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In his speech, Obama called on Congress and Americans to keep the American dream alive and attainable.

Obama focused his speech on immigration, education, governmental reform, and increased energy production. Obama also discussed how each area would strengthen the economy.

His first point was how the American economy had declined. After describing how the recession came about, he outlined the policies in place that had left many jobless and unfair tax breaks and deductions.

Obama promised to take a look at the tax system and to reform it so that if “…you’re an American manufacturer, you… get a bigger tax cut.” He also said that a revised tax system would result in companies that outsource jobs and money to foreign countries would get smaller tax breaks and deductions in order to encourage more investments here at home.

After outlining his upcoming economic policy, Obama discussed education and its economic relevance. He pointed out that while countries are doubling their education budget, the US is slashing education and laying-off teachers.

He said that instead of cutting teachers, districts should be given more resources to keep good teachers and reward the best ones. “In return, grant schools flexibility: to teach with creativity and passion; to stop teaching to the test.”

Granite Hills teacher Tiffany Ross said she’d welcome the chance to teach away from the test. “I would love for teachers to have the creative freedom that existed before the state and federal government decided they knew how to best educate kids. Unfortunately, because everyone in government has been through school they think they are experts. Teaching to a standardized test does not prepare them to think critically or compete with the rest of the world. While we teach kids how to bubble, other countries are teaching kids how to think.”

Obama said that education reform should go beyond K-12 learning and onto universities. He called on states to make higher education a higher priority in their state budgets so that higher education does not become a luxury. Once again we returned to the economic aspect when Obama said, “It’s [higher education] an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.”

From here, Obama talked about illegal immigration. Obama stated that his administration has put “more boots on the border” than any other administration. Hitting a controversial topic, Obama said that he would sign a bill allowing for the naturalization of illegal immigrant minors. Audience reaction to this comment was met with mixed emotions. Many stood and applauded, while many sat in silence.

Granite Hills junior Elida Bermudez stated, “I think it’s a good idea because the minors did not break any laws; the parents brought them here so they could have a better life than they do in Mexico; many of these students are doing extremely well.”

After his comment on naturalization, Obama discussed money and its influence on the Hill. He asked Congress to send a bill that effectively limits members of Congress ability from owning stock in industries they impact.

He also highlighted bipartisan agreement between Republicans and Democrats. “… None of these reforms can happen unless we lower the temperature in this town.” He said that while a Democrat, he agreed with some Republican sayings and ideas. However, he also said the same Republicans that argued against high spending, supported road projects, clean energy projects, and “federal offices for the folks back home.”

His message to the American public impacted many at Granite Hills.

Local teacher Jane Kisling holds a negative opinion towards the Obama Administration. “All Obama has done during the past three years is put stumbling blocks in the way of business. Mandatory health care and the threat of higher taxes along with increased regulations makes businesses unwilling to take risks and expand.”

Another local teacher Elissa Lombardi said, “I liked the part about giving credit to the military. However, I didn’t like the part about the class warfare.”

Above Photo: Courtesy of Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT Campus.

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GOP Response to the Address

Republican Address to the Nation

Full text of the State of the Union

Obama delivering the Address