Posted by
Always Learning on Friday, January 09, 2009 2:01:34 PM
My analysis of President Elect Obama's speech on the economy includes:
1. Reading the speech through once. Then reading the speech "backward" three times and making notes. For the latter I began with the following:
"That’s why I’m calling on all Americans ..."
2. Comparing and contrasting the 'conclusion' above with the text and ideas represented in the rest of the speech.
3. Doing word counts and noting words that were absent.
Enough of that.
Overall Conclusion
President Elect Obama's speech appears more suited to have been delivered by a State or County executive, rather than President of the United States.
The presumptive nature of stating what "we/we'll" do, rather than recommending to the House and Senate that they consider options for the U.S. economy indicates an attention to detail that does not necessarily befit the "chief executive."
- we will double the production of alternative energy
- We will modernize more than 75 percent of federal buildings and improve the energy efficiency of 2 million American homes
- we will put Americans to work
- we will make the immediate investments necessary
- we will equip tens of thousands of schools, community colleges, and public universities with 21st century classrooms, labs, and libraries.
- we will begin to rebuild America
- we will launch an unprecedented effort to eliminate unwise and unnecessary
- A world that depends on the strength of our economy is now watching and waiting for America to lead once more, and that is what we will do.
- we will look back on 2009 as one of those years
- We’ll provide new computers, new technology,
- we’ll put people to work repairing crumbling roads, bridges, and schools
- we’ll also do more to retrofit America for a global economy
- we’ll continue the bipartisan extension of unemployment insurance and health care coverage
- we’ll invest in what works.
- The true test of the policies we’ll pursue won’t be whether they’re Democratic or Republican ideas, whether they are conservative or liberal ideas
- we’ll invest in priorities like energy and education; health care and a new infrastructure that are necessary to keep us strong and competitive in the 21st century
There appears to be a lack of understanding of the role of the national Executive Branch relative to the other brances, the States and the citizenry of the United States. (See the "We will/We'll quotes to see examples of citizen references)
- every member of Congress has ideas on how to spend money
- I urge Congress to move as quickly
- Congress to act without delay
- I’m asking Congress to work with me and my team
- relief to states
- help struggling states
In addition: "And that is why the time has come to build a 21st century economy in which hard work and responsibility are once again rewarded."
Over use of "crisis" type language is indicative of an emotional, rather than pragmatic approach to an issue. Given this idea has already received extensive coverage, I will forgo taking up the space to post examples here.
[Note: The analysis was not conclusive relative to who "We" represents. Three hypothesses are 1. The people of the United States 2. The President Elect + House and Senate 3. "... my economic team and leaders of both parties"]