Embattled President Obama is not throwing in the towel

President Barack Obama went before the American people Wednesday night and assured them that he gets it: He gets that they are angry and nervous about the double-digit unemployment rate; that they’re tired of the partisanship that has brought Congress to a standstill on key issues; that they’re resentful of the major financial institutions, which were bailed out by the taxpayers and are now paying huge bonuses to their top executives; and, that they’re frustrated because the change he promised during his presidential campaign has not occurred fast enough.

But Democrat Obama, embattled by his party’s recent political setbacks, must know that for most Americans, words alone won’t ease their anxieties. They want the federal government to act — to create jobs, end the housing crisis, fix the broken health-care system, balance the federal budget and lower the national debt, and ensure the safety of the nation.

And, they want it all done as soon as possible.

Indeed, the president’s first State of the Union speech before the joint session of Congress reflected that sense of urgency

“Change has not come fast enough,” Obama acknowledged in the House chamber packed with politicians and watched by a TV audience of millions. “As hard as it may be, as uncomfortable and contentious as the debates may be, it’s time to get serious about fixing the problems that are hampering our growth.”

While he talked about all the initiatives the Democratic administration and the Democratic controlled Congress have launched, it was the issue of jobs — or lack thereof — that formed the centerpiece of his speech.

Second stimulus package

Obama urged Congress to enact a second stimulus package “without delay,” saying it should contain a range of measures to help small businesses and fund infrastructure projects. Also, fine tuning a plan first announced in October, Obama said he will initiate a $30 billion program to provide money to community banks at low rates, provided they agree to increase lending to small businesses. The money would come from balances left in the $700 billion Wall Street rescue fund.

The president noted that one in 10 Americans still cannot find work, businesses are shuttered, home values have declined and small towns are being hit especially hard.

But despite all the bleak economic news, Obama vowed to fight to return the nation to prosperity. He urged Democrats and Republicans in Congress to set aside their political differences and act in the best interests of the American people.

State of the Union addresses generally focus on broad themes, such as the economy and national security. It’s what the president does in the weeks following the speech that provide the details of how the initiatives will affect local communities.

That’s why many cities vie for a visit from the president or a cabinet member.

There has been talk of an appearance by Obama in Youngstown. Mayor Jay Williams should work with the White House to make it a reality.

Obama’s reference to smaller communities being especially hard-hit during this recession is clearly seen in what is taking place in Youngstown: An unemployment rate that’s well above the 10 percent national average; a failing public school system; deteriorating neighborhoods, and crime.

Obama is familiar with the Mahoning Valley, having visited several times during the 2008 presidential campaign. As president, he came to General Motors Corp.’s Lordstown assembly plant to tout the success of the federal bailout of GM and Chrysler.

Now, he needs to return to the city of Youngstown to discuss the role the federal government will play in bringing jobs to a region that has still not fully recovered from the collapse of the steel industry more than three decades ago.