Cyber-Assignment 3
Letter to the President re: State of the Union Address. Post the letter here and your comments on student letters. Remember, respond to one student letter.
Letter to the President re: State of the Union Address. Post the letter here and your comments on student letters. Remember, respond to one student letter.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 11:05 AM
76 Comments:
OBAMA FAILS
By Phil Redd
I am a proud Liberian and a conservative. People see George W. Bush and the Republican Party as the voice of conservatism, and although many claim to be conservative, that is hardly the case.
I believe Obama is a failure, a thief, and a thug just like his predecessor. I don’t know how good of a job he thinks he is doing, and I don’t care. He says, “I supported the last administration’s efforts to create the financial rescue program. And when we took that program over, we made it more transparent and more accountable. And as a result, the markets are now stabilized, and we’ve recovered most of the money we spent on the banks.” This is a blatant LIE. You’ve recovered most of $24 trillion?! Can we have some of it back, please? Obama admits that he is continuing Bush’s policies, AND resorts to using George W’s excuses for losing popularity, “I do it because it’s right, not because it’s popular.” Why? Obama’s popularity is the lowest of any president within the first year in office. The honeymoon period is over.
Obama says, “Experts from across the political spectrum warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression.” Obama is doing everything he can to bring in the new depression. The worst of the storm is yet to come, thanks to Mr. Obama’s actions. Everything he wants to do, supports government expansion, and spending.
The ONLY reason people need a government is to protect their freedom. It’s the good cop, bad cop routine. We are stuck in a pattern of progression followed by tyranny. The Republican Party SUCKS! The Democratic Party SUCKS!
He even says (paraphrase1: Some are frustrated; some are angry. They don’t understand why it seems like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded, but hard work on Main Street isn’t, or why Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve any of our problems.) Obama acknowledges that people are upset about his handouts to elite bankers, instead of hard working Americans but has yet to do anything about it. This is because he works for Wall Street, and the bailout is a fraud.
He doesn’t want to empower us; he wants to grow government, and their power at our expense. They are playing us for fools. Forget everything he says about healthcare and energy. It’s all bullshit that will make our taxes skyrocket. He can claim he has not raised taxes because nothing has been approved, and the money he spends is created out of thin air. It’s incremental acquirement of services we depend on. I don’t want a government known for corruption, misconduct, and oversight, in charge of my property, my services, and my health. (Paraphrase 2: The approach we’ve taken would protect every American from the worst practices of the insurance industry. It would give small businesses and uninsured Americans a chance to choose an affordable health care plan in a competitive market.) Obama claims he will keep Americans safe from insurance companies, and give us a competitive choice of plans. But truth is he is protecting the insurance companies from US! Taxing us to grant them a huge handout, then taxing us again if we don’t have health insurance.
I believe, we need a more humble, more peaceful foreign policy, abolish the federal reserve, let businesses succeed or fail on their own, leave people alone, let the courts handle unlawful business practices, and stay out of our lives and decisions. In other words, I want the exact opposite of what Obama’s offering. So now that government has created these problems, the only solution they offer is more of the same. Loss of freedom is the result.
The option we should take is true freedom so we don’t enslave ourselves. We must embrace freedom no matter what the cost because a limited government that embraces freedom is at little to no risk of tyranny. A government that is fighting wars overseas and manipulating the markets and devaluing our dollar is destined to become tyrannical just to maintain its size and power. Obama needs to stop trying to solve every problem in the world.
Juan Li
English 1A
Jan/28/2010
Mr President,
According to Union message Wednesday night, we got to know about you are thinking about your promise. What would do you say to your voters about what they concerned question of recession. We glad to see that you have already had some plans such as job issue will put on the top of your desk in 2010, $30 billion dollars will use to help small businesses , and freezing the white house officials pay. However, we still pay a lot of attention to when we can see the recession start to change and what would this change influence American’s lives.
You said, “Jobs must be our number one focus in 2010, and that is why I am calling for a new jobs bill tonight.” That is very true. There are so many people who are waiting for a job in the last year and they really need job to make living. You pledged $30 billion dollars to help small businesses. Those credit are certainly would help these worker who are truly waiting. About freezing a pay for top White House officials and also freeze on most domestic spending in some fiscal restraint on Washington, we believe that will just give most people a warm feeling. We all know our recession wasn’t because the White House officials get too much pay or Washington has too much domestic spending.
As we have been waiting for your promise to become true since you became president, we really expected to see the result. We all deeply believe change is always there. Change is a natural law which our ancestor followed it unconsciously. We never thought that as a human to change the natural law would be easy. That is why we need a president who can lean us to find a way to come together and get it done. You don’t have to worry about being alone. All that matters is you can deliver this change.
Juan Li
English 1A
Jan/28/2010
Mr Phil Redd about OBAMA FAILS theory sounds a little bit too strong however I kind of agree him in some ways. I agree with what his idea is the way to be free is get way from any kind of control.
According to the news, there was an idea “Democracy in a nation of three hundred million people can be noisy and messy and
complicated. And when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That’s just how it is.” I was wounery if it is really true that we are necessry to solve every problem directry?
Obama’s Grade
James Barker
English 1A
Hello Mr. President Barack Obama. My names James Earl Barker and I’m a college student from Oakland, California. I as an African American male am extremely proud that you were voted in as the first Black President in American history, even though your presidency I often find myself questioning your decisions and the lack there of. The reason for this letter is as I observed your State of the Union Address, which was very well spoken as all your speeches tend to be. There are three questions that I would like to ask you. First off in your approach to health care are you seriously going to yield your own ideas in order that those of the minority party may be included in the bill? Things such as tax dollars going to cover abortions is something that many individuals take extremely seriously and is a major reason for lack of cooperation from the “left”. When you said “Amid two wars, an economy rocked by a severe recession, a financial system on the verge of collapse, and a government deeply in debt. Experts from across the political spectrum warned that if we did not act, we might face a second depression. So we acted–immediately and aggressively. And one year later, the worst of the storm has passed.” I appreciated your response to the current situation and the way in which with great sincerity you assessed and responded accordingly. But again I have another question/concern, did you really mean what you said when you spoke of both parts putting aside their differences in order to help navigate the direction of the American people and its economy in a positive position for their future? It is my deepest hope that every person not just the President of the US would hold true to their expressed thoughts. Another thing that I deeply appreciated by you was your honesty in pointing out your fault in failing to communicate more clearly your plans for health care. Continue to be more transparent it’s the signs of a true leader. In saying all that I’ve said I can say that your grade would be just average a C as CEO of the USA. There is much room for improvement; I feel that if you expect greatness you’d say the same. When it comes to the, “government creating more business which in return would allow for a businesses to do more hiring” I agreed when you said this.
James Barker
English 1A
Responding to Phil Redd
Hello Phil. Now while I agree with some of the things and viewpoints that you have I must agree with Juan Li it’s a little severe. Now Obama’s neither a failure nor a cutthroat. He hasn’t been in office long enough to know if he’s failed nor is he a thug one that steals and kills. But in saying that I believe that he isn’t living up to his promises he’s made and when he made the comment about how his administration has returned back most of the money from the bailout THAT’S A FLATOUT LIE. Impossible as well. If there’s anything you’ve missed about his person it’s the fact that he has shown himself to be a lair. Give him awhile to judge his term as Chairperson of the US before you can call him a failure. Speaking of foreign policy he’s extremely liberal and needs to in my opinion firm up and demand that other countries tow the line and take care of their own land as best they can. Since he speaks for the country and its citizens Obama needs to show some type of backbone before other countries start to believe the US has gotten soft and weak. Another thing I agree with you on is that he needs to stop trying to solve other countries problems and deal with the mote that’s in this countries eye.
Edith Gonzalez
English 1A- 9am
January 30, 2010
Responding to James Barker
Hi James! After reading your letter I was very happy to see the way in which you addressed your concerns. I think you did a great job of putting your point and doubts across. I agreed with you when it came to many of your concerns but especially the ones concerning health. I liked the fact that you kept it short and professional, and it shows that you took this assignment seriously. Great Job!
-Edith
Lisa Huey
9:00-9:50AM
English 1A
Letter response to Obama’s State of the Union Address
To President Obama:
Mr. President, I do not think that you are doing as well as you think you are. For one, you said in your state of the union speech that your stimulus bill saved about 2 million jobs. “"Because of the steps we took, there are about 2 million Americans working right now who would otherwise be unemployed. ... And we are on track to add another one and a half million jobs to this total by the end of the year."” But In reality, the bill only saved about 650,000 jobs. (CALVIN WOODWARD, Associated Press) In your speech, you also said that starting 2011, the government is ready to put a halt on government expenditures for three years and that you would operate with a financial plan to devote in what we need and surrender what we don’t. The fact is that the amount that this proposal would save is less than 1% of the deficit and only if you can get Congress to agree with you. And in the presidential campaign, you criticized McCain for suggesting a halt to government spending and yet you are proposing one.
And lastly, while discussing your health care initiative you said, “"Our approach would preserve the right of Americans who have insurance to keep their doctor and their plan." You only guaranteed that the citizens have the right to keep their doctor and plan, but what about the higher rates and decreasing benefits that we Americans are now seeing? I’m sorry but Mr. President you are not doing as well as you think you are.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-state-union-address
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100128/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_fact_check
In response to: OBAMA FAILS
By Phil Redd
Phil, although your response on Obama was a bit harsh, I totally agree with you. Our country has too many problems already. We do not need to go and try to solve every problem in the world. Their country, their problem. Let them deal with it. Why are we wasting our taxpayer dollars on an issue for another country anyways when we have our own problems to deal with. But it's not just Obama. The U.S. government has always been butting into other country's business.
Crystal Cortez
English 1A
8:00-8:50AM
Mon.-Thurs.
Letter response to Obama’s State of the Union Address
Dear President Barack Obama,
First and foremost I am honored that you are reading this letter. I like to say I believe it has been a hard first year in office since we have faced a couple of big changes in our country. But over all I believe you have been doing the best you can, this being your first year. I believe it is difficult to make drastic changes to help fix our economy, education, and over all our planet, in only one year. This issues will take more than a year to fix and I understand that but many may expect you to fix these issue in a matter of a year, but reality is that it will take some time, definitely more than a year. Your proposals to try to make a change and it is greatly appreciated because I see you feel for your people that are struggling in this economy just to get by. By trying to make tax cuts and looking for many ways to help the working families with new jobs, unemployment extensions, and cuts on students loans.
We are now in a recession and many families in my community are hurting. It has affected everyone especially trying to get employed. Many companies have put freezes to there hiring department because they can not afford to employee anyone. Small business have been forced to close due to no business. People are just not going out because they can not afford it. People that worked for those small business have been forced to be laid off. But after lessening to your speech and you mentioning the Recovery Act and how there will be a focus in clean energy faculties to create more jobs for the working class people of this country, it’s fantastic. It’s a hope to everyone, to look forward to employment. This will no just help our economy but also our planet. It will lower the percentage of people being on unemployment and people will help in order to rebuilt our economy by putting Americans back on there feet.
I am excited about the tax cuts and credits that college student will get. Me being a student presently in the community college system and perused to graduate once I have obtained my degrees in the medical field. Going through college is a great thing for every student to do but many think twice once they see the students loan amount, interest rates and how long it will take to pay them off once done with there degree. It is great the fact that only one million students will have to pay only 10% of the income for the student loan they get, even though its would be better if everyone could have this opportunity, but its better than nothing. Also that there debt will be erased after 20 years and 10 years for students that take on a public service career. It is very true and I completely agree when you said in your speech, “ In the United State of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college.” If anything we shouldn’t have to pay anything once we receive our degrees, but of course I don’t believe it will work that way unfortunately.
President Obama, over all I am thankful for your efforts and will appreciate if you continue your work as best you can for these four year that you are in office and I do hope for more years than that. Mainly for the reason that you can continue your work in “change” as you have been saying you will. Because I too want to see this country overcome its defaults and see it accomplish more than what other country like China, Germany and many others have accomplished and discovered. I too do not want to continue to wait for something to happen, things will only happen when we put in action which is something you look forward on doing. Thank you for all you’ve done.
Sincerely Crystal Cortez
-Crystal Cortez
English 1A
8:00-8:50AM
Responding to Juan Li
Dear Juan Li,
After reading your letter to President Obama, I agree with a lot of your points you mention. I agree that employment for all Americans especially those who are jobs less have been affected and still are. Are whole economy have been facing challenges due to Americans being job less and unemployment percentage rising. Obama should put jobs on the top of his list for change because once fixing that it will fix many other things for this country. I understand that Obama has been in office for a year but I don’t believe that being in office he could make or even get a chance to make a difference/change for this country quite yet. He needs a little more time. I believe that he could do some of the things he proposed in his speech this 2010. But over all you brought up some good point and I agree with you, but just give the man at least this year to make a change in something thing, but after this year we can see what he’s done for this country and see if he will stick with his premisses.
Jade Hooker
Wanda Sabir
English 1a
8-8:50
29, January 2010
Dear President Barack Obama,
In your State of the Union speech many things came to mind. I noticed that people are becoming more and more frustrated about the change you promised, the great Financial Rescue Program and Recovery act to help those in need, and I loved how your main focus is to help people find jobs . Many have lost their homes and jobs and grew relentless as to how the bills were going to be paid. Please let the peoples interest be the main focus.
In your speech you mentioned how Jobs were going to be the main focus of this year and how there were already public advances made to help the people. I was interested on how you spoke on the Financial Rescue Program (designed to stabilize the market). You have done many things to help this program fall through. Urging a fee upon the larger corporations and banks is one of the best things you can do. They are wealthy enough to pay back us tax payers who helped save them during their time of crisis. This program helped give 65 percent of unemployed Americans cheaper health care as well as the cut of taxes. The program cut taxes from 95 percent of small families, single parents, and 8 million students paying college funds in belief of helping them find financial stability.
This is a new year to help all struggling Americans. With the Recovery Act, I believe that as president, you are doing your job. You seem to actually care about those in need. You realize change isn't going to come over night and its going to take the power of the whole nation to become successful. Hopefully, by the end of the year, many more Americans will be satisfied with the economic growth of America since the past 2 years of Recession. Hopefully the change will finally be made in there eyes.
Sincerely,
Jade Hooker
Christopher Kerr
English 1A
9:00-9:50a
Dear President Obama,
I have not lost faith in you. I believe that you are doing the best you can. People need to realize that you don't have a magic wand that is going to fix everything. You promised changed within your presidency. Is your time as president up? No. It is not your fault that you can't gain support of everyone needed. Its almost as if people want you to fail. George W. Bush created this mess, and now you are stuck to fix it. But you are doing the work. You are making bills, researching, and maintaining your word. Just because you are not able to do it as quickly or as rapidly as some people may want, doesn't mean that it is not in the process of getting there. I will never understand why people think that the president is a God, you said, "that change will happen but you need everyone's help. This is a collective effort." I believe that completely. People are saying that you should address only small issues, but why do that. Every single president has only addressed our small issues as a country. Look where that has gotten us. I agree with you. "No second place for America, its completely unacceptable." The reason people come here from other countries is because they want a better life, the best life. "Protecting our economy" is what you said you wanted to do. I agree with you when you said, "that if the bills that come to your desk don't meet your standards, then you will send them back." That was excellent. I'm not going to say that I agree with everything that you said. Because I think that things like bullet trains that will cost millions of dollars can wait until later on. The main concern right now is getting people employed, then once consumers can actually consume, the economy will stabilize. Health care needs to come after the economy. Some people may disagree with that, and say that health care is more important. But people are losing their homes, families are having to relocate, and people are losing their jobs. Tackling issues effectively is something that presidents have to do. The word president is defined as the one who sits in leadership. After watching your State of the Union Address I felt like you have cleared up a lot of hear say. More and more issues will arise while you are in your presidency, and I know that you will do your best to tackle them, as long as you have the collective help of everyone. I thought it was great when you broke it down by saying "if there is anyone from either party who has a better approach that will bring down premiums, bring down the deficit, cover the uninsured, strengthen health care for seniors, and insurance company abusive, then let me know." I say you have raised America from an F to a C-. We may not be at our worst, but we are not at our best we have such a ways to go to get back to our excellent grade of an A. I believe in you and have not lost faith.
Jennie Lo
9:00-9:50am
English 1A
Letter to the President re: State of the Union Address
Dear Mr. President,
I am a community college student. I have watched your whole State of The Union Address and as you stated “I campaigned on the promise of change –- change we can believe in, the slogan went. And right now, I know there are many Americans who aren't sure if they still believe we can change –- or that I can deliver it. " I am glad you mentioned some of us may not believe you can help the America to change and to change it better.
Our class is discussing your State of the Union Address and some of our class with very negative comment on your performance in past year even though 83 percents of Americans supported your proposals based on the latest CBS poll. I can understand my frustrated classmate as some of us really have no time and no more patience to wait for the positive changes. Some of us have been changed from a very good stage to a very bad one during your step into the office. However, I understand the change is not the one president can do, this is something all American need to be united.
I am sure all of us know what are the problems and difficulties in America right now, we all want our nation a full employment, safe and peaceful country we can proud of and we can live in. We are giving you as our leader to unite all of us and make our dream comes true.
God bless America.
- Jennie
Jennie Lo
9:00-9:50am
English 1A
Response to James Barker’s Letter to the President
Hello James,
I like your letter style, a grade report, to the President. It is an attractive title. Your letter shows that you are honest and given our President a grade without consider he is your role model.
Jennie
Jennie Lo
9:00-9:50am
English 1A
Response to Juan Li’s Letter to the President
Hello Juan,
Your letter to the President has brought up the most popular concerns in our country, the recession. You also included some of the spending amount to support the urge of our hope to increase the job opportunity. You are using a very positive approach to encourage our leader to carry out his mission. Good job.
Jennie
Romina Sarmiento
English 1A
Letter to the President
Hello President Obama. I feel you are doing a great job with your efforts to improve the nation’s issues such as, the economic recession, health care, unemployment benefits, small businesses, and taxes. I like the way you were specific with the points you made. To me that was important because it allowed people to know in detail the hardships the average person is going through. At the same time, you quoted one woman’s letter where she said, “We are strained but hopeful. Struggling but encouraged.” It showed how even during hard times people still have faith. In turn you replied, “It’s because of this spirit, this great decency and great strength that I have never been more hopeful about America’s future than I am tonight.” That statement, for me, gave me more confidence in you as a president. I also liked when you also explained how corrupt people in higher places can be. You explained how, when you went into office you supported the creation of the Financial Rescue Program and as a result, money spent on the banks was recovered and economic stability was restored. I particularly admired the point you made about Wall Street not supporting the idea that if firms can give away huge bonuses, then they’re able to donate a substantial amount to the people who saved them when they were in trouble. Now, I don’t know how the room was divided, but I thought it funny how half the room didn’t give a standing ovation when you made that statement and I wondered if that half of the room happened to be republicans. Unemployment benefits were improved to help the unemployed, taxes were cut which helped Americans save and have more money in their pockets for life’s different necessities. All of this is possible because of your Stimulus Bill. I am a firm believer in practice what you preach, which is, exactly what you are, not only showing, but doing. You do what you say and say what you do. So keep up the good work and know that it’s appreciated.
Romina Sarmiento
Andrew Yount
English 1A
Mon-Thurs 8:00AM-8:50 AM
Dear President Barack Obama,
First and foremost I would like to address the tings that struck a chord with me from your state of the union in both a negative and positive way. I will start with the positives. I am quite pleased with the fact you will be giving thirty billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program and distributing it among community banks to give credit extensions to small businesses and those who truly need it. I am also pleased with your plans to create more jobs and make those new jobs more green and eco-friendly, however you have been saying things like this for sometime and I simply hope you do follow through with it and not merely saying you will, I would like to see some actual follow through. I hope you do not take this personally but you seem to be riding on this whole green and clean living concept however I have not really been impressed by your actual effort, part of the reason you were elected were the promises of a green tomorrow for the U.S. and I just have yet to truly see it happen. I feel like you can do those things and when you said “But when I ran for President, I promised I wouldn't just do what was popular - I would do what was necessary” it truly made me believe we made the right choice in electing you, I just hope to god you will actually commit to doing these so called un-popular things because it is truly a necessity for this country to return to its former glory.
My only true gripe with you sir, like I have been saying all along and that is if you truly will follow through. It seems that as of late you are merely being judged by what you say and not what you actually accomplish and that is not how our president should judged. So to put it bluntly Mr. President, actions speak louder than words, so please do act on what you have been saying for months, what you promised in your campaign and what you swore you would do. You said so yourself that “the change most if not all Americans have been desiring has not occurred as fast they want it”, I happen to think it has been long enough and that you need to make that change yourself, not merely say that it will happen soon, but you must make the change happen and not put t off for another day. You also claimed that “on this evening America’s future has never seemed so bright to me”, well we would all like America’s future to be bright and promising but you need to make sure that it actually is instead of just saying you hope it is, you need to make it happen, not just be hopeful, you must take charge and make those un-popular decisions no one else will, because that Mr. President is why you were hired for the job.
Yours truly,
Andrew N. Yount
Citations
http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=35315&wf=rsscol
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100128/pl_ynews/ynews_pl1087
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100128/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_fact_check
In response to Phil Redd's Obama Fails letter. I would like to state how much I appreciate his honesty and integrity. he holds nothing back and shows his passion in his letter. I just really respect that and do agree with him on certain points such as if a business fails due to poor decesions made on their part it should not be the government's problem to bail them out, especially if they were terrible decesions that never should be made. It should be their bed to sleep in since they themselves made it.
~Andrew Y.
English 1A
Mon-Thur 8AM class
Edith Gonzalez
English 1A- 9am
January 31, 2010
Hello President Obama,
My name is Edith Gonzalez and I am one in many college students in the US that suffer from educational cuts. I believe that the only way to be successful in life is by obtaining an education, but sadly I’m starting to believe that it’s becoming almost impossible with the tuition raises and less help from government financial aid. I have an older sister who is a senior at UC Berkeley as her last year and who has managed to get by with the few scholarships she managed to be awarded. The issue with her is that due to her undocumented status, she will not be able to obtain a good job that reflects her well earned degree. You see, it’s not only college students who are suffering from these major cuts. My younger brother and sister who are in elementary and high school attend schools that suffer from in not only staff, but also equipment. Their schools are in my conditions and too many teachers are who were very helpful are being laid off. My family and many others are being affected by the lack of educational funding.
After reading you state of the union speech, I paid close attention to information regarding jobs and home owner details. I could not help but to notice how in your article you mention how in the last two years about seven million jobs were lost. Again, I’ve been affected by this because my father was laid off from his job about half a year ago and hasn’t had any look finding a new one. Like you also mentioned before the job losses make it difficult for my parents to save money to retire or even to help me and my sister with college. Not only that, but because of my fathers job loss, my father has not been able to make the mortgage payments which has lead us to loose our home.
I think that so far you have been able to do a lot of great things for our country, but there are many more I know you are capable of doing. In the beginning of your speech, you began mentioning a bunch of historical struggles that America has overcome over decades. Then you added, “Again, we are tested. And again, we must answer history's call.” I really hope that this statement does pull through and that this is just a test that we shall once again overcome.
Sincerely,
Edith Gonzalez
Summera Farooq
Eng 1A
Professor Wanda Sabir
Dear Barak Obama
My name is Summera Farooq. I am a student from College of Alameda, California. I am writing you this letter because your State of the Union Address, which was great and we got to know some more about your plans for future. You are not doing as well as you think you are. I agree that you saved the American economy, but there is still one problem that you have not solved. That would be the United States Troops. Well, maybe you need some more time. There are about 650,000 employed out of 2-3 million unemployed. “Our approach would preserve the right of Americans who have insurance to keep their doctor and their plan." You said that only citizens can keep their doctors and plans, but what about the unemployed they cannot keep their plans. Another thing we should leave other countries alone and deal with our own problems.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100128/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_fa
Response to Phil Redd
I think you are very interested in politics, because the stuff you wrote was very harsh but very true. Mr. President needs to take care of his country first and then worry about the rest of the world.
summera
Ivorionda Owens
English 1A
1/31/10
Dear President Obama,
I am writing you in reference to your state of the union speech given January 27, 2009. I feel as if everything you have covered is a good start on what you have lacked this previous year. I know a lot of people feel that you are a bunch of talk due to the fact that you have not accomplished much of what you spoke about before everyone voted for you, but me myself I do understand that it is not at all easy to just do everything you said you would in a rapid pace. It is not as though our country was perfect when you stepped into office so there is much that you have to fix before pursuing. So with all that said I feel that you should be congratulated on the work that you have done and have yet to get done. Like you stated "the worst has past, but the devastation remains.". Just because your in office now does not automatically mean everything goes back to normal. You addressed the opinion that the thing you set out to do have lost interest to those who listened stating the change you set out to fulfill haven't met the standard rate people would have liked for it to happen. You made a point to say one of your main importants is jobs, and tax for big banks. A standing ovation was given, and I also applaud you on this very sparse moment. I am very attentive to know what your idea for a new jobs bill will build.
Sincerely, Ivorionda Owens
Peter Kortmann
Professor Sabir
M-Th 9:00-9:50
Obama’s State of the Union Address
Dear President Obama,
I believe you touched on the most important areas of today’s society, but I wish you had spoke more in depth about the sate of our education. The only mention of education was when you said, “We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college,” but tuition is more than ever and overcrowded campuses make it even harder to get accepted to these universities and state schools. As an unemployed 21 year old junior college student amidst tough economic times, I face an overwhelming challenge to pay for my education next year. Schools are cutting back classes, teachers, enrollment, scholarships, all the while state penitentiaries expand and millions of dollars go to housing and feeding inmates. Feed the Americans who don’t break laws; put Americans in homes who deserve it. I am a strong supporter of you President Obama and I know change takes time, but it’s almost time that some of your promises to come true.
I do not study politics rigorously, because at my age kids only concern themselves with things affecting their lives, and for the most part we are not affected by housing loans, taxes, and the financial sector. However education is affecting me and others in my position and we are seeing an uphill battle ahead to fight for our education; to fight for our right to be competitive in this free marketplace. Education is more important than ever before to find decent jobs, and how will any of us middle class get an education with tuition being as high as it is and with decreasing enrollment space. As for high school and standardized testing, you said in your campaign that you believe standardized testing should not dictate the curriculum unlike Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act. It does not make sense to me that schools receiving low standardized test score repeatedly face financial cutbacks. My god given common sense tells me that if a school is receiving poor scores that more resources (money) and whatever else is needed should be given to the school to well equip the students. Schools that need the most help end up getting the least amount of money? What are your plans to solve this and infuse “creativity” into the classroom once again?
The main focus of your speech was the availability of jobs and unemployment. I like your idea to give tax breaks for business that create jobs in America and not overseas somewhere, and creating incentives to do so. But how realistic is it if the large companies who have factories all over the world get upset that they aren’t receiving the tax cuts. On to another main subject; everyone, including my father, is sick of the big businesses getting bailed out because they are two big and important to fail while the small businesses go under every day. You spoke about changing this, which receive a warm response, but what type of incentives do you have for the crucial group of entrepreneurs who will jump start this economy? My father owns his own computer consulting company that has taken a big hit from the recession and he is sick of seeing these companies who spend frivolously as well as moronically get bailed out because they are import. So is my father and his business not import, someone who worked his tail off and created his own company from scratch. As soon as AIG and other large companies make it back on top, I believe they should pay back most if not all of the money that we the tax payers gave them.
You sound confident about what you are doing and the direction you are leading us, the country, and this is important even if in your own mind you are unsure. During hard times people search high and wide for security and in most cases there is none, so the fact that you can look me in the eye and say that you are confident with our current direction, then I will take your word for it. You have had much time in office, but skeptics are piling up and believe you will not hold your word. I hope to see our troops out of Iraq like you said and the sooner the better. You cannot be a nice guy all the time trying not to hurt people’s feelings, in your campaign you said you would not always say what people wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear. Now take it a step further and do what needs to be done and not what people would like to be done in a ferry land where everything is perfect. I would love to have a health care system put into place seeing that most developed countries have some form of healthcare, but we are too greedy to want to help people out for low costs. The reason health care was rejected was because people didn’t want to have to be referred to a doctor every time, but if you notice when you go to your normal physician and they say you need to get checked out somewhere else, you get referred to them by your doctor. We are pretty much running a health care system; just the pharmaceutical companies reap all the money. And last, but not least, I hope to see marijuana legalized because so many people already use it and it just puts more people in jail for non-violent crimes. I have a felony on my record because of marijuana and if it was legalized there would be one less crime to worry about and more energy could be spent fighting the real crimes. Thank you and God bless.
-Peter Kortmann
Tia Gusman
1/30/10
Dear President Obama,
I still can not believe that you are the first African American president of the United States. I was very excited when you were first elected president. I strongly believed that you would have America's back and get us out of these hard economic times and end the war as well. You have been president for a year now and for this last year, I would give you anywhere from a B- to a C+. Hey, its passing but I know you can do better.
You have taken major steps toward cutting taxes for people who are accomplishing big things such as going to college or buying a house. Your speeches are very powerful and I believe what you say. Call me gullible but if my president says that he will inspire hope and create change, I believe him until he shows otherwise. I can tell that you are trying to stand up to your word but please do not make promises you can not keep. One thing that I do like is how you give realistic periods of time for how long it will take to make progress. "And according to the congressional budget office, the independent organization that both parties have sided as the official score keeper for congress, our approach would bring down the deficit by as much as 1 trillion dollars over the next two decades”.
Also you stated, in Afghanistan, your increasing our troops and training afghan security forces so they can be able to take the lead in 2011 so that our troops can begin to come home. For all the people who gave up on you already, don’t sweat it. You are doing a good job and I know that we will all be able to see a significant amount of chance in the next year or so. Patience people! Change will come.
Sincerely,
Tia Gusman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kYW_fgaDDM&feature=player_embedded
English 1A
8:00-8:50
SunjungPark
Dear Barak Obama
My name is Sunjung Park and collage of Alameda student. I am interesting “President Barack Obama's first State of the Union address”. I agree about economy problems that this speech that vision and plans for the country lay out by Barak Obama. Also, he talked about the challenges we challenges we face and the disappointment USA feel about the peace of change. Also, he insisted the worst economy because the big depression, two wars, and highly partisan opposition. He spoke the worst economy since the big depression, two war, and highly partisan opposition in Washington. I hope that he made substantial progress in the last year. I felt so sad why we lost two million jobs. He mentioned health insurance reform and making education, and creating new jobs. I want to change this finial situation.
I saw his strongest opinion. So I accept positive and negative point but I trust his political way.
Citation
*http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/32111.html#ixzz0dz6fbFOT
*http://www.democrats.org
*http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/what-did-you-think-of-obamas-state-of-the-union-address/?scp=4&sq=Obama%20State%20of%20the%20Union%20address&st=cse
Veronica Flores
Professor Sabir
M-TH 9-9:50
Response to Obama's State of the Union Address
Dear President Obama,
As a definite supporter of yours, i feel like your words express great strength and will to do the best you can for our country. However, I sometimes question if they in fact are just words. As you've stated " We cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. We cut taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes for first-time homebuyers. We cut taxes for parents trying to care for their children. We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college." This is indeed a tremendous improvement from this depression we've been facing. However, these cuts haven't applied to me or my family. It is a constant struggle for my father to support my brother and myself. This makes it impossible for him to help me financially with schooling. Aside from this, I am pleased with the idea of the Stimulus Bill. I believe keeping small business is essential to help keep our youth employed, as well as let those with a dream of having their own business come true.
As a student amidst this economic depression, I hope the Elementary and Secondary Education Act will make an effect on us students. You said " To make college for affordable, this bill will finally end the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that go to banks for student loans. Let's tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years." There is no guarantee anyone will be employed after they graduate, so stating that only we will only have to pay 10% of our income on loans takes a weight off our shoulders. To address another topic, I believe our health care system could still use much improvement. Health care needs to be available for anyone and everyone. Not just those who are working with the Cobra plan. You addressed that 95% of those who are with Cobra have seen vast improvements with costs in health insurance. What about the rest of us? Millions of people, including myself, lack medical care. Being someone who suffers from chronic stomach problems, it is vital that I can seek professional help from an actual doctor. It is frustrating to know that the only medical help available to me is from a free clinic. This clinic, I believe, lacks educated doctors who know what they are talking about. I have been suffering for months due to these "doctors" not being able to identify what it is that's wrong with me. This just isn't fair. I realize Rome wasn't built in a day, and that I cannot expect you to have changed all the issues this country is facing in just the year that you have been president. But I believe in you, and i feel it is acceptable to expect change to occur within the next few months.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to see our troops come home and see an end to this war. In your words “In Afghanistan, we're increasing our troops and training Afghan security forces so they can begin to take the lead in July of 2011, and our troops can begin to come home. We will reward good governance, work to reduce corruption, and support the rights of all Afghans -- men and women alike.” I certainly hope that these words are true. We have been in Afghanistan for far too long. We need to leave Iraq to its people. You promised that you would do all you can do to put an end to this war. “We will have all of our combat troops out of Iraq by the end of this August. We will support the Iraqi government -- we will support the Iraqi government as they hold elections, and we will continue to partner with the Iraqi people to promote regional peace and prosperity. But make no mistake: This war is ending, and all of our troops are coming home.” Let us be thankful to everyone fighting for our country, and pray that they return home safely to their loved ones. Also, it is wonderful to know that our first lady is forging a national commitment to support military families. I feel like we can’t express to these Americans just how thankful we are for them, and what they are doing for us.
It had indeed been a challenging year for all of us, including you. But this IS a new year, with new possibilities, new hopes, and new dreams. We Americans are fighters, so let’s keep fighting for the better of our union. I am proud to call you our President, so please do not let me down! God Bless.
-Veronica Flores
Jade Hooker
English 1a
8-8:50
Just as Veronica, I also am a complete supporter of Obama. The rhetoric he uses got him in the position he is in today. He knows how to get people on his side.
Francisco Davalos
English 1A
8:00am - 8:50am
Mr. President Obama I’m writing you this letter because I want to congratulate you for your accomplishments and goals for the future. We all know that when you took office back in 2009 the US economy was not good at all. Today, one year later, our economy is still not good but it’s a little bit better than before. The economy has to improve this year since people are still losing their jobs and some of them their homes.
Lower college tuition should be in your agenda as well. It’s not easy to go to college, not even to a community college. College textbooks are very expensive and some colleges are raising their tuition. Students have to work full time and study part-time so they can pay for their classes and textbooks. Community college students are taking longer to transfer to universities because they don’t have money to go to a university or because they have to study part time. Students need more support from the government because they are the future!
War… You said that the US troops are coming home this year. I’m glad to hear that. They need to get home as soon as possible since we are expending a lot of money there. Nevertheless, you are doing a good job not an excellent job but a good job. Well Mr. President I wish you good luck and please bring our troops back and lower college tuition because I also have a goal, my goal is to become an engineer!
Dear President
I am very proud to say that I was able to vote for you in your election. I Mexican-American which makes me a minority like yourself, and I am glad to see that if you can do it, any other person out there can. We have been through some difficult times in history, but I’m glad to see that there are finally changes being made to improve our future. I am writing to you addressing my beliefs in your State of the Union Address speech. Overall I am proud of the work you have done and like the things that you address in your speech.
A quote that really caught my attention is where you address the reason why you ran for president. “So I know the anxieties that are out there right now. They're not new. These struggles are the reason I ran for President. These struggles are what I've witnessed for years in places like Elkhart, Indiana; Galesburg, Illinois. I hear about them in the letters that I read each night. The toughest to read are those written by children -– asking why they have to move from their home, asking when their mom or dad will be able to go back to work”. This nation is having a diffuclt time and I hope that there can be change made in order to improve this. It seems to me that the reason why you ran for president is to make some changes. I hope that these changes are actually made and not just promised. There are families that have hope in a better future, and put their hope in your hands.
A lot of people doubt that there should be changes made to improve global warming considering how the economy is hurting. The proof that the climate is changing is overwhelming and there are many people who don’t believe that anything wrong is occuring. Whethere people may think that the proof is wrong or is right, being able to provide incensitives for energy-efficiency and clean energy is a must in the upcoming times. America must be the country that directs the world into a clean energy economy. And American will be the nation that leads the global economy. I think that this is an important issue to adress and work on in order to improve our future.
There are changes that are needed in order to make schools a better place. Failing students should not be prized, only successful students should. There is a bill that will end the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that to go banks for loans. With this change, education will be easier for the students. With the money given, it will then go to the families in a $10,000 tax credit for a four year education Pell Grant. After the scholars finish school they will only have to pay 10 percent in their loans, and what they owe will be erased after 20 years. If a student picks a path in helping the community, their debt will be forgiven in 10 years. Education should not make a person poor. Education should be affordable to the people.
This nation and I put our faith in your hands in order to improve our future. As president you have promised many things. In your four years of being in charge I have faith that you will accomplish many things to improve this country. I hope that you are as honest and committ as you seem.
Adriana Ultreras
English 1A
9-9:50
Dear President
I am very proud to say that I was able to vote for you in your election. I Mexican-American which makes me a minority like yourself, and I am glad to see that if you can do it, any other person out there can. We have been through some difficult times in history, but I’m glad to see that there are finally changes being made to improve our future. I am writing to you addressing my beliefs in your State of the Union Address speech. Overall I am proud of the work you have done and like the things that you address in your speech.
A quote that really caught my attention is where you address the reason why you ran for president. “So I know the anxieties that are out there right now. They're not new. These struggles are the reason I ran for President. These struggles are what I've witnessed for years in places like Elkhart, Indiana; Galesburg, Illinois. I hear about them in the letters that I read each night. The toughest to read are those written by children -– asking why they have to move from their home, asking when their mom or dad will be able to go back to work”. This nation is having a diffuclt time and I hope that there can be change made in order to improve this. It seems to me that the reason why you ran for president is to make some changes. I hope that these changes are actually made and not just promised. There are families that have hope in a better future, and put their hope in your hands.
A lot of people doubt that there should be changes made to improve global warming considering how the economy is hurting. The proof that the climate is changing is overwhelming and there are many people who don’t believe that anything wrong is occuring. Whethere people may think that the proof is wrong or is right, being able to provide incensitives for energy-efficiency and clean energy is a must in the upcoming times. America must be the country that directs the world into a clean energy economy. And American will be the nation that leads the global economy. I think that this is an important issue to adress and work on in order to improve our future.
There are changes that are needed in order to make schools a better place. Failing students should not be prized, only successful students should. There is a bill that will end the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies that to go banks for loans. With this change, education will be easier for the students. With the money given, it will then go to the families in a $10,000 tax credit for a four year education Pell Grant. After the scholars finish school they will only have to pay 10 percent in their loans, and what they owe will be erased after 20 years. If a student picks a path in helping the community, their debt will be forgiven in 10 years. Education should not make a person poor. Education should be affordable to the people.
This nation and I put our faith in your hands in order to improve our future. As president you have promised many things. In your four years of being in charge I have faith that you will accomplish many things to improve this country. I hope that you are as honest and committ as you seem.
Adriana Ultreras
English 1A
9-9:50
Responding to Lisa Huey
Hello Lisa. I think that our letter to the president should've been writen longer and a little more proper. it was too short. it seemed more like a note then a letter to me. You did adress some good points, but i think you could've included more.
Ryan Mah english 1A mon-thurs 8-8:50am
Dear Barak Obama,
I will admit from the beginning I had my doubts about your ability to run as president, but from the time you took office up until now you have made my fears and anxieties disappear. I admire the way you handled your new responsibilities while in the middle of two wars and a economic down fall. I know it could not have been easy to handle those things and the regular duties of being president with everyone breathing down you neck because we were at the brink of a second depression.
One quality that I find in you is that you don’t always go with the popular decision; you go with what is best for everyone. For example everyone was against the bank bail out but you decided to bail them out anyways. Of course it was the banks fault that they were in that position but you still decided to help them out which has turned out to be a great decision. Not only has most of the money been repaid, but jobs were saved and created. Right now Americans biggest concerns have been unemployment. I believe your new jobs recovery act will really help lower the rate of unemployment. Entrepreneurs will finally be able to get the loans they need to start their own businesses which in effect will create more jobs.
Another area that you touched on during your State of the Union Address was revitalizing community colleges. Like you said, a high school diploma is no longer enough to get a good paying job, furthering your education is the only way to succeed in this day and age. Also by lowering student loan and giving tax cut benefits will really help our nation in the short and long run. Education is essential and our future depends on the youth of today. I agree with you when you said “ no one should go broke because they choose to go to college.” I’ve seen people get neck high in debt because they were taking out loans to pay for school and they end up paying it off for the next 30 years. This is not the way it should be. Going to college is to better yourself and your education, not to hold you back in the future.
I like how you will give tax cuts to those not as well off as other financially. Oil companys and large corporations don’t deserve tax cuts because there income is already sky high in my opinion which is why I think this is a great idea. There is truth in the saying “the rich get richer while the poor get poorer”. What you are doing will help go against this.
Hopefully with you at the steering wheel this country will be better than it ever has been before. All these things you have done and have planned sound great and seem bullet proof.
Sincerely,
Ryan Mah
Ryan Mah
Dear Barak Obama,
I will admit from the beginning I had my doubts about your ability to run as president, but from the time you took office up until now you have made my fears and anxieties disappear. I admire the way you handled your new responsibilities while in the middle of two wars and a economic down fall. I know it could not have been easy to handle those things and the regular duties of being president with everyone breathing down you neck because we were at the brink of a second depression.
One quality that I find in you is that you don’t always go with the popular decision; you go with what is best for everyone. For example everyone was against the bank bail out but you decided to bail them out anyways. Of course it was the banks fault that they were in that position but you still decided to help them out which has turned out to be a great decision. Not only has most of the money been repaid, but jobs were saved and created. Right now Americans biggest concerns have been unemployment. I believe your new jobs recovery act will really help lower the rate of unemployment. Entrepreneurs will finally be able to get the loans they need to start their own businesses which in effect will create more jobs.
Another area that you touched on during your State of the Union Address was revitalizing community colleges. Like you said, a high school diploma is no longer enough to get a good paying job, furthering your education is the only way to succeed in this day and age. Also by lowering student loan and giving tax cut benefits will really help our nation in the short and long run. Education is essential and our future depends on the youth of today. I agree with you when you said “ no one should go broke because they choose to go to college.” I’ve seen people get neck high in debt because they were taking out loans to pay for school and they end up paying it off for the next 30 years. This is not the way it should be. Going to college is to better yourself and your education, not to hold you back in the future.
I like how you will give tax cuts to those not as well off as other financially. Oil companys and large corporations don’t deserve tax cuts because there income is already sky high in my opinion which is why I think this is a great idea. There is truth in the saying “the rich get richer while the poor get poorer”. What you are doing will help go against this.
Hopefully with you at the steering wheel this country will be better than it ever has been before. All these things you have done and have planned sound great and seem bullet proof.
Sincerely,
Ryan Mah
Leonardo Martin
English 1A
9-9:50 A.M.
Dear President Obama,
President Barack Obama I respect what you are trying to accomplish with all of the different policies that you and your cabinet have created, but at this point in time it has been all talk and not much action. You gave the people of the United States this notion of hope, but everyday there is no change and that hope is fading away slowly. Only time will tell if these changes that you promised the American people will come true. Its 2010, and actions need to come at a much faster rate than before, but I don’t think you fully understand that because your actions show this. Honest working people are working day and night just to survive and I don’t think that these people can wait any longer. They are losing everything that they have worked so hard for. This country is failing them. You took this job knowing exactly what was going to come with this job. You created these high expectations in the minds of many Americans and you have nothing to show for it.
People are tired of being lied to. People are tired of false promises created by Politicians. “And if there's one thing that has unified Democrats and Republicans, and everybody in between, it's that we all hated the bank bailout”(Obama). Republicans and Democrats will never be unified they cant even compromise on the issues that matter the most. The American people are sick and tired of hypocritical actions by Politicians. History has taught us that the struggle is what creates change. Many individuals have become fed up with this Government and if change does not come fast enough the people will create the change without the help of this failing American Government. I fully understand that it is not your fault. You as a President have certain priorities and certain powers. Congress needs to help generate measures that will help advance the whole state because they are the ones that represent the people.
Sincerely,
Leonardo Martin
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-state-union-address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kYW_fgaDDM&feature=player_embedded
Responding to Ryan Mah
I fully agreew with what you mentioned in your letter. Only time will tell if all these promises that President Obama mentioned will come true. Hopefully the change that we were promised is near us.
Hi M.R president my name is mokhtar mohamed and i am from Yemen which is a countery in the Middle East. I saw your State of The Union Address which was really clear. I observed based on your speech that you dedicate your effort to do what you promised as a president of the U.S.A, even though there are a lot of challenges that face you. By your addressing what you have achieved since you became a president and what you are planning to do, I realize that you are going in a good direction.
I am really glad to hear you talking about the economy and what the government should do to refresh the economy. You said, "We need to export more of our goods. Because the more products we make and sell to other countries, the more jobs we support right here in America". This is one of your many steps to refresh the economy and this is the change that you promised. People that voted for you will be so delighted to see that their president created more jobs, especially those who are affected by the economic crises.
I am so proud to hear you talking about the solution to American wars and how to rebuild the U.S. relationship with these countries. The good action that you took in this sake is start the process to end the war in Iraq as you said and the American soldiers will come back soon to their families.
Zaidea Magpoc
English 1A 9-9:50am
Dear Mr. President:
I am one of those Americans that were greatly affected by the recession. I have been working in the mortgage industry for the past 8 years. And I have been unemployed for almost a year. I am not in to politics, and it is my first time to hear a State of the Union Address. I admire your honesty and candor in your speech. There are a few things that you said that made an impression to me.
I like the fact that you said that you want to improve the quality of our schools. You said that we have to inspire students to excel in school. When you said, “Best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education”, I totally agree on that with you. I entered the workforce right after I graduated high school. I tried to take some classes while working to support myself financially but it came to the point that it was too much for me. Now that I am unemployed, I feel that if I’ve graduated from college and received a degree, I may still be employed today. I learned my lesson the hard way. And while it’s not yet too late, I am back to school and working towards my AA degree. I hope that I will be able to see the fulfillment of the increase in Pell Grants and take advantage of the tax-credit.
And I am affected with the health care issues as well. When you said, “I took on health care because of the stories I've heard from Americans with preexisting conditions whose lives depend on getting coverage; patients who've been denied coverage,” I am affected on this one too. After I lost my job, I didn’t get COBRA for my health insurance because of the costs. When I applied for a private health insurance, I was denied because of my pre-existing conditions. I look forward to the time that I will be able to have my health insurance and see a doctor for my illness.
You’re right when you said that, “Starting in 2011, we are prepared to freeze government spending for three years.” That is fair enough! Everyone is on a budget and so should the government, especially what they’re spending is the people’s money.
I believe that no matter how hard you try or any human government, you can only provide temporary solution to our problems. We’re all imperfect humans and we can only do so much.
Sincerely,
Zaidea Magpoc
Shewit Michael
Wanda Sabir
English 1A
8-8:50AM
Dear President Obama,
It's been a year since you've been in office and there are certain things in your "State of Union" speech that I would like to address. Obama has been taking advantage of America's vulnerability, and that's not cool. He gives Americans hope that things will get better, but in reality it's the opposite.
This recession has created a lot of of frustration and pain to the American people. You've stated in your speech that there was an increase of job oppurtunities after the Stimulus Bill was passed, but there has yet to be any obvious progress. As you states in his speech, "change has not come fast enough." You gave Americans hope that things will get better, but we have yet to see a difference. If anything things are getting worse.
School budgets is a huge issue in America. You express that success in schools should be funded rather than failure. But when school budgets are being cut, that lessens the opportunity for a student to succeed. With less classes available and less resources available, how are students able to reach their full potential. Students who are worthy of universities cant go because of financial reasons, then they have to turn to community colleges. Then those resources and opportunites are being cut. How is this rewarding success when you are cutting the many resources needed to succeed?
Another subject you touched on in your speech was the necessities for sanctions on certain countries due to the threat of nuclear weapons. You are afraid that nuclear weapons might be put in the wrong hands, putting America in danger. This is a particularly touchy subject because santions were put on my country, Eritrea. They were put on Eritrea because you believed that we were supplying Somalia with arms shipments. There has yet to be any valid evidence to back these santions up. If the sanctions put on Eritrea were based on lies, then the other countries that were mentioned in you speech like North Korea might be sanctioned on lies as well. But did you ever stop to think that maybe these santions could kill a nation? You want to help improve the world but these sanctions stop food and other necessities from entering the country. What is this going to solve? It's only going to cause more anger and frustration. People looked forward to your presidency and you have dissappointed many people. It may only be your first year, but you have done more damage than improvement so far.
Sincerely,
Shewit Michael
Zaidea Magpoc
English 1A 9-9:50am
Response to Leonardo Martin:
I totally agree on what you wrote. President Obama set those high hopes to Americans. And you are right, he knew what he was getting himself into. People are tired of hearing empty promises. They need to see the fulfillment to those promises and the action to those plans. He really needs to act faster, much faster so that the Americans can see the results.
Shewit Michael
English 1A - 8-8:50 AM
Responding to Ryan Mah
I disagree with you. I have had such an incredible hope for Obama's presidency but now he shows that he hasnt really lived up to his promises. He made too many and too big promises during his campaign that now that he's president, it doesnt really matter. Some of the things he says hasnt been "bullet proof" because his promises are slowly starting to fumble. Did you know that he had a worldwide meeting with the Eritrean community and he promised them that he would leave Eritrea alone in return for their votes? And now we have sanctions put on Eritrea. I just hope he isnt lying about bringing the troops home. Because that is one of the main reasons why people voted for him and if he doesnt follow through with that, then he would truly be a failure.
State of the Union response letter Julian S
English 1a 9-9:50
Dear President Obama,
My name is Julian Shipnuck I am a college student in the Bay area, California.
I am writing you this letter to express my thoughts and feelings on your state of the union. The first thing that I would like to say would be that I believe that you are doing a good job in your position. Notice I said well not great, I heard you go through the list of the taxes that you have cut through the use of the stimulus package. I also heard you talk about making the banks accountable by giving them a fee to pay back to the government, or as you said back to the voters. I like all these things that you were saying, however the thing that I have noticed about positions is that they talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. The most important and problematic part of this recession is, of course the lack of work. I am unemployed as are almost all my friends. It just seems to me that your new jobs bill was the most important and most hopeful statement that you said the whole night. I believe that if you can give the American people an opportunity to succeed financially and in the job market then we will finally become the land of opportunity. In this past year I have seen resolution from friends and peers that I have never seen before, they have a drive to better themselves through school, work, and pure determination. If we can see a president who is honest and truly for the people instead of for the rich and privileged, then and only then will you be doing a great job.
Sincerly Julian Shipnuck
Kimthuy Tran
English 1A
Homework: Letter to the President
Hello Mr. President!
Even though I am not an American citizen, I love your country. Watching and hearing your speech on TV, I admire the US people because they are very intelligence and wise in selecting their leader. From your speech , I realize that you not only have a big love to your fellow citizens but also for people whom you don’t know such as Afghanistan school girls, Iran women, and people in developing countries. With the economic crisis, we all have to confront with thousand of issues, for example, million of people are laid off or lose their jobs, many companies and small businesses have to close, and a lot of homeowners lose their houses. Importantly, life is getting harder for many people in the US, so to find a way that brings the country’s economy out of this crisis is very necessary.
In your speech, you address your policies, and I think these are correct strategies to improve the country’s economy because you say: “I supported the last administration's efforts to create the financial rescue program”. this helps big companies and small businesses that have been slowing down can go back to their tracks. In addition, the US country will export their products in next years .From then, jobs are created, and the American lives become better. Specially, there is a connection of 2 big parties to help the Americans in this recession. However, I disagree with cutting taxes, though reduced taxes is also a factor which can change the economy's issue, for I think this will affect to the GPG, and it will create fraud and corruption.
In brief, I believe that you and the American citizens can go through the difficulties that the economic resession has brought to the US country, for you have a great policies which million of people accept and obey. Furthermore, I wish the happiness will come to you and the Americans
Dear President Barack Obama,
From the very beginning of your speech, I was impressed. In your opening statements, you acknowledged others with much respect before continuing. I belive the people of the United States have chosen the right man with the right intentions and determination to lead and save our country.
Its necessary to be aware of the issues that have gotten us to such a state of disaster.As President, one must have a definate plan in order to eliminate cause of such disaster.In my opinion, you are very aware of and infact skilled at the efforts in which it will take to fix our countries dilema."The bail out was about as popular as a root canal".This statement is humorous yet very true. The bail out lead us to recession but with your efforts we will recover. Since you've been in office, we've recovered money lost by the bail out and are continuing to make financial progress.
The economy has suffered tremendously and the number of people unemployed is at a high. You've addressed this problem and created ways of helping those in need. Extentions on unemployment benefits have been provided and healthcare costs have been reduced. Aide has also been given to students so they can meet their educational goals.
Although I did not address every point made in your speech, I chose to comment on those that have hit home and affected my family and I. My intentions are to acknowledge you and thank you for the help you've provided and faith you've given me. I think you're doing an amazing job at executing such a mission to better our country and make change. This has been and will continue to be a challenging task for any President, but I believe you will succeed.
Thank you for all your efforts,may God bless you and your family.
Ruby Holt-Roth
English 1A
9:00am-9:50am
Dear President Obama,
Although there has been much speculation as to the effectiveness of your administration I feel that you have done the best that could have
been done with the condition of the economy and the enormous
amount of pressure from the American people as well as congress.I like how you related past personal experiences with Americas current condition when you stated that you (free paraphrase1)understand why American families are upset about continuous lack of employment opportunity and that you have observed this strife previously. You said "For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough. Some are frustrated; some are angry. They don't understand why it seems like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded, but hard work on Main Street isn't; or why Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve any of our problems." Many Americans seem to feel frustrated because they think little to nothing has changed thus far but things cannot drastically
change overnight. Americans need to understand that you cannot
wave your magic wand and make everything better instantly; you
must slowly create conditions that will enable the economy to thrive
once again. I have slowly but surely noticed a change for the better. Co-workers and myself took a 7% pay cut in February of last year because of slow business; almost one year later our prior wage was returned due to the drastic increase in business in the last few months. When you focused on the (free paraphrase 2) hundreds of thousands of Americans who currently work in public service who would not have been able to find employment two years ago I felt that this fact should help persuade Americans to see that changes are being made and improvements are ensuing. As for the critics of your current state of leadership; I would like to see them take office in the middle of a financial crisis, recession, extreme debt and crashing stock market and do any better. I feel that with the effort and faith of
the American people combined with the cooperation of congress, we can look forward to a prosperous future and a flourishing economy.
Sincerely,
Ruby Holt-Roth
Response to Ryan Mah
I liked how your letter seemed un-biased and was based more on fact rather than opinion. I liked your statement about college, "Going to college is to better yourself and your education, not to hold you back in the future." I definitely agree that the cost of college is inhibiting students from reaching their full potential and Obama's plan to lower tuition costs and decrease the monthly payment on student loans seems highly beneficial.
Constance to Kimthuy Tran
I chose to comment on this response because I was curious to how someone from another country feels about this change in Presidency. From reading your letter, I understand that you are in fact in favor of Barack and have some of the same beliefs that I have. We both admire his way of speaking and enthusiasm. I liked how you referenced several of his statements and the importance of his delivery.The "Hello Mr. President" was catchy too. I enjoyed reading and recieving your thoughts.
Sideeq Islam
January 31, 2010
Engl. 1A 9:00- 9:50
State of the Union Address Response
Dear President Obama,
My name is Sideeq Islam. I am a Muslim non-partisan 41-year-old “African American” community college student. I am married with 5 children and a grandson and involved in my community as a leader. I had the opportunity of viewing your State of the Union Address via a You Tube posting. I feel it necessary to make myself perfectly clear by saying that I don’t believe that one man can solve all of the problems in America especially in the office of President, over a short period of time, when so many a have helped to create these obstacles over decades. I will however say that I believe that you are doing an excellent job given what you have to work with and all that stands against you. As we can see in your meeting with the Republican Representatives, there is plenty standing and sitting against you.
With technology at our fingertips we have the opportunity to view a public address such as this and really focus on the areas that affect out lives. We can also “surf” and in seconds see if what is being said to us is true or false. When you talked about eliminating capital gains tax for small businesses I was thrilled and paused the You Tube presentation I watched by way of a Play Station system. I sat for a minute and pondered as to what this would mean to me. I wondered if it extends to my stock investments since I don’t make more that $250,000 per year. In the beginning of your speech you noted that the markets had stabilized and had I not known because of my daily involvement in the stock market I could have easily checked this statistic with a simple Google search. Your impressive recounts of the provisions afforded due to the “Recovery Act” have given me a new piece of policy to learn more about. I’m sure I can “Ask” about it.
Education is a focus that many believe you are leaving out. I believe that with the policies that are in place as well as the proposals that you are attempting to pass that there are plenty of ways for a focused and creative community to overcome its education deficiencies. Small business has to support education. As you stated, “…the price of college tuition is just one of our burdens…”, but if you “pass a bill that will revitalize our community colleges” that would be a huge stepping stone toward recovery.
I remember the end of my high school stay and my plans for college being spoiled by Reaganomics. When I look back at the era I can see opportunities for myself, even in his system of government. The only thing missing was someone to show me how. It’s time for our community leaders to step up and really lead. Those who understand the political agendas as well as the economy must make the connections between current and future policy and how one can prosper. For those in my position and dealing with my kind of problems I will say that with the tax breaks for students and small business owners along with financial aid and loan incentives that we can place ourselves in a better financial light now and in the future.
What you propose Mr. President is in no way Reaganomics. Though I can’t claim to understand every single policy you’ve presented, I can say that I don’t feel let down. Sometimes you have to look in a man’s eyes and know in your heart that he is doing the right things. Evil intentions come to the forefront and are exposed by a relentless truth. I trust in what our Creator has given us and if we are mistaken Mr. Obama then He will show us the way. No, one man can’t make the changes necessary for the recovery of our nation, but if we all pitch in, great things can happen. I pray for guidance for all of us.
May the Peace that only G’d can give be upon you.
Sideeq Islam
Jeff Cornelius
History 1A
0800-0850
State of the Union Letter
Dear President Obama,
First I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to address congress and the nation. With that said I would like to let you know about some of the thoughts I had about the speech both good and bad, and some of the issues I had with it. I would like to talk about Tax cuts with record spending, keeping jobs in America, and Education. With my topics listed I would like to state that I am not an expert by far in any of these areas.
During the speech I heard a whole lot about cutting taxes. While I am all for this I also heard a good amount of spending on new programs, from giving 30 billion to community banks to lend to small businesses, to the government sponsored health care plan, to extending unemployment so America can get back onto its feet. While I am no economist I don’t see how America can go on spending in a deficit so large. While I am not hugely political I do pay attention to current events and try to fathom how these current times are going to affect me. And I would like to create an example to show you how I see the problem. If you cut taxes that would be the equivalent of me cutting my income. And yet you increase spending that would be me continuing or increasing my debt. Eventually in both situations you will run out of money or investors willing to take the risk to lend you money. I just don’t see how this can be sustainable.
Second, probably the most resonating remark during the whole state of the union address was when you spoke of not offering tax incentives or even raising taxes for companies that outsource American jobs to other countries. I think this has been a huge down fall of the American economy in the recent future. First we are taking jobs away from well qualified citizens and sending them to other countries for inferior service. In addition we are just raising the profitability of large corporations who can afford to set up the infrastructure to accomplish sending these jobs overseas. I think a possible solution to this crisis would be to offer some sort of incentive to companies that bring back the out sourced jobs back to the United States.
Lastly I would like to Say that I agreed with you whole heartedly when you said. “The best anti poverty program around is a world class education.” That is something I have learned over the years too. A high school diploma no longer gets you a good job or any job for that matter. I think your national competition between schools where you reward success and not failure is also an interesting idea. I just hope that it doesn’t leave behind any students who are not able to attend some of the more successful schools.
In conclusion I think you have an immensely challenging job ahead of you, and don’t envy some of the decisions that you have to make. I would like to give you an analogy. America is like a huge battle ship, it takes a long time to get it turned around. While you are attempting to get this great nation turned around please listen to all Americans not just the ones that fit into the programs and policies that are in your agenda.
Jeff Cornelius
English 1A
0800-0850
In response to Phil Redd's letter to the president. Phil you are on the mark on so many of your points. Unfortunately so many Americans do not think like you do. They want something for nothing and that has us where we are today record unemployment, and welfare. While I don't think we as a country could go to the extremes that you speak of I do think we could definately scale back the government, they produce nothing, but consume so much.
Kimthuy Tran
English 1A
Respond to a student’s letter
Hello Jeff Cornelius!
You are a great writer, your letter is clear, and it is easy to understand your ideas. With State of the Union Letter, our thoughts are similar, for I also think that “ Tax cut” will brings unbalance income and rising debts for the country.
January 29, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I think that your speech was great and what it contained was what people needed to hear. It is not something that they just need to hear, but also something that they need to come true. You are right it is hard to trust someone of the Presidency because of all the false promises that people have been given. I am glad that you are going to try and have been trying to do all the things that you have promised. Hopefully, you will not be like the other presidents and actually will make a difference in this world. People are tired of trusting people that just keep lying to them. Trust is something that is needed in order for us to have a better bond.
It is about time that the people in Iraq are now going to be able to come home. They should be home with their family and should be helped, since they have helped keep the people of the United States free. I think that you did very good in not spending so much money on wars because I don’t think that are necessary for this long. Having peace with other nations and people is exactly what we should do. This will help out to make sure that there are no more wars. It is important to know that we will have arms for just incase something happens. The better security in the airlines was a perfect idea because of how the person was caught during Christmas and nothing happened.
Attending college is really having a big effect on people especially when some cannot afford it. The interest that students have to pay back is pretty high and something that makes people want to commit to this. Its hard enough paying the tuition without having to worry about paying books. The books that are being sold in the bookstore are so expensive.
Some students cannot receive financial aid although it is needed. I think that it is a great idea that you have about helping people, so that they wont have to pay so much interest and that it will be forgiven after a few years. It was not a good idea to have the tuition of attending school good up because it made it harder for students to be able to pay the tuition. Personally, I like the idea that you have about how people should not stop going to school once they have finished High School. These people would have to keep attending school in order to get a better job. It encourages people to have to further their education, which education is the most important thing.
Jobs is something that is greatly needed by many people, because so many people have lost there jobs. Not only that many businesses have been closing and the amount that people are being paid is very little. People that used to be working in big offices are now trying to get any job that they can. It is to the point that many people have lost their homes and are now homeless. We really are in a great recession and that is something that has to be stopped.
It was good how you have being trying to get more jobs for the people that have lost their jobs. Obama said,“ One in 10 Americans still cannot find work” (p1).[Actual Quote/ signal phrase] That is something that is greatly appreciated and needed. There are still a lot of people that need jobs and it’s a great idea that you are trying to make that possible by having people work on things that need to be built. Obama stated that, “By the U.S. making more of the goods we need in this and other economies, it would help so that the U.S. would have more jobs” (P4). [Free Paraphrase] I think it is a perfect idea to have more thing being made in the United States so that more people have jobs. Not only that the United States would be making money off of what is being sold to other people. Buying things from other country’s because it is a lot cheaper is not helping out the U.S.
The Haiti earthquake was a big tragedy that destroyed the lives of many people.
These people have lost everything that they had and many have died. It is wonderful to hear that so many people are donating money, as well as, things to help Haiti. That is exactly what is needed and shows that people are not only thinking about themselves.
The banks really did make a lot of the recession occur. Obama thinks, “Bank owners who were paying themselves so much money, when there wasn’t that much to start with, should now give that money back to the people that helped them when they were in need” (P2).[Free Paraphrase]. The money that was taken from them should be used to help the people.
Obama states that all people in this country need health insurance and that is why he is trying to make it affordable. [Signal Phrase] Since, it is so expensive not many people are able to get it. It is a lot harder to get health insurance when one is not working. If something were to happen, then the bill to pay would be very expensive. I think it is a great idea that President Obama has maid it easier for people to get health insurance.
It is important that the rights of people should not be violated. People should be able to attend the armed forces if the want to help there state. They are not trying to do anything wrong. All they want to do is protect their country.
President Obama is doing a good job and has been doing what he said that he would do. Obama is not saying that the things he is trying to change, is going to change right away.
Sincerely,
Arely Razo
Work Cited
“Text: Obama’s State of the Union Address.” New York Times. 27 Jan 2010. P1-11
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/us/politics/28obama.text.html?pagewanted=1
Arely Razo
Professor Sabir
English 1A
1 February 2010
Response to Shewit Michael
I liked what you letter said to Obama. You were straight to the point and may have told him things that I don’t think he would have liked to hear. A lot of the things that you are addressing are true. Only thing is that some people now have been able to get jobs, not as many as are need but there are more. Obama really has to do things a little faster than now because of the recession that is going on. I think that a person that is at fault with most if not all the things that happened was President Bush.
Dear Barak Obama,
I will admit from the beginning I had my doubts about your ability to run as president, but from the time you took office up until now you have made my fears and anxieties disappear. I admire the way you handled your new responsibilities while in the middle of two wars and a economic down fall. I know it could not have been easy to handle those things and the regular duties of being president with everyone breathing down you neck because we were at the brink of a second depression.
One quality that I find in you is that you don’t always go with the popular decision; you go with what is best for everyone. For example everyone was against the bank bail out but you decided to bail them out anyways. Of course it was the banks fault that they were in that position but you still decided to help them out which has turned out to be a great decision. Not only has most of the money been repaid, but jobs were saved and created. Right now Americans biggest concerns have been unemployment. I believe your new jobs recovery act will really help lower the rate of unemployment. Entrepreneurs will finally be able to get the loans they need to start their own businesses which in effect will create more jobs.
Another area that you touched on during your State of the Union Address was revitalizing community colleges. Like you said, a high school diploma is no longer enough to get a good paying job, furthering your education is the only way to succeed in this day and age. Also by lowering student loan and giving tax cut benefits will really help our nation in the short and long run. Education is essential and our future depends on the youth of today. I agree with you when you said “ no one should go broke because they choose to go to college.” I’ve seen people get neck high in debt because they were taking out loans to pay for school and they end up paying it off for the next 30 years. This is not the way it should be. Going to college is to better yourself and your education, not to hold you back in the future.
I like how you will give tax cuts to those not as well off as other financially. Oil companys and large corporations don’t deserve tax cuts because there income is already sky high in my opinion which is why I think this is a great idea. There is truth in the saying “the rich get richer while the poor get poorer”. What you are doing will help go against this.
Hopefully with you at the steering wheel this country will be better than it ever has been before. All these things you have done and have planned sound great and seem bullet proof.
Sincerely,
Ryan Mah
Eng.1A 8-8:50 AM
Abtisam Kaaid
English 1a
Dear President Barak Hussein Obama,
Congratulations, on becoming president of The United States of America. I am pleased to inform you that you are doing a good job. Given all the circumstances, with a family and a nation on your shoulders. I know it will be difficult after the Bush Administration had corrupted our nation for the past eight years. It will take more then one year to clean it all up. I know you have planned a lot for this nation; change will not be easy but you cannot do it alone. I believe that in time we will become more powerful and our nation will work side by side to help concur it all.
“These are some struggles our great nation have faced, struggles are the reason I ran for president ”._Obama
As you said, 2009 was one of the most difficult year in our history. One out of ten Americans were not able to find work. Thanks to your stimulus plan and 95% of taxes cut, now 18 million Americans have employment, and 8 million Americans are attending college. President Obama, the reason why people appreciate you so much is because you are one of the people. Everyone hated The Bank Bailout even you. I know you will do what is necessary for our nation.
“Number one focus in 2010 will be more jobs”. _Obama
You are providing 30 billion dollars to small business owners, so that they can have a chance to support their communities. Millions of American will be able to support each other without the fear of taxes. You are defending our nation and renewing our focuses. We do not want to relive the past. You are promising to end the war and hopefully all troops will be out of Afghanistan, by July 2011. You’ve gave us your word and hopefully you will hold your self accountable.
“Spirit lives in the people of our nation”. _Obama
You have great confidence and I believe that you will succeed. Keep your focus on the big issues and give the people what is necessary.
God bless America Thank you..
January 29 2010
Dear President Barack Obama
I would like to congratulate you on how well of a job you are doing with our nation. While being the president has not been an easy task because of the way that out former president left things, you have been trying to help the middle class. While there are many sides to every story, I believe that our nation had been in trouble for the past eight years and our government did a good job hiding it from the Americans.
Even though there have been many Americans who have lost their job, the simple fact that you are trying to help out and trying to create jobs for them is amazing. During your speech you focused on the trying to create more jobs in 2010, I believe that it will be accomplished. But it can not occur if our nation and community are not willing to lend a hand to those in need.
While you also focused on the war over seas, I want to believe that you are our president will have them back home in 2011 like you had originally promised. They deserve the right to come home to their families, who suffer everyday by not knowing if they loved ones are okay. Our troops are on the front line defending our country, but this war has been carried out for a long time and we need to put an end to it.
I believed in the change and counting on you as our president to keep your word.
Sincerely,
Catalina Martinez
English 1A 9:00-9:50
Comments from:
Phil Redd (MTWTH 8-9am)
Thanks for all the comments. Seems like alot of you don't like my "harsh" stance against Obama. If I had more room to write, I would have a lot more to say, and probley offend some people in the processes.
It was hard to pick one person to comment, Most people seem to think he is doing a great job and takes what he says at face value. My responce to that is, just because we have a charasmatic, young, black president doesn't mean the rules of politics has changed. If he was a crotchety old white man making the same choices, I would be surprised if he would get the same amount of support.
Polls show 60% of americans belive Obama's decisions are bad for the country. I am disapointed so few of my fellow classmates can see the man is a menace.
I would like to remind people that the speach is called State of the Union. He spent little time talking about the dismal state he put us in. Instead he focused all his time applogizing, and making more false promises of a facist/socialist nature.
To the top Obama supporters: (Abtisam Kaaid, Ryan Mah, Ruby Holt-Roth, Veronica Flores, Tia Gusman, Romina Sarmiento, James Barker, mokhtar mohamed, Crystal Cortez, Christopher Kerr, Adriana Ultreras)
Can you name 1 single decision so far that this man has made that has been good for the United States...just 1. I bet you can't. Or name 1 single action that this man has performed overseas that has been good for the US...just 1.
I can name a few superfisical things, but apon closer inspection, they haven't gone into effect, or have so many loopholes they do more harm then good. A perfect example, Obama’s much aplauded declaration to “ban” torture and his commitment to close down detention facilities are chocked full of loopholes and hidden clauses designed to allow such practices and premises to be continued.
Don't forget Obama orgins are in a city with a long history of corruption. Chicago, the city of Al Capone. Even George Ryan, the man who was governer of Illonis during his campain, is serving a 6 and half year jail term for corruption.
Jon Howell
English 1A
8-8:50
Dear Mr. President,
I appreciate the steps that you are taking to reassure the American people. It is not a spectacular time to be president. At the same time there’s never been a better time to reassure the rest of the world that America is led not just by rich white politicians, but rich black politicians too. You’re a great speaker and I really enjoy how much hope you inspire in Americans. Listening to you draws tears from my eyes when I consider how much of a farce American life is. We live in a world that depends on constant economic growth despite limited resources. We live in a country that can only produce agricultural goods with steep government subsidies and illegal laborers. Our export market mainly consists of those goods and hazardous waste. The line between rich and poor grows finer every day as white collar thugs on Wall St loot corporations at the expense of Main St employees.
You formally address our export conundrum by proposing we export twice as much over the next five years? Export what? I don’t understand how an increase in agricultural exports could strengthen the economy or create new jobs. Our farms are mostly owned by a conglomeration of a few entities. They are factory farms wholly supported by government subsidies and mostly operated by illegally contracted migrant workers. They’re not making profit on these crops; they are only making money because you’re the one paying them.
Alternative fuels are a great investment. As you say, “…the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation.” That sounds so great. If we could develop completely clean coal, where would the coal come from? Mountains flattened in the Appalachians? If we developed a better bio-fuel would we be burning our food or our own environment? If we develop solar panels are we going to be able to export them at a competitive price in the world market? We simply can’t maintain the standard of living that Americans have become so comfortable with. Families shouldn’t have more cars then people in them. We’re polluting our water to make computers that are obsolete by the time they hit shelves. If every single person in the world used a condom to throw out every single time they had sex, where would they all come from and where would they all go? If we could build prisons and recruit more police in every town across America we could create more jobs. All of these things create jobs but they just dig us deeper and deeper into a world of scarce resources, less freedom, and we’re running out of space for all the garbage.
You are a brave man to tackle health care. We’ve been far behind the rest of the 1st world for many years. You say it’s not something you bring up because it makes you look good. You said you’d try to protect the uninsured and small businesses by offering an affordable health care plan and helping people avoid getting shafted by the shady insurance companies. I commend you for touching on this where few politicians have dared. You seem to genuinely care about the American people. Our health care system has gone the way of our economic system; gutted by goons from insurance companies, pharmaceutical industries, and biotech firms. The few that still have access to health care are afraid to lose what they have by helping those who don’t. Where else can drug and snake oil peddlers bombard us with advertisements when we can’t even prescribe ourselves their products? When we buy private insurance we’re paying the administrative costs of private insurance employees that are contemplating dropping us for emergency visits? Or we’re not affording anything and we’re paying with our poor credit when we can’t afford the emergency room. Our public hospitals pick up the tab and are on their own downward spiral. So if we can’t have a real change in the direction of scrapping capitalism and just helping each other without money, false change and reassurances will at least put some at ease.
Regards,
"I am a proud Liberian and a conservative"
Don't worry Phil, I'm sure one day you'll be the most conservative librarian of all.
This is a letter to Mr. Phil Reed:
The problems that have occurred with the United States have had a dramatic change within our own society. Obama has recently admitted that the problems that have surfaced in regards t the budget and the financial deficit come from the past administration and he inherited the problems of the past. Sure, you can say that his popularity is the lowest of any president according to the people of the country. Yet, is that state is to be said, and then it is very ambiguous to say that all presidents are the best. To the point I’m trying to reach is the following; President Obama, even thought he is a politician, He cannot change what has happened in the past 8 to 10 years to the country in just 365 days. Trillions and trillions of dollars have been invested into a war that hasn’t ended in W. Bush’s term and the CIA is still trying to find Bin-Laden. It is a waste of this great country’s economy to track down inferior problems. Also, that is not Obama’s fault; it is George W. Bush’s fault!!!! And the people who voted for BUSH!
Plus, I don't believe that someone like you nor I have the power to say that someone "FAILED". He has only been in office for just one year. What can you do in one year without spending no money at all???
From Miguel Guerrero-Gonzalez
Jon, Do you know you called me a librarian?
-Phil
oh my bad yer just mispelling my mispell. Yeah I ment libertarian :P
Dear President Obama,
Your address to the State of the Union reprimands all the concerns of America.
You touched all the issues that Americans care for the most with possible solutions
and a vision of the future. You’ve come up with solutions but seems that we have more problems than before.
You proclaimed that what we would go through various challenges day to day. You urge the States to forget their differences and come together as a country for the sake of its people. However, there is some suspicion that you expect the Union and Congress to blindly trust your verdict. But most of your concentration is primarily focused on the middle class. It is obvious that you’re trying to help the struggling families which is very gracious for a President to do. But the increases of government involvement will only makes things even worst. I understand that a majority of people in America needs help but I do not believe that we need the government engaging in our everyday lives.
You care about your people, the economy, and jobs that benefit the country.
I believe your heart is in the hopes for the future of America and that you have the best intentions for this country. I personal believe if your hearts in anything you can achieve the impossible. Only good can come from the heart. You have made progress and evaded a depression. Now I bet you have saved millions but personally it’s been harder for me. Education is getting expensive, taxes are increasing and budget cuts are just making it all that more difficult for a proficient education. As you said in your address that, “Tax cuts are happening throughout all departments.” But taxes are steadily rising and I can only seeing it getting worst. Earn our trust and you will be forever known as one of the Great ones. That truly stood for his people.
Joshua Duong
Eng 1A 8-8:50 am
I believe that Obama is doing a fair job as the President currently. He hasn't done anything that was extraordinary, but he is doing his job as the President and not letting the economy slip into a deeper hole than it is already in. I believed that he done some good, but he has also had some mistakes. For instance, I think that he passed his stimulus package way too fast without looking critically for any tiny cracks and flaws in the bill. Also, I think that rushing the health care plan was not such a good idea at this time because of the added expenses. From the beginning, I didn't think that Barack Obama would do anything ground breaking on the economy, but felt like maybe, by the end of his term, can level the economy out and pull us out of the ditch that former President George W. Bush put us in. So, to put it frankly, I think he is doing a good job.
Catalina Martinez
Professor Sabir
English 1A
Response to Arely Razo
While you mentioned the fact that president Obama is adding security to the airlines people are still getting by the extra security and people are still in danger. While president Obama is not "spending" money on the war, the simple fact that we are still over seas means that we are still spending money for the war. President Obama might not come out and say "hey we are still spending money on the war," doesn't mean that we aren't spending money.
What you said about college students not being able to afford college, is very true. Even with finical aid there are many people who cant afford to buy the books and or pay for their classes. As you are not a big believer in going to the work force right after high school is not good, unless you have some college education, I feel the same way that you do about that college students do need help to pay for college things. We are the future and we need help.
I do believe that jobs are scares and there are many people without jobs. WE NEED MORE JOBS!
While you spoke of very controversial subjects I do agree with some things that you said.
Miguel Guerrero-Gonzalez
8-8:50am MTWTH English 1A
Dear Mr. President,
In revisiting the past of United States, from the American Revolution to the Great depression to the powerful civil rights movement, it has come to my attention that we live in a screwed up world. Not only have we had individuals that dislike the progress of colored leaders such as Che Guevara, Salvador Allende, Martin Luther King Jr., and you and me. Since we are great leaders in this country amongst other people, we have managed to gain opposition. One idea that I can revisit is the war on Iraq and how we are trying to track down terrorist to end the attacks on this beloved land. Yet, even thought we are trying to fight against individuals across seas, we still have terrorist within our on society. Please keep in mind that the word, “terrorism” has many definitions other than just murdering a vast number of people. I am not trying to insinuate that our past president was a terrorist and the CEOs of the companies that have vaporized our money for their own profits are terrorists. Those are individuals that have betrayed not only the people in our communities but also have embedded our grassroots of life into the epic mix of our current financial situation. As I will paraphrase from one of your speeches that you have had in the past, you have stated the following after thinking about the situation in regards to our recession, “I didn’t start the problem, I inherited it, from the past government.” To me, you are doing the best you can and in the position that you are in, you are truly a leader to many other people and me. Since you are doing 100 percent of the work for us, and since we are a huge population. The only thing we can do to change the future is to follow your moves for the future.
Sincerely,
Miguel Guerrero-Gonzalez
Sideeq Islam
02/03/10
Engl. 1A 9:00 – 9:50
Wanda Sabir
Response to Phil Redd
Dear Mr. Phil Redd.
This is in reference to only a section of what you regurgitated all over your blog entry. You said, “Don't forget Obama orgins are in a city with a long history of corruption. Chicago, the city of Al Capone. Even George Ryan, the man who was governer of Illonis during his campaign, is serving a 6 and half year jail term for corruption.” (Comments from: Phil Redd) I wonder if Phil Redd is really a person or a play on words describing someone who “Feels Angry”.
Any day Phil, I will take the charismatic dreamer from the city of Chicago with its corruption and dark history over a careless warmonger from the state of Texas with the destruction of people as it's claim to greatness. Hell yes, I "remember the Alamo!”
The fact is that I can go to any street, city or state in the U.S and show you a history that makes the entire country seem corrupt. Therefore anyone from here can, by the rest of the world be considered untrustworthy based on your theory that President Barak Obama's resident city's history automatically makes him corrupt. So as you sit in your "Oakland" community college classroom and dictate hatred without reporting a single fact that supports any wrong doing, keep in mind that you by your own rules should not be trusted at all. You can't just state your opinion and then throw in a convenient Obama quote without giving accounts of your claim, unless you're lobbying for a FOX news position.
Let's keep it real. It doesn't matter what President is in office if Americans don't take advantage of whatever opportunities exist. President Obama just got started with a comprehensive restructuring of a system that almost destroyed us and we want to see results from him in our own personal lives immediately. Simply remaining the same and failing to shift with changes is a recipe for our disaster. We fail to look at the modifications and make an adjustment that would allow us to prosper within the new structure. For example, as the President focuses on improving small businesses, those of us who are dissatisfied employees should be seeking a means to shift to entrepreneurialism. This would allow tax credits and other funding that equal increased income/ revenue. Let's give the man a chance. At least we know the illegitimate war in Iraq will be over soon and our markets are improving (DOW JONES up from the high 6k's to over 10k). We know that world leaders that wouldn't lend President Bush an ear will sit and discuss policy with President Barak Obama (Nobel Peace Prize recipient). Who has legitimately brought something to the table that is better than what he is doing and also different from what got us into this trouble in the first place?
I hear people yelling, “What about the homeless and the unemployment rate?”, as they step over bums lying on cold city sidewalks. When we look around at those worse off than us and blame the Administration for not doing anything we have to ask ourselves one question--What am I doing? The cold honest truth is that if America is as "F'd up” as many claim it to be and we call ourselves Americans...? The change has to start in our neighborhoods and homes. If we wait for a President to set it off, what happens after his term is up and we get a new one with new ideas?
So yes Phil, the political games are gonna be played and when the cameras are rolling the dog and pony show will be in full effect. Slandering and bashing only have an entertainment value in the media. And to call someone’s statement a “LIE” without giving one line of evidence is outrageous. So let’s not pretend like we know because neither you nor I can confirm the end of this, until the end of this. The only thing that we can do is find our way during the process.
Inoffensively speaking,
AND STILL HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORD:
THIS IS SIDEEQ
This is Sideeq Islam.
Sideeq Islam
February 3, 2010
Dear Phil Redd,
I hope that you take my previous thoughts as a fun and interesting challenge. I like those who speak their mind even if I disagree. After review of my salutation ("And still..."), I realized that it could be understood as arrogance. It was just a tension breaker so that those reading wouldn't feel weighted by the seriousness of the topic.
Peace to you sir and all other readers.
Lauryn Helling
February 3, 2010
English 1A
Wanda Sabir
Letter to President about Address
President Obama,
When watching your State of the Union Address, i was on the edge of my seat anticipating what you were going to say. I was uneasy about some of the topics that might be addressed as far as our troops over seas, and healthcare reform go. Not even a full ten minutes into your speech, you've succeeded on capturing my full attention when you started talking about how the people of the United Sates share the same desire to get things done. When it came down to it, you opened our eyes in telling us that we all want the best for ourselves and children in the categories of work ranking, school diplomacy, and living situations. You said, "We do not give up, we do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit." Those words are quite powerful when put in the context of what you were inquiring. You realize that everyone's main goal is something similar to another's. You continued your speech with discussing how Tampa, Florida will be working hard to help create more jobs so our goods and services could be safe while also providing important jobs for the struggling and jobless. Seeing how my father was just laid at the beginning of the year, Im beyond thrilled that there might be a chance he could start up work again. While competing with other jobs trying to find the right one and get enough money, it soon came to me that maybe I don't know enough about finances to actually be making my own decisions. Yes, I have parents to help me out to make sure I don't go completely overboard but who's to say that they know exactly what's going on with their own personal finances. When you made it a point to say that the people making financial decisions should be fully educated about what exactly is going, I don't think you could have gone wrong. There is no negative side to that statement. I think that it is a great idea and should be put into action asap. As a student who is currently attending a community college I thought that it wasn't such a bad idea to enforce the long-term goal. To actually put a backbone to the school and the education of the teachers, couldn't be so bad. Education is the one thing that gets you where you need to be. However, a high school diploma doesn't get you very far, but it puts you on the road to success. When you started talking about war you had my undivided attention. As the best friend of a recently graduated Marine, you can imagine how i felt when you said that we will have our troops home by August 2010. The excitement that filled me, was one not to be put into words. As far as your address went, I don't think it could have gone much better. I think that you have your eye on the prize but not just for yourself but for the country and every single individual who lives here. I do understand that this plan can take some time to be put into action and Im willing to wait for the simple fact that that's all I really can do. I hope to never feel the rasp of disappointment with everything you have promised before you were elected and everything you wish to change in your Address. We'll see what happens.
Sincerely,
Lauryn Helling
Cortny Lozano
8-8:50am
2-4-10
Dear President Obama,
I would like to first congratulate you on the election. My name is Cortny Lozano and I'm from California, US. I'm Mexican-American and I am a Democrat. I would have voted for you but I was only 17. I'm very proud to have you as our president. Also proud to be apart of this country and proud to be an American. I have faith in you that you'll bring greatness to our nation. In The 2010 State of the Union Address you covered concerns in America, I'm hoping you'll follow through with your determination to change The United States. I am in college and in this economy it is tough to pay for tuition and books. In your speech, you addressed that in this economy that a high school diploma is not good enough for a decent job. I would like to thank you for increasing pell grants for us who decide to go to college. I am looking forward to the change in progress for us U.S Citizens. I feel you have been serving well as President of United States and I would like you to continue. In this past year, it's been at a slow pace but that is understandable, due to the past eight struggling years. Now a year later, we hope to not only hear change, but to see change as well.
Sincerely,
Cortny Lozano
Cortny Lozano
8-8:50am
Responding to Andrew Yount:
Hi Andrew! I read your letter to Mr. Barack Obama and I certainly agree on your outlook on his progress. In your writing you were very clear and honest about your opinion. Obama has been elected to change our country for the better, and we are waiting for this change to occur. Now a year later, we all our anticipating his promises to be made. I agree with given a year he has had some time, but again this is only his first year and he has to refresh our entire country for Bush's mistakes. Other than that I agree with you a 100%.
John Rawson
Eng 1A
I believe that President Obama has done little to nothing so far. He keeps his answers vague and uncomitive so that I fear he has no real plan on anything. I was as excited as anyone when he was voted into office but I feel I was too optimistic. People are loosing their houses more than ever and he hasn’t even started to generate jobs, infact people are loosing those as well. It has taken him a year to do nothing and we have been very patient but when there is no progress you need specific plans and specific steps to make those plans reality. The President unfortunately seems to be “winging it”.
I am an avid sports fan and I see the President on their more then I see him on CNN. I see him pick the UNC Tar Heels to win for the NCAA men’s tournament but he will not give us a diffinitive answer on health care, or school funding. This has become an common occurrence to see him at different sporting events and every time I think, why is he there instead of working on the national debt. Everyone wants to hang out and go to the Final Four but he has a responsibility. I can allow him the hour of highlights everyone else gets when they get off of work, but in my opinion he’s having a whole lot of off time.
John Rawson
Eng 1A
To Lauren Helling,
I enjoyed reading your response to the President’s address and even though I have a different view point I thought your response was well written. I always like seeing different view points from my own and I hope your optimism proves true with the President.
Sabah Said
Feb.6.2010
English 1A
Mon-thurs
Letter to Obama state of union Address
Dear Obama,
My name is Sabah, and I go to College of Alameda in Alameda California.
I would like to say I admire at the fact that how you want to change history, you told examples of the problems that America been going through. I know you could change America for the better. Eight years America has been sinking, its not easy bring that back up, it takes time. I know Obama that you are working hard. I love how you are going to cut taxes for college students, for working family, small business, first time home buyers, parents trying to care for children. I really look up to what you are doing to help us live better life styles. Also how your fair with what you do for example, “I promised not to just do what was popular but also what was necessary. Making it easier for people to get jobs to support themselves and their loved ones. To have business expand and have more people with jobs. You’re an encouraging person whose only looking for the best in any way you can. I like how you pointed out that both democrats and republicans to work together help America. Women getting equal pay of what their working as. You are showing that it’s a beginning of having changes to our lives, instead of struggling. I appreciate all you have done and will do in the future.
Thank you.
Sabah
Valeria Ramos
English 1A 8-8:50
Dear President Obama,
I'm not really all that big into politics. I've never payed much attention to any of because it just seems really boring. It sounds really dumb on my part because the world needs to have people to make choices but i mean, one person wouldn't really hurt.
I hate it when people say you're not a good president, because of what i am informed on the last president, Bush, you have helped america try to survive the damage the bush administration did to the united states.
I'm happy that you're black. It's not just being black though, it's being something besides white. It gives people a chance and an opportunity to know that race is below everything. That if you want to succeed in life, if you are focused, physical appearances will not even matter
So thank you for giving every one a chance, especially the minorities.
Post a Comment
<< Home