The State of the Union Address: A call to action in 2014

The State of the Union Address: A call to action in 2014

By Roger Caldwell

The United States, the country that I love is diametrically divided from an ideological perspective, and both sides are angry with each other. The Republicans want a smaller government with fewer regulations and limited taxes. The Democrats want a massive bureaucracy, where wealth is shared, and everyone has an equal opportunity to be successful in the system.

As the two sides draw a line in the sand, one of the major problems in the country which very few like to talk about publicly is an arrogant Black President. This arrogant African American President had the audacity to win the office two terms, and he is one of the most powerful men on the planet.

“China is no longer the world’s number one place to invest; America is. That’s why I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America. After five years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better-positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth,” says the president in the opening of his sixth State of the Union Address.

This speech was not a sermon filled with fire and brimstone, but a well thoughtful documented “Call to Action.” His speech could be compared to a beautiful musical concert. At times the President was fussing with both sides, with their inability to get the job done, and other times he was agreeing with the position the other side was promoting.

“Now, as President, I’m committed to making Washington work better, and rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here. Last month, thanks to the work of Democrats and Republicans, Congress finally produced a budget that undoes some of last year’s severe cuts to priorities like education,” says President Obama.

The amazing aspect of our President is that the conservatives have personally denigrated and demeaned his administration, and still he operates from a position of love and respect. There were times during his address; the President used his power and authority to make a point.

“But what I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class. Some require congressional action, and I’m eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still, and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that what I’m going to do,” threatened the President.

Even though there was applause when the president made this point, many hard line conservatives thought the President was overstepping his authority. This was not a mean-spirited speech, but at times the President made it clear that he is serious about getting the job done.

In many liberal circles, they believe the Republicans have worked five years to obstruct and suppress the President’s policies, because they are working and good for the country. It makes no sense that Republicans have tried 40 times in the House to repeal the ACA, even though it has been ruled legal in the Supreme Court.

The speech was over an hour and the CNN’s poll found that 76 percent of Americans viewed the speech somewhat or very positive. Many of points were updated agenda positions and there were new proposals such as a need for $10.10 minimum wage.

America is still one of the greatest countries on the planet, and a Black man is in full control. As a proud American you can spend your time blocking and obstructing policies, or you can find something to help make this country better every day.