Sarah Lenti
Well, to begin — was President Obama’s State of the Union address the longest on record in recent decades? Well, no. No, in fact, it wasn’t. The longest — in presidential history — was that given by President Clinton in 1995.
But this is not a blog on the length of President Obama’s speech. Instead, and in juxtaposition to Heath’s latest blog (which canvassed NM elected officials on the SOTU), this blog serves as a report on what the 20-30 something demographic thought about the substance of the president’s 2012 SOTU. More specifically, it’s a report on what colleagues and friends — of all professions, parties and persuasions — thought about the policy that was presented, rather than the presenter himself.
Here is what resonated:
Comment:
The need for immigration reform is critical and the issue got huge applause this evening when the President raised it. Has he really put more boots on the ground — on the border — then any other administration to date? If so, I applaud him.
He noted that “women should earn equal pay for equal work” – I am all about that. And, yes, I am a conservative, single Republican woman.
Innovation and research are also important to me. I don’t like cancer — and I don’t like seeing other countries “win the race to the future.” I agree — let’s get on it, America. This is a non-partisan theme.
Comment:
I was rather struck by the President’s statement that the “renewal of American leadership can be felt across the globe.” And that “our oldest alliances in Europe and Asia are stronger than ever…” He then goes on to praise the new defense strategy that he recently released and says that “anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned doesn’t know what they’re talking about.” Well, there’s a big problem with the picture that emerges from this section of the speech.First, the new defense “strategy” was clearly a budget driven exercise that simply rubber stamped the latest round of defense cuts that have taken place under Obama. Contrary to popular belief, defense spending has already undergone major cuts. Since President Obama has been in office, the Administration has cut defense spending by some $850 billion over a 10-year period. The latest cuts, mandated by the Budget Control Act of 2011, will likely turn the U.S. into a regional power and are a recipe for decline. There is simply no way the U.S. can maintain its leadership role on the world stage and, therefore, its security commitments abroad with the defense cuts.
This is why the strategy makes it clear that the U.S. will shift its security focus away from Europe and the Middle East towards Asia. How cutting defense and receding on the world stage is intended to strengthen our leadership role on the world stage and reassure our allies is anyone’s guess. There is no question, however, how it will be received by America’s adversaries and enemies will certainly be celebrating.
Comment:
The Iraq policy could backfire, what happens if it descends into civil war or chaos? Loss of prestige, respect, blood, and treasure. Do we go back? It’s a policy with implications unknown to this country and our interests…
Comment:
Dodd-Frank was alluded to but not specifically named, it’s killing small banks and hurting smaller businesses…
Comment:
The President’s focus and concern regarding education are commendable. I appreciate that he wants Americans to be educated and prepared for the jobs of the future. I also appreciated his recognition of community colleges and technical schools and the huge role they play in preparing our workforce.
However, I was saddened by the apparent disconnect between growing our economy, job creation and energy independence. When an administration refuses the country the benefit of a project like the Keystone pipeline, levels attacks at American coal producers and decreases drilling capabilities – how can one still say they are for job creation and energy independence?
Comment:
Biggest issue re: last night on energy. “All of the above” should mean research money. That’s it? No subsidies for deployment of current technology? Goverment research did accelerate fracking technology but it wasn’t very much money and lots of the technology came from research whose purpose wasn’t to unlock shale gas/oil.
The administration’s research program itself should be reformed. Private people spent tens of millions developing engine efficiency improvements. Then DOE steps in and gives GM several million in research grants to do the same thing. This is wrong.
Comment:
America is back doesn’t equal America is your steadfast ally… Actions speak louder than words. And the defense conversation, praise the men and women in uniform all you want, but you have to equip them in the future…
So there you have it. Some thoughts from the young-voter peanut gallery. Again, I asked the contributors to focus on ideas, rather than promoting or panning the President. As a closing note, I asked about 50 people to comment, and I posted every word I received back. The responses I received were thoughtful indeed, and I am grateful to those who wrote. That said, I hope the lack of response from the larger group is not an omen of young-voter apathy to come at the polls in November.
Sarah Lenti is the blogger behind NMPolitics.net’s The Savvy. E-mail her at sarah@nmpolitics.net.