President Obama: Equal Opportunity for All Americans (522 hits)
The University of Central Missouri’s entire auditorium burst into cheers and camera flashes as President Obama kicked off the beginning of what is to be a series of speeches that explain his vision for rebuilding the economy. The president promised, Wednesday, that for the remainder of his presidency he would direct his energy towards the issue he has so steadfastly and successfully campaigned on in both presidential elections – equal opportunity for all Americans.
Obama praised the new Missouri program at the University, which puts students on a fast track to low-cost college degrees as a national model. The program also connects students with business internships. “That is exactly the kind of innovation we need when it comes to college costs,” Obama said of the program. “It meant a lot to have our program recognized nationally and by our president,” a student commented.
The American Dream, building the middle class, and improving higher education were the primary subjects of Obama’s speech. The President proclaimed that anyone can achieve the American Dream if they work hard. He also suggested addressing the increasing cost of higher education, and upgrading the technology in schools across the country. “If you think education is expensive, you should see how expensive ignorance is in the 21rst century.”
The President’s speech on Wednesday comes two months before the government reaches the end of its fiscal year on September 30 as well as a potential shutdown should Republicans and Democrats fail to come to a consensus. The speech has been viewed by many to be an attempt by the White House to change the direction of national discussion back to economic issues and the middle class. “We’ve got to focus on jobs and the economy,” Obama told the packed room of 1,500.
The President’s speech in Missouri was his second of three. “I’m not going to allow gridlock, or inaction or willful indifference to get in this country’s way,” he said. Obama delivered his third speech in Jacksonville, FL. Prior to his speech in Missouri, Obama spoke at Knox College in Chicago where he gave his first major economic speech as a U.S. Senator.
