Conveniently for the upcoming election

- by Montclarion Staff

Say what you will about President Barack Obama, but he delivered a State of the Union Address that was forceful and compelling.

It gave Congress a challenge to pocket petty differences for the betterment of the populous with force but rolled off words gracefully.

Then again, what did we expect from a President who has been widely praised for being a skilled orator.

He spoke in direct opposition to the rhetoric of Republican presidential candidates, most notably, Mitt Romney. It seemed like his opportunity to speak from a higher soapbox than his red rivals to kickoff Pres. Obama’s reelection campaign. It asks the question, where has this outspoken and demanding president been the last three years?

The content of the address, however, was something to be noted and in the hour and five minute speech ,there was a lot to take in. It offered seemingly novel ideas that mirrored  plans instituted during the Great Depression by FDR.

President Obama spoke of putting Americans to work by hiring them to repair roads and bridges and create high speed internet every American, regardless of location, can utilize. Furthermore Pres. Obama preached to make the country more clean-energy reliable, which would cut costs from the budget, and pledged to have 80 percent of the country’s electricity to be a clean-source by 2035.

Great ideas, but why haven’t these been talked about before?

He was criticized for not delivering specifics, especially on the issue of tax reform. However, he did offer a refinancing option for homeowners that would save them money and he was clear about the 30 percent income tax on the wealthiest Americans.

But this is all reliant upon Congress’ ability to collaborate for the good of the country, which seemed to be the main point in his speech. President Obama was also criticized for the amount subjects he addressed, making the viewers forget what was discussed three applauses ago but it kept coming back to Congress.

“Bring me a bill right now and I will sign it,” he said continually. “I will sign it right now,” he would repeat as he slammed his hands down and scanned the room.

College students were also mentioned in the speech. Student loans that were supposed to double in July will not increase. Education tax credits will continue to be available for those applying to community colleges.

He challenged States and universities to help keep costs low for students but made no specific guarantees to state schools who are dependent on the state’s devotion to higher education.

Even though it tackled so many issues the overall message was accountability and action so the U.S. can return to prosperity. But his is all contingent upon whether or not Congress takes action, proposes legislature and successfully passes it.

It depends on whether they do their job, in other words.

It was a challenge that the Republicans have been sabotaging his presidency because establishing a political campaign for the next election. But isn’t President Obama guilty of this as well?

The president who was strongly supported by citizens in our age group, the one that showed the passion behind the slogan of “Change,” the one who made us proud to say we were American because we elected an African-American president, spoke last night.

But where has this president been for the last three years? It seems awfully convenient that this awe-inspiring State of the Union comes at such a pivotal time in this election year.