US President Barack Obama took the oath of office when America was facing its worst economic crisis. However, the president took a number of measures to rebuild the economy. This has been achieved by healthcare reforms, revitalized energy sector and growth of manufacturing industries. In the 2016 State of the Union address to Congress, President Obama underscored his government’s commitment to key issues such as international business, globalization, economy and ISIS.
ISIS
On ISIS, President Obama emphasized the centrality of America’s security as a panacea to its economic development. He observed that protection of American people is a number one priority. To achieve peace and stability, the president observed that terrorist networks such as al Qaeda and ISIL must be destroyed because they threaten the security and stability of the American people (Obama 5). President Obama appealed to Congress to take a vote and authorize the use of military in the fight against ISIL. He emphasized that the United States military involvement in Syria will help bring justice to victims of terrorist attacks in the Syria. The president seemed to pass a warning to Congress that unless action is taken against ISIL, the United States and the world will continue to experience terrorist attacks.
International business
On international business, president Obama said that his government has forged Trans-Pacific Partnerships (TPP) to open markets. Under this partnership, workers will enjoy working in a protected environment as the United States advances its leadership in Asia. According to the president, the partnership cuts 18,000 taxes on American products (Obama 2). The implication of the TPP is that it supports the creation of jobs in America while allowing the United States to set rules trade rules in Asia. The president underscored the significance of diplomatic relations among nations as a way to fostering international business. He added that restoring relations with Cuba paved way for business.
President Obama observed as the world becomes a global village, it is prone to myriad challenges such as climate change and war. He added that America must lead the world in the fight against climate change and help vulnerable countries rise. He gave examples of Ukraine and Colombia that have faced the challenges of democracy and war respectively. He expressed his belief that in a global village, people should not suffer from HIV/AIDS and malaria. Thus, Congress should authorize funding to be used in the fights against diseases.
Economy
The economy is a central issue in American politics. President Obama highlighted his government’s economic roadmap as well as the steps the government has made to restore the country’s economy. President Obama reported that his government has created over 14 million jobs in the last two years. The growth of the auto industry and the manufacturing surge has created many job opportunities for Americans (Obama 3). The president added that his government has cut deficits significantly. The president added that education and training provides the necessary skills that people need to be productive in the workplaces. In this regard, his government has lifted graduation rates and enhanced engineering graduates. The president observed that continued provision of social security and Medicare will help increase the health of the American people, thereby increase their economic productivity.
Opinion on speech and policies
President Obama’s speech best reflects his government’s achievement. The speech instilled hope among Americans. The president tactfully took blame from himself and rested it on Congress. With most of his promises already fulfilled, President Obama demonstrated rare leadership, especially after inheriting the worst economy since the Great Depression. By advancing democratic policies, President Obama, underscored the fundamental American mission, that all men are created equal.
Work Cited
Obama, Barrack. State of the Union Address to Congress. (2016, January 12). Available at
https://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu
