Since his visit to N.C . State back in September, President Barack Obama has been speaking at schools and facilities throughout the country about the American Jobs Act, rallying support and encouraging citizens to write to their Congressmen.
Lisa Chowthi , a senior in economics, and George Beinhart , a sophomore in economics, shared their opinions on the Jobs Act and the current economy.
“I honestly think it will be [effective] and what Americans need to realize is that everyone’s worried about increased taxes. Well, the government works in such a way that we’re going to have to pay for it,” Chowthi said. “By cutting taxes, it will increase potential spending and potential spending ultimately increases the revenues.”
On the other hand, Beinhart had differing views on what should actually be done to stimulate the economy.
“I think the bill – if it’s passed, which I don’t think it will pass – will push down the unemployment rate. But we should focus on a looser monetary policy. Our government can borrow money for free,” Beinhart said, “If the government borrows $100 and promises to pay it back in five years, then they’ll owe maybe $101.”
Denzel Cummings, dual degree political science and Wharton business undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania, sees the social and political ramifications of our current economy.
“The ‘occupy’ and ‘I’m 99 percent’ movements that are slowly spreading across the country show that individuals are not only disappointed but angry at the state of our nation. Instead of bailing out Wall Street, it is providing tax cuts and support for small business owners,” Cummings said.
One school Obama visited after speaking at the University was Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas.
Elizabeth Webb, an Eastfield digital imaging technology major, described the vibes on campus that day.
“You could feel the energy in the room. How often does the president come to your school? Not often,” Webb said. “I was surprised how he was able to get the crowd on his side. Very passionate, very professional.”
Kimberly Diggs , j ournalism major at Eastfield , also witnessed some of the ramifications of Obama’s upcoming speech.
“There were people angry about him being here. It wasn’t the bill, just about Obama and his administration. There was a protest. They were saying we need a president less about government and more about the people,” Diggs said.
The bill has yet to make it through Congress.
“The Republicans do not support the bill because, honestly, they’re trying to stonewall the president in regards to completing anything substantial. They’d disregard a bill even if its crux was to support homeless puppies,” Cummings said.
At one point in Obama’s speech, Diggs mentions, in response to if there was a political agenda at play, he said, “Give me a win? Give me a break!”
Similarly, Obama utilized the same phrase when speaking at N.C . State.
“I think he definitely knows how to work a crowd. He did do a lot of representing, being part of the Wolfpack . He made me feel that we’re more of a part of the political system then we think of ourselves to be,” Chowthi said.
Beinhart added, “He’s very, very good. I don’t agree with everything he says, but I enjoy hearing him speak.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the American Jobs Act fell short of the votes it needed to pass at the Senate. Obama is not giving up, however, and is planning to get the most important parts of the bill passed in the near future.
