Opinion: President Barack Obama Speaks the Truth

written by, Erica Taglione

On January 27th President Barack Obama gave the State of the Union Address. He spoke words of encouragement to Americans, as he tried to reassure the nation that soon there will be actions to fix the economy. Many of the topics he spoke about were important, and fellow Democrats applauded with support.

The topic that remains on my mind is his dedication to helping college students.  “We need to invest in the skills and education of our people,” said the President. He addressed all ages and all education programs. He pledged to revamp the education system and motivate students to excel in math and science programs regardless of where they live. He said “…the best anti-poverty program around is world-class education.”

The President  spoke often of the working family, stating, that “The price of college tuition is just one of the burdens facing the middle class.” He urged the Senate to pass a bill that will “revitalize our community colleges.” This topic is important to the President as he showed interest in Hudson Valley Community College on September, 21, 2009. (For complete information on this visit, see http://www.hvcc.edu/obamavisit ) On the issue of cost, he ensures that this bill will end unwarranted taxpayer subsidies, and aid families by giving a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and by increasing Pell Grants.

“And let’s tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years–and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college,” said President Obama

This had the House erupting with applause, as well as me sitting in my dorm room with a smile from ear to ear. This statement lead to many questions. When will this happen? Who will be affected by it? When will we hear more about this?

I like the sounds of not going broke post graduation. Also, I like how my President encourages a college education, and understands the financial burdens it puts on a student. With today’s economy it is uncertain how many of us will actually get a job with our chosen degree. It is a reassurance that our nation will help those who choose education, and do so with loans.

President Obama ended his education discussion by saying, “And by the way, it’s time for colleges and universities to get serious about cutting their own costs because they, too, have a responsibility to help solve this problem.”

President Obama would be happy to know the Russell Sage is doing it’s part. Russell College is one of the only colleges in the capital region to not increase it’s tuition for fall 2010. This will help many students, and it is a noble thing to do.

I think President Obama’s speech was excellent as he addressed many important issues, but to me, a college student, I especially liked hearing his thoughts on education and how America will help my future. His speech gives hope to all students who face a large education loan when they graduate. He also provokes thought to those who may not have considered the hardship that choosing college can bring.

I am excited to hear more about the bill that President Obama spoke of, and I am hopeful that it will pass. The State of Union was a great portrayal of what America can do with the right leader. If you did not get a chance to watch the speech you can watch it online, or read the speech online through The New York Times. (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/us/politics/28obama.text.html )