Rockhurst Sentinel

Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: Opinion

I wish they had a federal tax credit to write off the time I wasted watching President Obama's State of the Union address this past Wednesday. For weeks I was waiting with anticipation, anxious for enlightenment. What I received instead was disillusionment.

What I heard this past week was the same thing I have been hearing for over two years now. He is going to clean up Washington, clear out lobbyists, and make sure the federal government acts in a responsible, transparent manner. All good stuff, don't get me wrong, but I did not tune in to hear a campaign speech.

My disappointment aside, there was a number of good policy initiatives offered up by Obama. First and foremost he stressed the need for Congress to focus on job creation. Citing the 10% unemployment in this country, Obama conceded that, "Change has not come quickly enough." To spur job growth the President proposed tax breaks for small businesses that hire new workers or raise the wage of their current workers.

With respect to healthcare, Obama made it clear he has no intentions of backing down. Despite the recent developments in Massachusetts, Obama stated, "I am not just going to walk away just because it's hard. We're going to keep working to get this done with Democrats, Republicans-anyone who is willing to step it up." The President made it clear that he intends to move on with the bill, despite what he referred to as, "a deficit of trust" in government by the American people.

One particular proposal that caught my eye was the one concerning the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of the American military. He is sure to ruffle some feathers with that one, but I am glad he is following through with this campaign promise. Also, an issue that should be of special interest to all of you is Obama's new proposals for student loan repayment. We weill see what comes of it, but if he can deliver on what he says then I will be one happy customer.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools