Katniss Everdeen's Response to the State of the Union

In his state of the Union speech, President Obama focused on the many accomplishments of his administration, as well as some of the issues our nation is facing today. The President talked about how strong our economy is and that our nation is the greatest nation in the world, period. And I do not argue with President Obama about his accomplishments, but I think it is also necessary point out some threats to the security of our Union, for it is the unaddressed threats that hurt us the most.

The world has clearly become a more dangerous place from alleged nuclear tests in North Korea to the recent kidnapping of US sailors by Iranians and a terrorist attack on tourists in Turkey by ISIS. I also would like to make a correction to the President's comments on how the war with ISIS is being blown out of proportion. ISIS is a real threat to every democratic Westernized opportunistic nation and ISIS has continually made it clear that they completely intend to destroy us and establish an international caliphate.

Such threats are currently minor at best, but regardless, we must remain vigilant. And like President Obama said, this means we cannot let fear get the best of us and direct us to punish or hold an entire religion or ethnicity to blame for the actions of a radical few. We must act with level heads and together, we can put an end to this extremist scourge that is wrecking havoc in the Middle East and threatening our shores.

We also need to work to address the issues of growing poverty in our nation, of unemployment, inequality, rising student debt, homelessness, and the decrease of opportunity. These issues are tough and will take a tough leader. President Obama has clearly tried to do his best and has definitely made some accomplishments and advanced America down the road of progress, but we need a leader who will take up the torch and advance us further. Some of the President candidates now will not only refuse to carry on the torch of progress, but will reverse all the work we have done.

As President, I promise you I will work hard to keep America moving forward, not backward, and that I will fight for women's rights, work to end equality, diminish student debt, eradicate homelessness, defeat ISIS, and return the opportunity and blessings of America to its people.

~Katniss Everdeen