Dean Rutherford asked Clinton School students in his class to draft a paragraph they would like to see President Obama include in his State of the Union message Tuesday night. The students gave Dean Rutherford permission to share these recommendations. Some of the suggestions include:
We have entered into a particularly uncharacteristic era in American politics. In the past, despite partisan differences, Americans always found compassion and a sense of unified support under tragic circumstances. The notes of sorrow sent to survivors in New York after the Twin Towers fell, the yellow ribbons displayed on bumpers signifying support to troops in Iraq, and the vigils held across the country in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings were all a testament to such unity. The aftermath of the recent shooting in Tucson, Arizona, showed a very different America, however. If the United States is to continue its exemplary standing in the world, re-establishing that keen sense of unity must be top priority. – Jessica Rice
Beyond the distant horizon are new challenges for our world; yet, many of the past problems remain unanswered. Today, we need a new type of politics to deal with these challenges — one that reconciles people, rather than divides. Voices tell us that the path forward might be too difficult or that change is impossible. The journey may be long; at times, the task might be trying; but working together, Americans can provide the solutions that are needed to face the challenges ahead. Like our forefathers before us, innovation, passion, and a desire to achieve will propel the United States forward. – Nate Looney
The world, in many ways, looks to US policy for groundwork and innovation. In turn, the US has a great responsibility. The gains of the past generations that have made our country great are in danger of regression and are in need of special attention now. By re-examining existing structures that have grown to inadvertently promote professional, educational, and economic exclusion, the US not only has the opportunity to increase the livelihoods and well-being of its own citizens, but also an influence for other countries to do the same around the world. – Tabitha Lee
The United States’ Declaration of Independence declares that all men are created equal and have the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, in a time when the number of uninsured Americans has increased to 50.7 million*, we realize these declared rights are considerably immaterial with the absence of necessities such as health care provision. While Americans are living longer, children are born every day into perpetual poverty and illness without access to suitable health care options. As most powerful nation, we must work to change this state of the union. – Ryan Williams
Today, more than ever, our country is in need of good listeners. As a nation built on the idea of freedom and the notion of acceptance, we work hard to ensure our country lives up to its greatest potential. Yet discrepancies exist. 35.9 million Americans live below the poverty line. 54% of children do not have a primary care doctor. The solutions are not easy. Yet the process begins with one simple step – listening. The answers lie deep within us; in the crevasses of the human spirit, in the creative thoughts of our diverse neighbors, and in the history and traditions of our great nation. – Molly McGowan
To improve our nation and our world each individual must work to connect with and understand others. We must reinvent our local communities to be places of support, while we work to enable our global community to connect beyond cultural differences. We must collaborate, locally and globally, to allow our wonderful diversity to enhance our opportunities and not divide us. Let us begin with small acts of generosity and cooperation — devoting time to an after-school program or merely helping a stranger carry their groceries — and understand that these small actions create large scale change. Let us not hesitate in our power to create a better community. – Kate Cawvey
Too many students in this country (particularly those who are poor or minority) are facing a growing achievement gap between those at the top and those struggling to get by. An educated population is more likely to produce strong future leadership and be politically engaged. It is imperative that we as a nation band together to improve the schools in our most struggling districts. This is a great threat to our country’s long-term well-being. Untold numbers of future leaders are being passed by because they do not have access to a quality education – and we must make this a priority. – Taylor Ballinger
I believe in a world that works together to solve the insolvable problems that WE as a world community face. A world that puts aside ideology and forgives past grievances, real and perceived, in favor of cooperative, communicative, and honest engagement. In this world pettiness is not allowed to thrive and aggressive action aimed at poverty alleviation, environmental stewardship, basic health and education for all the world’s citizens becomes the rule, not the exception. This is the world that I believe in, not the world that is, but the world that can be. A world of shared dreams realized. – Andrew Morgan