The end will justify the means.
That’s basically what President Barack Obama said during a speech Tuesday evening at Georgetown University.
While we’ll continue to face challenges in the future, the president says we “are starting to generate signs of economic progress.”
Such signs of progress can be attributed to the $787 billion stimulus plan Obama signed into law in February. The plan was designed to generate more jobs, help struggling auto companies from going under, assist people during the mortgage crisis, and stabilize banks so that they can continue to lend. When Obama initially signed the stimulus plan into law he called it the “beginning of the end” to this country’s economic problems.
He was right.
Gradually, since the plan more people have been able to purchase homes, buy (and actually afford) automobiles, and obtain various other forms of credit.
However, with all the progress being made, the president is careful not to be overly optimistic.
“(This doesn’t) mean that hard times are over – 2009 will continue to be a difficult year for America’s economy. …The severity of this recession will cause more job loss, more foreclosures and more pain before it ends.”
With that said Obama hopes the U.S. will become less reliant on the financial sector and debt. He’s optimistic that people will be more productive by relying on its ingenuity, scientists and engineers.
I believe President Obama is coming into his own right now, as are the American people. Once he was inaugurated and a significant period after, many were still a bit shocked and amazed that the country had its first African-American president. After that “shock and awe” moment, I think many people then became accustomed to his new role, but also overwhelmed with the economic crisis. Now, however, there’s hope. People have hope in this country that we’ve not seen in a long time. Morale is definitely up and people are not only optimistic about their individual future, but they’re also pleased with Obama’s performance as head of the state. In addition, people are very specific on their thoughts of Republicans and the GOP’s role in the economic decline. Here are some interesting findings from a recent CNN poll:
n 58 percent of poll respondents say Obama has a clear plan to deal with the recession.
n 62 percent say Obama is doing enough to cooperate with Republicans in Congress.
n Six in 10 people say that the Republican Party is not doing enough to “reach out and work with the president.”
n 49 percent of the poll participants feel that the country would be better off if Democrats kept control of Congress.
n 24 percent of respondents believe Republicans in Congress have a clear plan on the economy.
n 36 percent of Republicans across the country think the GOP leadership (ala Michael Steele) has a clear plan.
n 34 percent said that the country would be better off if Republicans were in control of Congress.
Though pleased with the economic shift and realistic about the challenges ahead, our commander-in-chief stresses the importance of staying committed.
“If we stick with it, if we don’t flinch in the face of some difficulties, then I feel absolutely convinced that we are going to get this economy back on track,” said Obama.
