From the day I took office, I've been told that addressing our larger challenges is too ambitious; such an effort would be too contentious. I've been told that our political system is too gridlocked, and that we should just put things on hold for a while.
For those who make these claims, I have one simple question: How long should we wait? How long should America put its future on hold? (Applause.)
You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile, China is not waiting to revamp its economy. Germany is not waiting. India is not waiting. These nations -- they're not standing still. These nations aren't playing for second place. They're putting more emphasis on math and science. They're rebuilding their infrastructure. They're making serious investments in clean energy because they want those jobs. Well, I do not accept second place for the United States of America. (Applause.)
As hard as it may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may become, it's time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering our growth.
Next, we can put Americans to work today building the infrastructure of tomorrow. (Applause.) From the first railroads to the Interstate Highway System, our nation has always been built to compete. There's no reason Europe or China should have the fastest trains, or the new factories that manufacture clean energy products
1 comment:
I truly hope that Obama decides to stay true to his word but it always seems like every president just says what he needs to say to stay in office; they don't follow through with their plans. I also think that China and those other countries are better able to put their financial resources into bettering their country; while America keeps putting more and more money into other countries/wars. I am not trying to say that what our soldiers are doing is wrong... they are doing their jobs as soldiers (which is to follow the chain of command and to do what the government says). It just becomes harder to believe our president since there has been no follow through. We cannot truly get back on track as a nation without putting all (or most) of our focus/resources into this nation. I understand that he has not been president long and that everything has a process and takes time... I just hope that what he states is true.
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