(ThyBlackMan.com) “Just the facts, ma’am.”
Sergeant Joe Friday famously used that quote to great effect in the classic police television show “Dragnet.” Your President and mine – Barack Obama – began his 6th State of the Union address dropping knowledge. He just gave the facts, folks. And in my not-so-humble opinion, he was superb.
Here are the facts as presented by the president Tuesday night: “Tonight, this chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: it is you, our citizens, who make the state of our union strong. Here are the results of your efforts: The lowest unemployment rate in over five years. A rebounding housing market. A manufacturing sector that’s adding jobs for the first time since the 1990s. More oil produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world – the first time that’s happened in nearly twenty years. Our deficits – cut by more than half. And for the first time in over a decade, business leaders around the world have declared that China is no longer the world’s number one place to invest – America is.”
The president then offered common sense-based solutions which could – and should – be supported on a bipartisan basis: Eliminating wasteful, complicated loopholes in our tax code which punish businesses investing here while rewarding companies that keep profits abroad. Using the money saved from tax reform to fund the effort to give America a first-class infrastructure – with an emphasis on protecting more than three million jobs by finishing transportation and waterways bills by this summer. The launching of six more hubs for high-tech manufacturing (like the first two hubs in Raleigh, NC and Youngstown, OH) where businesses have partnered with research universities to help America lead the world in advanced technologies. A patent reform bill proposal to allow US businesses to stay focused on innovation rather than on litigation. A renewed commitment to America’s energy independence by way of solar, natural gas, wind, and green energy initiatives – while simultaneously protecting federal lands. A proposal to set new standards for American trucks to keep driving down oil imports and what we pay at the gas pump.
Using American diplomacy backed by the threat of force in global hotspots instead of the other way around. Serving a new generation of heroes in uniform as they transition from combat to civilian life. Universal childcare for working Americans who are parents. A proposal to give American workers the chance to earn up to 7 guaranteed paid sick leave and paid maternity leave days. A bold “1 percent” tax.
The president also proposed working with states, utilities, and other entities to set new standards on the amount of carbon pollution for US power plants. Addressing this nation’s broken immigration system. Training Americans with the skills employers need – and matching them to good jobs that need to be filled right now. The restoration of the unemployment insurance Congress just let expire for 1.6 million Americans. Student loan reform. Investments in new partnerships with states and communities in a race to the top for our youngest children.
The continued pledge to connect 99 percent of American students to high-speed broadband over the next four years. Gender pay equity for American women. Raising the minimum wage. Doing more to help Americans save for retirement. The continuation of health insurance reform. Renewing the protections of the Voters Right Act for all Americans. Surveillance programs reform. Strengthening our defenses to combat cyberattacks. An authorization request to Congress to use military force against ISIS. Closing Guantanamo Bay. Diplomatically preventing a nuclear Iran. Free community college.
The President’s approval rating is higher than it has been in almost two years. His favorability with Hispanic Americans is soaring. Gas is less than $2.00 per gallon. The unemployment rate is currently at 5.8%. Jobs are becoming increasingly plentiful. The American stock exchange has never been higher. Over 10 million Americans have signed up for the ACA. Executively speaking, he’s on a roll.
Those few Republican hecklers? Tasteless. The President’s ad-libbed retort? Priceless.
If you noticed the approval metrics on-screen during Mr. Obama’s State of the Union address, his metrics were consistently high with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. The one question displayed as he spoke was “Do you agree with what President Obama is saying tonight?” The answer was yes. At the end of his speech, the President’s approval numbers were 97% for Democrats, 93% for Republicans, and 94% for Independents.
By contrast, Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) approval metrics on-screen during her Republican SOTU response were really low – for all three demographics. There were 5 separate GOP responses to the President’s SOTU. How bizarre.
Throughout his SOTU speech, POTUS seemed assured, relaxed, and optimistic.
The state of the union is strong. President Obama is resurgent. His address was superb. Go on – admit it. Just the facts.
Staff Writer; Arthur L. Jones, III
This talented brother is a local Minister, weekly featured Democratic Op-Ed columnist, non-profit advisor, and sees the Braves winning it all this fall. Rev. Jones welcomes your comments! Please email him directly at: tcdppress@gmail.com.
