1) Jobs and the economy were the main focus of the SOTU speech, how much confidence do you have that the Government can create new jobs and get the economy on track again?

King: I believe that the government is on the right track when it comes to creating jobs. The President pinpointed certain programs that will create possibly thousands of jobs for the American people. Creating faster, pan-American railways and connecting millions of homes to high speed internet were only a few programs the President described. Both of these are long-term, skilled jobs that will require thousands of Americans to complete. Programs like this that are funded by the government are what is going to get this country on its feet and working again.

2) The President spoke highly about the new “Race To The Top” education reform, how do you feel about the new education programs in this nation and also the repeal of “No Child Left Behind”?

King: “No Child Left Behind” was probably the worst Government program ever to be implemented. It held back children from what their true potential was and pushed America back in the world of education. “Race to the Top” is a program to give funding to states that show that their education programs are working and leading their children into higher education. Programs like this will give states initiatives to create the best education system in the nation; in return, other states will then mimic the plans, and the country’s education level will increase.

3) With the shooting in Arizona two weeks ago, gun control is on the minds of many American. Many pundits criticized the President for not mentioning gun control in his speech, do you think he should have addressed the issue or address it at another time and place?

King: I was disappointed in the President’s decision to not mention gun control and the need for stricter gun laws in this country. The shooting in Arizona proved, once and for all, that this country has to tackle this issue. However, I can understand the President saving this issue for a different speech. The State of the Union is a speech to outline the country’s plans and programs for the next year, and gun control is a never ending problem that simply needs an entire speech for the President to address. The President has since addressed the issue and this issue will debated for many years to come. Hopefully President Obama will fix the issue once and for all.

4) The President reiterated his plan to repeal DADT as well as other plans to increase the rights for the gay community. Gay rights have continuously been a main focus for President Obama, do you think that his comments at the SOTU will help or hurt the gay community?

King: Anytime a person with the prestige of the President brings gay rights to the attention of America, it is good for the cause. The repeal of DADT was a major stepping stone in the fight for equal rights for the gay community, and there is more to come. The President addressing this issue in the biggest speech of the year will help the gay community as well as let other Americans see that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. The repeal of DADT was one of the President’s biggest accomplishments and will continue to be a major issue which he will fight for.