Annually, the government declares that the president release information about the state of the union.  On January 27, 2010, President Obama delivered this State of the Union Address proclaiming, “It’s because of this spirit -– this great decency and great strength -– that I have never been more hopeful about America’s future than I am tonight.”  President Obama is certain that America’s future will be a bright one.
When President Obama entered office in January, 2009, the most urgent issue that faced America was the economic crisis.  Although President Obama compared the bank bailout to a root canal, he does not regret that America underwent this process.  Among Americans. the bank bailout was the least popular of five different government steps to aid the economy.   However, if it was not for the bank bailout, the unemployment rate could have been double what it is currently, despite the fact that the unemployment rate is at an all-time high.  The market is now stabilized, and most of the money lost from the banks has been recovered.  Ninety-five percent of working families had their taxes cut so they would have more money for necessities.  Not a single person’s income tax was raised.  Because of the steps America has taken in the past year, two million more Americans are now employed.  President Obama plans to double our exports over the next five years, creating an additional two million jobs.  After two years of recession, our economy is growing again.
President Obama is working for the future of America.  He suggests we should put more Americans to work on building clean energy facilities.  President Obama wants rebates to be given to Americans who use clean energy in their homes supporting clean energy jobs.
As expected, the reaction from Congressional members about President Obama’s speech produced mixed reviews.  “President Obama struck the hopeful themes tonight that resonated in his campaign. … [Middle class families] are demanding our help, and this administration and Democratic Congress are answering their call.  Our unified goals are jobs, more jobs, and even more jobs,” — Rep. James Clyburn, D-SC.  Obama has certainly made his point clear.  However, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-UT says, “It appears he’s completely stone deaf.  After yet again blaming all our problems on George W. Bush, the president doubled down on his commitment to a Washington-knows-best strategy that will only make matters worse.”
Optimism among Americans about the future of our country is a relative measure. Most Americans remain optimistic about the future of our country, but they have been even more optimistic in the past during thriving economic times.  According to the Gallup poll, when Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus in February, 2009, fifty-nine percent of Americans were in favor of this legislation.   More recently, more Americans have become doubtful about the effectiveness of this plan.  In August 2009, fewer than half believed the stimulus was making the economy better.
President Obama is a man with a plan who is certainly hopeful for our country’s future.  Only time will tell whether or not his plan to save our country in a time of crisis and economic hardship will succeed.