A United Government (says the POTUS)

I don't know about you, but listening to the Republican Response has just left a slightly sour, although probably more informed, taste in my mouth.

For all of us who watched the State of the Union address, this was the very first time that the Democrats and Republicans sat on both sides of the floor, a symbol of the unity President Obama mentioned numerous times in his address. In fact, that is the very idea he began with when he first spoke to those seated. President Obama mentioned (1) innovation, (2) education, and (3) infrastructure, also including national security, the impending deficit, and of course, health reform. The President mentioned those who strongly opposed the current reform, which of course drew some laughs from the audience, encouraging those who had suggestions to the current legislation to work with the President to create a better law.

Throughout the address, the President always went back to both the Republicans and Democrats, urging them to work together in order to better our nation's spot in the race with other countries while also increasing the quality of the United States as a whole. At the conclusion of his address, the President no doubt followed through with his inspirational stories of encouragement, ending on a very high note of confidence in both the people of the United States and the members of Congress, who he once again asked to work together. No doubt those who tuned in to watch felt an uplifting feeling for the future of our nation, which is what I'm sure was the President's intent.

However, in spite of all the applause and optimism, I'm still not sure of this nation's legislative future. In the Republican Response, Congressional Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan expressed opinions that were very contrary to what the President had just proposed. Yes, we need to cut spending. Yes, we need to give equal opportunity and invest in innovation, but Ryan was quick to point out where the President was wrong. Ryan called the stimulus bill the President's "spending spree" which not only didn't really help the economy but also added tremendously to the deficit. Through the response, the Republican view was very prominent, undercutting the President's just finished speech on unity in the government. Ryan proposed both a limited government and completely repealing the hotly debated health reform, something that makes me rethink the unity Obama spoke about in his address.

However, there is one thing for sure: only the future will tell. What did you think of the address? Do you believe that the government can act as a cohesive body, even though just moments after the President's address, Ryan was already proposing differently?