"We will rebuild"

Last night I was in Primm at a Blondie concert. Talk about a flashback to the 1970s and 80s!

And tonight after a busy day, I finally had a chance to sit down and watch the address that President Obama made to Congress and the nation yesterday.

In many ways, the last eight years have felt to me like a strange sort of limbo. Right now I feel , at last, that the 21st century has finally begun.

If anyone had any doubts that Obama was unready to lead the nation, or any doubts about America's ability to renew itself and lead the world once more, I can't help but think that they must now be looking at our president and at this country a little differently.

Obama explained our financial crisis and why the economic stimulus plan was necessary (as well as some of the highlights of what it will do for the country). But even in this time of crisis, he seized the moment to call for investments in the critical areas that will determine our future: energy, healthcare, education, and reducing the federal budget deficit. He called on Americans and their representatives in Washington to step up to a new level of responsibility. And somehow--despite the partisan divide in Washington--he brought all of Congress to its Democratic and Republican feet 34 times.

If you haven't watched the speech, you can watch highlights here or the full address here (both videos are also below). Here is the transcript.

A couple of passages that particularly moved me:

But we know that our schools don’t just need more resources. They need more reform. That is why this budget creates new incentives for teacher performance; pathways for advancement, and rewards for success. We’ll invest in innovative programs that are already helping schools meet high standards and close achievement gaps. And we will expand our commitment to charter schools.

It is our responsibility as lawmakers and educators to make this system work. But it is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in it. And so tonight, I ask every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. This can be community college or a four-year school; vocational training or an apprenticeship. But whatever the training may be, every American will need to get more than a high school diploma. And dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It’s not just quitting on yourself, it’s quitting on your country – and this country needs and values the talents of every American. [my emphasis] That is why we will provide the support necessary for you to complete college and meet a new goal: by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world....

These education policies will open the doors of opportunity for our children. But it is up to us to ensure they walk through them. In the end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a mother or father who will attend those parent/teacher conferences, or help with homework after dinner, or turn off the TV, put away the video games, and read to their child. I speak to you not just as a President, but as a father when I say that responsibility for our children's education must begin at home.

And:

As we meet here tonight, our men and women in uniform stand watch abroad and more are readying to deploy. To each and every one of them, and to the families who bear the quiet burden of their absence, Americans are united in sending one message: we honor your service, we are inspired by your sacrifice, and you have our unyielding support. To relieve the strain on our forces, my budget increases the number of our soldiers and Marines. And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve, we will raise their pay, and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned.

To overcome extremism, we must also be vigilant in upholding the values our troops defend – because there is no force in the world more powerful than the example of America. That is why I have ordered the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, and will seek swift and certain justice for captured terrorists – because living our values doesn’t make us weaker, it makes us safer and it makes us stronger. And that is why I can stand here tonight and say without exception or equivocation that the United States of America does not torture.

In words and deeds, we are showing the world that a new era of engagement has begun. For we know that America cannot meet the threats of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America. We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand.

The highlights of the address:

And the full speech: