Opinion: Obama’s State of the Union address: A note of optimism
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President Obama in his first State of the Union address tonight acknowledged the frustration and anger many Americans feel about the still-struggling economy, but struck an optimistic note and recalled how the country has overcome great problems throughout its history.
“It’s tempting to look back on these moments and assume that our progress was inevitable -- that America was always destined to succeed,” he said as he opened his remarks on Capitol Hill. “But when the Union was turned back at Bull Run and the Allies first landed at Omaha Beach, victory was very much in doubt. When the market crashed on Black Tuesday and civil rights marchers were beaten on Bloody Sunday, the future was anything but certain.
“These were times that tested the courage of our convictions, and the strength of our union. And despite all our divisions and disagreements, our hesitations and our fears, America prevailed because we chose to move forward as one nation, and one people.”
The country is tested once more, he said, and again “we must answer history’s call.”
In a wide-ranging address that will touch upon the economy, jobs, foreign affairs and the military -- among other subjects -- the president told a joint session of Congress and the Supreme Court that he acknowledged the many problems facing the country.
“One year ago, I took office amid two wars, an economy rocked by severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a government deeply in debt. Experts from across the political spectrum warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression. So we acted -- immediately and aggressively. And one year later, the worst of the storm has passed.”
-- Steve Padilla
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