State of the Union and Marco Rubio's response to the State of the Union

The State of the Union seemed to be focused on the economy and middle class families. There was little mention of immigration reform, foreign policy and the environment. This is surprising to me because the Hispanic vote for the first time influenced the outcome of the election. However, with that being said, I can also see how this State of the Union was focused mainly domestically and on the American (White, Union) Community. I do not believe that this is laying the groundwork for immigration reform to be thrown to the back burner, however, I just do not believe that it will be fully reformed. I feel that we can anticipate only the DREAM act being passed before Congress has to change gears and prepares for election year. I definitely support the passing of the DREAM Act, however I believe true immigration reform will need do more to include more people who could become legal residents. There needs to be a correction of language, to remove the concept of "illegal/legal" immigration. Congress should attempt to pass a full reform bill that is beyond the DREAM act, that lays out a pathway to citizenship for those who are already in the country. Most unauthorized persons in this country overstayed a visa or were caught up renewing their visa. This is true for some of the record breaking number of deportations by the Obama administration in the last four years. I was not impressed by President Obama's State of the Union address, I think there are far more issues that could have been mentioned in an economic context to illustrate their importance.  However, I do find Marco Rubio's response to be interesting, only because President Obama is doing exactly what the Republicans want him to do... Nothing.

Here is Marco Rubio's Official response to the State of the Union. Here is the written Transcript - Marco Rubio's Reponse

I find Marco Rubio's response to be a very partisan, and almost just the same Republican argument. I want to bring light to a couple of his statements.

"For much of human history, most people were trapped in stagnant societies, where a tiny minority always stayed on top, and no one else even had a chance...Presidents in both parties -- from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan -- have known that our free-enterprise economy is the source of our middle-class prosperity." Washington Post

This introduction and conclusion is leading the listener into how the Obama Administration is acting different than any other Democrat or even Republican. Also, that the Administration is working against the free-enterprise economy that creates the middle class. I wouldn't find this argument to be completely out of touch, however its almost to the border. I don't believe Marco Rubio, or the Republican party has done research about the distribution of wealth during and after the Reagan years. It looks much like the distribution of wealth that we saw in the 1920's, a whole lot at the top and very little for the rest. I would like to also introduce the inequality of pay: for instance, the average American CEO pay is upwards of x343 more than employee pay.  It was only 40x that in 1980, so I want to ask: What exactly did Ronald Reagan DO?

"But America is exceptional, because we believe that every life, at every stage, is precious and that everyone everywhere has a God-given right to go as far as their talents and hard work will take them...Like most Americans, for me, this ideal is personal. My parents immigrated here...We can also help grow our -- grow our economy if we have a legal immigration system that allows us to attract and assimilate the world’s best and brightest. We need a responsible, permanent solution to the problem of those who are here illegally. But first, we must follow through on the broken promises of the past to secure our borders and enforce our laws." Washington Post

For a Progressive, this statement is a real turn off mainly because it is making reference to Abortion policy. I cannot believe this is being repeatedly brought up by the Republican party, this should no longer be in the sight of legislators. I don't know what else to say other than - The belief that life begins at conception is only a belief that is held by Catholics and some other religions. NOT BY ALL. I believe legislators assisted by doctors and other experts, have come to the consensus as to when an abortion should be legal. That is what holds weight in the public domain, not the opinion of a Religion. Moving from Abortion, to the final portion of that excerpt, that his parents immigrated here. He takes a tough stance on enforcement of the borders even though deportations rates are at all times highs, and apprehensions at the border are low. His parents immigrated here from Cuba, which means they immediately assume priority immigrant status, because they are trying to "flee" a Communist country. I believe this "entitlement" makes him believe that all immigration is that easy, however when only 500,000 visas are granted to the Western Hemisphere, including priority immigrants, how can anyone from south of the border expect to gain entry into the United States?