"We Will Rebuild, We Will Recover"
02 Mar, 2009 · 2822
Sowmiya Narayanan analyzes Obama’s first address to the US Congress
For many Americans, today Obama is a symbol of big hope and optimism. In his much expected first address to the joint session of Congress, he said, much to the applause of everyone gathered, “While our economy may be weakened and our confidence shaken, though we are living through difficult and uncertain times, tonight I want every American to know this…We will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before.”
It is precisely for this reason Obama is seen as a big hope for the Americans. He creates an optimism in these depressed economic times. According to the immediate CNN research poll 68 per cent of the speech watchers had an excellent and positive reaction. President Obama brings, “the audacity of hope" which is the need of hour for all American citizens.
The crisis is huge with housing foreclosure, tight credit, and Wall Street and other job losses. Those who had six figure salaries are today seen for negotiating an hourly rate. The economic downturn and the change over the last one year is clearly visible.
Obama’s speech, much before any visible action, has created a sense of confidence and positive energy amongst the American people. This positive attitude is more important, as the road to travel is a long and arduous one. By making a positive speech, Obama has made the right first step. This speech has created great momentum, faith, hope and energy. As has happened in the past in the US, powerful words can always change the history of the country.
What Obama has also underlined and addressed is one of the cornerstones of American statements based on a never-say-die spirit. His speech, if one has to analyse, is aimed at boosting the confidence of a great nation. What it simply means to all the individuals is the following: creating a sense of personal responsibility in financial matters and also personal accountability.
In a way, this is the right approach. Why are home foreclosures happening at an alarming rate today? The reasons are not hard to fathom. Many Americans purchased houses that they cannot afford but in reality, people are not able to afford the mortgage because of job losses. Then they move out of the their homes which in turn increases the inventory of homes all over the US and housing values come down still further.
The Obama administration has inherited a huge deficit along with recession and credit crisis. This is a reality, which can be seen everywhere in every city, town and state - spread all over the US. What is the solution? The US government must come out with legislation to support the people who are making their mortgage payments properly and making sure that these hard working people not getting into foreclosures and so stabilize the market. Another solution is to create immediately jobs in clean energy and by building infrastructure.
Another important message of Obama’s speech that comes out clearly is that "everybody should live within their means." If you earn hundred 100 dollars, spend only 50 dollars and save the balance. The irony so far has been that people who have been earning hundred dollars were spending 150 dollars, thanks to the plastic cards.
This is the speech that the Americans have been waiting for. It should give them the confidence in themselves and also faith in Obama. Now, Obama should transform his words into deeds. The American nation will walk along with him, for they believe in him, and are now convinced, especially after that speech, that he is their hope.
It is precisely for this reason Obama is seen as a big hope for the Americans. He creates an optimism in these depressed economic times. According to the immediate CNN research poll 68 per cent of the speech watchers had an excellent and positive reaction. President Obama brings, “the audacity of hope" which is the need of hour for all American citizens.
The crisis is huge with housing foreclosure, tight credit, and Wall Street and other job losses. Those who had six figure salaries are today seen for negotiating an hourly rate. The economic downturn and the change over the last one year is clearly visible.
Obama’s speech, much before any visible action, has created a sense of confidence and positive energy amongst the American people. This positive attitude is more important, as the road to travel is a long and arduous one. By making a positive speech, Obama has made the right first step. This speech has created great momentum, faith, hope and energy. As has happened in the past in the US, powerful words can always change the history of the country.
What Obama has also underlined and addressed is one of the cornerstones of American statements based on a never-say-die spirit. His speech, if one has to analyse, is aimed at boosting the confidence of a great nation. What it simply means to all the individuals is the following: creating a sense of personal responsibility in financial matters and also personal accountability.
In a way, this is the right approach. Why are home foreclosures happening at an alarming rate today? The reasons are not hard to fathom. Many Americans purchased houses that they cannot afford but in reality, people are not able to afford the mortgage because of job losses. Then they move out of the their homes which in turn increases the inventory of homes all over the US and housing values come down still further.
The Obama administration has inherited a huge deficit along with recession and credit crisis. This is a reality, which can be seen everywhere in every city, town and state - spread all over the US. What is the solution? The US government must come out with legislation to support the people who are making their mortgage payments properly and making sure that these hard working people not getting into foreclosures and so stabilize the market. Another solution is to create immediately jobs in clean energy and by building infrastructure.
Another important message of Obama’s speech that comes out clearly is that "everybody should live within their means." If you earn hundred 100 dollars, spend only 50 dollars and save the balance. The irony so far has been that people who have been earning hundred dollars were spending 150 dollars, thanks to the plastic cards.
This is the speech that the Americans have been waiting for. It should give them the confidence in themselves and also faith in Obama. Now, Obama should transform his words into deeds. The American nation will walk along with him, for they believe in him, and are now convinced, especially after that speech, that he is their hope.
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