- Go to/stay in school
"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.
This is a prescription for economic decline...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."
This may be the point that most impressed me about Obama's speech. Of course he's right. Why not enroll in a night class?
- Reduce debt
Will anyone be trying to help him with this?
How much could we save by exiting Iraq?
- Be transparent
"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 ten 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. For seven years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price."
- Be a good parent - education starts at home
- Support small businesses
I don't like the idea of propping up big failing companies. I love the idea of helping small companies get started. This is a fantastic time for startups to develop their business and have it ready to go in anticipation of the next upswing.
- End tax breaks for firms that outsource
- Reform our outdated regulatory system
Can Congress live up to Obama's expectations?
Some might say that Obama's speech "turned the economic crisis into an opportunity for liberalism", but what's so funny about education, health, energy & infrastructure?
Study shows liberal journalists give republicans better coverage.
Hollywood is making a slew of anti-Iran films
From a reader:
Your Job
During this Lenten season, dedicate your fasting for an end to the war in Iraq, the return of all troops, and the restoration and reconstruction of Iraq for its people.
Incorporate your fast into public action drawing attention to President Obama's promise to the end the war in Iraq. Consider undertaking one or all of these actions:
• Write President Obama regarding your fast. Express in your email or letter that you are fasting for an end to the war in Iraq, the safe return of U.S. troops, and our nation's commitment to help in the restoration and reconstruction of Iraq. Express also your trust that President Obama will follow through on his pledge and bring the war to a close, leaving NO troops behind. You can click here to send a message to President Obama.
• Share your fast and the reasons behind it in a letter-to-the-editor of your local newspaper. Such public actions will help to keep the war in Iraq from being forgotten amidst our current economic problems and other issues. Additionally, it is important for us to continue to help build up public sentiment calling for an end to the war and occupation. Government leaders who want to do the right thing are more likely to do it when they believe they have the backing of various public constituencies, especially faith communities.
• Invite your friends, family, church groups, fellow students, and others to join you in your fast. Keep a tally of how many of you are fasting and share that number with us by sending an email to communications@paxchristiusa.org.. In our work with the new administration, it is important for us to show how people are mobilizing on particular issues like this. Knowing the number of people fasting can help us to show the broad support for bringing this war to an end.
• If you are on Facebook, join the Pax Christi USA Facebook group and follow the discussion thread, sharing your insights and reflections during your fast. Simply search for Pax Christi USA and join the group.
Remember when the best advice the president had was to be vigilant and buy duct tape? This president is offering advice and money to you which will also help our nation. The response to his speech in the SF bay area has been overwhelmingly positive. His views are the views of the entrepreneurs that made Silicon Valley and San Francisco the business and creative success it has been. Take a class. Start a small business. Listen to his speech. Have a great day!
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The most thrilling thing about his speech, to me, was its list of priorities: energy, health care, education. That and his (continued) insistence that the hard costs be figured in, the costs we don't want to look at, whether in Iraq or in healthcare or energy issues, or wherever.
ReplyDeleteBut, since his he took office, he's continually surprised me with his ability to bring tears to my eyes. This time, with the admonition to HS sudents that "Dropping out is no longer an option" - all wrapped up in a call to ALL Americans to become more educated.
This is the most pointed criticism he could have made of the US, and he made it an encouraging word.
The idea that a president wants a more educated constituency is like watter on my dry, dry roots.
I'd follow that message anywhere.