President Obama's Johnson Controls Speech

During a speech at Johnson Controls, a battery- making facility, President Obama took a tour, answered questions, and spoke about jobs. At the top of his speech, the President said," "You cannot bet against the American worker" and referred to Johnson Controls, which is located in Holland Michigan, as one of the most advanced manufacturers in the world.

As in recent statements, President Obama took a moment to point out factors that have challenged the U.S. economy over the last several months, as well as the stock market, particularly in recent days, and noted that some types of challenges such as earthquakes are out of our control. With that, the President also added, once again, that some challenges persist of which we can control. This time, however, the President took his point further adding that the worst kind of partisanship and gridlock over last few months has
hampered our economy and that there is something wrong with our politics that we need to fix.

President Obama said that we know there are things we can do right now that will make a difference in our economy; reminding listeners that he has already said, time and time again, that we have seen brinkmanship get in the way and that our recent downgrade could have been entirely avoided if a willingness to compromise would have unfolded in Congress.

Shifting his remarks to the success of Johnson Controls, the President talked about how workers at the company were doing their part and that Congress needed to do the same. The President said that hundreds of people go to work at Johnson Controls everyday. That reasons making it possible for them to do so included their idea for new battery technology; however, in addition to the company's vision, went on the President, government investment in  research and development played a role in making it possible - that government worked in conjunction with the company.

After noting that he had managed to get this particular process together without going through Congress, the President said that there are more steps we can take right now to put money into America's pockets - steps that would enable the United States to sell around the world - that do require the aid of Congress. The only thing stopping us from doing these things, noted the President, is that some persons in Congress are putting politics in front of country.

The President said that the politics need to stop and that we cann0t afford to play games; we are supposed on the same team. Then he said that no matter what your party affiliation, Democrat, Republican, or Independent, to contact your congresspersons and let them know what you want them to do.

Laying out some examples of requests citizens should make of their legislators that could help to improve our economy and keep money in the American people's pockets, the President said to tell Congress to extend the payroll tax cuts - adding that he would sign this bill today if it came to his desk. He made note of a construction bill that is sitting around awaiting congressional action noting that the United States is slipping behind worldwide because we are not building things the way we used to.

The President said send a message to Congress to open markets for trade bills so we can sell our products around the world adding that he wants folks in Korea driving Chevy's and Chryslers as well as utilizing other goods that are stamped "made in America".

The President said to tell Congress to reform the patent system so entrepreneurs can turn ideas in to business more quickly - that it shouldn't be so difficult for entrepreneurs to get started with innovative products.

His last suggestion was for Americans to tell Congress to help with uniting military with businesses seeking to hire veterans - adding that these suggestions are ideas he has already proposed; ideas that already have the glitches worked out, ideas that already have drafts laid out, and said, "Let's get it done." President Obama also said that he will be putting out jobs proposals week by week and will continue adding to the list until every American can find a job.

In order to pay for these things, the President said that Congress needs to finish the debt bill in a sensible responsible way - that we need a long-term plan to get our finances in order because this is how we will be able to fund the infrastructure and technology in order to move ahead. Then, the President pointed out that parents do similar types of planning and they do not do so by cutting their children's college funds, but instead, they forfeit eating out as much or they eliminate things that are not necessary. Likewise, said the President, parents do not simply keep what is important to them while taking away things that are important to their kids.

Once again, the President said that Congress should not be attempting to decrease our deficit on the backs of the American people - that everybody needs do their part and chip in, adding that this is what the fuss in Washington was all about - doing what is fair - closing loopholes - not taking away from students - cutting oil before taking away from seniors - using common sense and providing bipartisan support. Doing these things will jump-start the economy and get people working, said the President.

The President emphasized that he wants everyone to understand that our problem is not that we do not have answers but that folks are playing political games. Although the fact remains that we did not get here overnight, or that it will take time to get out of this jam, this is not an excuse for inaction said the President.

Speaking on the issue of calling Congress back to Washington, President Obama said the last thing we need is for Congress to spend more time arguing in DC. Instead, the President said Congress members need to spend their time out in their communities listening to the people's frustration over the gridlock that has occurred even at the expense of our country. The President added that maybe if Congress listens hard enough they will be ready to go back to Washington and do what they were sent there to do.

Near his closing, the President said that Americans voted for divided government, not dysfunctional government; not do-nothing government, not a special interest government, and not a beholding to lobbyist government. Democrats and Republicans must find a way to put country ahead of party. There will be no stopping the USA if we find common ground.