Last
night while sitting at home, I watched the 2015 Presidential State of the Union
Address. I figured I wouldn’t be able to understand anything President Obama
was talking about, because normally when I hear a presidential speech, that’s
what happens. To my amazement, President Obama couldn’t have been clearer. Not
only is he an outstanding speaker, but also he is very personable with an added
sense of humor. He spoke in terms that most people and I could understand.
I went in to this event only
expecting to hear economic garb about deficits and strategies. Once again, I
was wrong. Although the President did speak mostly about economics, they were
economics that applied directly to myself. With that, there are a few things I
took away from his speech. The first thing I found interesting is the gains
that we as a country have made over the past few years. A few of these gains
include a growth of over 11 million jobs, a decrease in reliance on foreign
oil, the highest graduation rates in history, a 10 million person increase in
health care insurance, and the fastest economic growth in history. Being that
my personal economics haven’t started since about four years ago, it’s harder
for me to notice changes in the economy so hearing these statistics was eye opening.
The next thing I found important are
the steps President Obama wants to take to help the middle class families which
he calls, “Middle Class Economics.” He started off by talking about a middle
class family that has endured many financial hardships within the last eight
years, who recently has gotten back on their feet thanks to the gains our
economy has made. By talking about this family, he made what’s happening in
America more relevant because that story relates to many others around the
nation. After he told this family’s story, he went on to give his thoughts on
how to improve the middle class family’s economics. These points included
lowering the taxes on middle class families, affordable, high quality child
care for everyone, a new tax cut up to $300,000 per child, per year, higher
wages and up to seven days of paid sick leave, and lower mortgage payments. He
also stressed the importance of group efforts in changing Middle Class
Economics; everyone has to do their part.
The last part of his speech that
interested me was his ideals that he placed forward about how Americans are
going to keep their economic growth in years to come. This was mainly important
because it was here that he put forth the idea that he wants community college
to be free to all. Anyone who has been to college knows how expensive it is, so
for him to want to get rid of potentially the first two years is a huge
advancement. I was lucky enough to have my Associates Degree paid for at a
local community college, so I know how beneficial that is. It’s because of that
college that I decided to continue my education, and I would be willing to bet
that other people would do the same thing. During this part of the speech he
also included other ideas including lowering monthly payments on student debt,
keeping companies in America in order to open up jobs for people, and hiring
veterans in order to ensure their well-being after their service to our
country.
After watching President Obama’s
speech, I decided to interview people around Avila’s campus to see their
reaction to the statements that he made. The first person I interviewed was
Amanda Littleton, a communications major. When asked about her thoughts she
stated, “He has some very good ideas and if implemented they could be successful.
However, he only has 12 months left in office plus most of congress is voting
against him.” As a whole, she supported his position but expressed how hard it
will be for him to pass any of his ideas. The next person I interviewed was
Carla Ellis, a Business Management Major. When asked about her outtake on the
speech she stated, “He [Obama] was going to find a way to tax the rich so
middle class people can benefit and gain more wealth. Also, I’m surprised that
all congress is Republican, so I’m not sure how that will work. I’m not sure
it’ll pass because although he’s the President, it’s like he has no voice.”
The last person I interviewed had
the most to say about the speech. His name is Zedrick Mitchell, a Nursing
major. When asked about his reaction to last night’s proceedings, he had this
to say,
“I
thought it was a good speech. I thought he made some good points on the economy
regarding gas prices, affordable child care; that’s a big statement, and taking
the student debt payments down. I thought the free community college was a big
statement especially with us being students. I’m not sure how he’s going to
afford that, but if it works it would definitely be nice since I’m a father and
have kids that will be going to college in a few years.”
Based
off of what I, along with the people I have interviewed have shared, I would
say the consensus think President Obama is doing great things. The only worry
for all of us is that he will not be successful in getting his ideas passed
through Congress.
Amanda Littleton, Communications
Carla Ellis, Business Management
Zedrick Mitchell, Nursing
