of the few fortunate ones who are financially capable. And I'm only saying few because as you see the website for military recruitment, it is targeted on the less fortunate to serve because of their financial backgrounds. Most people who joins the army or are targeted by the ads, hope to survive their service to go back to school after with their financial aid.
Chaz Blackwood
1/28/2014 11:45:59 am
One point that President Obama made that i agree with is when he urged american businesses to increase the amount of money they pay workers. This is not realistic because many businesses are trying to cling on to as much money they have due to America's struggling economy. Obama made a statement in which he said something about that if you are cooking food for people and washing plates you should not be in poverty. I completely agree with this point because you shouldn't endure degrading manual labor to be payed an inadequate amount; to me this reminds me of indentured servitude (although indentured servants didn't get payed but you get the point).
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 12:01:53 pm
Melisa Cen Xie
1/28/2014 12:03:38 pm
That was some long speech! Longest speech I've ever heard! (even though I rarely listen to speeches) However, Obama have definitely addressed to huge issues that are involved in America right now.
Grisselle Romero
1/28/2014 12:05:43 pm
The surveillance securities ,how will they help protect the citizen's privacy ?With there a reduction of cameras/videos in use or less budget/involvement towards the activities ? The vague statement doesn't explain how the surveillance securities will be beneficial, yet have a harmful balance with privacy . There should be more information towards the topic of surveillance and how it will affect the public.
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 12:07:59 pm
When President Obama started talking about women’s equality, he really hit the key points. He went slightly in depth about how women deserve complete equality and the fact that we don’t have that in 2014 is utterly embarrassing. I loved his statement that “women succeed, America Succeeds”. It’s absolutely true and I’m glad he shed some light on that topic.
Sally Ni
1/28/2014 12:09:14 pm
I commend President Obama for finding common ground in Congress. It would allow a lot of legislations to be passed and not thrown back and forth between the houses. Even though we elect our representatives that present our issues and to make sure every legislation is for the benefit of the commonwealth, we are also in search of reforms and progress in our country. It is good that we see our representatives are fighting for what we want, but we, also like President Obama had said to take action! I believe it is realistic because the President actually wants to take action and turn the proposals he made tonight ring true. We have heard past presidents address the problems in our nation but fail to take action. President Obama is a new hope of the people who we anticipate real change to happen.
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 12:11:00 pm
I disagreed with President Obama when he spoke about the reforming of the surveillance programs. I don’t disagree about the reforming part, but when he says how “here and abroad, the privacy of ordinary people will not be violated”. I think that here, the reform would actually work and there’d be changes but abroad (Afghanistan etc)it wouldn’t really work . It’s not too realistic because the US wouldn’t be able to enforce that without invading the privacy of those people in foreign nations in some way. Also,
Erica Germain
1/28/2014 12:49:53 pm
That was EXACTLY what I was thinking ! I also disagree with what Obama said about the surveillance programs. Unfortunately, Our privacy needs to be sacrificed in order to ensure our safety that an event like 9/11 would never happen again.
Renzhentaxi Baerde
1/28/2014 12:11:49 pm
one of President Obama's point/goal is to "lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs here at home". i agree with this point because it would give, as he mentioned in his speech, incentives for businesses to stop out sourcing, create more jobs for Americans, lower the unemployment rate and help the economy recover.
Aminata Diarra
1/28/2014 12:12:51 pm
I agree with Obama when he said that he wanted to “For the sake of national security, give diplomacy a chance to succeed”. Being already known as “the worlds bully” the U.S taking on a less forceful approach to those against us would save a whole bunch of unnecessary possible conflict. I believe it’s really reasonable , realistic and could possibly work. Past presidents have used this method to get what they want from foreign leaders and obviously Obama could do the same. He already has great leadership abilities and he is very eloquent in getting his wants across. This would also aide in his supporting and spreading democracy worldwide.
Emily Rodriguez
1/28/2014 12:13:53 pm
Comment separately on two points that the president makes and react to them. Do you agree or disagree with his claims? Are they realistic or not?
Erica Germain
1/28/2014 12:41:11 pm
One major issue that needs to be addressed is gun violence. Although Sandy Hook Elementary School was the most horrific gun violence occurrence, it wasn't the only mass shooting. On July 20, 2012 12 people were killed and 58 were wounded in a shooting in Aurora, Colorado movie theater during the new batman film. Even earlier, On August 20, 1982 in Miami, Florida Carl Robert Brown killed 8 people in a machine shop. This has been going on for years !! and nothing is done about it. Although people have the right to bear arms, this power shouldn't be abused. Also, many weapons are in the possession of minors. Therefore, the life of any individual can depend on a adolescent that didn't know what they were doing or was "mad" in the moment. If this isn't stopped soon, we won't even be able to go across the street to a corner store, without risking our lives !
Nancy N.
1/28/2014 01:54:08 pm
Great point! I agree completely. I had almost the exact same reaction to that statistic ("women still make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns."). For me, the highlight of President Obama's speech tonight was when he acknowledged gender inequalities in the workplace...I guess this is because it affects us in the future!
Dor Rondel
1/28/2014 12:44:29 pm
I think in general President Obama did an overall good job. Someone less educated listening to SOTUA, would think the president is an amazing person, with great ideas for the future of the country.
Audrey Yee
1/28/2014 12:57:28 pm
One point that Obama made was the raise in wages. I agree with his claim about increasing wages from $7.25 to $10.10 and that it would have improve the economy because if there rise in minimum wages, it can help working class family to have a little bit more cash in their pockets to spend on necessities and that they can save up for emergency usage. Increase in wages can also help many college students because since the tuition fees are so high they would be able to save the money that they work for and still have money for themselves on other things. Increase in wages can also help the economy because since people are earning more money they would be able purchase more things and also they would be able to afford the items, whereas before, when the wages was only $7.25, people didn’t have enough money to purchase whatever they wanted. Not only that but people would be able to pay for their bills and also would not be behind with their monthly rent. With the increase in wages, the new fathers and mothers would be able to buy baby supplies for their babies. One day on train there was a man who I saw many times on the train with his wife, who was pregnant, asking for help. A few months later, he was on the train again doing the same thing and he said that he is only working part time and was also behind with his rent and he also got a family to support. Since his child was born he was having a harder time because the baby formulas and diapers were running low.
Nafeesa Clarke
1/28/2014 12:58:43 pm
I thought that President Obama's take on dealing with problem at home rather than focusing more on foreign affairs showed that he's more concerned about his nation instead of trying to help or please other nation. I also thought that his take on the standardize testing was not as realistic as we would want it to be. Most states are focused on their testing in order for kids advancing to another grade. I feel that changing the way states advance their children in school would be chaotic. I know that not many students are not good test takers and as a result they get low grades and are not advanced. If his idea for standardize testing does not work, I think he should be thinking of an alternative.
Melissa Huang
1/28/2014 01:06:42 pm
I feel that a major issue that President Obama should address should be the minimum wages. As Obama proposed to increase the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour, I felt that the increase was too much and it may become a burden for small business owners and big corporations among all their competitive opponents in their fields. I think this is an important issue because although increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 would help benefit the poor and the working class people, this minimum wage increase may also affect the market, as well as the economy negatively. With $10.10 as the minimum wage, business corporations propose budget cuts that may lead to the increase of unemployment which might become one of the negative effect of the increasing minimum wage. Also,prices of goods and food may increase as business corporations gets under the pressure of paying employees with higher wages and low profit from sales. And the increase of minimum wage doesn't always boosts the consumer's spending which would stimulate the economy, but it would lead to higher employment rate and triggers other negative effects on the economy.
Emily Ma
1/28/2014 01:12:01 pm
I opened the SOTU with a positive message of lowering taxes for businesses, and lending loans to smaller businesses. Many times during the address, Obama asks for Congress's support, but dismisses it at the same end. Obama skims topics, and topics to expand on. However, Obama's call on the environment was expected. I agree that we should stop giving 4 billion dollars (and taxpayers' money to say the most!) to helping fossil fuel expand their business and harm the climate, and instead - aid the natural fuel investments, as President Obama states. President Obama gives details that the climate is indeed changing, and that is all due to our doings that is harming the environment (which is extremely true). He continues to ask for Congress's support to help him further take a step toward reform of the climate and the investment of natural fuel, but he says that "Debate is settled, but climate change is a fact" -- which exactly means that even if he receives no support, he will bring America to a new surface and a new spectrum of change in helping our environmental values. Although that may seem unrealistic, but you'd be surprise on how the public may sway Congress's decisions. (especially when the environment and nature is involved!) This is also an important issue, as I've previously mentioned, and I'm glad President Obama is taking a strive to deal with such an important problem in our modern times; unlike others who simply pushed the conflict aside and focused the nation on war.
Linda Sucuzhagnay
1/28/2014 01:24:36 pm
One point that Obama made was the raise in wages. I agree with him although 3 dollars isn't much of a difference. The increase in wages would attract a lot of teenagers to start working and that would increase their chances for getting into college. Increasing the wages would increase the money we have in our pockets and we could certainly use that. We need consumption. I also agree on when he said that if you wash dishes for troops we should certainly not have to live in poverty.I agree with him to a certain extent, add to that the fact that more than 11 million americans spend more than half of their income on rent and you know there are real economic issues in this countries. But also wouldn’t higher wages lead to inflation since people are obtaining more money and it would lead the business owners to receive less. Another point that Obama made that I agree with is the immigration reform. There are currently 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Mostly all immigrants move to America to have a better life for themselves and their families. America needs to fix the broken immigration system, independent economist say that immigration reform would grow the economy and shrink our deficits by almost 1 trillion in the next two decades. I also agree with Obama when he stated that immigrants come here to contribute to our country and make America a more interesting place. Immigrants are what make up america and make it diverse and unique, they are the ones who have to go through all the hardships and have low pay jobs. Immigrants are important because their ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity shapes America. Although Obama stated that the immigration reform would be done by the end of this year I think that it will take more than that since this issue has been debated for over a long time now.
May Khin
1/28/2014 03:25:05 pm
I strongly agree with your many good points such as how raising the wage would attract the teenagers to start working and how it would have a good impact on their college applications. But on the other hand, I personally think $3 would make such a huge difference. If a person works for 10 hours a day, with the extra $3 per hour, he’d gain $600 per month if he works on every single weekdays of the month. It is a lot of money which has resulted from extra $3. Extra $3 may seem very little at first, but it can have a major impact on the working class.
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 09:01:24 pm
yep, increasing wages can attract more teenagers.the more teens work the more experienced they are. trust me i learned a lot from my job. kids should go out more and work. it keeps you active you learn more and you get money:)
Nancy N.
1/28/2014 01:28:01 pm
I definitely agree with President Obama's point on women's rights in the workforce. I didn't know that gender inequalities was still such a major issue in 2014. It's outrageous that for every $1.00 a man makes, most women only make $0.77!
Emily Ma
1/28/2014 01:37:03 pm
Yes, yes! The women's workforce was great to me! I loved his part on it! Especially when he said the $0.76 vs a man's dollar and how it was unfair! And I definitely agree when you said he never gave exact resolutions to these problems. He stated problems, but never how to solved it. It really leaves room for big questioning, and he asks for Congress's support... Sigh!
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 08:57:42 pm
i agree. i was also glad he brought up the issue of the gun control. something really has to be done! too many innocent lives are being lost because guns are on the loose! i was a little upset that he didn't state how he will resolve this problem.
Joyce Huang
1/29/2014 06:49:16 am
I'm just surprised as you are about gender inequalities in the U.S! Common' guys we're in the 21st century and we're still fighting over women's rights?!? From the start since our founding days, women have played a big role. Recall that Abigail Adams told her husband John Adams to "remember the ladies." And as sad as it is, women's suffrage did not even come until about two centuries later. I can't seem to understand what's with some men and their superiority complexes over women. Half of the workforce today are females and as my business teacher says, "One day you will be working under a woman."
Lin Huang
1/29/2014 08:17:54 am
Like Joyce, i'm surprise that we're still debating over the gender inequalities. Women were able to vote since the 1920. It has been about almost a century and yet women still receiving unequal treatment.
Emily Ma
1/28/2014 01:28:24 pm
Another issue that I agreed (and clapped for) was the addressing of educational funding. I was so glad to find that many of the states across the US has opened Pre-K education to youngsters such as 4 years old to give them educational successes, and a taste of schooling. President Obama addressed the issue of raising Pre-K funding, and connecting bigger companies such as Microsoft and Apple to give technologies to HS students (like us) and college students, which will give them convenient access to information and help. As a middle class student, I was especially happy when he made a point (and did not forget) to state that the middle class will not be cast out of the circle of education, but instead, the tuition fee will only be 10% of their income. President Obama goes on to further address Congress to aid student loans if budget should work out (it's always Congress...). I felt that this problem with educational funding was always realistic if President Obama and the Congress would sit down and talk about it thoroughly to find a REAL POSSIBLE solution for the students (as they will make really make up America's future). There were also many other issues that President Obama talked about such as ObamaCare, women's right (after watching Iron Jawed Angels, this became a more sentimental issue) and minimum wage. 1/28/2014 01:46:56 pm
I am content that President Obama addresses the problem regarding gun violence. It has been a continuous issue in this country and throughout my lifetime, I have heard enough stories on the news related to unnecessary killings. I agree with the idea of implementing additional restrictions on weapons. These restrictions appear sensible because carrying a firearm in most scenarios does not seem necessary. However, I do not think laws established by the federal government and the executive position will completely alter gun violence. The people of the United States should not have to rely on laws to control their coarse of actions. If some are incapable of controlling violent behavior, maybe creating more institutions for psychiatric help could be beneficial. (Just an idea. It probably won't fix everything.) Resolving a problem like gun violence is challenging. I think it's a touchy subject because it's very controversial. Nonetheless, it was a smart move for the President to address this issue because it is definitely a major problem. 1/28/2014 02:02:58 pm
I agree with Obama's position on proper, fair, and just salaries for workers. The president stated that gender, race, religion, or ethnicity should not be a prime factor that affects one's salary. I understand that profits made by a company cannot be distributed evenly. That is why some are paid more or less compared to others. I think it was important that Obama stated that a worker should not be paid less because she's a woman. The quality of work is derived from commitment, determination, and effort. It does not come from gender. When the president made this statement, it caught a lot of attention from a specific group of people. However, I think the issue regarding fair salaries is applied to everyone, not just a particular group of people.
Melissa Huang
1/28/2014 02:07:25 pm
From Obama's proposal where he mentioned about "women deserves equal pay", I totally agree with him because women had been fighting for their rights for centuries and I cannot believe that unequal pay is still happening. I feel that this point is very realistic because men and women are equal, so their rights, wage and everything else should be equal as well. If men can do it, women could too! So why should women gets paid less? This is 2014, inequality between men and women should no longer exist, thus, unequal wages among each man and woman with the same task is unacceptable and Obama should address this issue for the sake of every women that was/is being treated unfairly.
Melissa Huang
1/28/2014 02:07:31 pm
From Obama's proposal where he mentioned about "women deserves equal pay", I totally agree with him because women had been fighting for their rights for centuries and I cannot believe that unequal pay is still happening. I feel that this point is very realistic because men and women are equal, so their rights, wage and everything else should be equal as well. If men can do it, women could too! So why should women gets paid less? This is 2014, inequality between men and women should no longer exist, thus, unequal wages among each man and woman with the same task is unacceptable and Obama should address this issue for the sake of every women that was/is being treated unfairly.
Melissa Huang
1/28/2014 02:07:53 pm
From Obama's proposal where he mentioned about "women deserves equal pay", I totally agree with him because women had been fighting for their rights for centuries and I cannot believe that unequal pay is still happening. I feel that this point is very realistic because men and women are equal, so their rights, wage and everything else should be equal as well. If men can do it, women could too! So why should women gets paid less? This is 2014, inequality between men and women should no longer exist, thus, unequal wages among each man and woman with the same task is unacceptable and Obama should address this issue for the sake of every women that was/is being treated unfairly.
Melissa Huang
1/28/2014 02:08:13 pm
From Obama's proposal where he mentioned about "women deserves equal pay", I totally agree with him because women had been fighting for their rights for centuries and I cannot believe that unequal pay is still happening. I feel that this point is very realistic because men and women are equal, so their rights, wage and everything else should be equal as well. If men can do it, women could too! So why should women gets paid less? This is 2014, inequality between men and women should no longer exist, thus, unequal wages among each man and woman with the same task is unacceptable and Obama should address this issue for the sake of every women that was/is being treated unfairly.
Melissa Huang
1/28/2014 02:09:42 pm
Another point from Obama's proposal during his speech where he mentioned about "promoting internet connectivity" as a plan to provide high speed internet for 99% of the schools in America, I disagree with this point because from my perspective, I feel that schools doesn't necessarily need high speed internet in classrooms since teachers can just prepare or download all the videos that they want to show their students days before, so having high speed internet doesn't really make a difference. Also, providing high speed internet to 99% of the schools in America is going to be very costly for the government where they could have just spend the money to fund universal pre-k for youngsters for free so that kids can start learning at a very young age. And this high speed internet would track down all the internet data that teachers and students had surfed which violates the privacy of each individuals that will be using the high speed wifi that schools will be offering. Obama's claim on this is realistic, but it is not necessary and the government can use this money on something more urgent/useful that may help more serious dilemmas like poverty and the homeless people that are freezing under this cold weather (especially in NY!!) on the streets.
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 08:52:32 pm
yes i agree with Melissa. schools don't need high-speed internet. it is not so important to spend so much money on internet when schools can use the money in other situations that will help kids improve.
May Khin
1/28/2014 03:18:16 pm
I am happy that President Obama made a point about increasing the minimum wage. “Americans overwhelmingly agree that no one who works full time should ever have to raise a family in poverty,” said Mr. President. I strongly agree with him because America should deal with poverty that still exists in the United States nowadays before it handles foreign affairs. Obama also mentioned about John Serrano and how Serrano eases financial stress of his employees by raising the wage. Obama made a good point when he told the employers to follow John’s lead and raise the wages. But I disagree with him when Obama said it is good for the economy and America because if businesses started to become unsuccessful, it would just hurt the employees, consumers, and America’s economy. Fair wage sounds incredible but what about the consequences of raising the wages? If a janitor works for 10 hours a day, with the extra $3 per hour, he’d gain $600 per month if he works on every single weekdays of the month. It is a lot of money which has resulted from extra $3. Extra $3 may seem very little at first, but it can have a major impact on the working class. I loved how Obama mentioned about Costco and how the company is raising the wages to boost up the productivity. It is another positive way of looking at it for the employers because at least they are getting something back. I totally agree that nobody should live in poverty and I personally believe in raising the minimum wage because it could help the working class so much and maybe this is one of the many steps towards ending the poverty in America.
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 08:49:00 pm
i agree with May. i am also really happy with the fact that the President wants to increase the minimum wage. it will be really helpful for people who are in need for money. this can also put a little more money into my pocket:) I hope Obama addresses the issues regarding traffic laws. This includes changes that will be made to improve safety on the road. I hope these changes will not only apply to auto-mobile users. I also mean pedestrians and cyclists. For the past few years, I've heard numerous stories about accidents on the street mainly because of speeding or convoluted intersections. I wonder if there can be laws to decrease speed limits on certain streets. I'm not sure if traffic laws are problematic in other states, but I can see some possible changes in some states. For example, New York city could utilize more bike routes. There are a few streets that are so crowded that cyclists and drivers cannot share the road. If a separate lane was created for more streets, this would resolve the problem. This method can be used in other states as well; not just New York. Cycling is used throughout the country. Anyway, I hope the President discusses improvements to reinforce safety on the road. Traffic laws are a major issue in the United States.
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 08:44:31 pm
One point that the President addressed that caught my attention is opening up more jobs and improving the unemployment rate. I agree with his claim of needing to open up more jobs and opportunities especially for the unemployed. President Obama stated that this year should be the “year of action”. He wants new jobs to be created to speed up growth. He claims that there should be better opportunities for the middle class. He proposes to close all loopholes and hire more people this year. I believe opening more new jobs is important because a lot of people have no jobs and are suffering these days due to the status of the economy. A lot of people cannot even put food on their tables for their families everyday. I personally know people who have graduated from college with degrees and have not found a secure full-time job for 3 years because there are no job openings. Not only do the unemployed have no jobs they are also deprived of their benefits. Recently, unemployment benefits were cut off. President Obama also hopes to reform and extend the unemployment benefits. He told Congress to give them the “chance”. I think President Obama’s claims are realistic because he seemed very confident in succeeding to open more jobs. One of his statements that caught my attention and makes me believe he is being realistic is “if I can take steps without legislation, I will”. This shows that he is prepared to take action to solve this problem America is facing. He also supports his claims by stating that Congress, employers and business leaders should all work to give everyone a fair shot at new jobs. This situation is affecting the economy and if new jobs are opened and more people have jobs the economy will surely improve making America a better nation.
Fatima Sahin
1/28/2014 08:45:32 pm
Another point that the President addressed that caught my interest was education reform. I agree with the President’s point for reform in education because education is very important in the future of the nation. The more enhanced education is the more prosperous the nation can be in the future. President Obama believes that education is necessary for the skills that are needed in the new economy. He also believes that high quality early education is necessary. He states that every 4 year old should be enrolled in Pre-K. He is willing to help more kids to access high quality education. The President believes it is important to reach out to more kids and improve their education. President Obama is also willing to help with loans. I agree with the President’s ideas for reforming education because I also believe education is important in order to succeed in life. This is because many jobs require skills that can only be obtained through education. Many jobs these days are being strict about hiring people because they need people with skills. Higher education is necessary these days because of the great advancement in high technology and new inventions. Even though I agree with his ideas, I don’t really think he is being realistic because education reform has been proposed so many times and so many plans were encouraged, but none of them were successful. Every year, education reform is proposed but not always successful. In fact, throughout history, education was always in need for reform but it was never 100% successful. Therefore, I don’t believe President Obama will be able to reform education to a point of satisfaction for everyone. Whatever action he takes he wouldn’t be enough for everyone. People will always find more problems that need to be resolved.
Lin Huang
1/29/2014 06:49:50 am
An issue that I believe that should be address is the increasing debt. Overall, this country owes about a little more than $17.075 trillion. Along with this debt are the increasing tax rates that are passed in effort to pay off the debt. Personally I believe the main problem with the debt lies within the way we spent the budget. Federal spending over exceeds the Federal Revenue resulting federal government to either borrow money from domestic or foreign investor or take money out of the Social Security trust fund. Either way it accumulates to the debt problem to this day. A solution would be to eliminate the insignificant programs. However, that would cause a problem for some as there might be people who depend on theses funding. The other choice is to increase federal revenue, which is what they are doing now. But that cause a burden on the low-income families. As seen both choices has their own cons, hence the dilemma. Sadly, until another solution appears our debt will only increase.
Joyce Huang
1/29/2014 07:12:22 am
Well, everyone touched on this but I just wanted to add my own two cents on the raise in minimum wage. Out of all the things President Obama mentioned in his speech, this is probably one of my most favorite things and I'm sure a lot of other's, too. As someone who actually worked for minimum wage before, trust me, it sucks. Sitting behind a computer screen for 5 hours straight, no breaks or socializing, making calls to other companies, creating spreadsheets, researching, etc. was very, very tiring. I was grateful for even having a job but honestly, I also dreaded waking up in the morning to go to work. Basically, I was not a happy camper. Unfortunately I was not the only one who felt this way. Overall, the workforce had bad morale which led to the gradual decrease in quality of work.
Joyce Huang
1/29/2014 07:55:01 am
While I am overall satisfied with most of the points that Barack Obama brought up, I am still frustrated with the issue on immigration. In the measly one paragraph he dedicated to this topic, he does not mention a possible solution. . . Which is understandable because it takes forever for anything to pass through Congress. I feel like he hammered the Republicans a lot but immigration is such a complicated and diversified issue that it deserves to be open up to the public to discuss and decide, not just the 100 senators and 435 representatives! Deportations may be immoral but letting illegal immigrants stay goes against the law. To all those thousands of honest immigrants who are waiting on line just to enter the U.S., it is not fair that someone just skips and hinders the rate of acceptance. This is partly the reason why we're not a melting pot but a salad bowl now and for a UNITED nation, that is not a good sign.
Lin Huang
1/29/2014 08:06:38 am
President Obama is correct that raising minimum wage will help a lot of family. But I believe that will only be a temporary solution. If minimum wage is increase, prices of daily needs will also increase. Owners would raise prices, according to wages to earn a profit. All this will only speed up the increase inflation of U.S money. Inflation would add on to the pile of issues the federal government is already facing. But I favor the fact that it will boost the circulation of money. Money being circulate will help the economy.
Lin Huang
1/29/2014 08:07:06 am
President Obama’s point that more young people are earning college degree is correct. However, it kind of back fires because with everyone having a degree it loses its meaning. Having a degree is no longer an advantage, when interviewed for a job having a degree is treated like basic standards. But yet many students owe loans for that degree. After going through college and earning that degree, only to be able to compete with basic requirement fulfill. A decade ago having a degree put you at a higher level compare to others. But now with everyone having same standards, it raises the competition at the same time increasing un-employment rates. For the unfortunate student that was not able to go to college. Most of them are not even given the chance to compete and are likely to be rejected immediately
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 02:32:01 pm
I agree and many college students who come out of the most impressive universities don't have a job lined up for them. Whats the point of higher education and earning a degree if there's no work available? If you work hard you get ahead in America but how attainable is the American Dream today?
Hoiyee Sin
1/29/2014 11:37:50 am
While reduction of tax and loans are being given to small businesses are great, but it is very idealistic. We have to know that America is still in a huge debt with many countries in the world and that doing these thing will increase that debt if the small businesses will fail or has the chance of failing. We all hope that none of these businesses will ever go bankrupt and that people can start there own business. However if that's the case then everyone and I mean everyone will take advantage of it and make the country more in debt.
Hoiyee Sin
1/29/2014 11:57:34 am
An issue that Obama should've address was Gun controls. America is full of violence and unnecessary bloodshed because of the issues of guns itself. Yes, Guns is a very good thing to have for protecting yourself from burglars or a violent gang . However guns are being sold to people without knowing their background and mental issues that the individuals might have. Just like the horrible event that happened in Connecticut. The person that killed all those kids and adults had serious mental issues but how come he was allowed to own a gun??? We dont know. Guns should be an object that shouldnt be taken so lightly with and it should be limited or even ban out from public. It's so easy to get guns in the south its very frightening.
Tin
1/31/2014 05:23:41 am
I absolutely agree with the issue of Gun controls. Too many Americans, not only Americans but others have too much access to the possession of guns. Issuing Gun controls would give everyone safety knowing that there would no shooting in schools or outside killing innocent civilians. After the event in Sandy Hooks, every school has been under pressure in keeping students safe. There should be stricter laws about guns.
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 02:14:47 pm
Although, President Obama addressed Gun Control it was very short and brief. He should have put more emphasis on this because change hasn't been made to correct this issue. Last year, the State Union Address honored Sandy Hook victims and their families as guests and Obama called for action. But once again he's taking the same pledge. Meanwhile, unacceptable shootings and tragedies are repeatedly taking place in malls, movie theaters and schools. The key source here is guns which promote violence and the last thing our country needs is internal conflict.
Emily Ma
1/30/2014 07:01:14 am
Much agreed. The issue of gun violence/control was addressed as a minor issue (close to zero mentions almost), and it was shocking. I would have thought that President Obama would have addressed at least for 10 minutes, but I guess I was incorrect about that assuming. I would have thought that he'd probably talk about the problem because many conflicts and gun violence occurred over the past year(s), and it's countless of tragedies as well as lives of children, teenagers and adults that were lost. Given that, when he didn't speak much about it -- I was more than just simply disappointed.
Grace Allende
1/29/2014 04:24:27 pm
I felt like the whole speech was restrained.Obama stated all the things he wanted to do but not how he was actually going to do it. He insisted that he would take steps without legislation to expand opportunity and that he would go ahead with his plans with or without Congress. Under the constitution, President Obama can't get his policies passed in the legislature without Congress. In my opinion, his statement was pointless. Throughout his speech, he incorporated ordinary people like the Pizza man to emphasize higher minimum wage which was a great touch - "FOR THE PEOPLE." I felt like the speech was broad and it catered to people's emotions more because of the tribute to the soldier which was honorable but sidetracked viewers.
Rashida Cupid
2/1/2014 04:41:18 am
I feel that President Obama has stated his points over time, of what he would like to establish through Congress, to create a better nation. His main points have been education, the economy, healthcare, and benefits for our soldiers. In this speech, he gave more facts to exemplify not what, but why he wanted to pursue these goals. It was more, in my opinion directed at Congress, than for the American people he is speaking of.
Tin
1/31/2014 04:37:54 am
I hope one major issue that the President addresses is bullying. Bullying can lead to death, emotionally unstable, and personality disorders. There are various kinds of bullying, physical, emotional, and cyber. About 42 percent of kids have been bullied while online with one in four being verbally attacked more than once. About 58 percent of kids and teens have reported that something mean has been said about them or to them online. About 77 percent of students have admitted to being the victim of one type of bullying or another. Bullying is not a joke, teenagers like us at some point was bullied by the way how their appearances, language, and race. Unfortunately, teenagers who got bullied would kill themselves, and never spoke up to anyone. It's unjustified for a teenager or even someone younger bullying someone else just because they're different from others. Whether or not they're doing it for entertainment, it hurts the victim emotionally and in some cases, they can become unstable. I think this is an important issue that President Obama should address because the percentages for bullying each year is increasing which means, nearly half the population are being bullied by others. Bullying needs to be stopped although it won't be that easy. Teenagers committing suicide and leaving their families behind is a sorrow situation that can happen because their child was bullied. It's not necessary to bully someone because of how they are. We're all the same, but we're different but that doesn't mean we're not human beings.
Tin
1/31/2014 05:32:35 am
First Point: Let’s make this a year of action. That’s what most Americans want – for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations. And what I believe unites the people of this nation, regardless of race or region or party, young or old, rich or poor, is the simple, profound belief in opportunity for all – the notion that if you work hard and take responsibility, you can get ahead.
Rashida Cupid
2/1/2014 04:35:01 am
I believe the issue that President Obama should address is the welfare budget. The budget is decreasing and so is the amount of time that one can receive it. There are many people out there that need this money to support their families because of job loss, so this certainly needs to be addressed.
Alkhas
2/2/2014 03:27:53 am
I agree with your view on the education plan. Students really do need a good education plan now so that the work force could be better in the future. Students really do need more skills and better challenges .
Alkhas
2/2/2014 01:43:37 am
I think one issue that president Obama should address is the enviroment. There are a lot of problems with the inviroment like polluted air , acid rain , and climate changes.Broken down by state, Americans believe climate change is human- caused at levels of 66% to 99% . So Americans believe that they are polluting and harming the enviroment but what is to be done about it. The problem of climate change is one of the main problems with the enviroment . Most of greenhouse gases which harm our enviroment come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy, but deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices also emit bad gases into the atmosphere and something should be done. This should be addressed because it effects all of us because the pollution is in everyone's oxygen,
Matthew Liew
3/30/2014 03:30:05 pm
I agree with you that the environment is important and essential to us and our lives. Although we might not see it now, we are slowly killing our environment and making the world a lot more polluted and dangerous for our future generations. Those are our future kids, grandchildren and so on. Some of us do whatever we want and we don't think that there are any consequences.
Alkhas
2/2/2014 03:17:46 am
I agree with Obamas economic points. The wealth who have very good accounts ,which can find them loopholes on their taxes make it easier for the rich . The small business on the other hand have to waste a lot of time on their taxes and this can be a burden to them . That's why the rich should have any loopholes and some rich should be taxed more then the other people who have less then them .
Chloe
2/2/2014 04:42:24 am
One issue that I think should be addressed is education reform. The populations in many public schools is rising rapidly, to the point where many schools do not have adequate space or supplies to help students satisfy and nurture their intellectual needs. Schools need to keep their text books and computer programs up to date. There needs to be a student to teacher ratio of no more than 1:28, in order for students to get the hands-on training that they need. Students need to be seen as individuals because of their different learning skills, which would require smaller classrooms and more availability to tutoring.
jason zheng
2/3/2014 08:39:27 am
I completely agree with you on your stand towards education reform. Many schools today in New York City don't always have the updated material to help a child learn. One example is a math textbook that have gone through years of wear and tear and is missing crucial pages to understand the lesson. Students also tend to learn at their one pace which is not possible in today's classroom where they are surrounded by 30 other kids. However in reaching these goals, it is quite impossible because of all the recent budget cuts in the education system. Not all tax payers are willing to pay more taxes because they don't realize the potential of the kids in cramped classrooms. This is unacceptable because not all parents are able to send their kids to private tutoring institutions.
Jason Zheng
2/2/2014 04:28:27 pm
One of the major issues America faces in today’s society is the amount of unemployed people. It is crucial that President Obama addresses this issue. Despite the fact that America’s 6.7% unemployment rate has been the lowest since 2009, but there are still people in America who need help from the government to obtain jobs. Although 6.7% unemployment rate may seem decent on paper, in reality 347,000 people gave up the search for work entirely and dropped out of the labor force. This fact further proves that President Obama should address America’s true unemployment rate. To some extremes, unemployment can ruin people’s lives and force them to become beggars.
Matthew Liew
3/30/2014 03:50:18 pm
First off, good job bringing in a story to support what you are saying. I thought that it was an effective method to help us understand more of what you're saying. I do agree with your mom that not everyone who is homeless is capable of working but some of them are capable of working. Many of the homeless people seen in the streets and subways always have the same sad story but the person always seems to look fit for work. Overall, some people do genuinely need help but others are just lazy.
jason zheng
2/3/2014 07:35:47 am
One issue President Obama addressed in his speech was raising the minimum wage. I think this is a genius proposal because the current $7.25 minimum wage is simply not enough to support an individual let alone a family. Obama made a great point when he asked why should people struggle with poverty when they work full time. According to Huffingtonpost.com, the average New York City apartment now cost about $ 3,000.00 a month. This means a person have to work at least 300 hours a month just to meet their rent expenses at the end of the month if they only earn minimum wage. By increasing the minimum wage to 10.10 as President Obama suggested, it would also help America recovering economy. In theory, when more people have money, more money would be spent on products therefore having a greater demand for more products. I believe Obama plan issuing an Executive Order requiring federal contractors to pay their federally-funded employees a fair wage of at least $10.10 an hour to be reasonable. Like president Obama mentioned, when wages are increased more productivity will be done. This is almost music to business owner’s ears so majority of them are opened to the idea such as Casco.
Gabrielle Drew
2/3/2014 10:06:00 am
I think that one thing Obama should've acknowledged is updating the laws with the times. As technology gets better and better our laws aren't. I understand that we have more pressing issues at hand such as the debt and obama care ,but this should be something that the government should be a little bit more aware about. For example many highschoolers tend to send inaproprate photos of themselves to one another. When the recipient gets upset they decide to send out the photo. If the sender decided to press charges that person may have to register as a sex offender although that person put the media in their hands. Also other forms of cyberbullying. If someone where to commit suicide because of what someone was saying online should the person be prosecuted for manslaughter? There are many times were people die because of indirect causes and the person responsible for the cause is sent on trial
Sindy Tang
2/3/2014 11:56:03 am
A major issue that I hope Obama addresses is gun control and its effect on crime. Crime is present everywhere around the world. It's at a higher rate in some places more than others. This should depict if guns should be authorized in some states and not in others. You have to go through a process to have legal possession of a gun, but not everyone's intentions are the same. Some people want a gun for safety/protection, which is the moral reason, but others might want it to hurt someone else. The government should pay more attention to gun control and not look to the federal government for approval, because the crime rate is different in every state. This can help prevent future events that relate back to the Sandy Hook shooting and the shooting in Arapahoe High School in Colorado.
Sindy Tang
2/3/2014 12:33:12 pm
One point that Obama made was that the U.S. has the lowest unemployment rate in over 5 years. I agree that job opportunities have risen throughout the years, but people don't seem to appreciate that as much as they should. Just because there's more opportunities out there doesn't mean you can slack off and let others do your dirty work. Later on, your coworkers will question why they get paid the same amount that you do when they do more work. The boss isn't around to constantly supervise everything you do and employees take that to their advantage. Congress finally produced a budget to make up for the previous years' cuts. The budget compromise is focused on creating new jobs for the people. Nowadays, one can walk into their local Dunkin Donuts or McDs and land themselves a job without a degree and get paid minimum wage. Back then, people worked long hours (maybe 10+ hrs) and got paid under minimum wage. $5/hr was considered a buttload for a worker. The U.S. is in a better position than other nations and people need to realize that, appreciate it, and actually be productive. Go to school and get a job. Back then, school wasn't available to everyone and it didn't come free. Be productive and set an example for the generations to come that you need to work to get what you want. It is realistic that unemployment rates will be at its lowest if people continue to be productive and do what they do. As for the slackers, they should realize what they have in front of them and embrace it. One day, the economy can take its toll and your lazy butts will hit the pavement in the streets.
Jasmine Ng
2/3/2014 12:50:47 pm
I was hoping for the President to address one major pecuniary problem that's consistently growing as we speak-- the National Debt. This is one of the biggest problems of the United States at the moment; with approximately $17 trillion dollars in debt, it's growing faster and bigger than the gross domestic product, the assets we own, and the taxes the government uses. I think this is a big issue because it not only plays a major role in our power, but it's also preventing the country from forming or creating jobs. Around 7% of our nation is unemployed-- it seems unimpressive at first but when put against the population of the United States, it could have a devastating effect on the way our nation makes money, plans taxes, etc. I felt that Obama needed to conjure some solutions to this problems like creating government jobs. The Central Park idea by Theodore Roosevelt was a great plan but we live in a modern world and we're running out of room. I still highly condone environment preserving solutions such as cleaning up the city (sanitation based jobs have high pays but that's because of the negative effects of long-term exposure; they could also try to increase sanitation in the work place). These solutions are not only for the benefit of the nation, it's also helping immigrants, our trade, our influence.
Sindy Tang
2/3/2014 01:04:45 pm
I agree. I feel as if the government is putting national debt aside because it is such a huge issue to deal with at the moment with other crisis in hand. If they start paying it off in small portions, it can make a big difference. This also would require cuts in unnecessary commodities. People always want more and more, but they should realize that the advanced technology we have is good enough compared to what the U.S. had in the past. We should put a hold in all these improvements in advanced technology and deal with the debt first. The government is trying to please the people as much as they can, but they should figure out their priorities first.
Sindy Tang
2/3/2014 12:55:31 pm
Another point that Obama makes is childhood obesity rates. He wants to bring it down, because it is an achievement that would improve lives and reduce health care costs. I agree that this is something valid to consider, but we have to take into consideration that it is the people's choice to put whatever food they like in their mouth. Until people change their eating habits, obesity rates wouldn't really budge. The other alternative to reduce obesity rates is by controlling the portion of food served to consumers. In England (other countries), the portion of food served to the customer is considerably smaller than the portion served in the U.S. Controlling the quantity of food given can reduce how much is consumed and lessen obesity. Also, prices of food affects what people eat. People rather eat fast food/junk food because it is more convenient and much cheaper than salad. A Caesar salad in McDs can cost +$6, but a McChicken sandwich costs $1 (excluding tax). People tend to want to spend their money on cheaper food which isn't the best kind of food. Programs that show people what they are putting in their mouths can make them want to put their McDs meal down, but others would still go out and buy a Big Mac. It all comes down to the choices people make and if they're willing to change for the better.
Morriah Lisowski
2/4/2014 01:01:47 pm
I agree with the fact that it is the people's choice to put what they want in their diets not just because they may think it tastes good but it's affordable. There's a lot of people who can't afford better food than fast food and then there's a lot of people who eat it because they want to. I don't think the issue is people's eating habits but people's awareness to the fact that there are better options. Although the McDonald's dollar menu may seem cheaper than grocery shopping the long term health effects are far more expensive. From eating too much fast food people are prone to diabetes, heart problems, obesity, etc. McDonald's may seem cheaper but in the long run it's more expensive when it comes to health bills and a persons life in general.
Jasmine Ng
2/3/2014 01:31:40 pm
President Obama has brought up extra curricular activities that strive toward equal opportunity. I think his point in bringing up this topic was to persuade the public with the chance of becoming an ideal nation with impressive intelligence in the technical field. It's a wonderful vision but I think the solutions he has listed aren't rather unapproachable but quite a process that the nation might go through. With the national debt in hand and the lack of resources to pull this whole idea forward, I think we need to organize ourselves before we start anything else. Prioritize at best what's NEEDED and then accomplish the goals. I felt that what he was saying was rushed but the reality of the scheme is at a slower pace.
Morriah Lisowski
2/4/2014 12:05:24 pm
One issue I hope the president touches is the controversy of abortion. As small as the issue may seem abortion is still a major topic that needs to be addressed. There are protests, riots, family tensions, etc. all caused by abortion. Abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy, often during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. Most people are anti-abortion because of the idea that it's killing an innocent life, or it's against their religious views, etc. However do people really have the right to say a woman can't have an abortion if she wants one? Some women are rape victims, too young too carry a child, or simply don't want a child. Carrying a child is a very tough responsibility and it's even harder when a woman doesn't want that responsibility. Most of the women who get abortions aren't monsters and do feel extremely guilty after it happens. Also, adoption isn't always the best solution since unfortunately not every child gets adopted and is usually put into foster care, sometimes when children are adopted they're put in a bad home, and sometimes the mother doesn't have the option of putting her child up for her adoption because of her beliefs, family beliefs, etc. There are children who go into very good homes but not all of them. And there's still the fact that everyone should be given a chance at life no matter how horrible their lives may be. Women can still face trauma during or after an unwanted pregnancy. Pregnancy is painful enough when a woman wants their child, imagine the pain for a woman who doesn't. Abortion can kill innocent lives since the baby has no way of communicating that it wants to be alive or not which makes it safe to say that abortion is wrong and should be illegal. But in all honesty shouldn't the final decision be the mother's choice?
Morriah Lisowski
2/4/2014 12:31:02 pm
One issue that Obama addresses is how the "Michelle’s Let’s Move partnership" has been able to cut down child obesity rates for the first time in thirty years. He doesn't seem to go further in the analysis of why there has been a large child obesity rate in America. Most people blame poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and laziness in general. In reality most children are obeiese because not many parents can afford healthy foods or don't have time to cook healthy meals. Parents end up buying fast food since it's cheap, quick, and tasty. Since kids aren't getting the proper nutrition they're tired and end up not exercising or they give up and escape to television or video games. Of course they can say no to the fast food and TV but most times it's just not that easy. There are also a lot of kids that can't even afford fast food and are starving and live off of food stamps and free lunch. The major issue isn't the fact that kids are lazy and don't know how to eat properly or exercise, although that is true in some cases, but that kids aren't getting the nutrition they need because their families don't have the financial support or awareness or proper foods aren't available to them.
Morriah Lisowski
2/4/2014 12:53:27 pm
Another issue that Obama addresses is making all children available to a high-quality pre-K education. It's important to start learning at young age because that is when the mind is most vulnerable and influenced. It's also very important to make sure what children are learning is high quality to help for future development and understanding. America is consistently criticized for it's lack of quality in education but in America everyone is supposed to have the right of education and it can be free. In other countries kids aren't offered education not only because of strictness but because it also isn't available. In Russia and Germany children can go to school for free until they go to high school and then they have to pay. Also some kids never get offered education and have jobs starting at the age of 5 or 6. Also in some parts of African, Asian, and Indian countries education isn't offered because of the massive poverty. Americans are lucky in that sense to have the option of free education and the fact that Obama wants to strengthen the education system at pre-K and hopefully eventually even further is a bonus.
Anzia Anderson
2/6/2014 01:08:38 pm
Although I am very glad that the president spoke about education reform, I think that he could have gone into more detail. His ideas about pre k and college applications are great, but I wish that he could have spoken about a few more topics. One important topic that he missed is that in many cases, the quality of public schools depends on the wealth of the neighborhood surrounding it. He talked about a lot of great kids that deserve a college education, but he could have mentioned that many children have the potential to be successful but are simply not given enough resources at their school to realize it, and to even consider going to college. If the budget and effort that goes into public schools was more evenly distributed, perhaps this situation could be improved.
Matthew Liew
3/30/2014 03:18:37 pm
One issue that President Obama should address and reform is the police system across the nation. These men and women that are supposed to protect us are not correctly doing their jobs. They are more focused on their own things rather than keeping an eye on the people (based on my experience). Although some might argue that this isn't a major issue, i feel like the security of the people triumphs over all because without people, there is no country. There can be no country if there is no order. There is also too much racial profiling done by the police officers and that needs to stop. Instead of picking on the minorities or people that they do not like, they should focus on frisking or arresting criminals regardless of their race. Regardless of all the negativity in this response, I do think that some police officers do their jobs correctly and they do a good job protecting us.
Matthew Liew
3/30/2014 03:46:40 pm
One thing that President Obama brought up was raising the minimum wage. Although this might sound good in theory, many people ignore or do not see the effects it brings along. By increasing the minimum wage, you are giving the people more money for their which is beneficial but when you raise your wage, prices of products might also go up. Therefore it could create an inflation that could lead to something more serious if not taken care of. I am glad that Obama sympathizes with the working class but I personally do not agree with how he's going about with it.
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