This week, take a look at this
video. Two questions are posed. One, does Velma Hart have a valid point? Does President Obama respond well to her point?
On a different front, you are that next generation he is talking about. Do you feel that he truly represents your best interest? Why or why not?
1. To a certain extent, Velma Hart does indeed have a point. Our middle class is continuing to get hit with this recession daily with decreasing 401K's, deflating house values, and fewer pay raises. Having said that, Hart does not divulge enough specific information about what exactly she wants to see change and what is happening right now. Her vague points that we are not changing enough are not really backed up by any hardcore evidence and, to me, seem like they may be over exaggerated. Obama inherited a gigantic mess and people need to recognize that that is not his fault. Take for instance the housing crisis. It is indeed a problem that right now our housing market is in the dumps. But truthfully, during the housing bubble, everyone's home values were artificially inflated to begin with. The government needs to work to get America's relationship with money back to a more realistic place.
ReplyDeleteObama did a very good job in responding to her question. He pointed out things that have changed (fairer insurance laws, more money for scholarships) while still acknowledging that we are not where we need to be as he still is working towards that goal.
2. Obama spoke about his overall goal being to make America a better, more progressive place for the adults of tomorrow. He wants to have the middle class American Dream a goal that every American can reach with the proper hard work and education. I believe he does represent the next rising generation because he stated that he is not putting things into place right now with an eye toward the November elections. He is looking past that at a more long-term goal that, while it may make him unpopular right now, he sees as the pinnacle of importance.
1)I think her point is valid: it is exhausting to defend Obama’s administration when her own family’s finances are steadily declining. However, it is hard to gauge whether or not the lack of perceptible change is the result of an ineffective administration or just the natural course of how economic recovery unfolds for such a large nation. For her and many Americans it feels like a personal let-down when the promises made by candidates are not fulfilled. In any case, if complaints like this are to be made, the voter has to do his or her part to look up all of the new laws that have been made and then they will know if the administration is at least trying to affect “change” or has brushed it aside completely.
ReplyDelete2)In my opinion, Obama responded as well as he could to her. He cannot say whether or not he and his administration are at fault because he does not know every single detail of why her family isn’t doing well. Obama does his best to answer her personally by citing the new health insurance coverage and the bills passed that can help her children go to college. He has to lump the rest of her financial problems into the problem of the economy in general, and therefore has to respond in generalizations. Basically he reminds her that progress is slow for an entire nation and the important thing is to keep looking ahead. Perseverance and patience are required to follow a plan to completion. Obama was humble and honest in saying that the economy is not where we want it to be, but we, as a nation, are working on it and will keep working on it.
3)I think Obama does represent my best interests. There are a lot of short-term remedies for our financial situation that could have been taken, but instead he chooses long-term solutions. For example, he could dish out millions in tax cuts to families, but instead he invests it into creating jobs. Creating jobs is harder, but is better for America’s future. A few bucks in everyone’s pockets aren’t worth much if thousands lose jobs every year. The problem with the popularity of future solutions is that in general people have an “I want it now” mentality. I think Obama is trying to work for a better future, not a better present. I think our generation should be one to stop being myopic and instead make judgments based on the big picture - and not just with Obama, but with government policies in general.
1)Yes, i do believe Velma Hart has a valid point, though the Obama administration has worked to implement some changes the average middle-class American has not felt much relief. I can also see how she would be frustrated because it is starting to seem like all of the promises of change are starting to seem like empty gimmicks to get elected. I know that there were many things wrong with this country and change cannot be affected overnight, but I really do see how Mrs.Hart can feel a little depressed about the current state of things.
ReplyDeleteI think Obama responded as best as a man without an answer can. He sidestepped her question and brought up a lot of things, but only about half of them even applied to Mrs. Hart. President Obama seemed nervous and unsure of what to say when she confronted him, and i feel that that is probably very simmilar to what is going on in Washington.
2)I do feel that President Obama is working as hard as possible to help our generation. Many of his policies are focused on education and providing money to upcoming college students. There is much work to be done, but i really do feel that the youth and the college age Americans are one of the highest priorities for his administration.
@Jessica, I like your answer to number three. I agree with the fact that tho short term fixes might seem nice, it is better to fix the problem forever, instead of just push it off it for a few years
ReplyDelete1. In my opinion I feel Velma Hart point wasn't as valid, considering the fact that Obama is just one man trying to represent a whole nation. He is trying like he stated in the video, and he has had somethings accomplished, they might not have been major, but yet they were still accomplished.
ReplyDelete2.Yes, I think Obama responded to Velma Hart very well, he had reasons as to why things weren't done and also reasons as to what he was trying to get accomplished.
3. Yes, I feel that he represented our best interest very well, because he is trying to make a way for us children. He is trying to have easier and more beneficial ways for us to go to college. Yes this is going to take time but at least he is thinking about the education for us.
1.Yes. Velma's point is a valid one in that the middle class is not at a comfortable enough position to not have to worry about financial issues. The matters of recession are still relevant in the lives of our middle class today. Her family's personal finances are declining and she feels as though, Obama's Administration is working to some extent but not how she fully intended. She expected to feel at least small gradual changes, but states that that hasn't even happened for her.
ReplyDeleteObama did well in giving a reasonable response to the point Hart portrayed. He explains that there indeed have been some changes and that the changes he has brought about are in fact to help our new generation. He states that these changes wouldn't have been made if they were not intended to make the economy better for the new generation.
2.Though he also says that we are not exactly where we should be at this point in time, I believe that we will soon get there under the administration of Obama. He has our best interest at hand and knows where our economy should be in the near future. His efforts are evident in the fact that he is gradually making changes in order to propel our next generation in order for us to have successful lifestyles.
Velma Hart did not make a valid point in my opinion. Her comments did make me think twice about things, but when you really think about it Obama is only one man trying to fix an economy that has been messed up for centuries. Obama has been working very hard changing things that do really matter, but few people pay attention to it. Like the health care change. Obama can't help EVERYONE at the same time. It is going to take more than just two years to get us to that American Dream.
ReplyDeleteYes, Obama defended his administration and himself very well. Although he hasn't done the things Velma Hart wants him to do, he is still getting many things accomplished. Like I said Obama is one man, it's going to take time to fix this economy and I think he is doing very well in office.
I think Obama represented us very well. It seems he is very focused on education trying to make sure every child does have an opportunity to go to college. People should be greatful education is such an important factor, especially with the drop-out rates increasing. If there is more money for children to go to college maybe more children will want to go. So, yes, Obama did as best he could in this situation in my opinion.
1)I think that Velma Hart has point. She feels disappointed with the current administration. She's tired of defending an administration that has and hasn't defended her. Her circumstances haven't changed from the time Obama was elected and she feels that she was promised this. Mrs. Hart voted for "Change" and she hasn't seen it in her neck of the woods.
ReplyDelete2)I think Obama wasn't expecting such a head on question. He avoided her direct question. He should have said "Yes, this may be your new reality. Hot dogs and beans aren't so bad." I don't really think he answered the question that badly. He may have not really answered the question in the first place, but I think he did a ok job of telling Mrs. Hart what her problems may or may not be. His high points of his answer were acknowledging that there is some insurance company regulating legislature that tries to protect the people from being dropped by their insurance companies and new student loan money.
3) I'm really not sure whether or not my best interests are in mind. From what I'm told by Obama, my best interests are in mind.I doubt he has bad interests, but this isn't totally reassuring. I haven't seen anything bettering my life yet. I'm still looking. I don't feel its the governments responsibility to better my life rather than harbor safe societal principles that promote it.
@ Cortez- I agree with you when you say that Obama sidestepped the question and brought up alot of things. Half of which might have been applied to Mrs. Hart.
ReplyDelete1. Hart does have a valid point. So many Americans who voted for Obama because he promised changed are now seeing that he is not following through. Hart gives specific examples of how the economy is effecting her family and her disappointment in our current administration and her inability to see a measurable change. "Exhausted" may be the right word for middle class Americans but desperation, destitute, shattered, or drained might be more fitting for the lower income families whose conditions have remained the same or worsened due to the Obama administration.
ReplyDelete2. Honestly I believe that Obama was just blowing air. He fails to tell her why she has not seen change that he promised her. Instead he tip toes around the issue and tries to be charming which is the reason he is in office in the first place. I will admit it might have been uncomfortable to be put on the spot like that, but I applaud Hart for doing so and showing America that we are not getting the change that we were promised.
3. I feel that Obama is trying to help students get to college but ultimately I would say that he does not have my best interests in mind. This view comes from moral and religious beliefs as well as the fact that our future generations are going to be paying heavily for the bailout plans he has instituted. Obama did not really go into all of that during this clip but I do not think that you can base your opinion on such a thing by just one video clip.
@ Jessica- I agree with what you said about not knowing whether the lack of noticeable change is the "result of an ineffective administration or just the natural course of how economic recovery unfolds for such a large nation." Although I believe that the reason so many Americans are upset is that Obama ran his campaign on the foundation of change and promised that it would be seen quickly.
ReplyDelete1. I believe that Velma Hart has a very valid point. She's explaining how she feels that things aren't changing that things are just getting worse. I'm pretty sure that a lot a American may feel this way that’s why people are becoming discourage.
ReplyDelete2. I feel that President Obama answered her in a great way. He gave examples of things he was doing that would help. A lot of things take time. I believe people were expecting something fast and quick, but things like this don't work way. President Obama kelp his cool and tried to explain in a way so she could understand.
3. I believe President Obama has a great interest in our generation. I made it so we could still have health insurance if our jobs didn't supply any. He also made it so we could receive more money for grants and scholarships.
@ Chasity: Valma Hart has a great point. She is telling what she feels. Alot of Americans feel the same way. This is really, because they expected a instant fix and that's not what it's about.
ReplyDelete1. I do agree that Velma Hart has a valid point. Basically middle class Americans are starting to get exhausted and are tired of waiting on what they were promised. Nevertheless, just tired of defending Obama, his adminstrators, and the mantle of change. "If not a feeling of great measure of change at least a small measure," Velma Hart stated. She just wanted to be aware of if this is her new reality. With that being said, I think that lower class Americans are even more aggressive about the situation and more so fed up.
ReplyDelete2. Honestly, I believe that Obama did not really know what to say. He did not have a full come back for Velma, because he still failed to tell her why she has not seen the change she was promised. She brought forth to our attention as Americans that we are not getting the change that we were promised when she stood forth for how she felt and what she believed.
3. I think, from what i took from the video, that Obama is trying to make proggresive for our generations. He wants every child that wants to attend college to be able to go, for Americans to have the health insurance they are in need of, elders that have worked all their lives to have great retirement, and etc. Honestly, I just think it will take time.
Valma Hart had a great point and was extremely valid. The middle class is indeed still struggling financially and some of us, yet to see the changes. I believe the matters of the recession is still in affect in some sort of way in most if not all of the middle class families. However, I feel that she should've researched the issue more extensively before bringing it President Obama.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama did an outstanding job on the response to Valma Hart. His points were also valid in that, even though the full effect isn't here yet, a lot of things have changed for the better in regards to the recession and for the future of our generation today. Like he stated in the video, if he was just focusing on the election in November, he wouldn't have done the things that he has.
2. I feel that Obama has our best interest at heart hands down. I also believe that he is fully committed to the future of our generation by trying to present as many opportunities as possible. Think about it. When you ask god for more patience does he just bless you with the patience or does he give you the opportunity to be patient? Obama can't just hand out money or give out free things to better your life or situation but he can however, present the opportunity for you to do so yourself.
1. I believe that Velma Hart made a valid point, and that there are many Americans that agree and empathize with her. She stated her issue in a very well and respectful manner. The statements she made, however, I'm pretty sure are not things that President Obama doesn't already know about. I think we as Americans were a bit naive in expecting a quick fix when we elected President Obama, and that I don't understand. I mean, America, you elected Bush not once, but twice, and you want President Obama to fix everything in one term?
ReplyDelete2. President Obama responded to Mrs. Hart's comments the best he could I believe. Although, you could see he was a bit taken back I guess by her directness. President Obama didn't really answer Mrs. Hart's question directly, and that's no surprise to me. Was he supposed to say yes and directly take the blame for it? He did point out that this process is going to take a while, that he realizes the economy is not where we want it to be, and that we should all keep our eyes on the long-term goal.
3. President Obama is representing my generation's best interest in the changes he speaks for. He talks a lot about education and how he wants all children to be able to afford college. Do I feel the direct effect of this? No, I can't say that I do. I almost empathize with Mrs. Hart in the sense that I do not feel any of the change that the President has promised. I, however, was not expecting it to happen magically overnight.
1. I think Velma Hart has a very good question to the preident and all of her points arre completely valid. I think she speaks for most of the general population because everyone seemed to ex-ect the president to be able to provide an immediate fix.
ReplyDelete2.I also think Obama's response is very well stated as well because he reassures her while still letting her now there is no simple fix.
3.i think the president does represent my generation very well because change is something that really needs to happen maybe not a lot but a little is much needed
@ jessica i agree whole heartedly with your response to #3 in that some people have the "i want it now" mind set. People need to realize we wont get any where that is truly worth being if we continue to think in that manner.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Hart's point is valid. The middle class of America is definitely facing struggles that often in the past weren't even considered as she put it a "reality". But now as she said were facing times where things like pork and bean dinner are beginning to hit more at home. I beleive Obama did a great job in answering her questio. He gave a good description of the current status of America and where it should be headed.
ReplyDeleteI think Pres. Obama does have the best interests of my generation in mind because as he said in his reply to Mrs. Hart that the things he doing now are to make a big impact for us. It's more of not change right now but a gradual change that will come when my generation finally gets into power.
@Courtney I agree with you completely. Pres Obama can't possibly make everybody happy at one time. Its important that we give our president space and time to work and actually have a positive affect on the country.
ReplyDelete@Megan. I agree that we can't form deep opinions based on this one video clip. I usually wonder how much we do need, though, to say that we are informed about what the government is doing.
ReplyDelete@Courtney. I like what you have to say about how Obama can't help everyone at the same time. I agree, people should get over themselves and their growing sense of entitlement. As far as the American Dream, do you mean a good economy when you say "that" American Dream? If so, that's really interesting. Maybe now the American Dream is slipping away because the economy makes it tough for people to get ahead no matter how hard they work.
1. I do believe that Velma Hart has a point. She, just as many other middle-class Americans, is fed up with the stagnant status of our economy. There are still many people without jobs and those with jobs are not seeing as many raises as they need, so many are struggling to make ends meet; but what she has to understand is that things can't change overnight. True enough it's been a year plus some, but with the state that our economy was in, it is going to take some time.
ReplyDelete2. I believe that President Obama did answer her question. He let her know that he understands how she feels and that he knows things are not where they need to be. He also set her straight by letting her know all of the things that have been put into place to benefit the middle class-things she probably failed to think about. He also let her know that the recovery of our economy IS going to take time and she, as does everyone else, needs to have PATIENCE.
3. Yes, I feel he does have our best interest at heart, because his children are a part of that next generation also. So not only are we (the citizens)going to be effected by the changes in the long run, his own children will too. His mind isn't really on fixing the now, but it's more on how to prepare for the future and keep moving toward a better tomorrow.
@ Da'Shelle
ReplyDeleteI agree with your final statement about how Obama is trying to help our generation. He is trying to get more children in college and maybe that will change a lot that is going on in our economy. oh! Yes, it will take time. I agree with that point too.
1) Mrs. Hart without a doubt has a valid point. She is a nearly perfect representative of the American middle class and expresses most of their concerns (or so I feel).
ReplyDelete2) As far as President Obama's response, I feel he began to provide an answer to her concerns, but did not give an adequate response. One statement he made that I found entertaining was when he said "Times are tough for everyone right now, I understand your frustration." I don't believe that President Obama truly feels the impact of the problems of our nation in his personal life as much as the average American. I don't think he really knows how people feel about the economy and the state of our country on a personal level. I also felt that he gave minor examples of things being done that not everyone is going to feel the effect of. I do think that we are beginning to move in the right direction, as he said, but I don't feel like we're moving enough.
I feel like President Obama does reflect the interests of SOME of my generation, but not all. I feel that just as the generation in power now has differences in opinion as to what should be done and what is felt, so do we.
1.)I think she definitely made a valid point. It’s time for President Obama to start taking responsibility and stop blaming the previous administration. Sure he might have inherited a recession but since Obama has been in office our national deficit has raised one trillion dollars at least. Last summer was supposed to be our “summer of recovery” however, most of the money from the previous stimulus bill hasn’t been used yet and they still want to throw more money at it. Also, our unemployment rate is still at around 9 percent and people are still losing jobs.
ReplyDelete2.)As far as Obama’s response, I feel it was just more of the same. I’m not implying that what Obama said isn’t true but they were probably things Mrs. Hart knew already.
I do feel that Obama is trying to help our generation get a better education by trying to provide more scholarships. However, I hear a lot of debates on the fact that what President Obama is doing now could end up hurting the next generation. (Like Obamacare and paying off the stimulus bill.)
It should be noted that some of knowledge I obtained to answer these questions also came from a news interview with Velma Hart.
ReplyDelete1) I believe Velma Hart's question to President Obama was not valid in her case, but her intentions were. Her question was whether or not her current situation as a middle class american should be the reality she is supposed to accept at this moment. This was asked after sharing some of her hardships and her frustrations at the lack of improvement in her life since Obama took office. She proposed that she felt unaffected by most of his "action" to stimulate the middle class, but rather felt the hurt of the recession. I think that it is reasonable for her to feel the way she does, but not to blame the president just because none of her problems are the one's he has fixed in his two years of holding office. However based on an interview of her I watched later, she wasn't blaming him. She said that she posed this question because she thought it would cause him to give a very inspirational and optimistic answer that would be helpful for her and many other americans to hear, and she felt like she accomplished just that. I feel people are being too impatient with Obama. For example, FDR got America out of the Great Depression, but it took him four terms and winning the most devastating war in history. Obama has only had two years, and he has still passed a great deal of legislation.
2)I don't think my generation's best interests should differ from the previous generations as far as the american dream is concerned. I feel Obama represents my best interests the most by upholding justice, liberty, and the democratic process. That is the most important role of government in my eyes. I believe Obama's health care reform does just this. He has delivered the right to medical attention to all american citizens without any discrimination.
1. Yes, I do feel that Velma Hart has a valid point. She feels as if the middle class is steadily declining and not improving whatsoever. She feels that she voted for change and that it is not happening. I think that President Obama responded well by saying that it is a process and that we are headed in the right direction. He was basically expressing that this will take time and will not happen over night.
ReplyDelete2. I'm not sure if Obama has our generation at his best interest. I don't think that he would WANT it to be bad for us in the long run, but I feel that he may be so focused on the now, that he may have forgotten about the future. But then again, he has two children that would be in our generation. He is looking for what is best for us now, but I'm not so sure about later.
@Hayden
ReplyDeleteI think Obama would have some cursory understanding of the consensus of the country's personal feelings about the state of the nation and how it affects the peoples lives. Really all he would need to do to accomplish this is turn on the news, but I'm positive he goes beyond this by doing forums like this one. Plus, he was a middle class husband and father at one point in his life. That definitely counts for some understanding.
I feel like Velma Hart was justified in her in opinion. I'm not sure if we can really judge at this point if his plans are failing. I'd also like to point out her pork & beans arguement, she says she has two kid enrolled in private school? I know alot of parents care about their children's educational welfare but I feel complaining to the President about being frustrated while most private schools are closer if not more than college tuition. Obama did his best to answer her on the spot. He backed himself up with examples and some that Mrs. Hart might have not realize affected her. I think we have to remember when he addresses America, just like every other polictian, he has someone writing out those addresses with him. Not saying he shouldn't need to think for himself, but he's doing pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI feel he has good intentions and has set into action a few benefitial plans that will help this generation. The education plans he has mapped out will benefit us so much. If he makes it easier for us to afford college then in long run, we'll be better educated and less likely to be on government aid.
1. Yes, Hart makes a point. She described the lives of many Americans today. I think there are a lot of people that were expecting more from Obama at this point in his presidency. So far he passed a Stimulus Bill that increased the deficit enormously and passed his healthcare plan that a significant amount of Americans did not want. On top of that the unemployment rate has increased since he took office, and blaming the previous administration is not an excuse anymore.
ReplyDelete2. When it came to Obama’s response, I have heard it over and over again and it doesn’t sound any more convincing to me. I do think that the president believes what he says is true, but when will we see the proof of it?
3. Based on what Obama said in the clip, it does sound like he wants to make it easier for kids to go to college and have better opportunities.
-I think Velma Hart had a very valid point. She stated that her family was being affected by financial reccesion and her two daughters are in private school which is very expensive. She also said that she thought President Obama was suppose to change things and he had not quite felt that change.
ReplyDelete-I think that President Obama answered her question pretty well. He says that we have a long term goal of working hard. He has a plan that helps children get more grants and loans for college. He believes that we are moving in the right direction. He thinks we should work hard to be able to get a good education.
-I do think President Obama does have our generations interests at heart because he believes in our education and he believes in helping us rise to the top. We are clearly the futures gift and he believes that we can be the change America is looking for.
@Madison I also agree that it isn't clear if our Presidents plans are affective yet
ReplyDelete1. I do think that Velma Hart has somewhat of a point, but it just seems like she's kind of saying that Pres. Obama hasn't done anything that he said he would. She has to understand that this is one man trying to rule a whole country and that he is constantly getting ridiculed with whatever he tries to do. They finally got the healthcare bill passed and that helps alot of people out. It's going to take time for him try and set things up to make it better. Then, I'm pretty sure that alot of people feel the way she feels, but you have to remember that we are in a recession and yes it does affect the middle-class more than the upper-class citizens. But I can see why she would feel the way she feels. And yes, I do feel that Pres. Obama responded to her well. He just had to make her understand that things just don't happen and that it will take time and effort to get things done.
ReplyDelete2. I do feel that Pres. Obama does reflect the best interest of my generation. He has made the healthcare system better so that if you get sick they can't drop your policy and leave you uninsured. He's trying to create more jobs which we need because most of us will be going into the job world soon in order to provide for ourselves and our families to come. Then, on another note, he is a role model for young black men all over the world letting them know that you can get an education and that you don't have to be a statistic. So, that makes me feel that he reflects our best interest.
. Yes I believe Mrs. Hart does have a valid point. She was expressing the same belief that many middle class american have, her dissatifaction with President Obama and his administration. I understand her frustration with the economy and that she's not seeing any results that President Obama promised, however, as Nancy stated, she was not very specific about what she wanted to be fixed.
ReplyDelete2. I do believe that President Obama responded well to Mrs. Hart, considering that she was more complaining to him than posing a specific problem. He recognized the fact that much still needs to be done to fix the economy, and gave several examples of things that are being done to help out the middle class.
3. I do believe that President Obama has our generation's best interests at heart. He is largely focused on education and as he stated in the video, is directing billions of dollars to go to college funds and bettering our generation's education.
1) To an extent, yes she does. During Obama’s pre-presidential campaign his entire basis was change and in particular change for middle-class Americans. And so far he has not lived up to everything he claimed he would, but at the same time he never gave a timeline or an ETC for recovering the economy. So can we (or better yet should we) really be upset because the “change” we were promised didn’t happen overnight?
ReplyDeleteI think Obama’s response was spot on. He pointed out things that have changed and things that could have dramatic effects on middle-class Americans, and on a personal note I feel like we should be more patient with Obama. I don’t think we truly know how bad the economy really was, or how much work it really takes to repair it.
2) I feel Obama does represent my best interests. Like Jessica pointed out, there are a lot of short-term remedies for our economic situation that could’ve been taken, but instead Obama focused on long-term and permanent solutions. However, the problem with this is that Americans don’t want to wait. Americans want instant gratification. You can see the proof of that by taking a ride down Skyland or University and counting the number of fast food restaurants you see. Investing in the future is the right thing to do. Even though at the moment it may feel as though we are going nowhere.
I agree with Julian with what he said about people not being patient with Obama. If they gave FDR four terms and winning a war to get them out of a recession, why shouldn't Obama be treated the same way? Is he not a man trying to better the country as well? I think so!!!
ReplyDeleteTo Paris,I hadn't thought of Obama's children making our generation closer to the President and more of a priority but I agree. I also agree that he is planning ahead for our generation, that he may not be focusing on the now, but focusing on a better future.
ReplyDelete1. I believe that Velma Hart made a valid point. Lots of people do agree with her. She seemed to be pointing out the obvious though. It was clear that a quick fix was wanted. However, when you have a quick fix, what you fixed is liable to break again.
ReplyDelete2. President Obama tried. That;s the best word to describe what he did. He seemed somewhat flustered. Which is why he only "kind of" answered the question. He did point out though, that this is a long time goal.
3. I feel that Obama choosing to go with a long term goal/peranent fix, he is showing that we matter. If he would've went with a quick fix option, it would seem like he just wanted to shut a few people up temporarily.
@Jessica...I completely agree with all of your response to #3. I cosign.
ReplyDelete@ Te'kara.. that was just my opinion, I don't feel as if her point was valid, like courtney stated he can't fix everybody mistakes in a short amount of time, and everyone is not looking at that. He said he was going to do something and he's working at doing it, so why bash him and he hasn't even been in office that long.? I'm just saying that's how I feel.
ReplyDelete@ Deja- I totally agree with how you felt Velma thought in your question #1
ReplyDelete@jessica in a way yes. With the way taxes are going, yes, the American Dream is slipping away. So I agree with you.
ReplyDelete@EVERYONE who feels that Ms.Hart's point was valid,... yes, there are some good points that she had, but when it comes down to it Obama is trying. He's only one man. And I mean, really, what are y'all tired of? Him trying to make education easier? He is trying to give OUR generation a greater opportunity to succeed. The middle class may be struggling, but he can't do everything. So why not be patient and give the man a chance?
ReplyDeleteSorry this is posted so late I had 2 sing at @ church programs today. I can barely talk. :-(
ReplyDelete1. Yes, I do believe that Mrs.Hart has a valid point. I myself am apart of a middle class family, we aren't poor but we can't buy Alabama either. I understand that she has yet to see a change in her house hold personally. On the other hand, President Obama has not been in office long enough to make the significant changes that are needed show a meaningful change in middle class households or specifically her household.
2. I believe that President Obama responded to the question the best he could. When he was elected into office he was elected into years of damage. He has been able to help or change somethings during the beginning of his term but not everything can bee changed in a day. I just believe that America is expecting way too much too fast. I must note that our President only spoke of the good, and neglected to expand on what we need to work on as a nation to solve the question of what about the middle class? I believe if he would have noted both the good and the bad about the situation that her question would have better been answered.
3. Based on this video, and this video alone, I do feel that President Obama has our best interest at heart. He has put forth an effort to show that he cares for our generation and that he rather do long term things to benefit us instead of taking the easy way out with a quick fix that could easily backfire on us on down the road.
@Courtney I do see where you are coming from. America is expecting way too much too soon but but during his whole campaign he taught about change and we haven't seen that much of it. But this is only the beginning of his term, I believe everyone should hold tongue till he has had more time in office.
ReplyDelete@ Jessica: I agree with your comment about the ebb and flow of the economy. People always tend to blame the natural ups and downs of the econ. on whoever the office holder is at the time. People need to also consider that he inherited the recession, he did not cause it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, note to Mrs. Matherson:
ReplyDeleteI did mess up the numbering of my response to your questions. I put 1 and 2, when actually there were 3 questions that I responded to. Sorry for any confusion.
@ Merill, I really like the point you made about Mrs. Hart not giving any specific example of something she wanted fixed. I feel she had valid points, but the only thing that would have made her comments complete would have been examples of things she wanted to see fixed
ReplyDelete@Hayden, Obama's response did indeed give good reasoning to the concerns of Hart. Though, we can NOT blame him just because he may not witness the affects first-hand. The position that America has placed him in, has allowed for him to be, somewhat boosted above all economic troubles. Therefore, he's not able to control the fact that it doesn't really concern his personal life as much as it does for the rest of the American citizens.
ReplyDelete@nancy i agree with your thoughts on the presidents response . I don't
ReplyDeletethink it was to sugarcoated. But very optimistic.
Nancy - When speaking from a personal perspective (from the heart) one typically does not have hardcore facts.
ReplyDeleteJessica - “...it is hard to gauge whether or not the lack of perceptible change is the result of an ineffective administration or just the natural course of how economic recovery unfolds for such a large nation.” - Excellent point. Question to consider for number 3 - Would the stimulus packages fit into this short-term remedy?
Cortez - Great response. I like how you caught that he had trouble formulating an answer to her.
Chasity - Good point in number one. President Obama is just one man, but to borrow a phrase from President Truman, “The buck stops here.” Barack Obama is President and people look to him for answers and to blame when he doesn’t have them.
Erin - Good post. Question to consider, should the middle class expect the administration to make the necessary changes for them to continue to live their current lifestyle or should it be expected that they make concessions?
Courtney - Good post. Something to consider. If the President is trying to make sure that every child goes to college and you reference the drop-out rate, don’t you think he should be focusing on making sure that students are prepared to go to college by making sure they know that high school is extremely important? See Jessica’s question to you.
Ben - Good post. I like your perception to his response and your enlightenment philosophy to safe societal principles.
Megan - Excellent post. You have many insightful points. I especially liked your reference to the possible feelings of the lower socioeconomic status.
Te’Kara - Question to consider, did his examples acutally address her question? Secondly, how will the government fund those two programs you referenced in question three?
Da’Shelle - Good perception on number two. See my questions to Te’Kara above.
Diamond - This was a town hall style meeting, not a press conference, so the questions posed to him were more general and unrehearsed. Point of contention, President Obama has “been handing out money.” Think of the numerous stimulus packages he signed.
Mercedes - Great post. You are so right in that many Americans saw President Obama as the “saving grace” to America’s problems and they have not seen that quick fix they expected and times are getting tougher for his administration.
ReplyDeleteJohn - I agree with you in that she speaks for many people who feel in the same way.
Ben M. - Pork and bean dinners have been around for ever! Let’s hope your generation, when in power, can either keep his programs going or clean up the mess. In the next two months we will have an answer as to how the remainder of President Obama’s term will go.
Paris - Good point made in question one. We did not get into this shape overnight, and we cannot get out of it overnight. Patience is a hard virtue.
Hayden - Excellent point in question two. Great connection.
Lena - Excellent statistical points. Very valid concerns expressed in the second question (last paragraph).
Julian - It’s okay to go to other sources. Excellent points.
Jennifer - Good connection in bringing in his children. Question, considering the very likelihood that his children will be well off and physically protected, do you think he does not place enough thought into the fact that they are part of the next generation who will still be affected by this?
Madison - Good points. To clarify one point. She does have children in private school, but in later interviews she gave examples of what she and her family have given up in order to provide a private school education, such as new cars.
Mona - You are correct in that American’s will soon begin to see the proof of his promises. As he heads into the second half of his term, it will be harder for him because he will be held in even greater expectations of meeting his campaign promises. It will also be much harder if we end of with a Republican controlled Congress.
Amani - He is placing a great emphasis on the education of this generation, but what concessions is he working toward for those who do not go to college. Should they expect a little “extra” help?
Deja - Good points. He is but just one man and we shall see how well he is able to perform in the next two years.
Merrill - Hart was speaking at a town hall meeting and not at a prepared press conference. Her thoughts were from her heart. Yes, there is still much to be done, good point.
Matt - Excellent point in number one; things don’t happen overnight.
Michael - late - Good point, “...when you have a quick fix, what you fixed is liable to break again.” Some people don’t see the philosophy that when you take the time to do it right the first time, you don’t have to take the extra time to redo it.
Lyndsey - late - President Obama’s been in office for 20 months and yes, change is not instantaneous. I know you are keeping up with the news more than you used to, but we’ve still got to get you to watch more.
Amber - Glad you were able to sing praises to the Lord Sunday, but you’ve had since last Wednesday to post, 5 days. Good points. You let me know if you ever get rich enough to buy Alabama. Then, I’m going to become your long, lost cousin.
Nancy - Don’t worry about it. I got it.
Let me remind you again that you should be proofreading your responses before posting. There are still a good many mistakes, and you should not be making these at this level. I am also seeing a decline in the Socratic debate. You should be responding to each other in a manner that encourages debate.
ReplyDeleteThis is the blog I missed when I was gone.
ReplyDelete1. In a sense, Mrs. Hart has a very valid point. I wouldn't classify her speech as valid in the respect that her argument is sound though. I understand what Mrs. Hart is saying, and I think that she is justified in worrying about her present and future financially. It's completely understandable for her to be cynical when the president has said that he's out to help you and you don't feel that support. But I would say that her argument is somewhat impatient and unnecessary. I think she is expecting the world to change for the better within the first half of Obama's tenure, and that's just unrealistic. We are in one of the worst depressions in the history of this country. It took FDR several terms to pull us out of the depression completely. I think it's somewhat ignorant of her to assume that the President can have that much impact in such a short amount of time. He is simply laying the foundations for what he thinks will be the stepping stones to a full recovery. We can't start crying now about how bad things still are; it's simply just too early to see if he is helping us or not. I do think that she brings up a valid issue of Obama's public reputation though. His image when he campaigned was based around the delusional idea that one man could save a nation in a matter of months by himself with his change rhetoric. Simply fictitious. Obama never said it would be quick or easy, but unfortunately for him that was the perception. That we'd see the immediate changes now. It appears that Obama has bitten off more than he can chew.
2. I think Obama answered her decently. Public speaking he wise he faired alright, but did not really rise to meet the prompt like we'd expect a man with a righteous purpose to. He stuttered a lot and seemed to be grasping at air for proof that he is indeed pushing the country the right way with these bricks he's laying. The things he mentioned though were good enough for me though. The examples were alright; he probably could've come up with better ones if he had more time to prepare instead of being put on the spot, but the fact that he reiterated and clarified that this was no easy journey was good. It is going to take time, hard and cohesive work from many people (not just the president), and a sufficient plan to get us out of this pit, and that's what he emphasized. He's looking not only to improve the present situation of America, but to make sure that the United States will be as strong as ever generations from now.
3. I think Obama is one of the best president's we could have at this point in time. I wouldn't say he is Mr. Perfect; not in the slightest, but I would definitely advocate him over any other runner in the past election and probably the upcoming one. He may not always have the right answer, but the point is that he has vision. He sees where we need to be, and he is determined to get us there one way or another. The fact that he knows where we're going in the first place is a key ingredient, now he just needs to implement the right remedy to get us there.
@ everyone who says Mrs. Hart has a valid argument
ReplyDeleteI agree that she is justified in being upset with a promise that things will get better, but I think the average American needs to be more patient and less ignorant. Firstly, even if Obama is moving in the right direction, things are not going to get better extremely quickly. Remember that he is not trying to get a quick fix for the country, but instead trying to lay the foundations for the strongest United States we've ever seen. He wants to secure the future stability and success of the next few generations of Americans, not just this one. You can't expect one man to do that in two years.
My second point also relates to the one above. He is just one man. Despite the fact that the President holds an enormous amount of power, in a lot of aspects the president is and always has been a figure head for the country to look to. Whether it be to criticize, to yell at, to look to hope for, etc., the president's role is to act as the pinnacle headpiece of the U.S. Government. This does not mean however he has the means or even the potential to change our country's state of being by himself. When you look at the entire spectrum of our national government, you'd see that the president a surprisingly small role in the grand scheme of things. There are so many other factors; so many other cogs that need to turn in order for the country to spur itself in the right direction. You can't hold this man totally accountable, despite what his job title entails.