President Focuses on Unity and Progress in State of the Union Address

By Troy Hemingway

President Barack Obama said Americans must stand together and work for the future Tuesday in his State of the Union address.

"We are part of the American family," Obama said. "We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people; that we share common hopes and a common creed;"

A focus on teh future was paramount in the emotional speech, with key topics including jobs, health care, education and the economy.

Obama tackled jobs and the economy at the beginning of his speech. In a previous column, I predicted that those two topics would be a priority in his address, and they certainly were. Obama reminisced about when jobs were abundant and working for a living was easier to accomplish.

Such is not the case in our 2011 job market, and Obama presented a challenge for us to continue to be the most productive workers in the world. "The competition for jobs is real," Obama said. "But this shouldn't discourage us. It should challange us."

The president also said he is open to continuing work on reforming the health care program in thsi country. He said, "anything can be improved" and he is eagerto work towards improving the system. I predicted Obama would address health care because it has been one of the foundations of his tenure in the White House.

Obama called out to Congress, and also to the general public, to move on from the battles that have caused little to no progress over the past two years and focus on fixing what needs fixing and moving forward.

On education, Obama called for Americans to remember a key fact of our educational system that is often overlooked. He said that teachers are to be respected and revered for the work they do each day in the lives of children.

"Let's also remember that after parents, the biggest impact on a child's success comes from the man or woman at the front of the classroom," Obama said. "In South Korea, teachers are known as 'nation builders'. Here in America, it's time we treated the people who educate our children with the same level of respect."

One topic that I failed to predict, but should have known was going to be addressed, is government spending. For years, our government has been spending more money than it has been taking in. Obama used a great comparison to show what we, as a nation, should expect from our government. "Every day, families sacrifice to live within their means," Obama said. "They deserve a government that does the same."

Obama proposed a plan to freeze annual domestic spending for the next five years. Although that sounds like a long-shot, if accomplished, that would be pivotal towards lowering the deficit and solidifying our economic future.

One final part of the address that I predicted was Obama stressing the fact that change will take work. "The idea of America endures," Obama said. "Our destiny remains our choice."

The government creates policy, but the public practices it. Growth and progress can only be achieved through hard work and unity.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Mr. President.