The president addressed a timely issue by announcing a newly established commission to stop illegal and unfair pirating of internet ware, specifically mentioning that pirating from China.
In what may have been a surprising and controversial announcement, the executive told of a strongly felt proposal to prohibit students from dropping out of school before graduation, or turning 18. The president indicated his administration supports creativity in teaching, and not the policy of “teaching to the test.” He said incapable teachers should be removed.
In dealing with the issue of illegal aliens, or those persons here from birth, from illegal parents, or some other incidence, he made the point that these should be viewed as a valuable resource. How foolish to educate young people, teach them to explore areas of technology, and then export them after graduation.
In what may be seen as a change in attitude, the president will encourage and reward new drilling in oil and natural gas development. He continues to demand that new exploration be done in a way that is safe, clean, and healthful. The president supports all forms of energy, including wind and solar, and opened a new discussion of potential for battery development.
For possibly the first time, President Obama directly took to task those who sell or sold mortgages to those who can’t or couldn’t afford them, and in some cases have been unable to decipher the contracts. The days of “fine print” must be ended. He mentioned mortgages, credit cards, and other contractual matters in that regard.
The President again made mention of the long-enduring debate over the “temporary tax breaks” for the richest Americans. He said the money could be better put to use for medical research, and for education. He said that congressmen should not be allowed to engage in insider trading, and should not be permitted to own stocks in any industry that they impact. The president sees new and growing inequity between the middle class striving toward success, and the very rich. He calls such current trends “unfair.”
In his final words, the chief executive reaffirmed enduring support for the “Arab Spring," with what it entails of human dignity, and for the continuation of change in the Middle East.
If there was an underlying message in the president's address, it was that we should be driven not by politics, or personal ambition, but rather by the mission.
Article comments
1 - peter petterson
I have only heard sound bites. It seems to me that President Obama talked commonsense,talked about what America did and can do again. I think he wants Americans to work together, to cooperate, and remember that they all live in the same country. America and Americans have lost their way since Vietnam; and stumbled through a number of other wars losing young countrymen in the process. Iraq should never have happened, and Afghanistan should not be allowed to continue for very long either. It has a corrupt government which wants to establish an islamic state. President Obama certainly spoke some sense, have the American people got any?
2 - Christopher Rose
Having been a fan of Obama by a short head over Clinton prior to his election and then becoming rather disillusioned by his actual actions and performance over the last three years, I have to say his speech last night was pretty impressive.
Yes, he has a good delivery but there was much of real substance in his words. Given the lacklustre candidates the Republican Party has come up with, unless something extraordinary happens this year I can quite easily see him getting four more years.
3 - Clavos
The New York Times characterized the SOTU (accurately, IMO) as a campaign speech.
I can quite easily see him getting four more years.
I hope, fervently, you're wrong, Chris.
4 - Christopher Rose
Which of the Republican candidates would you be prepared to support though?
Two slightly mad faithists, a lobbyist or an arch separatist?
5 - Dr Dreadful
Two slightly mad faithists
Two? Unless "slightly mad faithists" is a tautology in your book, Chris, that's not a fair description.
AFAIK, Romney has no record of ever allowing his Mormon faith to interfere with either his political or his business career. He seems to be entirely mindful of the separation of church and state, and that's to his credit.
Santorum, on the other hand, is not slightly mad but utterly batshit insane. Given the opportunity, he'd supplant the U.S. Constitution with the Bible in a heartbeat.
6 - Christopher Rose
Well, I was just having a bit of fun, Doc, but thanks for updating me.
On the other hand, do we really want anybody who literally believes in the end days and all that stuff having their finger anywhere near a nuclear trigger?! Who knows what they might do under pressure?
7 - Igor
IMO, a pretty good SOTU.
8 - Clavos
Therein lies the dilemma, you're right...
9 - Clavos
My last in response to #4...
10 - John Lake
Upon some examination, the Presidents idea to keep all students regardless of motivation in school until graduation seems less than well thought out, and unenforceable. It could lead to more violence in schools, and students or young people winding up with criminal records at an early age. We wonder if one of the president’s daughters made the suggestion.