by Brandon Allen

Created on: February 02, 2010   Last Updated: February 03, 2010

United we stand, divided we fall: The 200-year-old game brought to you by the American Politician.

Political activist and writer John W. Gardner once wrote, “The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable and keep them honest. No one else can.”

Designated by the constitution, President George Washington gave his first State of The Union Address on Jan. 8, 1790.

In his closing statements, he said, “The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from a cooperation with you in the pleasing though [burdensome] task of insuring to our fellow citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a free, efficient and equal government.”

On Nov. 4, 2008, more than 200 years after Washington's Speech, American voters across the nation gathered in their election halls. Each participating voter grabbed his or her ballot and voted whether it is in regards to the candidate's qualifications or camera appeal and regardless of the voter's personal preferences or skin color.

Later within the evening hours, it was announced the next President of the United States of America would be Barack Obama.

“This is our time–to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids,” Obama said during his victory speech.

More than a year has passed and many Americans feel the promises he made have not kept.

On Jan. 27, President Obama gave his first State of The Union Address.

“People expect the government to change hands on Tuesday and everything to be fixed by early Thursday morning,” said Marcia Kyburz, just moment's prior to the President's speech. Kyburz is a small business owner from Northern Ind. “When that doesn't happen, we all decide we were lied to.”

In his opening statements, President Obama said, “Our Constitution declares that from time to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the state of the Union. For 220 years, our leaders have fulfilled this duty. They've done so during periods of prosperity and tranquility. And they have done so in the midst of war and depression; at moments of great strife and great struggle.”

As Obama’s State of the Union Address ended, the media frenzy commenced.

Fox News aired headlines, such as, “Obama’s Sorry State of The Union Speech…”

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