State of the Union Address Part 3

Ha! I'm not giving up, yet! I'll get all the different parts done.


The third challenge we must address is the urgent need to expand the promise of education in America.


In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity -- it is a prerequisite.

Right now, three-quarters of the fastest-growing occupations require more than a high school diploma. And yet, just over half of our citizens have that level of education. We have one of the highest high school dropout rates of any industrialized nation. And half of the students who begin college never finish.

Unfortunately, he seems to have hit the nail on the head. Now, I believe that most occupations that require more than a high school diploma simply don't need one! So much has been placed on obtaining a degree that simply proving that you know how to do a job isn't an option anymore. This is especially true in the field of computers, where you need a degree even if you can out-program the world!

This is a prescription for economic decline, because we know the countries that out-teach us today will out-compete us tomorrow. That is why it will be the goal of this administration to ensure that every child has access to a complete and competitive education -- from the day they are born to the day they begin a career. (Applause.) That is a promise we have to make to the children of America. (Applause.)

Education doesn't necessarily equal brains. For example, the Japanese are smart. Most people won't argue the fact that their standards are higher, their tests much more difficult, and their suicide rate soaring because of it. However, let me present to you an example: English. Most Americans probably couldn't pass an English test in Japan. However, that doesn't mean that the Japanese speak English - most of them can hold only a basic conversation, if that. They may know some grammar rules that make our heads spin, but they lack the most vital part of the language: communication. I can communicate in English, and most Japanese can't. Thus, higher education standards doesn't necessarily mean that you perform better.

Also, how can kids live up to these standards when Americans drug all their kids up on psychotropic drugs. If you looke at statistics, of all the psychotropic drugs in the world, America uses 80% of them. That leaves a mere 20% to be divided up among the rest of the world. Thus, American kids are pretty much destined to have lower grades than, say, a German or Japanese student.

Already, we've made an historic investment in education through the economic recovery plan. We've dramatically expanded early childhood education and will continue to improve its quality, because we know that the most formative learning comes in those first years of life.

Early childhood education is a joke. It wasn't even available until recently, and that didn't stop geniuses from shaping our world. I, for one, didn't go to early childhood, and neither did my youngest brother. My other brother did, and he didn't have an advantage on us because of it.

We've made college affordable for nearly seven million more students -- seven million. (Applause.) And we have provided the resources necessary to prevent painful cuts and teacher layoffs that would set back our children's progress.

I still can't afford college, but then again, I'm poor. I went for two years and can't afford to go any longer. I do plan on going back, but the economic outlook of this country is sad indeed.

But we know that our schools don't just need more resources. They need more reform. (Applause.) That is why this budget creates new teachers -- new incentives for teacher performance; pathways for advancement, and rewards for success. We'll invest in innovative programs that are already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps. And we will expand our commitment to charter schools. (Applause.)

That's what No Child Left Behind set out to do, and it's done nothing but hinder education. Besides, why does the government have to stick its nose into our schools?

It is our responsibility as lawmakers and as educators to make this system work. But it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in it. So tonight, I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This can be community college or a four-year school; vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma. And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country -- and this country needs and values the talents of every American. (Applause.) That's why we will support -- we will provide the support necessary for all young Americans to complete college and meet a new goal: By 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. That's is a goal we can meet. (Applause.) That's a goal we can meet.

High aspirations, but it seems as though Obama assumes that every American would get higher education and training if they could afford it. The truth is, plenty of Americans are quite happy being greeters at Walmart and don't want higher education.

Besides, if everyone spends a fortune on college, then who's going to serve burgers? I know, it's a generalization, but the decision to get a college degree or not to is up to individuals. By choosing not to, you are not betraying your country. Maybe yourself, especially if you're gifted, but the country won't suffer all that much.

"And if your tailors all become kings, then there will be no one left to sew the clothes. So much for French fashion, and politics." -- Percy, The Scarlet Pimpernell TV movie.

Now, I know that the price of tuition is higher than ever, which is why if you are willing to volunteer in your neighborhood or give back to your community or serve your country, we will make sure that you can afford a higher education. (Applause.) And to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations, I ask Congress to send me the bipartisan legislation that bears the name of Senator Orrin Hatch, as well as an American who has never stopped asking what he can do for his country -- Senator Edward Kennedy. (Applause.)

Ooo... this sounds strangely like a bribe, and like socialism. I thought he removed this from his Agenda page! Must have just to stop the angry emails.

These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our children. But it is up to us to ensure they walk through them. In the end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a parent -- for a mother or father who will attend those parent/teacher conferences, or help with homework, or turn off the TV, put away the video games, read to their child. (Applause.) I speak to you not just as a President, but as a father, when I say that responsibility for our children's education must begin at home. That is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. That's an American issue. (Applause.)

Thanks for stating the obvious, Obama. However, if the State owns our children and dictates what they learn, then how can parent assume responsibility? Parents are important in educating our children, but can he assume that parents will rally behind his education plans?

There is, of course, another responsibility we have to our children. And that's the responsibility to ensure that we do not pass on to them a debt they cannot pay. (Applause.) That is critical. I agree, absolutely. See, I know we can get some consensus in here. (Laughter.) With the deficit we inherited, the cost -- (applause) -- the cost of the crisis we face, and the long-term challenges we must meet, it has never been more important to ensure that as our economy recovers, we do what it takes to bring this deficit down. That is critical. (Applause.)

Yeah, and he's doing wonders to bring down the deficit. I mean, we're implement new, expensive programs, subsidizing a bunch of crap, and basically spending through our noses and running up the deficit. Please, don't compound on the problem!

Now, I'm proud that we passed a recovery plan free of earmarks -- (applause) -- and I want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend reflects only our most important national priorities.

I'm against earmarks, but with a plan this big, you almost need them to make sure some of the money stays here at home. Vote no against the plan, but make sure that the money isn't all going to whatever anybody feels like.

And yesterday, I held a fiscal summit where I pledged to cut the deficit in half by the end of my first term in office. My administration has also begun to go line by line through the federal budget in order to eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs. As you can imagine, this is a process that will take some time. But we have already identified $2 trillion in savings over the next decade. (Applause.)

By the time he's done, this $2 trillion he speaks of will look like a pebble in my driveway. Seriously, I don't see how he can possibly cut the deficit in half, particularly when he plans on spending so much more. It's not going to work, but I think he's counting on the fact that most Americans just don't pay attention to that.

In this budget -- in this budget, we will end education programs that don't work and end direct payments to large agribusiness that don't need them. (Applause.) We'll eliminate -- we'll eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq -- (applause) -- and reform -- and -- and reform our defense budget so that we're not paying for Cold War-era weapons systems we don't use. (Applause.) We will -- we will root out -- we will root out the waste and fraud and abuse in our Medicare program that doesn't make our seniors any healthier. We will restore a sense of fairness and balance to our tax code by finally ending the tax breaks for corporations that ship our jobs overseas. (Applause.)

Well, that takes care of a tiny, almost insignificant portion of the budget. What's he planning to do with the rest of it? Or, perhaps, by education program that don't work does he mean the whole Department of Education?

In order to save our children from a future of debt, we will also end the tax breaks for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. (Applause.) Now, let me be clear -- let me be absolutely clear, because I know you'll end up hearing some of the same claims that rolling back these tax breaks means a massive tax increase on the American people: If your family earns less than $250,000 a year -- a quarter million dollars a year -- you will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: Not one single dime. (Applause.) Not a dime. In fact, the recovery plan provides a tax cut -- that's right, a tax cut -- for 95 percent of working families. And by the way, these checks are on the way. (Applause.)

Hurray! Just like every other politician promised!

Now, to preserve our long-term fiscal health, we must also address the growing costs in Medicare and Social Security. Comprehensive health care reform is the best way to strengthen Medicare for years to come. And we must also begin a conversation on how to do the same for Social Security, while creating tax-free universal savings accounts for all Americans. (Applause.)

I'm 80% sure that these programs are doomed in the long run.

Finally, because we're also suffering from a deficit of trust, I am committed to restoring a sense of honesty and accountability to our budget. That is why this budget looks ahead 10 years and accounts for spending that was left out under the old rules -- and for the first time, that includes the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Applause.) For seven years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price. (Applause.)

I'm not aware that the cost was hidden. You could find it if you had the incentive to look for it. Perhaps I'm mistaken - I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Along with our outstanding national security team, I'm now carefully reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends this war. (Applause.)

Meanwhile, the Mexican border begins to fall apart...

And with our friends and allies, we will forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al Qaeda and combat extremism. Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens halfway around the world. We will not allow it. (Applause.)

It's great when we assume that we know who the terrists are, where they are, and who to trust to fight them for us. Somehow, this sounds like a distraction to me.

As we meet here tonight, our men and women in uniform stand watch abroad and more are readying to deploy. To each and every one of them, and to the families who bear the quiet burden of their absence, Americans are united in sending one message: We honor your service, we are inspired by your sacrifice, and you have our unyielding support. (Applause.)

This is the best thing he's said thus far.

To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of our soldiers and Marines. And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve, we will raise their pay, and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned. (Applause.)

So much for chopping the deficit in half.

To overcome extremism, we must also be vigilant in upholding the values our troops defend -- because there is no force in the world more powerful than the example of America. And that is why I have ordered the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, and will seek swift and certain justice for captured terrorists. (Applause.)

Key words here, "Example of America." That's what a non-intervention foreign policy is, but no one wants to hear about that.

Because living our values doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer and it makes us stronger. (Applause.) And that is why I can stand here tonight and say without exception or equivocation that the United States of America does not torture. We can make that commitment here tonight. (Applause.)

In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of engagement has begun. For we know that America cannot meet the threats of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America. We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand. To seek progress towards a secure and lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors, we have appointed an envoy to sustain our effort. To meet the challenges of the 21st century -- from terrorism to nuclear proliferation; from pandemic disease to cyber threats to crushing poverty -- we will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones, and use all elements of our national power.

More building alliances, invading others, imposing on others, and saying that it's necessary in this new, more dangerous world. Here's the deal, the rules are the same, no matter what toys you use to play the game. The Middle-east is no more a threat to themselves and each other than it was a decade ago, the difference being that we have a reason to poke our noses into it. Tag is always tag, whether it's played with our hands, lasers, or paint balls.

And to respond to an economic crisis that is global in scope, we are working with the nations of the G20 to restore confidence in our financial system, avoid the possibility of escalating protectionism, and spur demand for American goods in markets across the globe. For the world depends on us having a strong economy, just as our economy depends on the strength of the world's.

As we stand at this crossroads of history, the eyes of all people in all nations are once again upon us -- watching to see what we do with this moment; waiting for us to lead.

Too bad they insist on following a headless chicken. I'm afraid that we're headed towards a single currency, which is doomed to failure.

Those of us gathered here tonight have been called to govern in extraordinary times. It is a tremendous burden, but also a great privilege -- one that has been entrusted to few generations of Americans. For in our hands lies the ability to shape our world for good or for ill.

I'm 100% certain that we're shaping it for ill.

I know that it's easy to lose sight of this truth -- to become cynical and doubtful; consumed with the petty and the trivial. But in my life, I have also learned that hope is found in unlikely places; that inspiration often comes not from those with the most power or celebrity, but from the dreams and aspirations of Americans who are anything but ordinary.

I think of Leonard Abess, a bank president from Miami who reportedly cashed out of his company, took a $60 million bonus, and gave it out to all 399 people who worked for him, plus another 72 who used to work for him. He didn't tell anyone, but when the local newspaper found out, he simply said, "I knew some of these people since I was seven years old. It didn't feel right getting the money myself." (Applause.)

I think about -- I think about Greensburg -- Greensburg, Kansas, a town that was completely destroyed by a tornado, but is being rebuilt by its residents as a global example of how clean energy can power an entire community -- how it can bring jobs and businesses to a place where piles of bricks and rubble once lay. "The tragedy was terrible," said one of the men who helped them rebuild. "But the folks here know that it also provided an incredible opportunity."

I think about Ty'Sheoma Bethea, the young girl from that school I visited in Dillon, South Carolina -- a place where the ceilings leak, the paint peels off the walls, and they have to stop teaching six times a day because the train barrels by their classroom. She had been told that her school is hopeless, but the other day after class she went to the public library and typed up a letter to the people sitting in this chamber. She even asked her principal for the money to buy a stamp. The letter asks us for help, and says, "We are just students trying to become lawyers, doctors, congressmen like yourself and one day president, so we can make a change to not just the state of South Carolina but also the world. We are not quitters." That's what she said. We are not quitters. Applause.)

These words -- these words and these stories tell us something about the spirit of the people who sent us here. They tell us that even in the most trying times, amid the most difficult circumstances, there is a generosity, a resilience, a decency, and a determination that perseveres; a willingness to take responsibility for our future and for posterity.

Their resolve must be our inspiration. Their concerns must be our cause. And we must show them and all our people that we are equal to the task before us. (Applause.)

These are inspiration stories, but they do little in Obama's mouth except try and win us to his side by playing on our emotions. I'm touched by the stories, really. However, that doesn't make me agree with Obama.

I know -- look, I know that we haven't agreed on every issue thus far -- (laughter.) There are surely times in the future where we will part ways. But I also know that every American who is sitting here tonight loves this country and wants it to succeed. I know that. (Applause.) That must be the starting point for every debate we have in the coming months, and where we return after those debates are done. That is the foundation on which the American people expect us to build common ground.

It's hard to find common ground with someone who plans to run our currency into the ground and expose us to the hatred we've sown around the world.

And if we do -- if we come together and lift this nation from the depths of this crisis; if we put our people back to work and restart the engine of our prosperity; if we confront without fear the challenges of our time and summon that enduring spirit of an America that does not quit, then someday years from now our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed, in the words that are carved into this very chamber, "something worthy to be remembered."

Oh, I'm pretty sure I won't forget this, years from now when I'm talking to kids, reciting the story of how stupid politicians handed over a multi-billion dollar deficit to them.

Thank you. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America. Thank you. (Applause.)

Just when you think it can't get worse, it ends!

So, I realize that these 3 long parts weren't the best. I appologize. However, it's late, and I'm not always performing at my best. Please, watch Schiff's video in Part 1, and remember that America is not a government, it's an ideal.