State of the Union, Worded to Bring Compromise

US President Obama State of the Union Message: “Compromise”

As the president of the United States of America prepared to give his State of the Union speech in Washington, an empty chair was left for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head at a meet and greet in Tucson, Arizona. Congresswoman Gifford is still in the hospital in Houston. A standing ovation was given in her honor as the event got underway. Her husband, NASA astronaut Mark Kelly was invited to the speech but was not expected to come since he decided to stay by his wife's side.

The family of nine year old Christina Taylor Green, and twenty other people were also invited to sit with Michelle Obama as President Barack Obama gave his State of the Union Address. The president used the shooting as a challenge to Congress, urging them to unite after the tragedy. “What comes of this moment is up to us,” he stated. A great chunk of the beginning of the State of the Union Address was made up of words intended to encourage compromise, suggesting that it is what the country wants, and what will help the economy. Obama touched on all of the major issues facing the nation today, with clear implications that such a compromise would be the solution to those issues.

Once the president had the minds of his listeners primed for compromise, he reiterated many of the same promises which was in his speech last year, touched on the success of such nations as China, spoke of global trade talks with Korea, Panama, and Columbia along with other Pacific and Asian countries, and insisted that the Health Care Law will slow the rising costs of our deficit, and that to repeal that law would add a quarter of a trillion dollars to that deficit.

“We cannot win the future with a government of the past,” he insisted, adding, “In the coming months, my administration will develop a proposal to merge, consolidate, and reorganize the federal government in a way that best serves the goal of a more competitive America. I will submit that proposal to Congress for a vote – and we will push to get it passed.”

President Obama also spoke on the war in Afghanistan, once again looking to unite the minds of the audience in compromise as he stated, Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love.”

He went on to speak of how good it is to be an American, no matter how bad the democracy may get at times. He once again pushed for compromise and unity with the words, “We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can make it if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we believe in the same dream that says this is a country where anything’s possible. No matter who you are. No matter where you come from.”

Reminding the audience of another tragedy which united the people of America, and the world,  President Obama told the story of Brandon Fisher, who is a small business owner which lives “the American Dream.” Brandon started a small company located in Pennsylvania which specialized in new drilling equipment. As he was watching television last summer, Brandon saw a story about 33 Chileans miners who were trapped in a mine, and thought perhaps he could help. Brandon went to Chile, and began to drill the hole that ended up saving the miners. Once again, the minds of Obama's audience were united at the memory of triumph over tragedy.

The speech ended with “The idea of America endures. Our destiny remains our choice. And tonight, more than two centuries later, it is because of our people that our future is hopeful, our journey goes forward, and the state of our union is strong. Thank you, God Bless You, and may God Bless the United States of America.” Indeed, Mr Obama, indeed.