State of the Union: Jobs and America (Post #6)

As your years of mandatory schooling soon comes to an end, you will all be faced with the task of finding work and surviving in the economy.  Some of you will attend college first, but that will only delay the inevitable.  Your future doesn't just depend on what you do, but it depends on others as we are all interdependent in the economy.  Watch the video of the President's speech (about 4 minutes), listen carefully, and address the questions below. 

Do you agree with his view on American jobs past, present, and future? Are you as optimistic for the country as he is (short term, long term)? Will we continue to lead or be passed up by nations like China?
Are you optimistic for yourself? Has your education prepared you for the world? Will it when you have finished? What will your role in the economy be?
What will it take on the part of citizens (not the government) to improve America's economic future? What can the government to do help?

Post your responses by Friday.