January 27, 2009

This marks the anniversary of President Barack Obama’s first State of the Union address. President Obama traces his Irish roots to Moneygall in County Offaly. The United States Constitution states that the president “…shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” (Article II, Section 3). This evolved into a yearly speech during which the president is expected to present not only the current state of affairs but also his plans to resolve existing issues and better the country.