In this year’s State of the Union, President Obama spoke of many current points that applied directly to the ideals he has and wants to bring to America.
Afghanistan: In Obama’s words, “Over the next year, 34,000 troops American troops will come home…and by the end of next year, the war in Afghanistan will be over.”
The Deficit: Obama was thorough in making it known that “nothing [he is] proposing tonight will increase the deficit by a single dime. He also stated that, while it was in his best wishes to reduce the deficit, reduction is not a plan in and of itself, “It’s not a bigger government we need, but a smarter government…”
Gun control: The Sandy Hook Elementary shooting brought America to its knees in grief. The fact that so many children suddenly became victims of gun violence (like the 1,000 others since that day) shocked many Americans enough to (hopefully) begin the journey to stop the overuse of guns. While the children’s deaths are one of the saddest moments in US history, and will forever live on that way, their deaths may actually save more lives than the shooting costed. Even now, Senators nationwide are working on laws towards the prevention of guns and ammunition resale to criminals (i.e. background checks).
Environmental Protection: This issue has been long awaited from many of the citizens of the US (including myself.) Although politicians have carefully avoided the subject in the past, Obama forwardly addressed this issue. Obama stated that he will further advance the movement towards more sustainable sources of energy. Obama made it known that he plans to “drive new research and technology to shift our cars and trucks off oil for good.” Also, the President plans to begin the preparation of many communities for climate change.
Education: During his speech, Obama announced that he planned to strengthen the high school curriculum throughout the country by sparking new classes focusing on technology, math, science, and engineering—classes that will lead to jobs enhancing the country as a whole. He also plans to create better high school to college partnerships as well as partnerships with employers, thereby strengthening the economy in the future.
The above points were only a few of the many the President addressed during his speech. For the full State of the Union, please proceed to this link:
Ack: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/02/12/obamas-state-of-the-union-address-issue-by-issue/
for providing me with a general outline of the ideas in this year’s State of the Union.
Also, the youtube link mentioned above
for being my resource for the Address as I was unable to watch it the night of.