Remarks by President Biden in Statement to the American People; July 24, 2024 ( https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/07/24/remarks-by-president-biden-in-statement-to-the-american-people/ )
Read through the transcript of President Biden’s address to the American People the evening of July 24th. For your exam, I am going to highlight several passages and I want you to write your response to the questions posed.
“…But in the defense of democracy, which is at stake, I think it’s more important than any title. …But the sacred task of perfecting our Union – it’s not about me. It’s about you, your families, your futures. It’s about “We the People.” I’ve made it clear that I believe America is at an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine our fate of our nation and the world for decades to come. America is going to have to choose between moving forward or backward, between hope and hate, between unity and division. We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, and respect; freedom, justice, and democracy? In this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies [sic] as fellow Americans. America is an idea – an idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant. … The idea is that we hold these truths to be self-evident. We’re all created equal, endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. We’ve never fully lived up to it – to this sacred idea, but we’ve never walked away from it either. …In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. …Now the choice is up to you, the American people. When you make the choice, remember the words of Benjamin Franklin, …When Benjamin Franklin was asked as he emerged from…-the convention going on whether the Founders had given America a monarchy or a republic, Franklin’s response was, “A republic, if you can keep it.” “A republic if you can keep it.” Whether we keep our republic is now in your hands. …That’s what’s so special about America. We are a nation of promise and possibilities, of dreamers and doers, of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things. …History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”
You need to write 400-500 words answering the following questions:
What does the “idea of America” look like to you? What does the future of America look like to you? What do you want from your country?
In your response you must address no less than 4 different issues; for example, but not limited to, climate change, immigration, environment, economy, equality, healthcare, higher education, gun safety, etc.
You need to finish your response with a vision statement for America (this does not count towards the word count).
Look through this website that describes what a successful vision statement (we’re using the nonprofit example) should contain and how to write one. Remember an effective vision statement should be audacious, rooted in existing assets, future casting, inspiring and motivating, purpose-driven, and clear.
Nonprofit Vision Statement ( https://prosper-strategies.com/write-nonprofit-vision-statement-will-truly-shape-future/ )
