For my first job in college, I worked at a construction company. I worked in a shop with mechanics and welders. My job for this company was to keep the shop clean and travel to different places getting parts for the mechanics. It was a good job and I was paid $10 an hour.

A year after I worked for the company, my boss hired his nephew to do the same job I was doing. The company was getting more jobs so we needed more help. I worked hard and did everything I was told to do. My boss’ nephew was extremely lazy and constantly had to be told to do stuff. Half the time, he would hide behind sheds and equipment so he would not get caught doing nothing. He was frustrating to work with all the time.

One day we had to paint a big excavator that came into the shop. It was huge and would take all day to paint. The boy propped a chair up next to me and began telling me about his crazy weekend a few days before. While I was unresponsive and acting completely uninterested, he said something that changed the way I felt about my job. He looked at me with a paint can in hand and said, “This is crap getting paid $12 an hour to paint these stupid machines.” Completely baffled by what I just heard, I caught my breath and looked at him. I could not believe he made two dollars an hour more than me and he did not do any work half the time.

Since he was the nephew of the boss, he probably worked out a deal to pay him more. He was family after all, but it really burned me bad. How could he do the same exact job as me and make more money? It just was not fair. I was so mad I could not put my full effort into my job anymore.

About a year later, I was laid off because of lack of new excavating jobs the company was getting. I was worried at first because of bills and other expenses, but I was glad to go. I did not think it was fair that I was being paid less and I had worked there longer. It definitely rubbed me the wrong way.

I could investigate by looking into how many other family members were being paid more than other employees. The company had many people who were family members of my boss. This would make a good investigative story.

Huntington City Council Meetings

Ryan Bloomfield

City Council Meeting

1/11/10

The Huntington City Council had a meeting Monday night and discussed many items on the agenda. One of the major topics on the agenda was an ordinance about dog tethering. The ordinance would prohibit dog tethering throughout the city of Huntington. Dog tethering is when a dog owner leaves his or her dog unattended or chained up outside for long periods of time. This became an issue because the winter season has started.

When it came time to vote on the dog tethering ordinance, two Council members said there needs to be rewording in the ordinance. This is so people completely understand the affects/punishment after this ordinance is passed. The members agreed to delay the passing of the ordinance and have it put on the agenda for the next meeting.

Ryan Bloomfield

City Council Meeting

1/25/10

The Huntington City Council had a meeting Monday night and discussed many items on the agenda. The major topic on the agenda was the dog tethering ordinance. At the last city council meeting on Jan. 11, members of the council could not agree on the wording of the ordinance. At this meeting, the wording was changed and council passed the ordinance. This ordinance is different from the original because it now states a fine of up to $150.

Ryan Bloomfield

City Council Meeting

2/8/10

The Huntington City Council had a meeting Monday night and discussed many items on the agenda. At this meeting there were no items on the agenda concerning the dog tethering ordinance. However, during the meeting, many audience members told council members they have seen dogs unattended in yards throughout Huntington. Sandra Muthe, audience member said something needs to be done.

“I have seen two dogs unattended this week at two different houses,” Muthe said. What’s the point of passing the ordinance if nothing is being done about it?”

Jim Ritter, council member, said he would look into the situation and report the two incidents. This could be a possible investigative story for the end of the semester. There might be other incidents reported and I could look into seeing how many fines have been issued.

Huntington Museum of Art gets hit from recession

The recession has punched many nonprofit organizations in the Tri-State area, and the Huntington Museum of Art is one of many feeling the hit.

Last year, the Huntington Museum of Art struggled to meet its budget. It had a decrease of almost $9,000 from endowments and trusts. Margaret Mary Layne, executive director at the museum, said the recession has put the museum under pressure to meet its goals.

“Approximately fifty percent of the museum’s budget relies on investment returns from endowments and trusts that support the Huntington Museum of Art,” Layne said. “Obviously, when the stock market is down, the return on those investments is down.” Layne also said, “We are under great pressure to meet our professional goals and to maintain our service level to the community.”

The museum’s 2009-2010 budget is $2.1 million, which is $100,000 less than the 2007-2008 budget. The recession has forced the museum to make the cut because of less income coming in. An example of this is the 2010 Museum Ball. The ball is the percent of its $70,000 goal. In rough economic times, this is a success, but there is still a difference of $3,894 to balance the museum’s budget.

Another example is the Open Door Membership Campaign. The campaign is a yearlong fundraiser that started in 1970 to help bring in money for the museum. It represents 17 percent of funds the museum receives to support general operations such as electricity and water. In 2009, the campaign raised $320,000, which was 98 percent of its $325,000 goal. This is a raise in profit during the recession, but there is a difference of $5,000 the museum still needs to meet its budget. John Gillispie, public relations director at the museum, said the staff has a plan to come up with the money.

“We are going to increase revenue or cut various expenses,” Gillispie said. “During these tough economic times, we need to take all steps necessary to meet our budget.”

Gillispie also said the museum might use contingency funds, which are funds kept in reserve to guard against possible losses. These funds would make up the $8,894 difference from both fundraising events.

The museum also had a decrease in donations. The museum’s 990 forms from 2006 through 2008 show a decline of more than $4 million in net assets and more than $3 million in total revenue. In 2006, the museum’s net assets were $51.2 million, but in 2008, it was $47.2 million. This is a $4.4 million decline in two years. In 2007, it dropped more than $2 million going from $51.1 million to $49.1 million. Total revenue has also dropped. It went from $5.2 million in 2006, to $2.6 million in 2008. This is a $2.6 million decline in a two year time period. Also, it dropped from $5.1 million to $4.1 million in 2007.

Billie Karnes, director of finance at the museum, says things need to get better.

“It’s a very difficult time right now at the museum,” Karnes said. “It’s a difficult time financially for us and it makes it even more difficult because the recession is hurting everyone else.” Karnes also said, “The belt is as tight is it can get right now.”

Declining Net Assets and Total Revenue for the Huntington Museum of Art (2006-2008)

*Numbers are in millions

SOURCE: 2006, 2007, 2008 990 Forms

Huntington City Council approved a budget of $40.2 million, which is a raise of Mayor Kim Wolfe’s proposed budget of $39.5 million and a decrease in last year’s $44.6 million. The new budget shows reductions in 10 city departments such as fire, police and engineering.

At the meeting on March 21, City Council adopted a new budget for the fiscal year. They voted to cut the proposed budget by almost $900,000. The cut would lead to layoffs of at least 10 different city departments. Mayor Wolfe says keeping all city departments happy is difficult.

“You can’t keep everyone happy,” Wolfe said. “I try to make the best decisions that will benefit the city of Huntington.” “I want to leave Huntington a better place than what I found it when my term is through.”

The reduction affects 10 divisions and the personnel budget by large amounts. Some of the reductions include $26,573 for legal, $2,500 for City Council, $32,971 in building maintenance, $102,345 from the floodwall, $198,871 from police, $120,000 from fire and $165,000 from personnel. Some of the cuts from the fire and police department include overtime and new equipment. City Council has budgeted for $150,000 in Business and Occupation Tax increases on revenue and a decrease of $25,000 to the Huntington-Cabell-Wayne Animal Shelter. The city’s contributions would go from $100,000 to $75,000.

Huntington’s two biggest departments concerning expenses are fire and police. While there have been many cuts to different departments, fire and police make up almost half of the proposed budget. The total is more than $21 million. Wolfe said the safety of Huntington is the key to helping it grow.

“What we want to do is see Huntington grow,” Wolfe said. “If you don’t have a safe environment the city can’t flourish,” Wolfe also said, “Safety should always be the number one goal in order to improve Huntington.”

In previous meetings, Wolfe and council members discussed the proposed budget which had declining revenues due to the recession. This made the mayor propose furloughs for all city employees and layoffs to eight civilian employees in the police and fire departments in his first proposed budget. After discussion, council members have instead restored funding to prevent furloughs and layoffs in the police and fire departments. However, there are still 20-day furloughs, but they are only for public works and administrative employees. Council member Frances Jackson says furloughs are not always the best option.

“When you put people on furloughs you have less city services whether its fire or police or city workers,” Jackson said. “I don’t think furloughs are done efficiently and we don’t need our fire and police departments on them.” Jackson also said, “Furloughs mean there are less people serving our city.”

Along with the many departments taking a hit is the Huntington-Cabell-Wayne Animal Shelter. The approved budget is a $25,000 cut in the city’s $100,000 contribution to the animal shelter. The decrease will prevent the shelter from having a full-time and part-time dog warden position.

FY 2011 Budget Table

Division	Proposed Budget	Reduction Amount	Adopted Budget
Legal	$363,530	$26,573	$329,703
City Council	$94,210	$2,500	$91,710
Building Maintenance	$296,236	$32,971	$262,135
Engineering	$363,530	$35,987	$874,574
Finance	$908,732	$27,918	$858,078
Purchasing	$106,600	$100	$102,843
Floodwall	$648,677	$102,235	$534,187
Police	$10,741,819	$198,871	$11,069,488
Fire	$10,121,153	$120,000	$10,429,956
Personal	$1,194,534	$165,000	$9,266

Sources: City of Huntington Annual Budget Estimate, Levy Estimate

Budget Overview

In Mayor Kim Wolfe’s State of the City address, he explains how much money Huntington has and where that money is going in a new budget proposal.

With a total revenue and fund balance of $39,542,739, Wolfe plans on using this money in many different areas. Some include the Huntington Police Department, city council, engineering and building maintenance. This year’s budget is a $5,076,137 decrease from last year’s $44,618,876. The 2010-2011 budget also includes civilian layoffs and furloughs for all city employees. The city has already taken 10 percent from this year’s budget, which ends in June.

In his address, Wolfe discusses a budget that would propose cutbacks and remove some positions and furloughs, instead of massive layoffs. Wolfe said the furloughs would generate approximately $1.1 million in savings to the budget. He also said, “These furloughs would be spread out over the fiscal year and would be under the advisement of the respective manager.”

Mayor Wolfe's State of the City address

Huntington Mayor Kim Wolfe’s State of the City address was not just an insight of the progress and difficulties of Huntington, but a positive look at new things to come.

In his address, Wolfe discussed issues like living in difficult economic times and the effects of recession. However, he followed that up with positives like crime reduction and new partnerships. This is an attempt to remind people of Huntington the city is on its way to improvement and recovery. Wolfe says one way to reach these goals is by having safer streets.

“The increase in police officers has strengthened the patrol force,” Wolfe said. “With the increase of additional officers, we were able to see a reduction in the city’s crime rate by 3.9 percent.”

The drop in crime has been around since 2008. In 2008, the Huntington Police Department increased its strength by adding six new positions through the general fund. This was also done by contracting with Pullman Square and the Huntington-Ironton Empowerment Zone. This collaborative effort raised $60,000 for a full-time foot patrol officer in the downtown area. In an effort to keep a positive future, Wolfe has included the hiring of six additional officers.

Wolfe also discussed having responsive and efficient government in Huntington. He discussed last year’s Constituent Service Liaison and making Huntington a friendlier place for business and people.

“The creation of this position has allowed us to be more responsive to the needs of the community,” Wolfe said. “It provides the level of service that our citizens deserve.”

In last year’s address, Wolfe said the Constituent Service Liason would aide in the responsiveness of his administration. He said it would benefit by addressing issues and complaints and report the problem to the appropriate department. Based on his words, the Liaison has been working.

Strong partnerships and collaborations also play a factor in the success of Huntington. Wolfe says he has received significant attention for the partnership with the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District for the management of Harris Riverfront Park.

“As a result of turning the day-to-day operations and maintenance of Harris Riverfront Park over to the park district, the park is returning to being a destination we can be proud of in our downtown,” Wolfe said. “We are in the process of developing a master plan to strategize for the future growth and development of the park.”

He also said the Weed and Seed Program was a recognized at a national level for the efforts that took place during the first year of the program. He followed by saying, “the program saw real results that benefited our citizens.”

Wolfe’s address comes at a depressing time for Huntington. In a recent study by Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, Huntington was named one of the “10 unhappiest cities to live.” With Wolfe’s address and a year of opportunity ahead, Huntington can take a positive step into the future.

Rep. Alan Mollohan has represented the 1^st Congressional District of West Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1983, but David McKinley is trying to make a change.

McKinley is running to be the next representative to Congress from that district. His campaign started after candidate Dan Swisher dropped out. Swisher then threw his support to McKinley in hopes he can make a challenge for the seat held by Mollohan. McKinley says on his Web site he is ready for the race.

“My family and I are deeply honored by the wonderful response we have received after announcing my candidacy for West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District,” McKinley said. “This is an exciting opportunity to truly make a difference for our state and nation.”

McKinley’s campaign is coming into the race with some tough competition. His competitors include Thomas Stark, Andrew Warner and Mollohan. Mollohan is running for his 15^th term. The Federal Election Commission Web site shows that Mollohan has $343,575 for his campaign. He has $160,475 from individual contributions and $183,100 from political action committees. That amount is more than all other competitor’s funding combined. Thomas Stark has a total of $4,306 with $2,171 coming from individual contributions and $2,135 from self-funding. Andrew McCoy has $42,542 coming from individual contributions.

McKinley has $100,250 for his campaign. Almost all of his campaign money is self-funded, while $250 represents individual contributions. However, Mollohan still has the upper hand with more than $160,000 coming from individuals and the rest coming from contributions by other committees. Also, McKinley is the only candidate who is almost completely self-funded. The Federal Election Commission Web site shows all other candidates have at least 30 to 40 percent of their funding coming from individual contributions. After many attempts by phone and e-mail to get more information about his funding, McKinley declined to comment.

George Davis, political science professor at Marshall University, says funding for a campaign is an important part of any election.

“It makes a world of difference,” Davis said. “It matters how much is being used, how much is being given and how it plays a roll in the election.”

It can also be a tough thing to beat tradition. McKinley and the other candidates are trying to beat Mollohan. A task that may seem far, but not impossible. There is still time for McKinley and his campaign to get more funding, gain more recognition and make a run in the election.

“It’s going to be hard because you’re a fresh face and you’re trying to catch up, but it can be done,” Davis said. “People want to make a difference and some people just want to take a shot and see how and where they end up.” Davis also said he is interested to see who wins the election.

My proposal started out as an investigation about a murder, but I decided to narrow it down. A good investigative reporting story would be to look at all murders with a handgun in Huntington from 2000 to 2010. I would search documents and articles of all handgun murders from the last 10 years and see how they relate. This story would appeal to the public based on the rise or decline of handgun murders in Huntington. People might want to know about gun control in the area or how the Huntington Police Department have handled these murder investigations from the decade. An important part of the investigation would be to see what is being done in the area to prevent these murders.

Haiti arrests investigation

Haitian police have arrested 10 US nationals on suspicion of trying to illegally take 33 children abroad. This story is investigative because of the national's motives for trying to do this. Police might investigate what the real reason is behind there motive. The reporters, Michelle Faul and Frank Bajak, do not give a reason from the targets of why they tried to do this. However, a lawyer from one of the nationals does speak for them in the article. The reporters do not point to a specific document, but report of interviews they conducted with Prime Minister Max Bellerive.

The article is accompanied by two pictures. These pictures aid the reader by showing them what the victims look like. Being able to see them gives the reader a chance to know they actually exist and this story is an issue. People affected by this would be church communities going to Haiti or thinking about doing the same thing these 10 people did. There are no overwritten paragraphs or harsh words which is great for understand the story. Big words and overwritten paragraphs can complicate things. Both reporters got their information from interviews with Bellerive.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CB_HAITI_AMERICANS_DETAINED?SITE=WVHUN&SECTION=news&TEMPLATE=hddefault&CTIME=2010-02-01-06-52-44

Obama's State of the Union address

President Barack Obama’s first State of the Union address Wednesday night was insightful and encouraging. He spoke with ease and tried to inspire American’s to have faith in the man they elected a year ago.

In his address, Obama said to trust his stimulus plan, which will now cost around $862 billion. Obama wants this to pull America out of the worst recession in 80 years. This is something I thought he might talk about when I wrote my last blog. Trusting his plan and his word will try to help the nation recover stronger than before. He also offered new proposals such as $30 billion for banks to encourage lending to small businesses. That is something I did not predict in my first blog about the State of the Union address.

However, I did say in my first blog he might mimic Ronald Reagan’s fourth State of the Union address. He did not talk about Reagan’s fourth, but rather his 1982 budget message to Congress. I think that is close enough. In his second year as president, Reagan entered office with the same problems Obama faces today, such as high unemployment and a falling economy. Reagan told the nation to have faith in him and his plan so the country would recover. Obama’s time in office mimic’s Reagan’s from 1982 because they both took office with a mess to clean up. This is something I have thought about before. While Reagan and Obama differ in many ways, they both entered office at a time of economic turmoil.

In my prediction blog, I thought Obama might talk about unemployment. Last night, Obama reminded American’s there are more jobs to come. "Because of the steps we took, there are about 2 million Americans working right now who would otherwise be unemployed," Obama said. “And we are on track to add another one and a half million jobs to this total by the end of the year.” My predictions were half and half. I knew he would talk about unemployment, but did not expect to hear the extent of his plans. I am interested to hear what he will say in his next State of the Union address.

Mayor Wolfe and the budget

In this paragraph, I will provide information about Huntington. The city of Huntington, W.Va. has a population of 49, 185. It has an area size of 15.9 square miles. Huntington has a total revenue estimate of $41,064, 610 in 2010 and $38,758,863 in 2009. It has a total expenditure estimate of $42,135,417 in 2010 and $38, 919,497. Huntington gets most of its revenue from business and occupational tax of $16,927,272 through 2009 and $17,395,121 through 2010. It also gets a lot of money from municipal service fees of $5,800,000 in 2009 and $5,900,000 in 2010.

Huntington spends most of its money on the police and fire departments. The Huntington Police Department got $10, 898,225 in 2009 and $11,580,414 for 2010. The Huntington Fire Department got $9,965,444 in 2009 and $10,271,811 in 2010.

In Mayor Kim Wolfe’s first year, the city has spent a lot of money for many things. The city spent about $800,000 on 25 paving projects and $4.85 million in revenue. He also launched a public awareness campaign about his spending plan. It includes many things like Huntington’s Web site, public access television, and signs along paved roads. In 2009, the West Virginia Legislature rejected municipal pension reform legislation for the third consecutive year. This puts pressure on Wolfe because it is in his hands to manage a $42 million budget with almost $9 million of it going toward pensions.

The city’s pension contribution is expected to rise to more then $21 million by 2023. Wolfe’s administration is developing a plan that is set for summer 2010. The new legislation plan gives cities the option of closing their existing retirement plans to new hires. It also refinances plans over a 40-year period to pay off their unfunded liabilities. Huntington’s liability is $130 million. I guess we will all see how to 2010 year plans out for Wolfe and his administration.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x300712750/Wolfe-tackles-big-problems-in-first-year

Understanding Kopp's statement

Marshall University President Stephen Kopp sent out a statement saying the university will be cutting back.   After the worst recession the nation has faced in 80 years, he has to.

The statement is a response to Gov. Joe Manchin’s sixth State of the State address.   Kopp says the university will survive cut backs but surviving will not be enough.   “We must emerge from this financial maelstrom stronger, more focused and fully prepared to better serve the needs of our community, our state, our region and, ultimately, our nation,” Kopp said.   This is a reference to everyone.  The university and everyone in the state needs to bounce back and it is up to them to make that happen.  To accomplish this, he is examining every aspect.  This is to actualize opportunities, leverage resources and serve students.

While some money will be saved, some will also be spent.  However, he is only willing to spend where money is needed.  An example of this is announcing Marshall’s plan to create a physical therapy and pharmacy program.  “Bringing these high demand programs to our university will help us with our goal of attracting more students, retaining them and graduating them at much higher rates,” Kopp said.  He also said these programs will succeed because demand for healthcare is high.

What Obama might say on Wednesday

President Obama will give his first State of the Union address Wednesday as required by the Constitution. But what is he going to say? Will he talk about the economy? Regardless of what he says, Obama will still have a lot to talk about.

One thing Obama might say is how his presidency is going and what he has learned after his first year in office. The last 12 months have been a growing period for Obama, his family and his career. That is why he might talk about lessons he has learned . His address might mimic Richard Nixon’s fourth State of the Union address from 1972. Nixon said, “Looking back, there is a lesson in all this for all of us. The lesson is one that we sometimes had to learn the hard way over the past few years. But we did learn it.” I am predicting Obama might say something similar to this. Nixon’s address gave insights on building a stronger economy and Obama’s address might do the same thing. Being nothing more than honest of how things are going at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. might benefit everyone.

Another thing Obama might talk about is the budget. By law, the president must deliver his budget by Feb. 1, and to keep Americans trusting in “change we can believe in,” he might give us all a preview Wednesday. We need to know how much money is at stake and where it will be going. He also might mention the national debt. Do we need to clean up spending habits or try to find other ways to get money? I am not positive, but if Obama gives an inside scoop before Feb. 1, we might be a little more comfortable about how our country’s finances are handled.

Obama is known for giving powerful and moving speeches like his Inaugural address and his speech to troops in Iraq. His State of the Union address might be nothing less. A year ago, the environment of our nation was filled with positive campaign slogans like “yes we can” and “vote for change.” These slogans helped Obama ride into office on America’s shoulders. But after a full year in office, the president’s approval ratings have slid significantly according to at least two polls.

One poll conducted by ABC News and the Washington Post puts his overall job approval rating at 53 percent, down from 66 percent in February of 2009. CBS News reports a performance approval rating of 46 percent. Neither one is awesome. So what does this mean? Obama might give a speech similar to his election night victory. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” Obama said. He might say the nation is on track to recovery and mimic this speech.

His address will air Wednesday at 9 p.m. on all major networks.

State of the Union addresses

On Thursday, I have to prepare a column for Obama's State of the Union address. In the meantime, I read, analyzed, and reviewed other president's addresses and how they relate to Obama. I also read, analyzed, and reviewed three important speeches Obama has given in the past. This will help me better understand Obama's speech he will give Jan. 27. Here is my review...

President- Richard Nixon

Speech- Fourth State of the Union address

Date- February 2, 1973

Total Number of Words- 27,142

Length of Speech- Written

“Looking back, there is a lesson in all this for all of us. The lesson is one that we sometimes had to learn the hard way over the past few years. But we did learn it. That lesson is that even potentially destructive forces can be converted into positive forces when we know how to channel them, and when we use common sense and common decency to create a climate of mutual respect and goodwill.”

Theme- Hope

Analysis- This State of the Union address is in a series of messages. In this address, President Nixon offers a new approach to government. He wants the Federal Government to aid and encourage citzens, communities, and institutions, not to dominate their lives. “If we were to continue to expand the Federal Government at the rate of the past several decades, it soon would consume us entirely,” Nixon said. This speech ensures Americans that the country is economically strong, military was secure, and there was peace after a long war. This provides hope to Americans after a mentally and physically draining time period.

President- John F. Kennedy

Speech- Second State of the Union address

Date- January 11, 1962

Total Number of Words- 6,569

Length of Speech- 1:07:22

“That task must begin at home. For if we cannot fulfill our own ideals here, we cannot expect others to accept them. And when the youngest child alive today has grown to the cares of manhood, our position in the world will be determined first of all by what provisions we make today--for his education, his health, and his opportunities for a good home and a good job and a good life.”

Theme- Strengthening Economy

Analysis- This State of the Union address has a large focus on recession and how to strengthen the economy. President Kennedy says in this address there are too many unemployed people looking for “blessing of prosperity.” In a way to expand growth, Kennedy urges three ways for Congress to help. They are the Manpower Training and Development Act, the Youth Employment Opportunities Act, and an eight percent tax credit investment in machinery and equipment that will develop modernization and growth. He also says fighting inflation, strengthening military, and reevaluating goals will help all Americans in a tough time.

President- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Speech- First State of the Union address

Date- January 3, 1934

Total Number of Words- 2,230

Length of Speech- 0:22:16

“Civilization cannot go back; civilization must not stand still. We have undertaken new methods. It is our task to perfect, to improve, to alter when necessary, but in all cases to go forward.”

Theme- Recovery

Analysis- This State of the Union address focuses on recovering. President Roosevelt led the United States during a time of economic crisis (the Great Depression and World War II). In this address, Roosevelt says there is a strong purpose of strengthening the financial structure of the nation. He also says it is his duty to help the relief of suffering caused by unemployment. During this time there is also the expansion of industrial plants and waste of natural resources that Roosevelt views as a negative thing. “There is an exploitation of child labor and all labor and we must make sure that as we reconstruct our life there be no soil in which such weeds can grow again.”

President- Obama

Speech- Inaugural Address

Date- January 20, 2009

Total Number of Words- 2,414

Length of Speech- 0:28:53

“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.”

Theme- Believing Faith

Analysis- President Obama’s Inaugural address is a speech for Americans to believe in a new change and have faith in recovering. He became president at a time of crisis. In the address he says it is a tough time for everyone because the United States is at war, the economy is weak, and businesses are lost. However, it is making Americans stronger individuals and preparing the nation for a new age. He also reassures the nation that greatness of our country is never given, it can only be earned. It is up to all citizens to have faith and believe that there are good things to come from such a negative period of time.

President- Obama

Speech- Speech to Troops in Iraq

Date- April 7, 2009

Total Number of Words- 768

Length of Speech- 0:16:37

“The main point I want to make is we have not forgotten what you have already done, we are grateful for what you will do, and as long as I am in the White House, you are going to get the support that you need and the thanks that you deserve from a grateful nation.”

Theme- Thinking Positive

Analysis- In this speech, Obama talks to troops in Iraq and thanks them for their services. He calls the time a “transition period” and says Iraqis need to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty. He says in order for them to do that, “they have got to make political accommodations. They're going to have to decide that they want to resolve their differences through constitutional means and legal means.” Obama reassures the troops that he knows they (troops) are doing all they can for the United States. For Iraqis to follow through, the U.S. has to work with them and be committed to their success.

President- Obama

Speech- Election Night Victory Speech

Date- November 4, 2008

Total Number of Words- 1,949

Length of Speech- 0:20:12

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

Theme- New Change

Analysis- In President Obama’s victory speech, he ensures America he is ready to be the President of the United States. He thanks many people such as his partner Vice President-elect Joe Biden, for the journey and believing in him. He tells Americans that the road ahead to recovery is long, but promises they will get there. He says not everyone will agree with his decision-making, but he promises to be honest with everyone about the challenges ahead.

Bouncing back with Gov. Manchin

Gov. Joe Manchin delivered his sixth State of the State address Wednesday night, which I found inspiring, and an open window of new things to come for the citizens of West Virginia. In his speech, I got the vibe he did not think enough was done in 2009 and he is looking to bounce back in 2010.

By bounce back I mean rebuild from the recession that so many of us have suffered and are still suffering from. “Since 2005, 243 companies have located or expanded in West Virginia and they have invested more than $9 billion here. Our cost of living is far below the national average and our Rainy Day fund is still as strong as ever,” Manchin said. This shows the state is trying to move in the right direction with economic growth. This compares to his 2007 State of the State address. In his 2007 address, Manchin said the best way to improve services, salaries, and impact the state’s budget is to continue to let the economy grow. After hearing his 2010 address and comparing it to his speech in 2007, I am confident that our economy is on the right track for growing and becoming stronger. He also said West Virginia leads the nation in personal income growth and ranked second overall in the most recent index of state economic momentum. These are two more reasons citizens of the state should believe in Manchin and have a positive look into the crystal ball that holds our future.

In his address, Manchin also brought up implications for Marshall. “Learning additional skills beyond high school is more critical than ever for West Virginians. That is why I am asking all of our technical and four-year colleges and universities to freeze their tuition rates for the coming school year,” Manchin said. Now, I don’t know about you, but I think this could affect others and myself in a positive way. Since coming to Marshall in 2007, it has been tough for me to pay the rising tuition rates each year. Especially when the recession hit and I got laid off. If tuition rates freeze, it will benefit many students because they will not be burdened with the potential rise of tuition for this year. “While enrollment in public colleges and universities is higher than ever, our graduation rates are very disappointing. Our greatest challenge is to make sure those who start college will finish,” Manchin said. By freezing tuition rates, this will not add any additional financial pressure on students and will help them finish what they start.

Another way Manchin’s speech relates to Marshall is his implications for reevaluating the PROMISE scholarship program. The PROMISE scholarship pays tuition for in-state students. An important aspect for this to continue is students need to stay in West Virginia. “Last year, we took the necessary measures to ensure the program's viability, but I am asking for every PROMISE graduate to make us a promise that you will do everything possible to stay in West Virginia,” Manchin said. For the PROMISE scholarship to benefit students they need to continue their education in the state and this can also help financially. To be given a blessing like the PROMISE scholarship in a world that keeps getting more expensive, this should motivate students even more to stay in-state and work hard to get the PROMISE scholarship. He also talked about the impact of Bucks for Brains at Marshall and other West Virginia universities. The Bucks for Brains program is investing $50 million in a dual university research plan to create jobs. “Bucks for Brains is creating great results at WVU, Marshall and other universities. As a result of our $50 million endowment, we are attracting private investors, and together West Virginia is moving to the top in research and development,” Manchin said.

This is not only helping our university but also continue to rebuild our economy. Like I said earlier, its time to bounce back and by putting our faith in Manchin I believe the time is now. I guess only time will tell.