State of the Union.

Like every other speech President Obama has given, his State of the Union address on Tuesday night was nothing short of good, poetic even, and filled with the patriotic rhetoric that would help Americans look hopefully toward the future. All in all, President Obama is an outstanding speaker.

But how much of his words will translate into action? In his address, he outlines an innovative policy agenda, wrought with the hope and promise of a bright future. He outlines a plan to become the America that is within our reach. It was hopeful to hear that America has managed to create over 3 million jobs. As a graduating senior with student debt, I support his initiatives to make higher education more affordable and to reduce the burden of student loans. I was also encouraged by the removal of our troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, I was not persuaded by President Obama’s agenda to help small businesses succeed. Earlier in his presidency, President Obama proposed a healthcare bill that required businesses, including small businesses, to provide health insurance to their employees or to pay a fine. My aunt and uncle, who own a pizza place, feared that the added expenses would put them out of business. I suppose, though, additional tax relief for small business owners who are creating jobs is a step in the right direction.

The purpose of President Obama’s agenda is clear and in many ways promising, but will he be able to put it into action this year? And are his solutions to all of America’s problems really the best answers? I’m not sure, but I was inspired by the improving State of the Union, as President Obama described it, and I hope that his efforts are successful.