Deficit of Dollars, Deficit of Trust

Americans were experiencing a deficit of dollars and a deficit of trust when President Obama first took office, but now, one year later, they are still experiencing both, only this time the deficit is even greater and the trust in Washington to solve America's problems has lessened.

President Obama's State of the Union speech was so well crafted it served to remind Americans why they put him into office in the first place. But when President Obama laid out his new game plan--it sounded like he was adopting John McCain's now.

The majority of American voters rode the Obama wave in 2008, allowing him to pull them together for the same common cause: change; change they could believe in.

These voters wanted out of the war in Iraq, out of debt, to have gainful employment, and to remain a force to be reckoned with, internationally, in the marketplace. But did they get it this year? President Obama answered that question himself.

What they got, according to the President in his State of the Union speech Wednesday night in Washington was change that had, "not come fast enough." The President acknowledged that, "some are frustrated and some are angry." And he was referring to their irritation with Washington and its inability to deliver as promised. And it can't be denied, President Obama is that Washington of today, as is the Democrat-controlled Congress.

President Obama said that, "Families across America are tightening their belts and they are working harder, for longer, and for less." And he went on to say that, "These struggles are the reason I ran for President." But in a speech that decried the deficit he inherited, President Obama proposed several key objectives that would, in essence, continue to increase the deficit he himself acknowledged growing by one trillion dollars this past year.

Job Creation a Priority

The first order of business, according to the president, would be making jobs the focus of 2010. He acknowledges that one in 10 Americans still cannot find work. This is in spite of the stimulus bill passed by President Obama and the current administration. His new plan will call for tax incentives to all small and large businesses, but he goes on later in the speech to contradict that with a call for big business to receive less tax breaks.

President Obama admits supporting the prior administration's recovery program and acknowledges that if he hadn't, the economy and unemployment would be much worse than is being faced at present, making a good argument for the validity of the prior administrations actions, after all.

In fact, the President acknowledged in his State of the Union speech that if he had refrained from following the advice of the previous administration's recommendations, our unemployment rate in America would be doubled right now. He told Americans tonight that over 7 million jobs had been lost over the past two years.

So if President Obama was confident the administration preceding his really needed an overhaul, it begs the question: why is he now acknowledging their way was correct all along? Additionally, the responsibility for one of those two years lies with our new president and Congress, even if the other belongs to an administration before.

Financial Reform a Necessity

The second point made by President Obama Wednesday was the need to enact financial reform. He believes that government needs to encourage American innovation and energy alternatives. But he only mentioned that an increase of 1,200 jobs would be the result of individuals making some batteries in one state and another 1,000 new jobs would be created due to energy panel creation in another state, as a direct result of the stimulus efforts thus far.

Offshore oil and gas developments were mentioned, but we heard that from Sen. John McCain and Sarah Palin on the campaign trail. There was no mention that any successful activity has resulted in the past year from President Obama's promise to address those needs.

Increased Exportation of American Goods

The third point of the president was the need to export more of our goods to other countries. He promised to double our exports and increase American jobs by two million before this term was up. But he also intimated that this would be a direct result of relations enjoyed with Panama and Columbia and Asia. And only if they played by the 'rules,' which really isn't a guarantee at all.

President Obama's State of the Union speech was reminiscent of his campaign speeches: there is something at the table for everyone. He, essentially, was attempting to bring Santa's Christmas largesse to the floor of the Congress and the American viewing public in his address tonight.

More Accountability and Visibility in Washington Politics Required

But America's rose-colored glasses have taken on a different hue in the year since their knight rode onto the scene. And if Camelot is going to reign again in America, the King is going to have to stop meeting behind castle doors with his favorite subjects, and even President Obama acknowledged this when he said, "We are going to have to do our work openly."

American's let it be known in the recent senatorial seat upset in Massachusetts that it can no longer be 'business as usual' in Washington; with or without a new administration. It would appear that President Obama is trying to heed that new voice ringing in the streets.

Only time will tell if this year, or 2011--when President Obama promises many of his efforts will begin to bear fruit--will confirm or deny the promises and proposals made and put forth to Americans tonight.

Source:
The State of the Union Speech viewed on national television