Cyber-Assignment
Post your collaborative essays on the State of the Union here.
Post your collaborative essays on the State of the Union here.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 10:31 AM
Thursday, January 26, 2012
About Me
- Name: Professor Wanda's Posse
- Location: College of Alameda, Alameda, CA, United States
I have a Master's Degree from the University of San Francisco in Writing, and an undergraduate degree from Holy Names College in Humanistic Studies. I write a weekly column for a local newspaper, San Francisco Bay View. I also have an Internet Radio Show: Wanda's Picks http://wwww.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks
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36 Comments:
Kenneth windham
Jaime Mcnair
Sule-kha yussuf
Ngoc Huynh
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
The current state of the union is improving according to president Obama. He has improved in some areas and is working on others. He has other initiatives in the works to achieve “economic revitalization’’. President Obama mentions his achievements in the labor industry. The president goes even further bringing up new ideas, theories and new steps he should take to reach his goal. The president reported the improvements he’s made and the works in progress that have and will revive our economy based on his statistics.
President Obama has accomplishments already under his belt. According to statistics provided by him over 1 million jobs have been created during his presidency. The American Auto industry has been revived bringing jobs back to Detroit and raising General Motors back to profitability and prominence. The president has pulled the troops out of Iraq saving the U.S. billions of dollars. While these achievements are admirable there is still more work to be done.
President Obama is hopeful that he can pass legislation that will increase taxes on the wealthy. He has promised to raise taxes on people who make 250,000$ from 15%-30%. President Obama also wishes to lower taxes on those that make below 250,000$. He has also stated it is his goal to make tuition more affordable for the average family at 4 year universities. He promises to encourage overseas industries to come back to America by giving tax deductions. President Obama has made great strides in the improvement of the economy in America, however there is still more to be done.
Work cited: Obama, Barack H. “State of the Union Address.” 2012 State of the Union. Capital Building, D.C, 25 Jan. 2012.Address.
Jovita Wechsler
Allison Griffin
Hoah Vu
De'janae Bates
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
Jovita Wechsler
Allison Griffin
Hoah Vu
De'janae Bates
Response to president Obama's speech
Based on Obama's speech and what we've grasped from it is that we need major change in education.
What's the point of universities having goverment funding if they continue to increase tuition fees?
During the last few years the tuition fees have increased and students continue to not recieve services that were promised to them. This makes studentss wonder where all the moneybis going,and why nothing has been done to enforce students rights for their education.
While tuition fees are being raised, so are budget cuts. These cuts affect staff shortage,resource shortages such as finacial aid, school supplies, and classroom space management.
If the education system continue to fail students and no effective solutions are put in place current students will become a lost generation with no perspective for the future.
Work cited President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address 25 January 2012
Samantha Swain
Analise Bostrom
Courtny Colman
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
Obama’s state of the union address starts with a recap of our achievements, focusing on the affairs in Iraq: the death of Osama Bin Laden, pulling back our troops, and bringing our soldiers home! After reeling in the audience with tough talk of the war, he turns his focus America’s biggest issue: the economy. He begins with a positive attitude, mentioning certain areas on the rise such as GM and Chrysler, American car companies. Beside these flourishing companies, he speaks of ways we can improve the economy, his main focus: oversea manufacturing.
Obama’s wishes to reinvent the American market. His main goal is to pull manufacturing back to US soils. Manufacturing goods on our own land and exporting them will bring in lots of income, and cut our spending on importing goods from other countries. To encourage companies to manufacture in the US Obama plans to eliminate tax breaks for oversea manufacturers and give them to companies that keep jobs in the US. The decrease in national income from selling our own goods combined with the increase in the national spending on other goods has made a horrible situation out of the economy. We saw this coming and yet no one has actually taken any action until Obama.
The state of the union is a chance for Obama to convince officials and the American population to vote for him for next term. Obama did a great job of highlighting his accomplishments: the death Osama bin laden and bringing troops home. He also pointed out his weakness: using the republican-run congress as an excuse for his lack of actions. His plans for improving the economy and opening up Americas market again should encourage voters to give him a chance to act on it next term.
Work cited: Obama, Barack H. “State of the Union Address.” 2012 State of the Union. Capital Building, D.C, 25 Jan. 2012.Address.
Colleen Low
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
Response to Jovita, Allison, Hoah and De'janae
Yes, I absolutely sympathize about the increase of tuition fees and budget cuts. It is unfortunate that in the year 2012, our country has not placed education as a priority. Education should be free as in some countries. Recently, in the news San Diego State's president will receive $400,000, which is $100,000 more than his predecessor. I believe that the government is trying to cap future increases to only 10 percent. That is still a lot!!! $350,000 will come from the state and the balance is from the school. It doesn't seem fair with the state of affairs happening in the education sector.
Dennis Garcia
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
January 26, 2012
President Barrack Obama gave his State of Union address on Tuesday January 24, 2012, covering very important issues our country faces today. One issue was education, what he plans to do about the massive drop-out rate in our country in high schools, and making tuition more affordable for college students, causing this to create more opportunity for all. Another issue he pointed out was on industries and companies that outsource their jobs, how he plans to stop this and the consequences the owners will endure if they continue to ship their factories to other countries. This, President Obama believes, would surely make our economy better and help us pay off our massive debt to other countries.
President Obama proposed the “No Child Left Behind” bill where he says that everyone in school must stay in school until they either graduate or turn 18. This would prevent the massive drop-out rate and give more and more teens open opportunities with a high school diploma. This would also give them the choice, if they chose to, to attend college, building a brighter future and getting a career instead of just a job. But how will the government enforce the law? Will the teens be incarcerated or fined? The President also discussed how he plans to help college students get thought college without having to pay off so much in loans. A big problem for college graduates is that after they graduate with their degree, they have trouble finding a job but still have to pay their massive debt to the bank for the loans they took out. Their debt increases each year because each year, their interest rates go up. College students can’t file for bankruptcy because they bank and government won’t let them. If they can’t pay off the loans, the bank begins to repo their stuff. Obamas plan is to prevent banks from being able to increase interest rates so that it’s manageable for college students to pay the bank back. Obama also plans to create more work-study programs to let college students afford school easier.
Another issue the U.S is struggling with is that big businesses are outsourcing jobs, meaning sending jobs to other countries, where people and children are forced to work for far below minimum wage according to U.S standards. These people have no other choice but to work for such an outrageous pay because they have to make enough money to eat that day. The reason companies do this is because they don’t have to pay the mandatory minimum wage to people of other countries like they do U.S citizens. But this affects the U.S’s economy because this leaves people who are looking for jobs no jobs to apply to. The President proposes to punish companies by not letting them take tax breaks to ship their factories out of the country. Now they will have to pay more money they don’t want to spend, forcing them to keep jobs here. Then, that will create more job opens to people in the U.S, making the economy stronger.
President Obama plans to do a lot of changes to the country if re-elected, most of which are positive. He plans to stop the economy from getting any worse before we go into the next Great Depression. His proposals and plans to do so are by increasing our average educations levels by not letting anyone under 18 drop out of high school and making college more affordable, and by making industries keep their factories here so people can get hired.
Daniel Escudero-Whitney
James Espinoza
Mike Lieu
Stephen Yang
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
Overall, we believe that President Obama's speech was concise yet uplifting. He conveyed a message of hope and opportunity for creating more jobs in the U.S. by focusing on education.
The President expressed a desire to isolate the good teachers from the bad teachers. He gave an example of some teachers paying out of their own pockets for school supplies just to make a difference. These are the teachers that care. President Obama also mentioned that accountability should be assigned to corporations and manufacturers for creating jobs by working with educators at the community college level in order to teach people the skills they need for jobs right here in the United States.
The President said it will not be easy to bring jobs back to U.S., but he certainly showed us the right path. If we can follow his example, we can ensure our collective prosperity as a nation.
Obama, Barak. "State of the Union." White House. House of Representatives, Washington D.C.
24 January 2012. Address.
Amy Srimoukda
Colleen Low
Adriana Ultreras
Flora Diamond
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
Reformations of President Barack Obama
With reelection just around the corner, President Obama started his speech with all of the great accomplishments he’s done, while he’s been in office. Although, all the problems that our country is facing have not been resolved, the country is working hard on fixing our economy, while still remaining united. A nation that doesn’t discriminate based on skin color, financial wealth, etc. Where we all deserve a fair shot at the American dream. The State of The Union Speech touches on several major problems that Americans face every day, and how he intends to change them. Three main points that stood out in the speech are America's increasing debt, taxing inequality, and work.
America is continuously falling into a tremendous debt. The average statistics show that America is 15 trillion dollars in debt. Obama touches on this topic in his speech, when he focuses on our nation’s housing market and mortgage crash. “We've all paid the price for lenders who sold mortgages to people who couldn't afford them, and buyers who knew they couldn't afford them,” President Obama stated. As a result from the housing market crashing, many people lost their homes and fell into an increasing debt. While this is not the main cause to our nations increasing financial problems, it is definitely adding to it. President Obama said that he will change this by creating regulations that stop irresponsible behavior. With these new regulations, the government will not be able to take advantage of us American citizens as they have in the past.
In order to make taxation fair and equitable, President Obama suggests that passing a payroll tax cut will help alleviate hardships to 160 million workers in America. Though his estimation of $40 each paycheck seems minimal, it could be a tank of gas for the week or a monthly bus pass to work or school. These are the realities that are not uncommon to hard working people in our country. President Obama notes the disparities of taxation amongst the 2% of the wealthiest Americans and contends to set in motion that they pay 30% of their share of taxes, if they exceed one million. In essence, these individualistic citizens use loopholes, deductions and shelters granted by our government presently to pay fewer taxes. Warren Buffet, who is well to do and happens to own See’s Candy (which we all love) has stated these same sentiments and unless something is changed, things will stay the same and this information isn’t a secret. Our president expressed lowering taxes to companies who stay in America, thus change the tax codes for businesses that leave by implementing a basic minimum tax and utilize that portion to help American companies. This is reasonable and equitable. There must be a sense of reciprocity in business and individuals; Those which include millionaires like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Apple investors, actors and rappers etc., which would make for a better environment to all Americans.
Continue to next BLOG
Continued from previous BLOG
Although the job market is promising to get better, at the moment there are still millions of American citizens who are unemployed. As President Obama stated in his speech, there are “many business leaders who want to hire in the US but can't find workers with the right skills”. We must invest in educating the people in America in science and technology. Upon agreement within the group, it is definitely a problem in our country that there are many jobs available, to which each American could obtain. However, the jobs have high criterias to be met, yet there are not enough skilled employees to be hired. Our President gave an example of a single mother and her opportunities, in which she attend school and was taught a skill to become a plant operator. He also had stated that he wanted to have every American looking for a job and that he has his Administration already lining up more companies that would be willing to help and wanting to give more to the community colleges with such things as the resources that are needed to become a community college career center. That being said, the benefits of such are, as President Obama had delivered in the speech, “Places that teach people skills that local businesses are looking for right now, from data management to high-tech manufacturing.” President Obama is bringing to the arena what it will take to create a greater advantage and he realizes, through education, that jobs will be produced with a greater chance of prospects to be sought after.
President Obama has the foresight and ability to make good on his goals, however his constituents seem more concern with their own agendas and are counteractive to helping the people in this country. Sensibility and logic seems to elude the people we placed in power to help govern this country. A leader is more effective based on a team that backs him. The president is looking at the whole picture by looking into our futures and demonstrates through his ideas and actions, by showing due diligence to our financial institutes, reforming taxation and job training. We are the pioneers of innovation and we are capable of superseding expectations, which involves education and in turn creates jobs. It begins now to change what has been broken, to not what it was, but better equally for all. Our president shows his commitment that will create connection, in order to unify all people of America.
Workcited:
"President obama's state of the union address." . N.p., 2012. Web. 26 Jan 2012. .
Kenneth Magno
Ana Vasquez
Professor Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
Fairness in our economy
In President Obama’s 2012, State of the Union Address he talks about many issues that our country is facing today. He speaks of issues that impact our country the most. Such as our jobs, energy, schools, banks and most importantly how taxes are affecting our people and our economy. Although our country is still down in the dumps, President Obama gives us words of hope and motivation for action. To get our country back on it’s feet and be strong, stable and united. Obama emphasizes that all Americans should be treated fairly when it comes to taxing its people. How the lower and middle class are being hit the hardest and the upper class Americans are barely feeling the blow. Fairness in the economy is what our nation needs.
President Obama addresses the truth in his speech. Whether the people like it or not, he speaks of a place where people face many hardships and struggles. Some might feel oppression and blame a single person for being tormented by a unstable economy. Many lower and middle class Americans are being faced with more taxes than ever before. The rich get richer and the poor, poorer. President Obama calls on congress to pass trillions of dollars on new taxes. As he tries to tax the rich more and poor less. But as congress, Republicans and Democrats fail to come to a conclusion. Making it difficult for our economy to stay stable. Making the lower and middle class Americans suffer job loss, losing homes, cuts on education and taxes even longer.
President Obama speaks of passing legislation that will then increase taxs on the wealthy, upper class Americans in the near future. He promises to make higher education more affordable. He is hopeful that many Americans will go back to school to further increase their jobs skills and put them to work in today's demanding job forces. Small business, clean energy, etc. Obama states, “An America that attracts a new generation of high paying jobs; a future where we’re in control of our own energy..”. Obama knows we are in society where mostly everything is based on how rich or how poor you are. But with the budget cuts, it is impossible to improve our society. Obama was able to communicate his feelings about students not being able to have the rights of working, and how they are denying jobs to most of them. He wants everyone to have an equal share, and be able to get paid what a student deserves. Fairness in the economy is what our nation needs.
Work cited: Obama, Barack H. “State of the Union Address.” 2012 State of the Union. Capital Building, D.C, 25 Jan. 2012.Address.
‘Attitude’
Susan Kelly
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
25 January 2012
President Barack Obama presented a great speech in his State Of The Union address on Tuesday, January 23rd in Washington D.C. Present that evening were superior court judges, members of congress, distinguished guests, military leaders and the vice president. Given that this is election year I think there was an opportunity there for our President to not only deliver an update to Americans but to also face challenging opposition, to deliver clear messages and hold people accountable for the whole audience to witness and people watching at home to witness. President Barack Obama’s speech was packed with attitude, I sensed it to be very much the street concept of the word attitude, you know like “yeah I said it, now what are you gonna do about it?” but with an intelligent presidential pizzazz.
To further make my point, here are some examples I believe exemplify what I have stated above about his attitude. President Obama came on strong and he started the speech with talk about Iraq, he said “this generation of heroes has made the U.S. safer and more ‘respected’ around the world”, there was an emphasis on the word respect, the “r” lingered a little bit (I recorded the speech on a VHS tape and was able to rewind and play where I pleased and so I replayed this part a number of times). I feel like he was telling us that if there was a time that our country was perceived as weaker or less powerful since the economic crash, that is changing because we are “more ‘respected’ around the world”. Later in the speech, at 7:09pm to be precise, our President really put it on and stated “America is back, anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, (long pause) doesn’t know what they’re talking about” , one could view this as combative, I view it as, our president RULES!
The war theme continued and the ‘attitude’ to back it up when Obama mentioned Bin Laden, he was showing his muscles a little bit, reminded us that he’s the man! “Osama Bin Laden is not a threat to this country anymore”, he was so confident, so proud as he said this, we’re all proud too. Obama struck a chord in all of us watching and all who were in that room right then, ‘everyone’ stood up to clap unanimously, it was thunderous. I remember May 1, 2011, the night I learned that Bin Laden was officially dead, it was on the news and of course, President Barack Obama delivered the surprising announcement. Coincidentally, I was in New York City that weekend and witness to the immediate reaction of the people there, it was mad joy, within the hour people came together to celebrate in Times Square (I was trying to sleep by now and could hear all the noise from my hotel room). The next morning I had to get on a plane to come back home but not before purchasing a newspaper, I grabbed the New York Post. On the cover was a picture of Bin Laden and in big bold letters: GOT HIM! Vengeance at last! US nails the bastard (it literally says that, actually I still have the newspaper and am looking at it as I write this essay), I brought the paper home for my 10 year old son, who is remarkably mature for his age by the way.
continued on next blog
'Attitude' (cont.)
Susan Kelly
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
I was most convinced that President Barack Obama had a particular demeanor when he continuously aimed at Congress throughout his speech. It made absolute sense that he did target them, since the midterm elections the senate has simply been intransigent, because of their unwillingness to work with our President, last year the U.S. government was very close to a shutdown! His phrasing was pretty consistent, “send me these tax reforms and I will sign them right away”, about comprehensive immigration reform, “send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their citizenship, I will sign it right away”, about expanding tax relief for small businesses “..so put them in a bill and get it on my desk this year” and he goes on like this a couple more times, “send me a bill that… I will sign it tomorrow”. It was almost like he was saying, go ahead I dare you. It was clear President Obama set out to ‘say it like it is’, and he did. I enjoyed watching him speak, I was pleased and entertained but most of all I was humbled. It would be difficult to forget these next words from our President that I will end this essay with, “ But I intend to fight obstruction with action” (for those who watched and appreciated this line as much as I did, read the quote again, you can almost hear him saying it). President Barack Obama delivered a speech packed with attitude and conviction, I believe he will fight.
Thank you for reading.
Akeem Diaz
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
27 January 2012
"Equality of Education"
If you were to go around to local colleges asking students if they thought the current rate of tuition was fair, affordable, and overall equal amongst all students I cam guarantee that you would get a very consistent and common answer and that answer would be a quickly stated “No!” followed by a long list of reasons pulled from personal experience explaining their struggles and disapproval of the current tuition rates. Obama refers to job training programs as a maze of confusing training programs. According to our president unemployment rates are high because many jobs are either outsourced or people don’t have the necessary skills to fulfill specific duties and job training programs aren’t efficient when it comes to training these everyday working citizens. In his State of the Union speech he makes it clear that education reform plays a big role in changing the culture of it all. He believes education reform is long overdue especially in a time where Americans owe more in tuition than credit card debt.
The President had an intense and informative look on his face as he spoke about the solution to one of many problems America is facing, education reform. He wants’ to simplify the job training programs and have it to the point where only have to focus on one program, one website, and place to go to find all the information needed. He say’s that specific change will help people get jobs that are open today. He states “our commitment to skills and education has to start earlier” and follows up his statement with facts about the impact a good and great teacher have on students lives in the long run. It’s a given fact that teachers are very important in the education system so intends on offering schools a deal. Supplied resources, rewards for the best teachers, replace non-effective teachers and let teachers teach with “creativity and passion”. He says Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans on doubling in July and extend the tuition credit. “Higher education can’t be a luxury”. President Obama makes it clear that increasing student is not enough because all that happens is that tuition increases dramatically. All that does is lower the value of the dollar. Obama suggest that the state and colleges must come together to redesign and improve the tuition rates. He insists it all possible.
I watched Obama’s speech before I read it and as I was watching I felt hopeful and less angry and as I read it I knew with a clear conscious that this was the right path for America. At first I simply bought into what he was saying because he seemed so confident but as I read his speech I was able to let all of what he was saying sink in and digest. Not only was his charisma very inspiring but what he spoke seemed so logical and possible. I personally was a fan (not supporter) of Ron Paul but I now realize the only reason why I admired him is because he was taking all of the other republican candidates to school. I thought Ron Paul had the answers do to his die heart liberal spirit but ever since I stepped back and made a careful comparison of Obama’s and Ron Paul’s solution and I know what President Obama has suggested is the definitely the right path. People seem to forget that President Obama did not become President due to hype. He won peoples hearts and gave hope with his plans and I believe he deserves another 4 years to continue what he has started. Allow him to fulfill and back up his promises, education for all.YES WE CAN!
Work Cited:
The White House, Office Of the Press Secretary, January 24, 2012, "Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address", United States Capitol, Washington, D.c
Kathleen Adams
Professor Sabir
English 1A
25 January 2012
The State of the Union Address Review
President Obama addressed twenty-one issues that exist as of today in the United States. He presented a great plan which seems to be on target. As the president was directed to the podium to give his speech, he was greeted by Gabrielle Giffords, the congresswoman from Arizona who had been shot one year ago. They embraced as everyone stood and gave Giffords a ninety-second standing ovation. My eyes began to get teary-eyed. When he started to speak on education and tuition my ears were wide open, and everything else went mute:
At a time when other countries are doubling down on education, tight budgets have forced states to lay off thousands of teachers. We know a good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over $250,000. A great teacher can offer an escape from poverty to the child who dreams beyond his circumstance. Every person in this chamber can point to a teacher who changed the trajectory of their lives. Most teachers work tirelessly, with modest pay, sometimes digging into their own pocket for school supplies just to make a difference. (President Barack Obama January 24, 2012)
Education and tuition cost are on the minds of parents and students, and the president is working diligently to help students receive a good education without becoming broke. He continues to work hard implementing new bills and laws to help parents and students. The president wants to renew teaching to improve pathways for students, because they are the future. All children should have an education which will empower them to thrive in a growing, and competitive economy. I worry about my own children as well. My son will be graduating from high school this year. His tuition is going to start at 24,000 only if he goes to a community college. The president states, “All states require that high school students stay in school until eighteen or until they have graduated from high school” (President Obama).The United States has a dropout rate of 7,000 students a day that is every nine seconds a student leaves school, according to Squidoo. I know several teenagers who have dropped out of high school. Why? They refuse to obey the rules and the teachers. They enjoy the freedom of doing whatever they want. It is not their fault completely; I blame the parents for not taking control and the school for giving choices of independent studies. When I went to high school, we did not have choices. If you did not have enough credits, you were not likely to walk the stage and graduate. Furthermore, schools lose money when students do not attend. What are the consequences when students do not stay in school? Are the parents fined or incarcerated. It sounds great, but, I would like to know what the consequences are. Would this cost money? For an example, when a child goes to juvenile the parent is responsible for the court fees.
Continued....Kathleen Adams
Moreover, the president has acknowledged,” that student’s tuition fees are higher than their credit cards debt” (President Obama). I am a student that plans to transfer and I do not want to be in a situation where I cannot pay off my student loan. Many students have more than 45,000 or more in loans, have graduated from college, and nevertheless have not found work since graduating. They have been forced to work jobs such as: McDonald’s, Target and Wal-Mart.
The president said, “He wants Congress to put a cap on the proposed interest rates on student loans, which will take place in July 2012. In 2011 the president signed a new bill that would limit the maximum amount of monthly student loan repayments at 10% on overall income which starts in 2012. Money owed after twenty years would be entirely forgiven, also military members, nurses and teachers student loans would be forgiven in ten years, only if re-payments were made on time. It is great if you love teaching or nursing and of course if you are in the armed forces.
The president wants to expand the work study program. The work study program is needed at the colleges and universities. Students would like to work on campus, because they could go in between classes or after classes without having to leave the campus. Others need to work just to buy the basics necessities. Creating more jobs on campus will also help students cut the cost of gas, which is constantly increasing and is expected to rise even more this year.
The president increased the Pell Grant amount for students. Students who receive financial aid should have seen an increase on their checks. That is awesome, but the banks are involved, and I cannot say it is awesome anymore. My concern about the banks being involved should be everyone’s concern too. Will they come and repossess your car if you have not repaid the loan, or garnish your check? Let us not forget how they treated some of the homeowners not so long ago, many of them whom have lost their homes.
Lastly, the president made an audacious statement, “stating colleges and universities that continue to raise tuition fees, the taxpayers fees will decrease” Well, I can agree with this, since I have been in school, my tuition fees have increased twice within two semesters. I wrote letters to the former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sandre’ Swanson assemblyman explaining how the drastic budget cuts, has affected my children’s education as well as mine. The president’s primary goal is to empower students so they all can thrive in this ever changing and fast pace technology world. The speech was straight to the point and vibrant.
Works Cited:
Obama, Barack H. “State of the Union Address”. House of Representatives Chambers U.S. Capitol Capital Building, Washington. 25 Jan. 2011.
Obama, Barack H. “State of the Union Address”. House of Representatives Chambers U.S. Capitol Capital Building, Washington. 25 Jan. 2011.
www.squidoo .com
WWW.WhiteHouse.Gov
Mike Lieu
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29, January 2012
Response to: Kenneth Windham, Jaime Mcnair, Sule-kha Yussuf, Ngoc Huynh
The main focus of your essay was the “economic revitalization.” Obama also focused on education. He made points about good teachers, who help young students with financial set-backs by buying supplies from their own pockets. He also stressed higher education. He said “higher education can’t be a luxury” and spoke about increasing student aid and decreasing student loan interest rates. He talked about businesses teaming up with colleges for better job opportunities and specialized education.
Daniel Escudero-Whitney
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29 January 2012
This is a critique of the summary of President Obama’s State of the Union address, as posted by Kenneth Windham, Jaime McNair, Sule-kha Yussuf, and Ngoc Huynh.
It seems that the whole post has exactly the same structure; you are presenting evidence in every paragraph, whereas the evidence for the thesis should be presented in the second paragraph. As a result, it is all blending into one as opposed to being a thesis, evidence, and conclusion.
I think your group tried to cover too many topics. Perhaps it could have been a little more specific to one topic, such as the economic revitalization of the nation. That would have made it easier to follow.
Michael Cunningham
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29 January 2012
"The Economy"
How has the economy changed in the last couple of years and how is it going to change. Obama in his speech is trying to say that it takes time to change an economy and he is trying to do his best. Obama has changed the economy from the past because in the past the economy crashed and we needed to fix it. So Obama found some solutions and is slowly bringing us back up to where we stood before. The economy continues to change and Obama has some solutions he wants to build an economy which is meant to last, and trying to bring back the American promise.
Obama talks about an economy that he wants to last, but what a lot of people don't know is that a lot of presidents talked about an economy they wanted to last. The diffrence between the other presidents and Obama is that he is actually trying to make a change, and actually build an economy that is meant to last. Obama uses examples of how after World War ll the soldiers came back and built a strong economy, and he wants to get an economy like that again. It's easy to say we want a strong economy but it's not enough just to say itwe have to act on it, and that's what a lot of people dont understand. We as Americans have to stand behind him and support him so we can get the economy strong again.
We as Americans have to change, we have to bond together as a unit to stand and help Obama make a change. One man cannot change America by hiself he needs the community to help him out. We all have to find a way to see eye to eye and come up with an economy that everybody agrees with and that everybody can live with. When we come up with that economy and build it nice and strong we Americans will be back on top. When were back on top we will be the top dogs once again and hopefully fulfill Obamas dream and have an economy built to last.
Adriana Ultreras
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
26 January 2012
Classmate’s essay response…
I like Dennis Garcia’s essay. I like when he was discussing the “No Child Left Behind” plan. I like how Obama wants to force all teens to stay in school until the age of 18. But Dennis points out something important, what will happen to those students who don’t listen? Jail or a fine?? I agree that Obama should make students go to school until the age of 18, but how will the other students be punished? I think that instead of punishing the students who dropped out, he should reward all students who actually graduate with a discount for college or some kind of scholarship. Its not always about punishing the bad. Sometimes the good have to be rewarded as well.
Flora Diamond
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29 January 2012
Response to:
Jovita Wechsler
Allison Griffin
Hoah Vu
De'janae Bates
I feel that the essay was rather lacking in content. I also felt like the author's only covered a small portion of the speech from the State of the Union Address.
I strongly advise rewriting the essay for a better grade. Please remember my comments aren't a personal attack, merely constructive criticism.
Amy Srimoukda
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29 January 2012
Response to Jovita Wechsler, Allison Griffin, Hoah Vu, and De'janae Bates.
I wish to hear more into what the speech was really about. If it was more indept with the subject of their choice in what their essay was about. It lacks information, though some things that were pointed out, I definitely agree with. Things such as facts on budget cuts and tuition fees rising. We are all victims of these things. Not only are those the problems but living expenses are also rising. Financial aid is no longer enough for students to live off of and even though many have jobs, they are still struggling. Some must turn to loans, that even after getting it to pass by in life, which will later in life pull them down into debt. Even loans are difficult to get. President Obama also stated that he was willing to have his Administrators help with creating a career center in community colleges to help other student prepare for jobs that are available today.
Susan Kelly
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29 January 2012
Response to Samantha Swain, Analise Bostrom and Courtny Colman
This essay was enjoyable to read in that I was able to follow it easily, I understood the points that were made here. I can appreciate that in this short essay, the President's entire speech was fairly summarized and yet you were able to focus on your thesis. However, I am left wondering why you wrote that our President pointed out his weakness, not why you wrote it but what was the context behind it? To be honest, I didn't, at any point of the speech sense that he made such an implication. But that's just my opinion.
Abel Abyu
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
January 29th, 2012
On Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 US President Barrack Obama presented his third State of the Union address. In it, he unveiled new bills, policy changes and laws that were to be put into effect, as well as proclaiming to citizens and to viewers alike that America is still the "the light to the world." Throughout the speech, members of differing parties applauded Mr. Obama despite recent debates for the 2012 presidency. This is evidently portrayed during speech-interrupting applause when America's past and present triumphs were brought to remembrance. The President also effectively expressed that it would be every American's task to repair the state of the country by referring to the audience and to citizens watching as "we".
President Obama proposes that there will be a budget sent to Congress to support research in biomedicine, information and clean energy technology. He stressed that other countries such as China and India were outpacing us in education within these respective fields. Also, Mr. Obama stressed the importance of retaining immigrants studying these fields here in America by asking Congress to help come to a lasting solution to illegal immigration.
One example of the President's expression of triumph is when he reminds the audience of what happened in December 2011. According to tax cuts that were passed, "every business can write off the full cost of new investments that they make this year." Another example of Mr. Obama's delight is when he said "...what America does better than anyone else-is spark the creativity and imagination of our people...the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook. In America, innovation doesn't just change our lives. It is how we make our living."
President Obama reflected on the United States' past triumphs but retorting with grim reminders of the current state the country is in. In the State of the Union address, he promises new bills and policy changes, but by resolving to be at an inescapable fate of disaster for all Americans if we do not decide to work together.
Work Cited:
The White House, Office Of the Press Secretary, January 24, 2012, "Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address", United States Capitol, Washington, D.c
IN RESPONSE TO:
Amy Srimoukda
Colleen Low
Adriana Ultreras
Flora Diamond
"President Obama has the foresight and ability to make good on his goals, however his constituents seem more concern with their own agendas and are counteractive to helping the people in this country. Sensibility and logic seems to elude the people we placed in power to help govern this country. A leader is more effective based on a team that backs him. The president is looking at the whole picture by looking into our futures and demonstrates through his ideas and actions, by showing due diligence to our financial institutes, reforming taxation and job training. We are the pioneers of innovation and we are capable of superseding expectations, which involves education and in turn creates jobs. It begins now to change what has been broken, to not what it was, but better equally for all. Our president shows his commitment that will create connection, in order to unify all people of America."
MY RESPONSE: I agree. It seems that President Obama's call for reformation on many old policies are plausible, even maybe logical. But it is and always will be a struggle of power and money. Because it seems that these changes Mr. Obama proposes affect the wealthy man's pocket and help the middle/lower-class man. But that's just my opinion who am I to say.
Stephen Yang
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29 January 2012
Response to Jovita Wechsler, Allison Griffin, Hoah Vu and De'janae Bates
I agree with how the funding for education, especially on the college level, is lacking. It really doesn't make any sense to increase funding if they're also going to increase tuition and such.
Overall the essay had evidence to just the one topic of education, but there were also more to be analyze from what the President said. (Just my opinion, not criticizing anyone).
John Sills
Prof. Sabir.
English 1A
29 January 2012
President Obama's speech was not directed toward me. Granted he said things that I can relate to, but everyone could get on board with his message. He is a populous president. I think the biggest take away from Obama that night was not urging congress to act, but appealing the the moderate Republican. This is pretty much exactly what Clinton did in 95'. Because he has lost the urgency and energy from his base Obama has to court new prospects. I strongly agree that once President Obama gets re-elected, the pendulum is going to swing back in the other direction and we will see a very progressive four years.
Keith Salminen
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
30 January 2012
President Obama held his State of the Union speach last week, preaching about the goods he and the country has made thus far in the past 4 years, but also pointing out that more is needed to be done in order to get the country fully back on its feet. He spoke of there being new jobs around the country to help people get back into work. My question is where are these jobs?!
I don't need one at this time as I am focussed on college at the moment, but there are people out that do need them. It could be that people are being like they always have, being picky and looking for a certain job to do. Well, in this day and age, people need to put that aside and find something, but also at the same time, they have to make sure it is also something they will enjoy doing.
Obama also spoke of helping out vetrans more as well, something I am very big on being a Marine Corps vet. He wants to make sure they are going back to school and getting the training they need in order to come back to the civilian side of things. However, this up to now has been lacking as well thanks to higher college class fees and not being able to do or get proper training for the job field they want.
What I want to see, regardless if Obama remains president or a new one is elected, is to see more of an effort for more jobs for everyone and better care and help for vets.
Keith Salminen
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
30 January 2012
Work Cited: The White House, Office Of the Press Secretary, January 24, 2012, "Remarks by the President in State of the Union Address", United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Response to John Sills
"President Obama's speech was not directed toward me. Granted he said things that I can relate to, but everyone could get on board with his message. He is a populous president. I think the biggest take away from Obama that night was not urging congress to act, but appealing the the moderate Republican. This is pretty much exactly what Clinton did in 95'. Because he has lost the urgency and energy from his base Obama has to court new prospects. I strongly agree that once President Obama gets re-elected, the pendulum is going to swing back in the other direction and we will see a very progressive four years."
I agree, though I have seen that at times because of issues he takes up, he tends to lose people on both sides of the aisle. Like I said in my post, I just want to see bigger effort put towards getting people back to work and gettings vets the help they deserve in both help, getting work and/or going back to school.
Savannah Conley
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
28 January 2012
President Obama addressed our nation January twenty fifth, with hope and aspirations for our country. Throughout the entire speech President Obama analyzes the mistakes the nation has made, but expresses hope and plans for our future that could turn problems, such as our economy, around. He speaks with pride for our nation and expresses desires for certain improvements to our country. President Obama touches on many different issues in his state of union, such as the economy, education, energy and gas, taxes, the military and more. But the theme of his speech seems to be bettering the nation.
All of the topics he touches revolve around making this country a better place for everyone, Obama talks about the “basic American promise”, he states the promise as, “if you worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, send your kids to college, and put a little away for retirement.” As we all know, this isn't the case for the typical American anymore. Obama discusses how he has made efforts, and in some cases already succeeded in helping this American promise become more of a reality for Americans. President Obama reminds us, “In the six months before I took office, we lost nearly 4 million jobs. And we lost another 4 million before our policies were in full effect. Those are the facts. But so are these: In the last 22 months, businesses have created more than 3 million jobs”. Creating jobs for Americans is key to fixing the nation and connects to almost every topic he touches on. Jobs allow the American dream to be possible and to re-stabilize our economy. These jobs promote education, because to get a job you need an education. Jobs can be made by creating a need, we have created our selves a need with our oil and energy crisis. And with jobs comes the government’s responsibility to regulate and over see that things are made more equal for all. Obama states at the beginning of his address that our economic downfall and misdirection came from, “Banks had made huge bets and bonuses with other people’s money. Regulators had looked the other way, or didn’t have the authority to stop the bad behavior”, so this is where the problems need to be fixed.
All in all, Obama expressed his accomplishments in his past three terms in office, and his plans for his last year and potential years to come if he is re-elected. The president stated to the nation, that we have turned our selves around in worst times, we have done it before, and he believes we can do it again. I believe that Obama hopes to be re-elected and to continue what the has started, and start things he has not been able to yet. His state of union, in my opinion, addressed every major topic we need to look to in order to better this nation, and President Obama seems to fully understand the necessity of change and understand that there is work to be done.
Savannah Conley
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
28 January 2012
Response to Kenneth Windham, Jaime Mcnair, Sule-kha Yussuf, Ngoc Huynh
It is clear to most who watched the President’s 2012 State of the Union address that he has the upcoming election on his mind. With the current state of congress, it has been difficult not only for the president to pass large bills, but also to make promises he does not know if he can keep. By addressing only bits and pieces of our current crisis, and repeatedly speaking of the changes his office has made during the last few years, this State of the Union was not near as inspiring as the last. While he covered many big issues of today, he left each topic with vague promises of change that I feel we have heard before. Even his new big tax plan, raising the minimum tax of the wealthy up to 30%, stinks of a bill originally introduced in the late 60’s to congress, and pushed around since.
As a huge supporter of Obama when he ran in the first election cycle, it is sad to me to see what the terrors of a split congress have done to him. I cannot blame the president at all for the situation he has been put in (filibuster and filibuster!) but hearing mainly about what he had done before the split congress does not make me feel any better. The bailouts of the auto companies, while amazingly great for the American economy, happened before the last election cycle… and nothing that large has happened since! So what was even the point of bringing it up? I personally think of this as President Obamas appeal to the Democratic Party to be active voters once more, and restore full democratic control, so his past success can resume.
This however, by no means makes for a great speech. While parts about economic crisis control, student loans and taxes, and restoration of American jobs all our inspiring…. When constantly mixed in with ideas such as ‘making sure children stay in school until age 18’, they seem demeaned. It is clear a vision is in place, and actions need to be taken, but a lot more needs to be discussed, and a lot more needs to be done.
Jaron Terrell
Judy Keophanhem
Jules Mulholland
Nezha Abdelrahman
Kennedy Alston
John Sills
English 1A
January 25, 2012
In the country we live in the concept of fairness is more of a dream than an actual concept. In The State of the Union Address last night, President Barack Obama touched on many issues that concern our nation and our economy today. Emphasizing fairness, one of his main points was the slant of our tax policies towards the wealthy. He also touched on the multiple conflicts our country are currently involved in, reissuing his promise to end the Iraq war, and reassuring the nation of his willingness to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weaponry. In the face of high unemployment, a large deficit and a formidable Republican opposition this election year, the President obviously delivered statements intended to sway undecided voters, and was accused of pandering and divisive tactics by critics.
Of course, Americans’ primary concerns generally lie with the economy. In addition to a somewhat tougher tax plan, the President proposed more aggressive trade policies (particularly that deal with China). As he said in his speech, “the blueprint begins with American manufacturing.” The goal of said policies is to bring home jobs and expand industries that have been outsourced overseas, and to further safety protocols on imported consumer products. These proposed policies would bring back valuable jobs to deserving and hard working American citizens. Obama makes it clear that he wants the government and the financial system to function in the same manner as his trade policies, open and fair. He drives this point home by saying: “Let’s never forget millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules everyday deserve a government and financial system that do the same.”
At a time of intense criticism, Obama delivered by helping improve the confidence and optimism of the average American who watched his speech. At a time where there are high levels of pessimism of government, this speech spoke to a lot of moderate voters who are unsure of the stability of America. Obama’s points were structured around American core values and spoke to the founding principles of our country. Obama intends to bring back a time of unparalleled manufacturing and innovation in the Unites States; “(We) are the most productive on the earth, and if the playing field is level, I promise you- American’s will always win.”
Obama, Barack H. "State of the Union 2012." The White House. The White House, 24 Jan. 2012. Web. 26 Jan. 2012.
Kathleen Adams
Professor Sabir
English 1A
Jan. 30 2012
I am still writing 2011 instead of 2012 forgive me
Response to Dennis Garcia
I agree that the president is doing his very best to make things better. The president wants to renew the United States, and his three key concerns are: American auto makers, education, and putting people back to work. Once this is done the economy will be back on track. We have to teach to learn: learn to create, and explore new jobs: creating jobs here and not outsourcing rebuilds America.
Abel Abyu
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
29 January 2012
IN RESPONSE TO:
Amy Srimoukda
Colleen Low
Adriana Ultreras
Flora Diamond
"President Obama has the foresight and ability to make good on his goals, however his constituents seem more concern with their own agendas and are counteractive to helping the people in this country. Sensibility and logic seems to elude the people we placed in power to help govern this country. A leader is more effective based on a team that backs him. The president is looking at the whole picture by looking into our futures and demonstrates through his ideas and actions, by showing due diligence to our financial institutes, reforming taxation and job training. We are the pioneers of innovation and we are capable of superseding expectations, which involves education and in turn creates jobs. It begins now to change what has been broken, to not what it was, but better equally for all. Our president shows his commitment that will create connection, in order to unify all people of America."
MY RESPONSE: I agree. It seems that President Obama's call for reformation on many old policies are plausible, even maybe logical. But it is and always will be a struggle of power and money. Because it seems that these changes Mr. Obama proposes affect the wealthy man's pocket and help the middle/lower-class man. But that's just my opinion who am I to say.
Samantha Swain
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
30 January 2012
In response to:
Kenneth windham
Jaime Mcnair
Sule-kha yussuf
Ngoc Huynh
I think your short essay was well-written and you did a good job summarizing the key points to Obama's speech. It was also good of you to back up your thesis with actual statistics, well done! I also like how you turn a lot of focus on our president’s achievements; it gives an optimistic feel to your writing.
Analise Bostrom
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
30 January 2012
In response to:
Daniel Escudero-Whitney
James Espinoza
Mike Lieu
Stephen Yang
I do agree with you that Obama seemed very enthusiastic about his potential next term, and spoke highly of the goals he hopes to achieve. But to be honest so far it seems like he hasn't done a whole lot with the term he's had so far. I'm supportive of Obama, but I just hope he can bring more to the table in the future....
Jules Mulholland
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
January 30th, 2012
In response to: Samantha Swain, Analise Bostrom and Courtny Colman
First off, I'd like to compliment the consistency in your writing–it's hard to achieve this in a group. I like how concise it is, as well; this summary covers important points from the President and summarizes his motivations for said points quickly. I also love the conclusion, focusing on his political motivations in this election year. It's quite obvious that he highlighted his achievements, but your detail of his pointing out his own weakness is interesting. This is a win, guys!
Jamie McNair
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A
01 February 2012
In response to Keith Salminen :
I agree that the job situation should be fixed. However, you are correct when you say that people are a bit picky when it comes to choosing or applying for jobs.
It would have been nice if you had mentioned which jobs Obama said he had restored and maybe and approximation of how many he restored.
Overall , nice essay. It could have used a clearer thesis statement , but I totally agree with you.
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