President Obama over the past several weeks has addressed the nation on a couple occasions with many different topics of concern. I tuned into his most recent nation wide address where he spoke in depth about our countries failing economy, along with many other pressing issues. One of the multiple points he made, referenced to the alarmingly strong possibility that social security benefits under certain criteria may be cut, if an agreement in congress is not reached, by August 2nd.

The most notable part of this national tv address seemed to focus around his available plan's, aimed at helping to reduce the countries financial deficit, while attempting to re-establish the strong hold for social security and create much needed jobs, all during a growing recession across the country that looks to have no end in site. There’s one common theme to his message, which points to the fact that congress can’t seem to come together on terms.

After watching and listening to the President speak on the matter, you could easily visualize if he were writing an email, in the carbon copy line or (cc) it would be address to us, the tax payers of America, where the main recipient line would be to 'all the members of congress'. He was speaking to the public, but his message was directed to the very people that we elect in congress. His disgust was very evident in the words he spoke, and the very tone of his voice.

If ever the old saying 'united we stand, divided we fall', ever meant anything to any of the members of congress, right now might be the time to put down their pride and whether they or a Democrat or a Republican, stop everything else they are doing and work together for a common solution.

To cut Social Security could spell doom for the elderly across the nation, something they need to simply survive.

On August 2nd our world may change forever as we know it, let's all pray for a positive resolution. It’s hard for me to believe that a country with a reputation that was made by helping those in need in foreign countries around the world, can’t swallow its pride long enough to work together, to help the people that believe in it the most.

Kobe East

Former Bunkie Resident