Obama & Economic Inequality

Read here about Obama’s latest address on economic equality.

The President made a speech on Wednesday that focused on this issue, laying out seeming impossible aspirations in the current political climate that include “higher minimum wage, more spending on early-childhood education, an overhaul of immigration laws and other measures aimed at boosting the economy.” Spectators comment on how the President did not speak of the way in which such victories could be achieved, instead many see this as yet another way in which the two parties are in battle with one another. To support this, Republicans have pledged to continually resist such efforts by the President, though the President counters by saying Republicans offer no alternative. Furthermore, it is proposed that this speech served as support to a greater legacy, as opposed to a call for legislation that Obama in particular is unlikely to see get passed. Regardless, I think one point made by the President and pulled out by the article is particularly worth some thought.

Obama acknowledged that his administration has not arrested two stubborn trends: widening income inequality and declining mobility, where lower-income people have a harder time finding a path to the middle class.

These are serious issues that no one in power is legitimately doing anything to address, and in my opinion that is a terrible thing to witness. The exact reason for my reaction to that being described as terrible is articulated well in a quote made by Obama himself,

“Government can’t stand on the sidelines in our efforts, because government is us. It can and should reflect our deepest values and commitments.”

I know many people are frustrated with the government in recent times and consequently desire for it to diminish but I see the government as being an instrument of the people that we must take back for ourselves. In its true form the government is meant to serve us and our interests as citizens. I do not think that a widening gap in income and lack of mobility serves the greater interests of America’s citizens, instead it limits the potential achievements of many, and consequently I believe that it is our duty to fight this issue and push forward in creating a more level playing ground.