Our State of the Union on the eve of our President's address to our nation.

As our President counts down to the 3 final years of his second term, here are three major issues that we as  a nation must begin confronting ASAP:

Our 44th President, Barack Obama
courtesy of Wikipedia 

1. Our  Elementary to High School educational system  is imploding

 Specifically, in a prior blog, I discussed why the urban student need not fail.

 I have come out in favor of our government mandating universal free pre-kindergarten education. Where tried, this has boosted student passing rates significantly, which in turn has increased student moral and motivation. Fewer students, do indeed drop out never to get their degree. 

   

 We then can direct more motivated students to careers in health, informational technology and science where vacancies are being filled by recruiting candidates from other countries.

2. Immigration reform and border control is direly needed. 

 First, we are a nation of immigrants.

 When there are tens of millions of  undocumented illegal residents  living, working and raising families in our cities, it is time for both parties to bury their hatchets and seek compromise. Ways must be found to allow these workers the opportunities and responsibilities that come with becoming American citizens. 

3. We must deal with Climate Change.

 From the devastating aftermath of  hurricane Sandy to our present day arctic vortex weather plunging over 90% of our nation in subfreezing temperatures, we are being forced to build up defenses against future occurrences.

 But these measures are only dealing with the consequences and not with root causes.

 I have recently  blogged  about the need for President to take unilateral executive action in the absence of getting congressional bilateral unity. (See: Combating Climate Change: do we really have two strikes against us? )

AND IT WORTHWHILE REREADING THIS ARTICLE TO GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS AT STAKE HERE--THE OVERALL HEALTH of OUR NATION AND THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF EACH INDIVIDUAL THAT OUR CONSTITUTION WAS SET UP TO PROTECT. CLICK HERE TO LINK TO THE ARTICLE. 

Good luck, Mr. President, in getting these tough issues in front of the American electorate.

You may not win passage of bills--during your term--on ANY of these three issues. 

But, above all, you will have started an important dialog with the American people, EVEN AS THEIR ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE GRIDLOCKED,  that will continue to be debated in future administrations.

Hopefully, they will be destined  for passage--BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!