President Obama's State of the Union

President Obama recently finished delivering his State of the Union address, where he addressed the key issues facing the nation. While his delivery was relatively tacit and lacking enthusiasm, the substance of his speech appeared to have met with great approval.

Obama opened: "The state of our nation is shaken but not hopeless; our beliefs put in question but not lost; our leadership diminished but not forgotten."

A big portion of President Obama's speech stressed the "growing danger of climate change." He pledged to be the last of three presidents to "caution" us on "our addiction to oil." Obama unequivocally established the link between greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, addressing the many dangers posed. He urged Congress to write legislation that will "lay the groundwork for energy independence."

He vowed that Americans "will do what we do best: we will innovate." Obama promised to offer incentives across the board for those who purchase energy efficient products and live energy efficient lifestyles. "We need to help the future Bill Gates and Paul Allens of this world move their ideas out of the garage and into the marketplace." Members of Congress, Republican and Democrat, erupted in applause and a standing ovation when Obama vowed to create a system of tax credits such that "the greener the car, the greater your savings."

"I firmly say this to you my constituents: I see you, I hear you, and we will help you," exclaimed Obama to thunderous applause.

President Obama then addressed the economy, telling Congress that Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner "has worked tirelessly to bring forth a proposal to help avoid this scenario." He urged bipartisan regulation on "protecting and regulating these complicated derivatives and instruments." The president then addressed the growing costs of health care, asking Congress for legislation that would "cut costs and proliferate health care."

Obama's speech contained ample statements about the dire and frail condition of the American economy. But he remarked that "the worst of times have brought out the best in us." He ended by quoting Henry Ford: What is right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have a great capacity, intellect and resources to do something about them."