Among the things President Barack Obama promised to do during his State of the Union Tuesday night was to tackle the economic crisis facing the nation, to clear the way for natural gas drilling and to make it easier for the unemployed to train for new careers.
But it was his plan for servicemen and women returning home from service that struck a cord with folks watching the address at the American Legion Post 5985 in Pacific Beach.
"As far as putting vets to work that's what should be done," said retired Navy officer Mike Dodge. "I mean they went over and defended the country."
The president addressed illegal immigration asking Congress to pass a bill offering amnesty to children of illegal immigrants.
"Let's at least agree to stop expelling responsible young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, and defend this country. Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their citizenship. I will sign it right away," Obama said.
Locals posted their comments on the NBCSanDiego Facebook page including Kristin Marshall who called the speech "flowery."
"How does he propose to pay for everything he wants to do? Last I checked we're trillions of dollars in debt," Marshall posted.
Local
Jamie Fratacci agreed. "He needs to learn how to balance a checkbook before he starts spending money we don't have or this country is going to be in the same boat with Greece," she posted.
Another user chimed in that the speech highlighted a lack of bi-partisanship cooperation.
"Things he said appeal to common sense. It should be obvious to everyone by now that the Washington gridlock is making this country fall behind," wrote Tom Holmbert.
President Barack Obama embarks Wednesday on a three-day tour of politically crucial states in a post-State of the Union journey to sell his 2012 economic policy goals while pitching his presidency to a divided public.
Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
