Pocono News Section

Pennsylvanians Prepare for State of the Union

Pennsylvanians Prepare for State of the Union - Monday, January 28, 2008 at 3:43PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Jan 28, 2008 @03:43pm EST

KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY - The eyes of the nation will be on Washington DC Monday night as President Bush delivers his final State of the Union address. This year, the sinking economy will take more emphasis over the war in Iraq.

The lunch-time crowd at the Sweet Treet Restaurant in Kingston was talking about what they want to hear President Bush talk about. As Jessica Jones enjoyed her meal, she said she's happy President Bush will focus on the struggling economy and a possible tax stimulus plan.

"A lot of kids my age don't see what goes on in the actual market and even the international market. They're talking about giving people and $800 tax rebate. Where is that going to come from? They'll print their own money and its just going to devalue the dollar," Jones said.

No big blockbuster ideas are expected to be announced Monday night. That means social security reform, immigration and healthcare will not get much emphasis.

"I think our healthcare system is a mess right now. I think there are so many things they could do with it, just helping out younger people and they're not focused on that," Tiffany Stacy of Larksville said.

Mary Lee Ferrell of Wilkes-Barre wants the Commander-in-Chief to talk about the war in Iraq. In the past, the issue has dominated the address. Ferrell wants to hear more about troop withdrawls.

"For me, it's Vietnam all over again. People don't see it because they hide things from the media as opposed to the way it was in the 1960s," Ferrell said.

With this being President Bush's final State of the Union address, many people say their ready for change, whether it be in terms of policy or the person in the Oval Office.

"Change is needed. Change is definately needed," Faith Lane of Wilkes-Barre said.

You can watch the complete State of the Union address live on WBRE-TV and WYOU-TV Monday night beginning at 9:00 PM.