Grace: Roland Burris can predict the future!
I received the following press release at 8:11 p.m. President Obama had just begun speaking. Sen. Roland Burris, it turns out, is living about an hour or so ahead of the rest for us. I understand that the text of the speech must be given out beforehand. But at least wait until the speech is over to respond to it.
U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris made the following statement after President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“In the midst of an economic recovery, two wars and a divisive health care debate, we have immense challenges facing our nation at this critical juncture in our history. I wholly support the goals laid out tonight by President Obama. Our nation has taken great strides in the past year, but there is more work to be done.
“In these dire economic times, it is vital we continue to implement initiatives that will bolster our economy and spur growth. By focusing on economic improvement – like investing in our nation’s small businesses, moving toward greener energy, improving infrastructure, and spurring the production of American-made products – our nation is taking crucial steps to permanently improve and sustain our economy.
“Middle class families hit hard by the financial crisis need to see relief. We need to work to restore their financial security, improve their futures, and move them towards economic recovery.
“Our nation is still in the midst of a health care crisis. Meaningful health care reform is within reach after months of contentious debate, and I am optimistic we will be able to pass health legislation. I support President Obama’s pledge to revamp our nation’s health care system — a commitment that is just as strong now as when he initially called on the House and Senate to pass health care reform in September of last year.
“We need to look forward to the future of health care reform and get health care reform passed to provide immediate relief and benefits for millions of Americans who lack health insurance. This year I am confident that health care reform will finally be achieved, and that it will usher in a health care industry that will extend coverage to millions of Americans, drive down health care costs, encourage accountability and increase competition in the insurance market.
“Our nation is still fighting two wars. While we initiate the drawdown of American forces in Iraq and focus attention on Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, it imperative to fulfill our obligation to our troops overseas, and to provide them with the care and support they’ve earned — both at home and abroad.
“The United States has taken tremendous progressive steps over the last year, but there are still daunting challenges confronting our nation. President Obama’s address tonight was a hopeful message of confidence in the American people and our determination and resolve in the face of great challenges. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to accomplish this agenda in 2010 and the years ahead.”
