I think that it is to soon to see any change of what he saying but we have to way and see. we have to give hem a chance to prove that he mean well. thank you.

How does saddling the unborn with massive debt go under the heading of "Children's Defense" ???

I just read the email from Marian Wright Edelman. Why don't you just call it: "The Final Solution"? She used many words to that effect: "finish the job" "everyone in America" "all of us in America" "every child" "everyone in America" "every child" What we ought to be asking: Why aren't medical prices falling, as computers prices are falling? Why aren't medical devices getting cheaper? Because they are regulated at the expense of competition, which is our only real protection. Choice. High medical prices are due to many laws that interupt the normal competitive nature of every business, and have decade after decade taken away our choice of cheaper drugs and services. High medical prices are because natural remedies are not allowed to make medical claims. High medical prices result from forcing every health care insurance provided to provide coverage for things people might not want. Government forcing us all into one giant collective will not reduce medicine's cost. It will only take us further down the same path by removing even more choice from the individual - via intimidation (threatening those who would look for medicine through some other route that you would outlaw). Peaceful people try to solve problems through the use of their freedom, or to reclaim their freedom when it's been lost. We've lost our choices in medicine via the FDA and many laws already in place. A reduction in the force of law (more freedom) would reduce the cost of medicine to where it once was. Just a few decades ago, you could buy health insurance for $10 per month. In a once-free America. I don't believe in the fantasies and fantastic promises of politicians. They've lied from left and right, and Obama continues that tradition with some recent whoppers to not use earmarks, and to allow us to review his legislation on the internet before he'd sign it. He failed us already on those two points. He appears corrupt, but we should expect that. Why? Because he has more power than any human can handle. And power corrupts human beings. Even him. The Federal government was never meant to rule the states for this very reason. Let the mistakes you propose be done at the state level. But don't herd us all - as if we are property - into some giant collective ("you will be assimilated"). No thanks. No final solution!

I like everything he had to say and hope the GOP will get on board with the American population's needs.

I think it was great - They need to get rid of the bozo all the stations put on after him!susan dean

Absolutely inspiring and right on target for what this country needs after 8 years of tearing it down so the rich could be richer.

It was thrilling to listen to such an articulate explanation of what we need to do as a country if we are to survive. I was tansfixed!!!! and we are indeed so fortunate to have Barack Obama as our President!!!!!He is intelligent, thoughtful, confident and right on the mark!

there should b more video games and tv,and less abusive parents and teachers.obama acts out of touch sum.his ideas about no tourture and xpanding broadband access were good.people need equal rights at birth.

i think it fell flat.sum ideaz were good like xpanding broadband access and the united states not tourturing,but he waz 2 obsessed with school wich iz obsolete and cauzes abuse of young people.people r better off learning online.sumthings he said were out of touch with reality cauze he said sumthings that encourage abusive parents.fact iz there should b more video games and tv and more freedom at birth in general.

Very disturbing!!! WORDS! People have become mesmerized by WORDS! He gives us hope? Oh, please! "Change" in Obama-language is socialism. I do not understand how a liberal socialist has been able to dupe America the way he has simply because of eloquence. The mainstream media has made a hero/god of this man and people have blindly followed. I never thought I'd see it in America and I am actually more disturbed by that than by Obama himself. It is scary to think America would forget all that we've fought for and stood for for 250+ years because of Obama's words, charm and eloquence. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? We're in for a rough ride -- socialism is NOT THE ANSWER, Americans!!! Please wake up! This is NOT HOPE! This is a disastrous!!!

I was THRILLED to hear the comments of the president and his commitment to the fight against health care. I was excited when he signed the new legisiation about health care for children. I'm so thankful that now we have leadership that we can believe in!!!!

What truly has upset me is a Washington Times Editoral that argues against this approach. Here is the link: http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/26/yes-tysheoma-there-is-a-santa-claus/ I was raised in Upstate SC and the conditions in the lower part of the state are a disgrace to the state and our country. But, the Washington Times seems to think that the people in these rural, poor communities have all the resources they need to fix the problem. Absolutely unbelievable!!!! Is the CDF planning a response to the Washington Times?

I have never had so much hope for our nation and our children in need. God Bless Barack Obama and everyone who is helping and believes.

I laughed, I cried, I clapped, I was so excited to hear the President of this great nation, say so many words on so many important issues that we face. I like so many others, it seems, loved the words "you are not only quitting on yourself you are quitting on this country." Every man, women, and youth of this wonderful country needs to stand up and be counted. We need to stop the complaining and fighting and start making the changes that will rebuild America, and supoport the children of tomorrow. We all need to go out and give back to this country. What a wonderful, wonderful future we can all build if we will only do our part in helping this truly caring man to right the wronges and save this nation from ourselves.

America has been given one more chance to get it right. And Barack is our hope to do that. Jam

I love this guy. I have never in my 47 years listened to a president lie to our faces for more than 20 seconds, I've turned the channel or left the room. I could listen to Obama every day. I have NEVER in 47 years voted until Obama. I love the part of his speach where he talked about higher education and quitting high school, "you're not only quiting yourself, you're quitting your country". I TRUELY LOVE THIS GUY! I was somewhat dissapointed that he did not address the border issue. I think that should be the first thing on his list is close our borders. Finish the Mexico fence, apply any and all resourses to stop illigals/drugs/bombs/terrorist from entering our country. Its a major problem and should be addressed right away, NOW! TODAY! Health care is a done deal with Obama, now it just takes a little time to work out the "worms" that are in the system, but I think he won't let this one go, he's going to make it happen. I truely believe in him. I know he can't fix everything but he's done more in a couple weeks to help situations than his predecessors have ever done. Thank you God for Blessing America.

This is awsome.. Its about time...I sure hope this all works out we need this. So come on people do your part....

It was wonderful to me but i wish i can heare more about mental ill.It a lot of descrimination for this people and I'm a caregiver of a child whit ASD,OCD,ADHD and another one wit bipolar and phychosis disorder.I wish he can do more for kids whit disability they need to part in the comunity.But it was great that he mention a lot education , healt and families.than and hope you understan my English.Sincerily,Kenia Acosta

I thought the president's speak was very positive and address all the right issues except his strong words about continuing the War on Terrorism. I don't think as a nation we will achieve the many good goals set out in the speach if we continue to fight a war that can never be won.

this is what I say to those that say Obama has placed our nation in more debt. There is good debt and bad debt. Good debt gets what you need at the time and dutifully pay back. Bad debt is money borrowed that has no plan or sincere tendency to pay back. If you are against what Obama has done, make sure that you do not receive any of the benefits that come to you, i.e. the tax credit THIS YEAR. And, come up with a better plan. Be careful not to get stuck in a POOR MENTALITY. Something had to change. A try beats doing nothing.

What a great opportunity we all have in rebuilding our America. We've come a long way, and yet we have so much more to do. I hope your group will continue to fight for Children's rights, their well being, and their future. Let us to continue to support the Democrats as much as possible in the coming decades. Our country needs the progressive perspective in resolving our issues now and those that may occur tomorrow. Keep innovating ideas, recruiting like minded associates and we can acommplish anything. Thank you and God bless you and America.

i loved when Obama said, we are a nation that invented the automobile and will not build new green vehicles and resort to Japan for the vehicle batteries. Also, i love that he is hard driven on Health care for families that are working and still not have enough to afford health care. I know this is a big issue to tackle, however, he gives us hope. My family is one that makes too much money to qualify for health coverage for our children, so our children, my husband and I go without health coverage or even some assistance. This is how people neglect their health and become ill when they can't afford preventive care.

First of all during his campaign all we heard is CHANGE, now all I hear is "things will get worse" and they are just by the $787 billion stimulus. All this did was make it so my grandchildren and their children and their children will be in debt forever.

im more worry about jobs and keeping a roof over my head and my family's and how he expects us to pay off this debt that he caused by a $ 787 billion stimulus bill that isn't going to fix anything when they still plan to bailout GM and chrysler and the banks over and over. Wake up America.

I continued to be inspired and remain hopeful. It's good to see children and schools given some serious attention and not just lip service. Kudos to CDF for it's quick turn around and engagement of the public to move the needle!

He offered hope. He made children and families a priority over wars and money and politics. He said we love this country and want what's best for it. We can make it better. He told the "love it or leave it" crowd that wanting that doesn't make us unpatriotic, it makes us Americans. We are not quitters, it's been a LONG fight against a seemingly unphaseable adversary, but we didn't quit and now we have hope again.

It feels so good to have a president who I can be proud of, who represents positive change, who knows how to say his message clearly and eloquently, and who takes action to put his words into motion.

He blew it out of the ball park!.....And he will achieve all of his/our goals: Health Reform, Dialogue with the Middle East, Jobs, Green Energy Production and Fiscal Responsibility...We are so fortunate to have the greatest leader!

Inspirational...Amazing...Brought everyone to their feet, even disgruntled Republicans....They could not help themselves...He will get everything done, right away......NO DOUBT, from health care reform to dialogue in the Middle East to Green Energy production and Jobs...We are very fortunate to have him!

I thought President Obama's speech was firm, measured, and serious, but also inspiring and encouraging. While he states clearly that we are in a mess, left to us by Bush and his cohorts and their failed right wing policies after 8 years, Obama has clear step-by-step plans for tackling the problems. He emphasized health care, education and the economy as well as foreign policy issues. He spoke to the needs of regular hard working Americans, and young Americans, which especially pleased me.

President Barack Obama was elected by appealing to the poor & working class people of our nation. Unfortunately for them, he has turned out to be the political puppet for the financial leader's from our nation. This is what his plan boil's down too. His mortgage plan was more at punishing a homeowner than to help keep familie's (many with children etc.) from losing their home's to foreclosure. His over-riding concern (during his speech) was to help the Bank's & Wall Street.. Recently, speaking on behalf of Wall Street Traders (that gained national media attention) Mr. Nick Santelli yelled, "We really don't want to subsidize the losers mortgages and reward people that should carry the water instead of drink the water." Santelli continued, "This is America"! How many of you people want to pay for your neighbor's mortgage that has an extra bathroom and can't pay their bills?" As he spoke, the traders cheered him on and interjected insults toward those facing foreclosure etc. Why shouldn't they? Thanks to former President George Bush, the bank's were given $700 Billion (taxpayer's) Dollar's with no string's attached. The already-on-going federal bailout (taxpayer's) money pledged by the Obama Administration will involve Trillions of dollars in funds to help the bank's & Wall Street where people (like Mr. Nick Santelli) can continue to line their pocket's with million's of taxpayer's monies while American familie's continue to lose their homes to the bank's & the last thing they expected from their President last night who talked about "Change" was to turn his back on them & their familie's. This is America!

I was very pleased to hear President Obama talking about virtue, hope and truth. It is so refreshing to know that he is listening to people and cares enough to work toward positive changes for the benefit real people My concern is that in his mission to improve education for all our children bringing WiFi into classrooms is on the agenda. There is mounting evidence that there are very real health concerns with the amount of electro pollution in our environment (The BioInitiative Report). In this country the industry does it's best to downplay the concerns while in Europe they take it very seriously and are banning WiFi and removing cell towers from proximity to schools. I refer people to the Freiburger Appeal drafted by doctors who are very concerned because of the mounting evidence of harm. Our children and grandchildren will never know a time without this toxic exposure and bringing the equivalent of a cell tower into the classroom has the potential to cause grave harm. I urge Mr. Obama and his staff to do the research and consider hard wiring the technologies rather than using WiFi.

As a student at George Mason University said on N.P.R. this morning,it was so nice not to hear 9-11 repeated many times during the speech. I trust that President Obama will continue to grow in the office and continue to give us hope for the future!

I believe President Obama has a good plan for our country which will take all of us working together to accomplish. I am concerned that there are sufficient numbers of naysayers in our country who will continue to voice opposition and discouraging comments that an attitude of hope will be hard to maintain. Those of us who believe in the recovery of the economy and a bright future will have to continue to express a positive attitude and drown out the voices of the malcontents.

i think that his speech was absolutely wonderful..over and over i was thinking the time has come for our nation to take care of things in a responsible manner as president obama has discussed..i am so proud that america has elected him he is what this country is REALLY all about..

Great speech!! Great to have a REAL leader for a change!!

I've watched this speech twice now. The thought that jumped out at me was the President's insistence that we cannot govern from anger in a time of crisis. It's just so easy to feel rage at the terrible way our most vulnerable citizens have been treated. Instead, the president honored that young girl from South Carolina who wrote such a brave, inspiring letter reminding folks that "We're not quitters!" Her school is falling down around her, and she wants to remind Congress that her classmates include future doctors and lawyers and teachers, and, maybe, a president. And Sen. Lindsey Graham doesn't think South Carolina needs a stimulus. Shame!

I thought his speech was fantastic. I feel he is a true leader, he is honest, and make me understand that as a nation we all will have make difficult choices. But if we want the America we believe in, then "yes we can"!

I loved his speech--his straightforward manner and ease of discussing complicated matters is impressive. I agree with others that he needs our help to make it happen--everyone should sign up at recovery.org and organizing for america.org so you can keep up to date on what is happening. I am not frightened by the concept of socialism--if that is the only way to solve our helath care problem, then so be it. He has given our nation back the ability to hold our heads high by saying "no more torture". He cares about our kids and couldn't have said it better--graduate for yourself and for your country. He signed the SCHIP bill for health care for children. There is a lot of blame to go around for what has happened--let's learn from our mistake of not regulating and look to the future. That is what Obama wants for our country.

I watched the speech. That he sees schools and education as quite important is good. I hope policies help businesses and people now struggling with job loss, low income and other issues. Having the policies implemented could be difficult.

I thought it was wonderful, hopeful and to the point! Very honest about the deficit he inherited along with 2 wars and a recession/depression! For his detesters he hasn't done anything and for me, he's done more in one month than Bush did in 8 years. Americans are proud to say they're Americans, again! A lot of change is coming and for those who have squandered tax payer's money, will soon be facing jail time and about time! President Obama gets an A+!

well honestly i thought he gave an awesome speech. staright to the point,agrees and disagrees. loving the fact that her acknowledge families and bringing them along to show and prove america. All the topics hit good points and motivation. he very optimistic but his spirits reign HOPE,and hope does not let us down... Romans 5:3

I wish he would have talked about no amnesty for illegal aliens.The majority of American citizens do not want another amnesty for illegal aliens.The Congress should pass E-Verify legislation to keep illegal aliens from getting jobs that should go to American citizens.

His speech was a warm & fuzzy feeling moment, but enough with the talk. Let's put into action the walk now.

I think it was a good speech,talk before action,he knows what families are going through in tough times but can he makes sure that my kids have food on their table every night before they starve to death,or they can finish their education with out any loans and make sure they have jobs when they graduate,they have health insurance that covers all their medical needs with out any co payment that they can't afford,can he keep our children at home to protect the country within our borders not in other countries,save the money and keep it in the country may be thin will spend it on education and health care.I AM working parent with low income my spouse unemployed lost his job with one child is a veteran came back from Iraq no one thanked him and no benefits I had to find him a job to get him out of the house,three other kids in college and one in school how long it will take president Obama to put his plan in to action and help me out to save my family and to let me know that my kids will be safe, happy,healthy and wealthy one day and may be one day I will buy my dream house for my children

I was thrilled to hear his speech. I am particularly pleased that he gets it around the need for our children to all have an opportunity for college and preparation for a real job. I was also pleased that he brought in the young student and talked about her statement that she won't give up. We all need to be saying that and engage any way we can.

I thought his speech was nothing more than his usual campaign rhetoric. He said nothing of substance, gave no indication as to how he will do any of the things he mentioned, no solid solutions. In other words, it was pathetic, arrogant and preening!

His address was excellent!

His speech was full of hope and is up to us to make sure it happens, we no longer can sit on the sidelines waiting for others to make changes that will impact our children and grand children. We also need to acknowledge those 6 million children without a voice or leadership, this children have no future and they have done nothing wrong, they are here without documentation we can no longer avoid them and over look there existence, It is my wish that we will give them a chance of fullfilling there dreams as well. I am a true believer, are you?

Substantial, consequential, inspirational, responsible, hopeful, true to our best American values.

I was inspired by President Obama's passion and confidence. He has already done very much and I can tell that he is not superficial. He is a dynamic man of action and he acts from his deeply held values. I really liked the part where he called on every American to get a year of education beyond high school and pledged that we would regain our status as the best educated country in the world. I also appreciated his calling on parents to be more involved with their children. The combination of his determination and his integrity reassures me that things will improve, and I pledge myself to continue to support him in every way I can.

Super speech! It is great to have a decent, intelligent president who knows what is happening in the country.

I am so glad to finely hear something that makes sense for me and my family. As a retired nurse I have watched the health care system go from great to something only for the rich. I was a single Parent and discovered their were few if any real programs that worked for real working families. I am really excited for the future of this country as long as we remember what is really important as our President discussed last night. Finely we are really talking about health care and education in a way that makes me hope for real change.

Terrific, inspiring, informative.

I think President Obama's speech struck just the right chord. I am continually inspired by his message of hope and his honest disclosure of the challenges we face. His message of responsibility at every level; individual, community and government, is right on!

I agree that President Obama gives a wonderful speech and is inspiring. I want him to succeed because all of our futures depend on it. That's all I agree with. Socialism will NOT solve our problems. What is being presented as "stimulus" ("Porkulus" is more like it.)is going to kick us in the teeth. The people that are responsible for a lot of this mess should be prosecuted, instead they're still involved in running the country. The debt that we are heaping on ourselves will make us all sorry before we know it. Ex. Wait till our dollar is devalued.

His words where strong, but is going to take a united nation to follow them through.

less familiar with banking reg.s, would like to hear more about how bankers will be regulated. Very excited to hear about teacher prep and the year of volunteer service for all

I am happy to see that Obama while having an eye on the immediate crisis also has an eye on what is involved in making a strong nation in the future; healthy, educated kids NOW equals a highly functioning population LATER. Anyone who cannot see that is very short sighted. Pay now or pay even more later. All that aside EVERYONE deserves the right to good health care.

Genuine, uplifting. Urged people to think of The Common Good.(We seem to have forgotten about the necessity of that.) If Obama were to be gone tomorrow, he would still be an historic, humanizing and towering figure.

I am profoundly moved that we finally have a president who understands what we must do as a nation and what we much do as parents to nurture our most precious resource, our children. I'm waiting for details, but this vision is exciting. Now we must all be agents of this change!

I wholeheartedly agree with his agenda - health care for all, a decent education and getting the economy back on track. I can't see how anyone can criticize him since he came into the office working and ready to make the difficult decisions. He obviously beileves that this government should be by and for the people, unlike some who only care about their own family's comfort. He gets it! For too many years, our administration hasn't had a clue about what "it takes a village" means and they still try to divide us as a people. This is the first time I can say I am proud of my country! I am also proud of a President that would put children as a priority and wants ALL people to succeed. For those who would withhold benefits from the "immigrants" among us I would say, "Be careful how you entertain strangers, for you might be entertaining angels unawares."

He brought the meaning of his campaign and now his program of change into its proper scope. He iterated the moral purpose of our founding fathers and related that purpose to the the present moral imperative of all Americans to once again join in leading our country and the global society in the continuing existence and progress of humanity on this planet.

I liked the part that said dropping out of school is not exceptable anymore. I hope that he will find the funds to start training teachers in different learning styles and not just show a problem on the board once and expect a child to get it. I hope that we get many more charter schools and voucher programs going and give parents real choice in where their children will bwe educated. especially the special needs children who have for many years been pushed to the side lines for a sports program.

What a change in leadership we are experiencing! This is definitely the highroad that shows concern for all citizens. I do think, however, that whatever roadblock can be thrown up will be, so it is important for all advocates to keep apprised of what is going on. We need action, as the President states.

I think this President is directly making the US not a stronger or better country but worse than if it was left alone. I dread being the next generation. I also believe that he lies just like everyother politician.

GREAT SPEECH..HE IS VERY GOOD AT PRESENTING HOPE..WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR HIM TALK ABOUT IS THE STOPPING OF THE SOFT KILL WORLD WIDE CHEM TRAILS GENOCIDE PROGRAM..THE LUNATICS BEHIND THE GOV. ARE DESTROYING THE PLANET. REF. www.arizonaskywatch.com also www.bariumblues.com

As a pediatric nurse and early childhood educator I was thrilled beyond words to hear someone who FINALLY gets it! Maybe we will develop a HEALTH CARE system in this country instead of a SICK CARE system---that in itself is enormously debt reducing. And we also have someone who understands that we have to start education at birth with the help of parents and educators who are specialists in child development and understand how young children learn.

I thought the speech was great! I loved it when Mr. President said that dropping out of high school was no longer acceptable. I hope the young people heard that. I pray that in two years we will see the fruits of his labor. It amazes me that when people were hurting adn crying out for help the GOP and Bush were saying that the economy was fundamentally sound. What did this mean? Gas was going through the roof! Food prices are crazy! People were and are hurting yet they did nothing except to give money to the rich bankers! As far as I am concerned they just spent, spent spent! Now that a Visionary has been elected to heal this nation they want to close the coffers and talk about big spending. I want to recommend that the GOP stop being haters and join hands to beat this crisis!

I thought it was a very uplifting and positive. It gave us hope.

I am proud and encouraged by these words and I believe intentions that are inspirational, hopeful and honestly real. I believe that this effort of justice, fairness and compassion for all Americans is a pathway toward peace and real life. So help us God. Amen!

I for won was happy to hear a President FINALLY address the responsibility of the parents for their kids success at school. Too many want to blame teachers/public schools to justify the need for failing charter schools and vouchers for Privates. A simple no cost effort should be applied first…and that is getting ALL parents on board that education is a priority. There has to be a commitment at home to drill into the kids that education matters and needs to come first, regardless of current income or social status. If the kid only hears that for the first time when he enters the school, then he/she is already lost and behind others and will most likely be a disruptive influence on those who come to school ready and willing to learn. Teachers are already over burdened in some class sizes. They should NOT have to play counsler and security guard while trying to teach. It’s not fair to the kids that do the right thing and come to learn… and those are the kids that will escape to private and charter schools when they get the chance. Teachers shouldn’t be in the position of needing to convince their students that getting a good education should be a priority. Start by requiring parents to show up the first day/week or so. Get a commitment from them to take interest in the childs work. We understand that it may be easier for kids in the burbs to focus when you don’t have the financial pressures that urban kids might. But that does not fully explain the issues leading to poor student performance. Make parents accountable first. Without the basic attitude change, all the money thrown at education will fail like everything has.

I think what Pres. Obama said is great, sounds good, now I want to see it happen. The health insurance should include payment for Alternative medicine, accpuncture, massage, accupressure which helps keep the body healthy without constantly taking drugs which are foreing to the body. Pres. Obama wants preventive, this is PREVENTIVE and should be paid by Insurance Companies and also Medicare!! Thank you. I hope this email makes a difference for people who must pay out of pocket for these benefits to stay healthy. We also need "nonbullying" programs in all schools so the children are safe, free to study without being bullied. Students need to learn how to negotiate instead of fighting for their opinions. There are good teachers, but there are many who need a different profession. It is obvious that Pres. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama care, now it is our duty and Congress duty to do their job and stop the ridiculous bickering and fighting to keep their jobs next election. Why do we want them their, they are not working for us, but for themselves and their jobs. Thank you Mr President, for doing extreme work with such a horrible world situation that was put into your laps. Yes, do not give tax breaks to the rich, what Bush did, was insaneThat needs to stop now. Small businesses need help. Thank you for that great speech, now we/you/Congress needs to implement it. e.t.

I was deeply moved, sometimes in tears, to witness a national leader express reality and hope -- and to honor the moral responsiblities we have to children and families. Thank God for President Obama! Let's work together to make his vision our future.

Obama has a brilliant speech writer. He was able to take Socialist ideas and make them sound conservative. Examples: 1. After expanding the government by hastily pushing through a bill that is full of wasteful spending, he told us that he is fighting for fiscal responsibility. 2. (Yes something needed to be done, but it needed to be the right thing, not just something) 3. He also discussed aid for working families and increased taxes for the rich etc. What he did not mention is the increases that are going to programs for those who do NOT work and do NOT pay taxes. 4. He talked about being against big government, but reminded us that “No one messes with Joe.” Obama also promised that in working to reform health care he will bring together a bi-partisan group. I REALLY hope this is true. We DO need affordable health care for EVERYONE. But, we DON’T need national health care. (Take the VA for a REALLY good reason why this is a bad idea!) Obama is my president. I may have not voted for him, but I do hope he succeeds in providing what is best for our country. However, I am skeptical about his methods and ideologies. I loved his statement about the drop-out rates and hope that EVERY YOUTH IN AMERICA hears that and takes it to heart. I am thoroughly excited about Bobby Jindal’s speech. (His delivery was not that great, but the CONTENT was fantastic!) My hope for our country is that leaders like Obama and Jindal can come together and do what’s best for our country…. for real.

Sorry, but I didn't even bother watching his speech. Neither I ,nor my wife (from whom I am currently separated, due to the strain of fighting our predatory thuggish lenders) care to listen to all these "wonderful" plans, until justice is granted to families like ours, who fought their predatory lending thugs WITH NO HELP WHATSOEVER FROM CONGRESS, before finally losing THE ONLY HOME OUR TWO YOUNGEST CHILDREN HAD EVER KNOWN. CONGRESS HAS, IN EFFECT, DECLARED OPEN WARFARE ON FAMILIES LIKE OURS, in that they steadfastly refused to obtain justice for families like ours. My wife and I are just trying to do the best we can for what remains of our family, before Congress can devise new ways of screwing us.

This is stupid. Not a single voice that is disagreeing with Obama?? The mas spouits platitude, and this web site finds nothing but piaise for him???

How wil sending an additional 17,000 troops to Afghanistan help children? They will certainly kill many Afgham children. Also, keeping troops in Iraq for years and years will do nothing to help children neither here nor there.

I thought President Obama's speech was great. I agreed with him when he stated that, children droping out of high school must not happen anymore, and he inspired everyone to continue their education for at least one year after high school!

I was so inspired by the President's speech last night. I have never understood why this country does not place a priority on educating our children, providing early childhood education and health care. We unfortunately have one party that only deals in the "Now" and not the "future". I was so happy to hear President Obama make these issues priorities.

My favorite quotation was " it not helping banks ; it about helping people.....I will not spend a single penny for the rewarding a single walll street executive. But I will do whatever it takes to help the small business that can't pay its worker or family that has saved and still can't get a mortgage.

As always, I was glued to my sofa listening to this intelligent, inclusive, and articulate leader!! Michelle Obama has referred to her role as "Mom-in-Chief"....and as a parent and veteran public educator....I am thrilled to see our "Dad-in-Chief" and National Teacher emerge from the Office of the President!! In mentioning children and families so many times....my joy was validated when Obama spoke of the recently passed legislation FINALLY guaranteeing millions more children the right to effective healthcare. As a veteran teacher of young children, I'm thrilled to see the return toward very Early Childhood Education which my generation worked for during the '60's Civil Rights Movement. And finally....when I was in elementary school, lessons of responsible citizenship were taught and even graded....but as a public school educator, curriculum rarely included anything!! To hear our president encourage at least one year training/education beyond high school...and then to remind our youth that "Dropping out of school is not only quitting on yourself....but quitting on your country!!" truly brought tears to my eyes. This amazing president exhibits the worth of self, family, and country in a way that is music to the ears of us as parents....with the capacity to touch the senses and responsibilities of our young people. I had followed Obama from his speech to the DNC years back, worked at Obama Headquarters in SW Florida, and five weeks ago personally saw this inspiring leader take the oath of office at our nation's capitol. In my lifetime I've seen many presidents come and go, but not since JFK has anyone inspired hope and the promise of change for the good of ALL of our citizens as President Barack Obama!!! ~~~ROSELYN C. BOWERS~~~

I was greatly inspired by President Obama's address to Congress and to all of us. His three-fold emphasis on economic recovery / jobs, health care, and education articulated the priorities that the electorate has clearly endorsed. He spoke in terms that were understandable without the slightest bit of condescension or political obfuscation. It is so refreshing to have a leader who excels in attentive listening to real concerns coupled with cogent and coherent thinking, as well as highly literate, often riveting, speech-delivery skills. He calls on the best in all of us. Let us continue to work to make his vision - and ours - a reality at last!

I think that President Obama's speech last night was a whopping "home run"!! Best Presidential address since Kennedy and possibly since FDR. Reagan had a couple of good sound bites, but his overall philosophy was misguided to say nothing of the Iran/Contra traitorous mess. Also, I was so very pleased and awestruck to see the interview of Marian Edelman by Don Lemmon on CNN recently. Now there is a lady with class, dignity, and intelligence. She spoke eloquently and with her usual compassion regarding the needs of children. I am an adoption worker, and worked also for years as a foster care worker. The children in our country get short-changed constantly. Thank God for people like Ms. Edelman and her admirer, Hillary Clinton. Services and focus to children are critically needed. Already, President Obama has passed the SCHIP insurance program for children (in Michigan it is called MICHILD). I hope this is an indication of further action in the future by Obama. There is so much ground to regain after the past devastating 8 disgraceful years. This country wants change and appears to now be getting it. I couldn't be more optimistic. Thank you for all you do for Special Needs Children!! Jim Hardy Adoption Specialist (Special Needs) Child and Family Services, NW

President Obama's speech made me glad to be an American, again. Sorry, but during the Bush regime I saw my country being destroyed by capitalist greed.

hangover from the Bush era, i misspelled outstanding

Thank God we are finally being led by a man so brilliant, brimming with ideas and stamina to help bring greatly needed change to this country.

outstsnding and inspiring, articulate, and well pronounced.

Wow, someone in power finally adressed what I believe is a ticking timebomb...the drop out crisis! These invisible kids are leaving school for a lifetime of problems. The schools' so called "at risk" programs are not working. Some large school districts have a 50% drop out record and even the suburbs are losing too many kids. This is a crisis for the future of our kids and our country!

My favorite quotation: "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. 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."

It gave me hope as does the fact that we finally have a president who truly cares.

I've been working wity 0-5 children since 1984. For the first time I can remember I heard a President speak on behalf of our children. For this I am sooooo appreciative of Pres. Obama. However there are only two issues that I have about Pres. Obama's stimulus plan and speach. First, he is committed way to little finances for a too big of a problem in our Early Childcare and Head Start programs. Too think of how much he is going to spend on lesser significant programs is outrageous. He IS spend lots of special interest and ear mark project. Second, he needs to address Head Start Reform along with Health Care Reform. Simply throwing a little more money towards child care issues will not bring out significant changes in the ECE field.

Government is the reality of what we see. What I see is child services gutted for age 0 - 3 and dysfunctional efforts age 4 - 6. Delays, denials, and mistreatments of professionals trying to provide services are commonplace. Children need strong voices as they have none, but they need even more than strong voices and correct words right now. We see a constant barrage of children with difficulties in other nations, but we ignore lower and middle income US children. We see children in the US as poster children for brain tumor research or leukemia research, but there are no poster children for basic health access and basic birth to age 6 investments in children, the areas where other nations gain an advantage that we are not able to overcome. We cannot afford to allow neglect of basic priority areas that all children need and deserve and must have so that we can actually have the society that politicians like to talk about: Family structure that promotes nurturing and real child development for all children. If we have to deal with 19 billion less for health info systems or 5% less GDP on health to be able to move from 0.5% of GDP to 1.5% of GDP for age 0 - 6 - whatever it takes. The youngest children and those that cannot speak for themselves have the least of all and will suffer the most consequences at the current time In the political battles over budgets to come, it is easy to see what is happening. Everyone who can speak or buy influence or dramatize their cause will be out there in full force. But the voices of children will be silent and the voices for children will be drowned out. Children become what they experience. Children who are insecure birth to age 6 will be insecure for life. Children who experience the best birth to age 6 will become the best, the best teachers, nurses, family physicians, public servants, counselors, and parents. The front lines of basic service personnel must continue to advance. There should never be tolerance of retreat. What nations do not seem to realize is that retreat in these important areas soon results in steadily worsening children, steadily worsening efficiency and effectiveness, and eventually no options for problem solving at all. Bob Bowman,MD

I am glad to see that our President is sensative to the issues of the American people and I hope that we all work together to accomplish the goals. However, as an advocate for Special Education and issues concerning children with mental illnesses and learning disabilites, I am not sure that many of the issues concering this population of children is truly understood. It is my hope that this Administration and Congress will begin to turn a ear to this critical area for the mental state and well-being of our children is a priority. I hope to see not just programs but, results and positive outcomes concerning education and I hope that individuals in education will become accountable for the generations to follow. I believe that Pres. Obama is capable of directing us in a direction that is profitable, yet it is our job to take personal responsibility and work with his iniatives.

I am always impressed with President Obama's speeches. However, I would like him to address why you never hear anyone begging for money to build more prisons but always for better schools for our children. If corporate America did not invest/profit from prisons, it would be a totally different picture. My prayers are with President Obama/his family and I "BELIEVE" in him and I "BELIEVE" in America.

Like most Presidential speeches it was long on ideas and short on specifics. That being said, I was overjoyed at his obvious dedication to "the common man" and the need for making hard decisions. Nothing comes without a cost and he was straightforward about everyone, including himself, being required to sacrifice his / her personal "sacred cow". Of course he did not use that phrase but the meaning remains the same. I was disapointed at certain portions where bipartisan priorities remain fully entrenched. We all have a long way to go.

I wasn't impressed with all of it. However, for the most part his typical superb speaking abilities shined through. I continue to be a strong advocate of NCLB; holding teachers and schools accountable is essential. I think we're done with Friday movie days in schools!

I thought the President outlined a bold agenda for health care reform and I'm glad he linked reform to economic recovery. I've been hearing some people say that we can't do health reform this year because it would be too expensive, but I think we MUST take care of health reform this year, especially since more and more people will be losing coverage. And I thought it was fantastic that the President understood that.

A GREAT SPEECH! Being a parent of young children gives Obama a passion for children! As an early childhood specialist and advocate for over 30 years I am THRILLED!

I think he executed it very well. He executed his crafty pack of lies only so he and his congressional cronies can yet again rob the pockets of the American people and the worst part is that he has so many duped and the media makes me sick with this love fest. You better watch it because when you all realize how bad he has screwed up then you and the media are going to be eating some humble pie!