An exercise in flowing oratory that delivered a message of calm leadership and civil discourse in a time of domestic turmoil. Barack Obama showed once again his awesome ability to bridge the partisan divide with deft words and lofty promises.
But on a night of reflection for a nation still held together in parts by thinning threads this President failed to recognize the struggle of 99ers. Choosing to echo, by way of silence the view of the Right which contends that we can and should cap humanity, ignoring the suffering of millions.
You see the spark of “inspiration” that some on the Right believe comes amidst desperation fails when there simply are no jobs. Yesterday’s workers, made into today’s jobless, and with no aid in sight quite possibly tomorrow’s homeless and starving.
Now we know that a President can’t grip a problem like long term unemployment by the horns and drive it into the dirt on his own. There is little doubt that President Obama would sign a tier 5 unemployment extension if one could pass through the thorny gauntlet of Congress. Yet with the spotlight shining bright there lived an opportunity to apply the kind of pressure that births change and spurs movement. Alas it was an opportunity missed.
Now this is not to say Barack Obama ignored the plight of the unemployed entirely. This speech, aimed squarely at the less politically charged among us, aimed at the moderate majority of Americans was filled with a sober plan to regrow the American economy.
President Obama made it clear that he believes it is in the best interest of this nation’s economy to improve and not repeal “Obamacare” while redoubling efforts to solidify our infrastructure, and invest in innovation while trying to rein in America’s out of control deficits.
Yet while the President illustrated a willingness to curb spending he did draw a clear line in the sand, speaking to those that would haphazardly cut vital services by saying “I’m willing to eliminate whatever we can honestly afford to do without. But let’s make sure that we’re not doing it on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Out on the front lines of America’s economic struggle, with unemployment still near double digits and the long term unemployed consistently falling victim to prejudice 99ers are our “most vulnerable citizens”.
And while a brighter economic outlook raises us all up from our current fallen posture it does little to help someone inches away from the irreversible slip of poverty.
After all, what good is the future if we never get a chance to view its brilliance?
Comments
It is appalling that BO continues to champion the illegals and ignores the out of work American citizens. We must vote him out in 2012. He is not for the American people.
I agree with you Lisa321. I will vote for you against Obama or any other progressive democrat. Obama is not good for anyone. He is a sell-out. He fooled democrats in voting for him in 08, but I won't be fooled this time. I see the light clearly. hopefully, other democrats will, too.
I definitely don't want another republican in there in 2012, either. obama is not a true democrat. Progressive Democrat come and run against obama for 2012.
we need a tier 5 now. why wont you help us?
Evil, delussionally optimistic , non-pro active puppet.
H e was more worried about the immigrants getting a fair shake then the 99ers and others. WE NEED HELP FOR THE 99ERS.
99ers can't help BO's campaign war chest.
What a speach LOL I felt like i was back in 1995 Jobs are going to come from building trains and the Internet??? I use the internet everyday I save a ton of money buying everything from Japan actually ordered new head phones today $200 here in america I got for $99 on ebay from a seller in Japan. Also he used Facebook and Google as a example of American Innovation? What about America Online they are who bacically pioneered the Internet.
So the speeches have come and gone and were left with what? Does anyone feel satisfied with the Presidents take? Confident that jobs are coming?
It appears only the cheerleaders of this forum thought the miracle would happen. Better move to plan B.
What's plan B?
Get a job! The spigot is dry.
As if it were that easy. The majority of 99ers, the majority of those still collecting benefits aren't still unemployed out of want. UI is a safety net allowing the recipients to barely make ends meat.
These people want to work, they are desperate to work but there simply are no jobs.
This is a mess why wasn't the 99ers even mention in his speech, I have been out of work for over 2 years beating the street sending out thousands of resume only to have 2 interviews I have not just been sitting around waiting on a hand out I was looking for a job while getting unemployment because I knew that the benefits will run out I never thought that I couldn't find a job I don't have 2 more years for job creation I don't even have 2 more days. My family and I will be homeless!!!!! It is clear that the silver heads don't give a sh!! but I did think that our President gave a damn I don't know anymore. One thing for certain if I become homeless I will do everything I could to vote him out (our President), I rally for this presdient like never before, I volunteer time that I did not have, I stood in line with my family at 6am to vote for him and you better believe my family of 8 will be back in line again to vote against him if we don't get some help now.
99 weeks was ample time to accept a minimum wage fast food or service job. But UI paid better. Ample time to plan ahead for the day with the 100th week arrived. BO is not your savior. Time to move on. You've already been forgotten. This forum only allows you to keep false hopes alive.
I can't wait until you lose your job, you will!!!! you are hateful people like you always pass judgement can't wait you will don't forget these words can't wait you will
@Donors
Get your facts straight about the unemployed. You and your buddy Just the Facts, can now kick that empoverished elderly person, homeless child. I am sure your day will be complete in doing so.
I thought OB was the President of the United States why do he have to wait on these people to make a decision for the people just do what Bush done make it happen what ever Bush wanting he go it OB make it happen. We need help!!!!!!!!
While you are waiting, BO has opened his campaign office for re-election. This is to keep his job in two years and feed his ego. While you are waiting think about all the millions that will pour into his campaign war chest and you're forgotten. While you're waiting think about the donors give him the money and have not influenced him to help your cause. You're invisible, forgotten. And your anger is misdirected.
This Darwinistic attitude will only come back and bite you in the but remember te top 3% control the other 97%. So Donors and all others tha showno empathy remember there is a reason they dont want the truth known nationally or globally. We are in this together as a Nation and the sooner you and people like you realize that, the better our chances for survival.
As far as job creation goes, I dont believe him. Starttaxation on companies outsourcing, bring the jobs that have been outsourced and then give tax-breaks to employers for hiring long-term unemployed then we can talk.....the answers are that simple, but the fact they have'nt been implemented ovly show that this collapse was intentional on some level.
Of course he left you out.
The Country is moving on without you 9Whiners!
Karma is around the corner JUST THE FACTS!!!!!
@Just the Facts
You can kick that elderly person, homeless child now.
Hope you never need a hand in life.
Once again, the 99ers SIT AND WAIT for someone, something to bail them out. OK...hopefully, finally, after Obama's speech, I pray the 99ers WAKE UP and FINALLY START TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD.
Though articles as such are good and informative...a forum like this is NOT where a 99er should be looking to for help. I have been saying this for about 2 months now on these Examiner articles comment sections...THE 99ERS NEED TO GO OUT AND DO SOMETHING...MARCH ON THE STEPS OF CONGRESS...CALL THE NATIONAL MEDIA OUTLETS NOT 10 TIMES, 1000 TIMES, BY ALL 5 MILLION OF YOU (OR WHATEVER THE REAL NUMBER IS).
I HOPE THAT THIS IS THE LAST THING THAT THE 99ERS WAIT FOR TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS....AS YOU SHOULD KNOW BY NOW (AND SHOULD HAVE KNOWN FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS)....THERE WILL NOT BE A TIER 5 UNLESS YOU MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD, THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS.
WAKE THE F*^& UP! AND STOP WAITING...
I don't diminish the value that these forums have...obviously. The conversation needs to take place and I hope I help with that effort. That said, your right. The "movement" is paltry in comparison to what it could and should be.
A mountain of faxes, incessant phone calls, and rallies are not unhelpful but they do little to make a statement and they frequently fail to garner attention.
The problem is what can be done? More radical, yet non violent action feels necessary but what can possibly grab the attention of a press that seems only willing to cover 99ers when they are killing themselves?
I see so much anger on here and I understand it, I think it's healthy-99ers are after all forsaken. But I think the anger comes not just from the situation but from the inability to draw attention to the situation.
Unfortunately all I have is this space to help with that and I'll continue too.
As for whats next, where this "movement" needs to go next? You tell me. Lets make this forum about that and channel the rage toward something positive.
How can 99er's make themselves heard more effectively?
Obama is not going to use his influence to call for Tier 5 unemployment, he never was. He needs that influence to get re-elected. That's why I'm voting Republican in 2012, the same way I voted Republican this past November.
If President Obama wants to lose the 2012 election, all he has to do is keep ignoring the 99ers.
What would possess someone to come an write malicious things about those who are still on unemployment.
You would really have to be a sick fuck to actively search for these articles on the internet and then tease those who are in trouble.
Karma will get these people but God knows what moves them to act the way they do.
I voted for Obama in 2008, the way he has betrayed us I will never vote for him or Democrat again, Even George Bush was more compassionate than this cruel guy. Don't Under estimate the power of 99ers looser. All 99ers must vow today not to vote for this inhuman beast. You can vote for Democrat, but at least don't vote for him, we must boot him out in 2012. I am voting Republican, Fuck it.
Just the Facts and Donors must be miserable cat and dog kicking people. God help their souls.
Repeat from earlier post. Your anger is misdirected.
It's amazing isn't it that the unemployed 99ers are effectively being forgotten about. Our congress and senate and president all know that there are millions of people out there that have exhausted all financial help but they can't provide more help to these people I guess because that would be Un-American. We all here understand that our government just gave out financial help to our wealthy few last month in tax breaks, but that's ok because it's the American way. So after giving out all that financial help to our wealthy few we must now cut any form of spending that may help our people that are in need the most. All we need to do to help these people tell them to go get a job regardless if a jobs actually exists for them to get or not. Does everyone know that no jobs will be created unless there is a growing demand for products or services? You can give a business all the tax breaks or incentives or deregulations you want, but if there is no increase in demand for new product that business is not going to hire more people to create product that there is no demand for. As more and more citizens become 99ers and lose all financial benefits, demand for products and services will have to decline even more. Where is all the demand going to come from is the real question for employment, and I have not seen anyone address this.
There's no anger here Donors. The anger stems from within yourself.
What possesses you to taunt those who are down on their luck.
What possesses you to seek out info on the web about the jobless when you seemingly have a job.
You are full of hate.
Get back to work.
Your boss can see what you are doing.
Read it all again, no hate. Just level headed words without the emotions. How about you? You assumed that I'm against the 99ers, but if you read carefully I'm trying to help them move along rather than sitting around waiting for a politician to throw money at them. The unemployed can't donate to his campaign while the rich will. Grassroots? Yeah, keep believing that. Have you heard the "Hope and Change" slogan lately? Of course not, it's now "shared responsibility". He's not taking responsibility for anything.
The unemployed especially the 99ers are being ignored because we are the proof that the economy is worse than Obama is willing to admit! He's worried about running for a second term...fix this term 1st!!!!
Agree and it's irresponsible leadership. Were not children, tell it to us like it is.
Jason,
You're correct, we are not children and the government IS telling you the way it is.
If you're not children, stop acting like children.
There are up to 99 weeks of unemployment, almost TWO YEARS!! that is all there is going to be.
So stop acting like children and deal with it.
These people aren't children, and they aren't lazy. These are people trying their damnedest to survive. The threat of no food on the table, no roof over their heads becoming more real everyday. They want help, they need help, they deserve help.
You see people like Austin Goolsbee says that the plight of the 99er's is "heartbreaking" Then do something, as if this administration is powerless to stand on its own two legs and at least try to edge Congress to action.
Now, you'll say well why can't these people rise up on their own two legs and find a job? Well I say where are the jobs? Where are the jobs?, You tell me how people who have built a life in this country are supposed to sustain that life without a job, without assistance? Tell me how they are supposed to get a foot in the door when employers barely entertain the notion of hiring someone whose been out of work for a year, or two, or three?
These people aren't whining, they are dying. Their families are withering, any hope of an education for their children: gone. Their home, their car, every brick carefully laid, blown to smithereens. But you would have them suffer this death in silence, have them be peeled layer by layer down to their bleeding souls by the dregs of a life unfunded without so much as a single cry for help...(to be continued)
(continued)
I don't know when the switch flipped, when it became cool to bash the long term unemployed as lazy whiners but it is an astoundingly inhuman turn. These people have been thrown away, lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and they spend every day searching for a way back, fighting to feed themselves and their families.
Go hug your kids, go look at all you have and imagine it disappearing piece by piece. Do that and hope that you never are so unfortunate as to find yourself in a situation like these people do. Do that and I'll hope that if you are, you never find the lack of compassion that you and so many others on here have displayed.
Jason,
Supporting people for years and years because they don't have a job is not compassion.
Obviously I disagree but lets strip away the emotion from it for a second.
-The Goldman Sachs study and the San Francisco FED report that show extended benefits do almost nothing to spur long term unemployment. (.5% increase in the unemployment rate linked to EB)
-The Zandi Congressional testimony where Mark Zandi, Moody's Chief Economist and a former John McCain adviser stated that ever dollar paid out in UI brings a $1.60 back to the GDP
-Noted economists like Robert Reich, Paul Krugman, and many others have spoken to the economic benefit of a further extension.
If it helps you to strip away the humanity of aid then view the 99ers as millions of consumers kept away from stores, unable to pay for their homes, or their credit card debt. \
-Thats costing small businesses income and keeping them from expanding and hiring.
-That's keeping foreclosure rates high and housing costs low. Retarding new construction which is gutting the HVAC sector, plumbers (Joe included), electricians, carpenters, architects, and contractors. These professionals cant spend money at home improvement stores, can't buy fittings, fixtures, flooring, and other building materials which affects the bottom line of all the companies that make those goods and hinders their ability to hire and expand.
-Credit card companies must in the meantime spend more resources trying to collect money with little success and in turn raise interest rates on the rest of us.
-In the meantime bankruptcies will continue to rise clogging the court system, hurting growth, and shrinking the lendee base, and hurting peoples attempts to get a job because remember, almost all companies run a credit check prior to hiring.
Now we could take a stab at beating this back with a fraction of the money used to finance a tax cut for millionaires and billionaires who are more likely to spend/invest that money internationally or save it.
This economy is interconnected and as we keep the millions of 99ers away from aid we damn our economic present and future, from the guy working at Wendy, to the guy who owns Wendys.
Frankly if it's not about a lack of compassion, then its a lack of fiscal sense. It can be an engine of heartlessness or stupidity that propels the "movement" to keep 99ers out in the cold, whichever you folks prefer.
Jason,
If you think it makes fiscal sense to continue to pay people to not work, would it make fiscal sense for the government to pay EVERYBODY, even employed people?
There would then be even more money flowing into the economy.
It never makes fiscal sense to pay people to not work.
Im not advocating an endless welfare stream for all. Jobs are the long term answer but we cant pretend that these people wont shrivel up to nothing in the long stretch of time that passes before jobs flow freely into the economy.
The employed build businesses, they invest. The unemployed are merely able to survive when they are receiving benefits & by survive I mean buy food, pay utility bills, keep a roof over their head with little room for other expenditures & so called luxury items. When they are not receiving benefits they contribute nothing to the economy.
There is an unbridgeable difference between saying we should temporarily help a small percentage of the population find a way to contribute and saying everyone should be given a government paycheck. How would such a burnt utopia even exist with no tax base to fund it? Would the Government just constantly print and devalue currency, seize private assets and sell them off to fund it?
Paint the whole picture don't just whisper slippery slope. Use the Beck chalkboard, circle the word neo-communism and draw a line to it from every single idea if thats truly going to be your argument against extending aid to 99ers.
These are the facts, no imagination required.
There are no jobs, there are no benefits, and the economy aches for millions of 99ers to have either, its recovery slowed by their absence.
These people are victims and unlike our compassion and our fiscal sense, their torture knows no end.
f.u. congress i hope you all fall just like the 99ers did when we lost everything, eat my b.lls obama and congress.
We have an over surplus of labor in this country by about 20-25%. To a certain extent it does not matter what you know, how good you are at what you do, what schools you went to, there just is no demand out there in the economy for almost anything but Apple products.
Our elected officials have made the decision that the best thing to do to eliminate the excess human capital to to starve them of monies, hope, respect etc. as much as they can and then pretend that they just do not exist anymore. Unemployment problem solved, now pass me another Bud and lets get own with the Super Bowl.
Get Real ! Did you expect Obama's opening lint was going to be; "Gee, we've got to do something about the 10 or so million people who are loosing their homes, families, dignity, and a quality of life that is basically squaller?"
Hell, we're crumbs swept under the rug. It was his opportunity to blow up his chest and re-convince America that he's in the drivers seat, delivering the goods he promised.
The only problem is that he appears to lost without a map or compass, no turn signals, and an invalid license. And, don't even think that he plans to stop for directions.
Boy, the truth hurts doesn't it?
Quit draggin the Country down with all your whining.
Nice speech, all problems solved...
Higher priority than the STOU was if Da Bears were going to the Super Bowl, he'd be there. On your tax dollar dime! Nowhere was it mentioned on ESPN, Sportsline or CCNSI about any concern for the 99ers. Find another Messiah. This one only wants to retain his job in two years and not get you back on your feet.
Those with jobs and steady paychecks can never sympathize with those out of work. However, the unemployment gong will ring for you too! The ranks of the 99er's are swelling. The whole country will begin sagging economically and you will find joblessness shaking your windows and rattling YOUR walls before very long! When the whistle blows....everything goes!
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