Postmortem of President Obama's Speech.

[SidneyCarton]

The speech is to long to reproduce here, so I will merely touch on my impressions from the speech. As always President Obama displayed the oratory skill that places him in such stark contrast to that of his predecessor. His speech included many of the themes which he has consistently brought up during the campaign and his first month of the Presidency, such as: The quintessential American persistence to achieve, to struggle through adversity and to overcome difficult; the possibility for national renewal, and his willingness to look at how we brought ourselves to the edge of national ruin.

The President also forcefully laid out an ambitious and farsighted plan for national recovery, focusing on infrastructure, education and job creation. At the same time he showed an understanding of the magnitude of our current deficit situation, admitting that many of the programs which he, and many others in Congress had hoped for, will have to be put on hold for the moment. If there was a disappointment in this sector, it had to do with health care. While President Obama made a strong case for immediate health care reform, it seems that implementation of a universal health care system will be gradual and delayed. While this is understandable, considering the current status of the Federal budget, it is nonetheless somewhat disheartening for those who had hoped relief was a little closer than it seems to be.

That said, there was much to be hopeful about in the President’s plans. His unequivocal declarations regarding the closure of Guantanamo, and the absolute discontinuation of any form of Torture (Enhanced Interrogation Techniques for any Neocons who might be reading), coupled with a restated willingness to engage the world in actual diplomatic discourse bodes well for the future. Furthermore, the willingness of the Obama Administration to divulge the actual cost of the War on Terror (An omission funded by emergency disbursements under the Bush Administration) stands as a reminder of why exactly we voted for this man, he actually believes that this is our government, and he is acting as our steward, not our overlord.

Finally, while the speech held much of the hope and enthusiasm which has characterized President Obama’s general themes, his words were also refreshingly sober and realistic. Unlike many of the speeches of years past, which sugarcoated our problems, when they did not outright ignore them, President Obama boldly addressed the elephant in the room (Both in Republican opposition, and our economic crisis) and did not pull his punches. He talked to the American people as both adults, and partners in the people’s government, and reiterated to Congress, that he spoke not only to them, but to those to whom they, and he would ultimately answer to. There is something remarkably refreshing in being acknowledged as an actual part of the workings of my nation, instead of a bystander watching the national trainwreck go on.

As the Obama Presidency is barely a month old, the effectiveness of this speech, and of his plan remains to be seen. Success will hang on whether or not such ideas will be able to pass through a Congress despite the bitter recalcitrance of the Republicans If his ambitious plans bear fruit, the 2010 midterms may ruin the GOP for the long run. If not, then expect a rocky four years.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. A+ speech

and the bit about health care I felt was about right. We do need to take it slow so we get it right. There has to be a change in how doctors view patients. Patients must be treated as individuals, not widgets that fit into pre-ordained categories. There has to be a change in how patients (and the government) view preventative medicine. It isn't just getting a yearly mammogram. Preventative medicine means 3 things: 1. Proper diet for the individual 2. Proper exercise for the individual 3. Proper supplementation for the individual. Note the stress on the individualized aspects of preventive care. This is crucial. (This is also what we practice at the Foundation where I work.)

[SidneyCarton]

2. I liked the speech too.

I think he realizes that the US is a big ship and won't turn on a dime. He is preparing us for what will be a long a difficult transition, but one that can be accomplished if we are determined and focused.