Since the two were extremely similar in theme, we were sure that his 2012 State of the Union would be a regurgitation of the last two. Needless to say, we were not disappointed as our table below shows the major points in each of the past 3 speeches.
| Obama's State of the Union Theme | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2011 | 2010 |
| Manufacturing | ||
| Education | Education | Education |
| Research | Research / Innovation | Innovation |
| Clean Energy | Technology & Clean Energy | Clean Energy |
| Infrastructure | Infrastructure | Infrastructure |
What was interesting is that this year, he boldly added a new category "Manufacturing" and dropped last year's "Technology" push.
Since the President is now pushing his concept of "fairness" (where everyone plays by the same rules and pays their own fair share), we wonder whether there is any financial connection his use of U.S. taxpayer funds for:
- his Manufacturing and Research proposals and GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt
- his Education focus and his friend Bill Ayers who also promotes education
- his Clean Energy drive and the 3 bankrupt clean energy companies that received Department of Energy funding
- his push to rebuild the country's infrastructure (bridges, roads, railway) and his friend Warren Buffet who owns BNSF Railway (Burlington Northern & Santa Fe railroads)
To be fair to the President however, we must commend him for sticking to the same political platform during his presidential term.
A future where we're in control of our own energy, and our security and For less than 1 percent of what our nation spends on education each year, Innovation also demands basic research.
ReplyDeleteDon Blankenship
Thanks for your reply Don. Agreed - controlling our own energy and security is the utmost priority for our country at this moment.
DeleteAnd, I do agree that research is a key to our future growth and innovation. But, in these difficult economic times, placing a priority of research will only help a few very educated keep their jobs (but will not trigger growth).
However, I do believe research should be funded at the federal level. Whereas, most of our education costs are funded at the state, county, and local levels. There-in is the dichotomy.
Meanwhile, lowering taxes plus opening drilling & pipelines will result in more demand for important research directed by the public need, rather than being directed at the Presidential level.
Cheers,
JL....
PS: Keep up the good work down there in Texas. I have a great deal of respect for your institution, programs, and research!
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