President Obama's State of the Union Address 2011

I found President Obama's State of the Union Address to be very concise and straightforward while still being inspirational and powerful. Before delivering his speech, President Obama gave his respects to the victims of the Tuscon Shooting. He then dove into his goals for the next few years. His plans included investing in innovation, reforming education, and rebuilding the nation's infrastructure.

President Obama wants to cut tax money that goes into oil companies in order to fund the research of renewable energy technology. He believes that a renewable energy market will create millions of new jobs for the unemployed. Although I like President Obama's ideas, I believe his goals are a little unrealistic. By 2034, President Obama wants 80% of the country's electricity to come from clean energy sources. An even more unrealistic goal is having 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015. These are admirable goals; However, 2035 is actually not that far in the future. Will President Obama be able to initiate his plans to reach his goals in his remaining 2 years in office? It is highly doubtful, considering the party-line divides in Congress.

President Obama also discussed ending the "No Child Left Behind" policy and investing in his "Race to the Top" program in efforts to reform and improve education for young children. This was my favorite part of his speech--I always admire the amount of emphasis he places on how children are the future of the nation. I completely agree with President Obama, and support the actions he is taking to change the education programs of America in order to compete with the rest of the world.

Lastly, President Obama mentioned rebuilding the nation's infrastructure. He wants to fix bridges and railroads, and create high-speed rails that will be available to 80% of the people. I like this goal because it will create new jobs as well as improving the state of America.

In short, President Obama reiterated his original campaign message--Change. However, will he be able to change the nation in his remaining 2 years in office? I agree and like his ideas, but I highly doubt any of them will become true in the next decade.