Issues Under Fire: Middle-Class Economics Offers Hope for Change

Issues Under Fire: Middle-Class Economics Offers Hope for Change

Looking and sounding like a President who could win a third term, Barack Obama reminded America why he ran for the presidency in the first place.He reminded America why the country elected him twice. He reminded America, what he was elected to do with those two terms. 

In his sixth State of the Union speech, the President laid out an agenda so popular with the average American, its difficult to see the GOP coming up with alternatives, that won't offend their money masters. Hence, this populist and progressive agenda is certain to be met with a fight to the death. 

Proposing nationwide high speed Internet access, free community college for all, a family leave bill, infrastructure investments, a federal minimum wage increase, middle class tax relief for individuals and small business owners was powerful stuff. When he explained how his populist agenda would be financed by big banks, financial institutions and the rich, he pretty much forced his opposition into a very uncomfortable spot. Not bad for a so-called lame duck!

What middle-class American who survived the great recession will fail to see how the president's agenda could level the playing field for anyone willing to work hard for a better future? What middle-class American can't see that affordable education is the primary key to upward mobility in this country? What middle-class America won't appreciate tax credits to offset the high cost of childcare. What low-income earning Americans won't favor a federal minimum wage increase?

Going forward, the GOP will be severely challenged trying to explain what they have planned for America's future. Since its unlikely the Republicans will offer something better, they'll have to explain why they'll be voting against everything the American people are saying they want and need. The GOP will have to tell America why Obama-Care must be repealed or why free community college for the general public can't be realized. The President is representing the Party of Americans while reducing the GOP to the Party of American'ts. 

Bottom line: If one carefully examines the Obama administration's stated agenda, one will find, its really not all that ambitious. Many of the administration's achievements like providing affordable healthcare or proposals like free community college education and paid family and sick leave, will only bring America up to existing standards other industrialized nations have been providing for decades. How the GOP will argue America can't do likewise, should prove interesting in the 114th Congress. Podcast Below!