state of the nation

A lot President Obama's address tonight went over my head - I'm not anything close to an expert on economic or public policy, and much of what he said I was unable to evaluate with any objectivity. However, I do know that three of the things I am most passionate about are education, health care reform and energy (for me, as it affects the environment) - the three focuses of our president's address. I'll admit I had a lot of questions - is he planning a comprehensive health care overhaul or more specific reformatory legislature? What exactly were the government incentives for teachers, and how will that affect the public education in my are versus the public education in places like South Carolina? When he says he refuses to accept a future where the new jobs and ideas are taking root outside our borders, I'm not sure I agree - I think globalization requires a slightly different turn of phrase. Also, I'm not sure what I think about credit and loans being the lifeblood of our economy...I do know that it makes me want to enroll in economics asap. On the other hand, I was incredibly excited to hear about the closing of guantanamo - I think that is a victory that needs to be celebrated. Also, (even though I want to know more details) I am so excited that teachers are getting more incentives and that we're funding preventative care. Those are also, in my opinion, huge steps forward. 

I was a little devastated to hear the statistics about our public education in America. I am deeply grateful that I can be here at college, and I am also grateful that our government and ordinary citizens are doing something about the fact that so many kids can't have that same opportunity. Also, although I don't agree with everything Obama has to say (i.e., the american example is the greatest power in the world), I am truly inspired by our current government's desire to work towards a better tomorrow, and even more by the american people.