President Barack Obama spoke to Congress in the first State of the Union address of his second presidential term Tuesday night.
With Congress in a continuous deadlock, Obama focused his speech on the necessity to cross bipartisan lines.
“The American people don’t expect government to solve every problem,” Obama said. “They don’t expect those of us in this chamber to agree on every issue. But they do expect us to put the nation’s interests before party.”
Obama announced several policy changes he wishes to implement during his final term, especially in relation to the economy. No full-time worker should live in poverty, Obama said, proposing a raise in minimum wage.
He also discussed new tax reform, which would focus on relieving some burdens on the middle class. Alix Bloodworth, sophomore from Murray, said a new tax code is exactly what the country needs.
“A tax code that decreases incentives to move companies overseas and lowers tax rates for companies staying in America will strengthen our economy,” Bloodworth said.
Bloodworth also said budget cuts in areas such as health care and education really hit home for her as a student.
In regards to postsecondary education, Obama said public universities must do whatever they can to keep education at a reasonable cost for students. He said education builds the future of the U.S.
Obama also said the future lies in the hands of our military, as he saluted the American troops. He said 33,000 troops have already returned home and over the next year, another 34,000 troops will leave Afghanistan.
Major Paul Denson, officer in charge of the Murray State ROTC, said the guidelines are coming from military leaders, but it is hard to put a timeline on an operation involving so many troops.
“It could be difficult because conditions a year from now could change,” Denson said. “It may be a little early, but it’s a good plan and it should happen.”
Obama discussed spending cuts in the military over the course of the next year as well. He wants to focus on the specialization of military parts, since the technology in war is changing.
“As long as readiness isn’t cut and we can still remain the power we are today, I think it’s okay,” Denson said. “As a commander, it is our challenge and our duty to safeguard and protect the taxpayer money at all times.”
After discussing foreign affairs, Obama struck a mine of emotions in the room when he discussed gun control.
“More than a thousand birthdays, graduations and anniversaries have been stolen from our lives by a bullet from a gun,” Obama said. Changes include requiring criminal background checks for gun sales, a ban on assault weapons and limiting ammunition.
Obama told Congress he will put his 23 proposals through the House and Senate, and he wants them all to pass. He said the changes are a part of common sense reform, even for those strong advocates for the Second Amendment.
“When a soldier takes an oath, he takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the U.S.,” Denson said. “Whatever is done in accordance with our constitution, I whole-heartedly support.”
He ended the address by highlighting Americans such as Desiline Victor, a 102-year-old woman from Florida who stood in line for hours just to vote.
“We may do different jobs, and wear different uniforms, and hold different views than the person beside us,” Obama said. “But as Americans, we all share the same proud title. We are citizens.”
Story by Lexy Gross, Assistant News Editor.